When The Body’s Internal Thermostat Goes Haywire ️

The vasomotor system is our internal thermostat. The vasomotor system is next door to the hypothalamus, where many hormone messages are centered. As estrogen and progesterone both decline and fluctuation happens due to a decrease in hormones, the hypothalamus has a higher activity rate as it tries to adjust the varying levels of hormones. This increased activity is thought to influence the vasomotor system. Fluctuations in activity in the hypothalamus can, therefore, influence the vasomotor system, and it will switch its internal thermostat on in a reactive pattern. Sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold.

What is happening inside your body during this uncomfortable experience?

Anatomy of a Hot Flash

1. Fluctuating hormones drive the hypothalamus into overdrive leading to increased vasomotor symptoms.

2. The vasomotor system sends messages to the brain, heart, blood vessels, and nervous system that the body needs to be cooled off.

3. This causes the heart to pump faster, blood vessels to open to circulate more blood, and sweat glands to activate.

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden episodes of intense heat and sweating that can occur during menopause. When the vasomotor system thinks the body is overheating, neuropeptides (chemical messengers in the brain) flood the system. They send signals to dilate blood vessels near the skin’s surface (especially in the face, neck, and chest). This increased blood flow creates that flushed feeling and the sensation of intense heat; the body ramps up sweat production. This is why hot flashes are often accompanied by heavy sweating. Once the sweat evaporates, it does provide a temporary cooling effect.

Night Sweats

Night sweats are just hot flashes that happen during sleep. They can disrupt sleep quality and leave you feeling exhausted the next day. The same hormonal fluctuations that cause hot flashes are also responsible for night sweats, and the exact mechanisms are at work in your

body when they occur. Unfortunately, when you’re drenched and wide awake, your sleep suffers, and this fragmented sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Hot Flashes and Other Menopause Issues ️

Hot flashes aren’t just uncomfortable they contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. Lets face it, no one wants to be out of control of their body, and hot flashes seem so NOT within your control. So, managing hot flashes can have a definite ripple effect on your overall well-being during menopause.

What Triggers Hot Flashes

· Relaxation techniques: ‍Meditation and deep breathing techniques can help manage stress, a hot flash trigger.

· Spicy foods: They contain capsaicin, a compound that triggers the body’s heat receptors, mimicking the feeling of overheating – a sensation your hypothalamus misinterprets as a real need to cool down.

· Caffeine and alcohol: Both can dilate blood vessels, similar to what happens during a hot flash. This can exacerbate the feeling of heat and sweating.

· Stress: When stressed, the body releases hormones like cortisol that can interfere with temperature regulation, making hot flashes more frequent and intense.

· Smoking: Smoking narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin. This can lead to a compensatory response.

· Tight clothing: Restrictive clothing can trap heat close to the body, making it harder to cool down naturally and worsening hot flash symptoms.

How to Find Relief from Hot Flashes

There is no cure for hot flashes, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms. These include:

· Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy: can help regulate hormone levels and reduce hot flashes resulting in you feeling yourself again. It is the fluctuation and decline of these hormones that seem to have the most impact on the number and frequency of hot flashes, making sure your body has these hormones available can help significantly. Bio-identical hormone therapy has made a significant impact on overall health and well-being in the lives of thousands of people. This reduces the number of hot flashes and night sweats and restores overall vitality.

· Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy It has been established that treating hormone deficiencies or imbalances with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can help prevent cardiovascular disease and bone loss and has a significant impact on brain health. BHRT has a powerful impact on women’s quality and longevity of life.

· Dress in breathable fabrics: Natural breathable fibers like cotton or bamboo let your skin breathe.

· Keep your environment cool: Use fans and air conditioning.

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If you are struggling with symptoms of hormone imbalances working with a certified provider who understands the complexity of female reproductive health and hormonal issues is essential.

Our team at Radiant Integrative Health is dedicated to helping you regain control over your health and well-being.

Radiant Integrative Health is committed to helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have questions or are looking for guidance on any aspect of your health. Contact us at 702-333-8458. The providers at Radiant Integrative Health are here to support you in all aspects of your health and wellness.

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