Surprising Triggers of Hot Flashes
I was reading an online article in EveryDay Health recently on the surprising triggers of hot flashes. Although the article mentions several triggers that I'm very well aware of I want to talk about three of the triggers that you may not here about often.
1. Emotions Why emotions: “Many women report getting hot flashes when they’re having an emotional response to something,” Dr. Gass says. That’s because stressful emotions make the blood rush to our skin’s surface, triggering a hot flash. It’s similar to becoming “red in the face” when we’re angry or feeling “flushed with emotion.” That explains why my body would heat up when I would get stressed. I felt a wave of heat coming upon my body and sometimes I would sweat profusely. Other times, I wouldn't. One of the ways I get rid of stress is by working out. I do pilates primarily because its a low impact exercise that helps me to tone and tighten my core and overall body. It's a great way to release energy and it certainly improves my mood and my mental health. Pilates has helped me to achieve great balance and superior flexibility. I feel so awesome after a thirty minute pilates session. Ladies here are some suggestions on ways to relieve stress. Watch a funny video, low impact exercise, talking to a friend/mentor who is inspring/encouraging, or simply lighting a fragrant candle and listening to classical musical with the lights dimmed.
2. Sure exercise is a great way to relieve stress and decrease hot flashes ,however Dr Gass says that cardiovascular exercises boosts your heart rate. A boosted heart rate is good for your health but the body temperature rises with your heartbeat. It will have you feeling very heated. My daily exercise regimen consist of pilates and sometimes I'll jog on the treadmill or outside. Since those exercises are low impact, I don't experience a heat rush/wave or hot flash while doing those.
3. Tight clothing is another trigger. Tight clothing – especially when made from “unbreathable” fabrics like nylon, spandex or polyester – keeps you toasty by preventing body heat from escaping through your skin says Dr Gass. I remember wearing tight jeans and a wave of heat would hit my chest first and move all the way to my head. Since I didn't want to give my fitted jeans up, I wear jeggings or jean leggings which work well for me. They can be very stretchy and accomodating depending upon the brand. Ladies, it really is a good idea to wear clothing that isn't so tight and that will allow the skin to breathe. Remember the fabric that you wear is a big part of how well your skin will breathe and ultimately how well you'll feel.
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT.....
Those three triggers were discussed because some women may not be aware of how some of our behaviors can affect how we feel and ultimately cause a hot flash.