It’s summertime and you may be experiencing an increased amount of hot flashes. However, it may not be a result of higher temperatures and sun exposure. Hot flashes are sudden and intense sensations of heat that are typically felt in the face, neck and chest. They are commonly associated with menopause, but can also occur during perimenopause. At Omnia Health, our effective approach focuses on identifying the “why” behind the “what” of symptoms. So let’s dig a little deeper to find out more about what causes hot flashes.
Why do hot flashes happen?
Hot flashes are believed to be a result of hormonal changes in the body. Ovaries produce less estrogen during menopause, which can affect the body’s temperature. This is because the decrease in estrogen levels may impact the functioning of the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates body temperature.
The hypothalamus becomes more likely to mistakenly perceive slight changes in body temperature as significant ones. As a result, it triggers the body’s cooling mechanisms, such as dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the skin, causing heat sensations. These hot flashes are just one of many symptoms women typically experience during perimenopause and menopause.
Building awareness of perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
Although the majority of women have heard the term “menopause,” there are still plenty of women who don’t fully understand what it entails and what it means for their bodies and hormones. Keeping that in mind, Omnia Health seeks to educate and support women transitioning into menopause along with those who are in the thick of it. Here are some symptoms you are likely to experience during perimenopause, menopause, or both.
Common perimenopause symptoms:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles – Changes in the frequency, duration and intensity of periods.
- Weight Gain – Increased weight or changes in body shape, particularly in the waist.
- Headaches – Experiencing frequent headaches or migraines.
- Joint and Muscle Pain – Aches and stiffness in the joints and muscles.
Common menopause symptoms:
- Absence of Menstruation – Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months.
- Weight Changes – Difficulty maintaining or losing weight.
- Hair and Skin Changes – Thinning hair, dryness and changes in skin texture.
- Bone Loss – Decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Heart Palpitations – Sensations of a racing or pounding heart.
Symptoms common during both perimenopause and menopause:
- Hot Flashes – Sudden feelings of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushing.
- Sleep Disturbances – Feelings of restlessness or insomnia that disrupt getting a good night’s sleep.
- Mood Changes – Fluctuations in mood including irritability, anxiety and depression.
- Vaginal Dryness – The loss of estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
- Decreased Libido – A continued decrease in sex drive.
- Fatigue – Feeling tired or lacking energy, even after adequate rest.
- Memory Problems – Difficulty with concentration, memory recall or cognitive function.
- Urinary Problems – Ongoing urinary frequency, urgency or incontinence.
It’s important to acknowledge that every woman’s experience with perimenopause and menopause is unique. While some women may experience few symptoms, others may have nearly every symptom included on the list above. Some women may have mild symptoms while others might experience symptoms that are much more intense.
Omnia Health is here for you.
If your perimenopause or menopause symptoms are affecting your quality of life (mentally or physically), the Functional Medicine professionals at Omnia Health are ready to provide you with a consultation and thorough testing followed by a personalized plan of action.
Unlike other healthcare providers, Functional Medicine takes a holistic approach to treating perimenopause and menopause symptoms by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body. We take the time to get to know you and conduct a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, lifestyle and symptoms. This allows us to better understand and determine the root causes of your symptoms, which can include things like:
- Hormone Imbalances
- Nutrition Deficiencies
- Stress
- Inflammation
In the case of hormonal imbalances, Omnia Health may test hormone levels or provide targeted hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We believe it is extremely important for people to educate themselves on the topic of hormone replacement therapy and to remove the misconceptions and stigma that surround it.
Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective and beneficial treatment option for many women. Additionally, Omnia Health helps women implement lifestyle changes to support hormonal health and longevity.
Individualized treatment is the only kind of treatment we do.
At Omnia Health, personalized treatment plans are a priority. We recognize that each person’s health journey is unique. Whether it involves nutritional support, stress management, gut health optimization or anything else for that matter — our Functional Medicine experts will always act in your best interest.
Ready to get rid of those pesky hot flashes or any other symptoms that are impacting your quality of life? Make this summer the season for achieving optimal health! Schedule your consultation.
