Whether you have an anxiety disorder or you’re just an anxious person, there’s a good possibility that you suffer from hot flashes. Things such as a racing heart and feeling physically stressed – both symptoms of anxiety – can set off a hot flash. Your doctor or a cognitive behavioral therapist might be able to help keep your anxiety at bay, and thus, those hot flashes.
2. You Sleep in a Hot Room
Do you often sleep under a number of blankets and with a sweatshirt on? If you live in a cold country, this probably feels nice and cozy when you first get into bed and shut your eyes. However, if you wake up in the middle of the night dripping in sweat, that’s probably the reason why. Our body temperature fluctuates as we sleep, so you should trying lowering your thermostat or removing a layer of clothing or blankets if hot flashes are a concern.
3. You’re Taking Prescription Medication
There are a number of prescription drugs that can cause hot flashes as a side effect. This includes opioids, osteoporosis medications, and antidepressants. If you take these and they’re bothering you, ask your healthcare provider to give you something different to try.
Caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and certain additives such as sulfites are known to cause hot flashes. Some people are more sensitive to foods than others, so if you think that the food or drink you’re consuming is triggering hot flashes, try keeping a food diary. Write down everything you eat and see if your body is reacting to something in particular. If it is, cut that food out and see if your hot flashes disappear.
5. You’re Overweight
Those with a high body mass index (BMI) are more likely to get hot flashes. Thankfully, a study has shown that women who are overweight and obese can reduce the severity of their hot flashes by following a proper diet and exercise routine. Therefore, if this applies to you, it could be a good idea to see a nutritionist or trainer to help you determine the right plan for you.
6. You Smoke
A study that was published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that cigarette-smoking contributed to women (who were not postmenstrual) having hot flashes. The reason for this might relate to the fact that smokers have much higher androstenedione levels, as well as a higher androgen-to-estrogen ration than non-smokers.
7. You Have an Overactive Thyroid
Any condition that affects your hormone or endocrine system can cause hot flashes, but an overactive thyroid is one of the most common. Other side effects of an overactive thyroid include a racing heart, extreme fatigue, frequent urination, and weight loss.
Source: tiphero
Images: depositphotos
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