I am 72 years old and have hot flashes every day. I had my last period when I was 60. Where do those hot flashes come from? My doctor can’t explain it to me. Do you?
Anonymously
No, actually nobody can. A hot flash is an attack of vasodilation that makes you suddenly warm and sweat.
Not only the menopause, but also alcohol and quite a few drugs (blood pressure drugs, antidepressants and some painkillers) can increase the risk of hot flashes. You are also more likely if you are overweight and if it is warm.
It is known that many women suffer from it for years after the menopause. How it works with hot flashes around the menopause is still unknown. That is why it is impossible to reason why it takes so much longer for one than for the other.
The treatment options are limited. Some antidepressants can help, such as the blood pressure medicine Dixarit and an anti-seizure and nerve pain medicine, Gabapentin. Hormones are almost never prescribed anymore at your age, because they increase the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
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