6 Causes of hot flashes, apart from menopause

Hot flashes is a sensation of intense heat that comes from within the body, not caused by changes in temperature or weather in the environment. This hot and stifling sensation can occur slowly or appear suddenly. Hot flashes is the most common menopause symptom. It is usually characterized by a reddening of the face and body skin (especially the neck and chest) that is flushed and feels warm, sweating, and a tingling feeling in the fingers. This is normal.

However, what is the cause if you experience hot flashes even though you haven't entered menopause yet?

Hot flashes can happen not only because of menopause

The cause of hot flashes is not known for sure, but it may be related to changes in reproductive hormones and the work of the hypothalamus, which makes you more sensitive to changes in body temperature.

According to Beth Battaglino, RN, CEO of HealthyWomen, an NGO related to women's health, though hot flashes is a common symptom of menopause, in fact this condition can affect anyone, at any time, and with a variety of different causes. Hot flashes can even attack men.

So, what are the causes of hot flashes that are not menopause?

1. Drug side effects

Without you knowing it, the sensation of stifling heat and sudden sweating due to hot flashes can occur because of the side effects of the drugs you are taking. Some types of drugs that cause side effects of hot flashes are antidepressants, breast cancer chemotherapy drugs, and painkillers.

If this happens to you, consult your doctor further. Do not stop using the drug if the doctor thinks the drug really needs to be continued. Usually these symptoms will slowly subside as the body adapts to the effects of the drug. In other cases, your doctor may change the dose or type of medication so that you no longer have hot flashes.

2. Being overweight

Accumulation of fat in the body can slow down the body's metabolism. When your body's metabolism is slow, it means that your body is slow to burn fat. Fat is a source of energy used by the body to warm the body. That's why people who have a lot of fat reserves will more easily feel warm or overheated.

To overcome this, you need to manage your weight with regular diet and exercise. A study from the University of California at San Francisco reported that the risk of hot flashes decreased dramatically in women who were overweight but exercised regularly and had a healthy diet.

3. Certain health problems

There are several health problems that can cause the sensation of hot flashes, such as hyperthyroidism and pancreatic tumors. If you experience hot flashes without an obvious cause, you should immediately go to the doctor to find out the cause and the exact treatment.

4. Food and drink

Spicy food, caffeinated drinks, and alcoholic drinks can cause a burning sensation in the body.

Spicy foods stimulate the nerve endings of the tongue to activate an increase in body temperature that causes physical reactions, including dilation of blood vessels, sweating, crying, and skin flushing. This series of symptoms causes you to feel hot when you eat spicy food.

Even in some people, hot flashes can occur as an allergic reaction to certain foods and drinks.

5. The bedroom temperature is too hot

Sleeping in a hot dry room, for example because you wear a blanket too thick or your nightgown doesn't absorb sweat, can cause you to become hot and sweaty at night. Therefore, you may often wake up in the middle of the night.

The solution, use clothes with thinner and comfortable materials when you sleep and don't use blankets for a while until you feel your body temperature has returned to normal.

6. Anxious and excessive stress

Anxiety, worry, or stress that is too excessive can increase your risk of experiencing hot flashes . Because when you feel anxious or stressed, usually the body's adrenal hormone will increase which will produce a warm sensation from the body.

The solution, immediately overcome your stress with a variety of simple activities that can restore your mood. For example, practicing deep breathing techniques, listening to music, or meditating.