Hot flashes how long they last

Try these methods:. Estrogen therapy: This can be oral or transdermal patches, gels, creams, sprays. This story originally appeared in the February issue of Prevention. Like what you just read? Go here to subscribe. Weight Loss. Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms, are often described as a sudden sensation of heat in the chest, face, and head followed by flushing, perspiration, and sometimes chills. The SWAN researchers found that some women are more likely to deal with long-term hot flashes than others.

Women who had their first hot flashes before their menstrual periods ended had hot flashes for an average of nine to 10 years. Women in the SWAN study who experienced hot flashes for a longer time tended to be current or former smokers, overweight, stressed, depressed, or anxious.

The NAMS experts offer some guidance by answering your questions to help you understand what is happening and why. What are hot flashes? What causes them to happen? Hot flashes are the hallmark symptom of menopause. If the hypothalamus senses that a woman is too warm, it starts a chain of events to cool her down. Blood vessels near the surface of the skin begin to dilate enlarge , increasing blood flow to the surface in an attempt to dissipate body heat.

This produces a red, flushed look to the face and neck in light-skinned women. It may also make a woman perspire to cool the body down. Women may sense their hearts beating faster. A cold chill often follows a hot flash. A few women experience only the chill. Menopause-related hot flashes usually follow a consistent pattern unique to each woman, but the pattern differs greatly from woman to woman.

MHT may also help slow bone loss and reduce mood swings and mild depressive symptoms. Side effects of MHT include:. Studies show that women who take MHT are at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.

The risks are similar for women using contraceptive pills, patches, and rings. However, women taking MHT are older, and the risks increase with age. Additional research found that the risk of getting breast cancer can increase with five or more years of continuous MHT use of estrogen with progestogen, not estrogen alone.

However, other conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS or cervical cancer , can also cause irregular bleeding. See your doctor to rule out other causes if you:. Osteoporosis and heart disease are long-term health risks associated with menopause. Vaginal infections can also occur more frequently because your vagina has become dryer and thinner. Report menopausal symptoms when visiting the doctor.

Get assessed by your physician if you continue to have menopausal symptoms that are unbearable or last more than five years after your last menstrual period. Although menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms for some women, this natural process has possible upsides, too. There are several potential benefits of menopause to consider:. Remember to eat right, exercise, and receive routine healthcare, including dental and eye exams. When and how long symptoms of menopause last vary for each individual.

A nutritious diet and regular exercise will help you maintain strong bones, while regular doctor visits will help you catch problems early. It's way more than mood swings and hot flashes. For many women, the symptoms of menopause can disrupt daily life.