If you’re a woman in menopause, you’re probably all too familiar with hot flashes.
These sudden bursts of heat can be incredibly uncomfortable, and they often come with other unpleasant symptoms like sweating, heart palpitations, and difficulty sleeping.
But can hot flashes also cause fever? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Hot Flashes?
You’ve probably heard of hot flashes before, but what are they really? A hot flash is a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over your body and is often accompanied by a red, flushed face and sweating.
Hot flashes can be very uncomfortable, and they can happen day or night. It’s estimated that up to 85% of menopausal women experience at least one hot flash every day.
So what causes hot flashes?
The exact cause is unknown, but they’re believed to be the result of changing hormone levels during menopause.
As estrogen levels decline, your body’s thermostat (which regulates your internal temperature) gradually becomes less effective.
This can cause your body temperature to fluctuate erratically, which results in hot flashes.
Hot flashes can vary in frequency and severity from woman to woman. For some women, hot flashes are a minor nuisance.
But for others, they can be so intense that they disrupt sleep and daily activities.
If you’re struggling with hot flashes, there are treatments available that can help.
What Do Hot Flashes Feel Like?
As we mentioned earlier, a hot flash is a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over your body. Hot flashes typically last between 30 seconds and 10 minutes. Some women also experience chills after a hot flash.
In addition to the sensation of warmth, you may also notice:
– A red, flushed face
– Sweating
– An increased heart rate
– A headache
– Feeling lightheaded or dizziness
– Trouble sleeping
Risk Factors For Hot Flashes
There are several factors that can increase your risk of experiencing hot flashes during menopause, including:
Family history: If your mother or sisters had hot flashes during menopause, you’re more likely to have them as well.
Smoking: Women who smoke tend to experience more severe hot flashes than women who don’t smoke. Quitting smoking may help reduce the severity of your hot flashes.
Obesity: Being overweight can increase your risk of having hot flashes during menopause. Losing weight may help reduce their frequency and severity.
When Do Hot Flashes Start?
Most women begin experiencing hot flashes in their 40s or 50s; the time when they’re approaching or going through menopause (the transition from reproductive to nonreproductive years).
However, some women may start having hot flashes in their 30s or even earlier.
How Long Do Hot Flashes Last?
The duration of hot flashes varies from woman to woman—some women only experience them for a few months while others have them for years (or even decades).
In general, though,hot flashes caused by menopause usually last between two and five years.
After that point, most women find that their symptoms start to improve. However, some women never experience relief from their symptoms.
Can Hot Flashes Cause Fever?
There is no clear answer to this question. Some women report feeling feverish during hot flashes, but it’s unclear if this is actually due to an increase in body temperature or if it’s simply a side effect of the flush that accompanies the hot flash.
There is some evidence to suggest that hot flashes can cause a slight increase in body temperature, but this is usually not enough to cause a true fever.
While we don’t know for sure if hot flashes can cause fever, we do know that they can be incredibly disruptive and uncomfortable.
If you’re experiencing hot flashes, there are treatments available that can help lessen their frequency and severity.
Talk to your doctor about your options so you can find the relief you need.