Menopausal Temperature Changes: Why Do You Suddenly Feel Hot and Cold?



Hello! Today, we’re going to talk about something many women experience: menopausal temperature changes. Have you ever suddenly felt your face heat up and break into a sweat, leaving you confused? This isn’t just regular heat or nerves—it’s one of the most common symptoms of menopause. But don’t worry, there’s a reason for these temperature fluctuations. Let’s unravel the mystery step by step!



1. Estrogen’s Farewell Party!
As women enter menopause, their body starts to say goodbye to estrogen, the hormone that plays a key role in regulating body temperature. But when estrogen levels drop sharply, the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls temperature) goes into a bit of a panic. "Wait, am I getting too hot? Or too cold?" it wonders. That’s why you suddenly feel a wave of heat and start sweating. We commonly refer to this as hot flashes.


2. The Rebellion of Blood Vessels!
As estrogen levels decrease, your blood vessels can suddenly expand or contract, sending your body into a mini panic. Normally calm blood vessels suddenly scream, "What is going on?!" This causes your face to flush, your temperature to spike, and has you reaching for a handkerchief. Sometimes, this can even happen at night, waking you up drenched in sweat. You might find yourself wondering, "Why am I sweating in the middle of the night?"


3. Nervous System on High Alert!
During menopause, your sympathetic nervous system becomes like an athlete about to enter a competition—it’s constantly tense. As a result, your heart races, you sweat more, and your body temperature rises easily. This can be closely tied to stress, making menopausal women more prone to sudden anxiety or irritability.


So, What Can We Do?
While menopausal temperature changes are natural, they can be quite uncomfortable in daily life. Here are a few tips to help you feel a bit more comfortable:

1. Prevent Drastic Changes in Ambient Temperature!
Since the main issue is the body’s inability to regulate temperature, it’s important to avoid sudden changes in your surroundings. For instance, don’t set the air conditioner too low just because you feel hot. Wearing clothes made from breathable fabrics can also help.

2. Manage Hot Flashes with Soy Isoflavones!
Caffeinated drinks like iced coffee can actually be too stimulating for your body, causing temperature fluctuations to become more severe. Even though you might crave an iced coffee when you’re feeling overheated, it’s best to avoid caffeine! So, what kind of drinks should you opt for? Drinks made from soy contain isoflavones, which are known to have effects similar to estrogen.


According to a study published in the June 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, women who took isoflavone supplements experienced a 31% decrease in the number of hot flashes per day.

In another study published in Menopause, a Swedish medical journal, it was found that women who took 60 mg of isoflavones daily for three months saw a 57% reduction in hot flashes and a 43% reduction in night sweats. Replenishing your diminishing estrogen with isoflavones from soy could be a great idea!



Menopausal temperature changes signal that your body is entering a new stage. By embracing these changes naturally and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can navigate this phase with more ease.





source
https://www.sisajournal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=210543
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCE45vEyqcs