September 29, 2006, Newsletter Issue #42: Menopause Myth #3
Tip of the Week
Myth: Hot flashes are due to low estrogen levels.
Hot flashes are a heat release response by the body with dilation of peripheral blood vessels causing flushing followed by sweating. They occur because the body's thermostat setting is narrowed and minor temperature changes trigger an exaggerated response. While hot flashes are seen in women with low estrogen levels, they can also occur with high estrogen levels (during pregnancy) and with fluctuating estrogen levels. Other hormones also play a role – hot flashes occur with low progesterone, low testosterone (even in men), high FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), surges of LH (luteinizing hormone), increased cortisol, increased stress hormones and low beta-endorphin levels. Even low levels of antioxidants in the body can contribute to hot flashes. Hot flashes occur in up to 85% of postmenopausal women, but significant numbers of perimenopausal women and women with PMS experience hot flashes. Hot flashes that occur at night are called night sweats.
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