Summer Heat? Hot Flashes? Hormonal Imbalance??

This article has been researched and written by Arelang Naturals^® in-house writers.

Summer has arrived with its scorching heat and relentless sweat. While for many, it's just a seasonal change lasting a couple of months, for others, the sweltering temperatures and the constant battle with perspiration are a year-round struggle. Whether it's the hot days of summer or the chill of winter, some individuals always feel like they're in never-ending hot weather, especially women.

Can you imagine, you're sitting at your desk in a room with a cool soothing environment, engrossed in your work, when suddenly, out of nowhere, you feel an intense wave of heat washing over your body. You're waving your hand or a fan quickly because you feel really hot and uncomfortable, like your body is on fire, leaving your skin prickling and your clothes clinging uncomfortably wondering if you accidentally cranked up the thermostat. But no, it's not the room temperature—it's a hot flash, a momentary eruption of internal heat that seems to come out of nowhere, leaving you feeling like you've been caught in the middle of a summer heatwave, and you literally want to tear off the shirt and undo the bra and sit under the fan in an airconditioned room. If you've ever experienced this phenomenon, you're not alone. It's one of the most common symptoms of Menopause & perhaps even Andropause.

Hot flashes are the sudden and intense surges of heat, which are generally accompanied with sweating and flushing which can turn an ordinary day into an unexpected ordeal. This phenomenon can vary in frequency and intensity, and while they are generally harmless, they can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. Hot flashes can vary in duration, with some lasting only a few seconds, while others may persist for over 10 minutes. On average, these episodes typically endure for around four minutes. But do you know what actually happens during an episode of hot flashes??

Understanding Hot Flashes: The Heat Wave Within

Hot flashes generally occur due to disruption of the body's thermostat. It may occur due to a variety of reasons like diabetes, obesity but the most prominent cause is due to significant hormonal changes, particularly in women experiencing menopause and men navigating andropause. These affect functioning of a part of the brain that controls body temperature, called the HYPOTHALAMUS, leading to problems regulating the body temperature. As estrogen and progesterone levels decrease in women or testosterone declines in men, the hypothalamus receives mixed signals, prompting the nervous system to widen blood vessels near the skin's surface. This dilation creates the sensation of heat flushing through the body, followed by a compensatory response of cold, clammy sweat to aid in cooling down 1 . Also, reduced estrogen levels lowers serotonin activity which would have been responsible for helping cool down the body 2. So lowered serotonin and increased heat leads to narrowing of the thermoneutral zone in the brain making the body more sensitive to temperature changes.

The good news is that eventually your hypothalamus adjusts to your new hormone levels and, over time (and better still with management), the hot flashes become less frequent and less severe.

While men typically experience a more gradual decline in hormone levels compared to the abrupt changes seen in menopausal women, hot flashes can still make an appearance. Also, one of the prime reasons for hot flashes in men (80%) 3 is prostate cancer.  This is triggered by androgen deprivation therapy that reduces the amount of the male hormone testosterone.

Beyond hormonal shifts, various factors can still trigger hot flashes. In women, these triggers may include menstrual cycle fluctuations, pregnancy, or certain medications, while in men, obesity, medication use, or underlying health conditions like thyroid disorders can contribute to these sudden bouts of heat.

Now, onto the burning question: How can you extinguish these fiery episodes without resorting to hormone replacement therapy with their potential side effects and risks? Yes, you heard it right! Hot flashes can be tamed naturally as well by little shifts and tricks.

Cooling Strategies: Taming the Heat Naturally

1) The path to relief lies in lifestyle adjustments. Simple, small  tweaks like steering clear of known triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, or alcohol can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.

2) Adopting relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or yoga can help mitigate stress—a common exacerbating factor for hot flashes.

3) Regular physical activity like walking, swimming or cycling for at least 30 minutes emerges as a formidable ally in maintaining hormonal balance, improved blood circulation and overall well-being.

4) Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration.

5) A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing hot flashes. Ensuring to consume a variety of nutritious foods can help regulate hormonal balance. Additionally, incorporating plant based supplements like Rekindle from Caim by årelang which contains ingredients like flax seed, soy isoflavone, shatavari, black cohosh and many more rich in phytoestrogens (plant based estrogen) will mimic the action of estrogen in the body for women & steroidal saponins like ashwagandha, ginseng, vidarikand which will boost testosterone production for men. These supplements will address the root cause of hot flashes- Hormonal Imbalance. These supplements will help alleviate all the symptoms of menopause. And the cherry on top? They're conveniently packaged as sugar free, dark chocolates in delicious flavours of orange zest and espresso, transforming the quest for relief into a deliciously indulgent treat.

So, Whether you're dealing with menopause or navigating andropause, remember: Relief from hot flashes starts from within, and it might just be a few delicious bites away. Embrace the power of nature's remedies and reclaim your cool, one satisfying moment at a time.

References:

1. Avis, N.E., Crawford, S.L., Greendale, G., et al. (2015). Duration of Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms Over the Menopause Transition. JAMA Intern Med, 175(4):531–539. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8063

2. Rybaczyk, L. A., Bashaw, M. J., Pathak, D. R., Moody, S. M., Gilders, R. M., & Holzschu, D. L. (2005). An overlooked connection: serotonergic mediation of estrogen-related physiology and pathology. BMC women's health, 5, 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-5-12.

3. Christine A. Hot Flashes in Prostate Cancer: State of the Science. (2008). American Journal of Men’s Health, 2(2): 122-132. 10.1177/1557988306298802.