What Causes Hot Flashes In Old Age?
Some probable causes & suggestions.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for consulting us.
Hot flushes are a recognized symptom of menopause. It usually affect women during the first five years of menopause but may sometimes continue later in life.
Similarly, severity and duration of hot flashes may vary among different women.
There are certain factors that may cause them like stress, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, tight clothing, heat, cigarette smoking.
Hot flashes can have many causes other than the menopause. Simply, when our body temperature elevate, we may experience a feeling similar to hot flashes.
For example, using warm clothes, or hot water bottles, or even a warm weather.
Hot flashes may occur as a side effects of medications, like raloxifene and tamoxifen.
Some spinal cord lesions and migraine headaches may trigger these attacks.
Sometimes, flushes are just an allergic skin reaction to food or environmental elements.
Eating disorders, head traumas, and genetic disorders may also cause them.
Febrile illnesses may also mimic hot flushes, Carcinoid syndrome may present as hot flashes.
Thyroid disorders, sudden weight loss and a change in bowel patterns, may also trigger hot flushes.
Just stay cool, keep your surroundings cool specially at night, take a shower.
Deep breathing exercises may help relieve an attack.
Exercise daily & adopt an active life style.
Some non-prescription remedies include; vitamin B complex, vitamin E, Ibuprofen
etc.
Prescription treatments include:
HRT ( e.g premarin ), low-dose anti- depression drugs, clonidine, blood pressure medications, gabapentin, anti-seizure drugs, paroxetine, a conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene preparation.
Just consult a consultant Gynecologist to suggest an appropriate treatment for you.
Wish you good health.
Take care.