Hot flash
| Classification according to ICD-10 | |
|---|---|
| N95.1 | Conditions related to menopause and climacteric |
| ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019) | |
A hot flash is a vasomotor instability caused by changes in the hormone level and the associated disturbance of the center in the hypothalamus responsible for temperature regulation.
Hot flashes can occur during menopause due to hormonal changes in menopausal women. The frequency of hot flashes that occur varies greatly; from occasionally to 40 times a day. The heat wave begins in the chest or neck area and rises from there to the head, the skin can redden, many women suddenly sweat from all pores and the heart is beating uncomfortably (increased heart rate). This is followed by a sweat, after which the symptoms subside. After the hot flush, you can often feel a slight shiver (caused by evaporation). The hot flash lasts about one to three minutes. But there are also hot flashes that last longer.
Hot flashes become more frequent at the onset of menopause, but then subside over time. Once the change is complete and the hormone levels are balanced again, the heat waves also disappear. Most women experience hot flashes for about three to five years, with few women suffering from hot flashes for longer.
Certain medications (such as high doses of niacin used to lower cholesterol) can also cause hot flashes.
The details of exactly how hot flashes work are not fully understood. However, most research suggests that a lack of estrogen affects the body's ability to control temperature.
causes
The changeover processes and the associated fluctuations in hormone levels during menopause are probably responsible for hot flashes. Hot flashes and sweats are grouped under the term vasomotor symptoms. The cause of hot flashes is that the vessels lying directly under the skin suddenly widen and more warm blood flows from the inside of the body through the skin, which is felt as a heat surge. This can also be seen in measurable physiological parameters of the skin such as a briefly increased transepidermal water loss .
Lack of estrogen
Hot flashes are caused by disorders of heat regulation. The heat center in the brain, which keeps body temperature constant, is dependent on estrogen . It no longer works properly due to the lack of hormones. If the estrogen level falls, the nervous system opens the skin vessels to give off heat. The widening of the blood vessels is called vasodilation . It allows more blood to flow through the skin and so the body gives off more heat in order to lower the body temperature. The skin perceives this as a heat surge. It is believed that the abrupt drop in estrogen disrupts the heat centers in the hypothalamus . The hypothalamus is the region of the brain where follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced. It reacts sensitively to the strong fluctuations in the level of estrogen. The sudden drop in estrogen in the central nervous system may cause certain neurotransmitters (brain messenger substances) to fluctuate . This leads to an increase in skin temperature and a subjective feeling of heat.
Progesterone deficiency
The lack of progesterone (luteal hormone) is suspected to be another cause of hot flashes and sweats . The reduction of this sex hormone during menopause can also lead to sleep disorders, as certain metabolic products of progesterone - the pregnenolones - have a sedative and sleep-inducing effect.
Testosterone deficiency
If there is a testosterone deficiency, for example due to GnRH analogues, hot flashes also occur. It is possible that testosterone and estrogen develop analogous effects in the centers for temperature regulation, just as they do in relation to GnRH regulation.
activities
Simple measures against heat waves are fresh air and appropriate, multi-layered clothing, so that layers of clothing can be removed if necessary. We also recommend stays in the fresh air, special abdominal exercises, rest, relaxation and dry brushing. It is also advantageous to wear breathable natural textiles .
Luxury foods such as nicotine, alcohol or caffeine should only be consumed in moderation, as women often react more sensitively to them during menopause. Other influences are also suspected of promoting hot flashes, but have not been scientifically proven. These include stress , nervousness, medication, spices, some foods, and poor health.
The empirical data on the use of phytoestrogens is still insufficient compared to the medically established use of estradiol . Basic research is carried out on proven plant-based active ingredients; for example 8-prenylnaringenin is being investigated as a basis for development.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Lois Jovanovic, Genell J. Subak-Sharpe: Hormones. The medical manual for women. (Original edition: Hormones. The Woman's Answerbook. Atheneum, New York 1987) From the American by Margaret Auer, Kabel, Hamburg 1989, ISBN 3-8225-0100-X , pp. 188 ff. And 386.
- ↑ Lois Jovanovic, Genell J. Subak-Sharpe: Hormones. The medical manual for women. 1989, p. 386.
- ↑ Natural Remedies for Menopause that Actually Work - Nature's Healing Power. Retrieved January 3, 2020 (German).
- ↑ Hot Flashes In Men - Mayo Clinic Researchers Describe A Treatment . In: ScienceDaily . Science Daily LLC. October 19, 2004. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
- ↑ Evidence-based therapy guidelines, therapy recommendations of the Drugs Commission of the German Medical Association, 2003
literature
- Herbert Kuhl: menopause, postmenopause and hormone replacement . UNI-MED-Verlag, Bremen 2006, ISBN 3-89599-928-8 .
- Susan M. Love: Dr. Susan Love's menopause and hormone book: making informed choices . Three Rivers Press, New York 2003, ISBN 0-609-80996-2 .
- Alfred P. Zeller: Naturally healthy: house pharmacy; proven means and methods of self-treatment . Seehamer, Weyarn 1994, ISBN 3-929626-25-X .
