Hot Flashes During Your Period: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What Are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, usually most intense over the face, neck, and chest. They can cause redness, sweating, sweaty “clammy”skin, and a fast heartbeat. Although usually associated with menopause, 75-80% of women experience hot flashes in the years before menopause.

Hot flashes before menopause are primarily linked to hormonal changes. As your body prepares for menstruation, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, impacting your body’s temperature regulation. This hormonal shift can trigger the hypothalamus—the part of your brain that regulates body temperature—to misfire, causing your body to think it is warm and then dilate the skin in those areas that you feel the hot flash.

What Causes Hot Flashes During Your Period?

During your period you should not experience hot flashes. Hot flashes can occur while you still have your period but they are not usually associated with periods. Some contributing factors to hot flashes are:

• Perimenopause: Women approaching menopause may experience hot flashes more frequently.
  Stress Levels: High stress can trigger more intense hot flashes.
• Dietary Triggers: Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can worsen some people’s symptoms.
• Medical Conditions: Thyroid issues, anxiety disorders, and certain medications may cause hot flashes.

Rarely, other causes of hot flashes include medicine side effects (birth control pills, other medications), thyroid issues, cancer, side effects of cancer medicine. Stress, lifestyle factors, and even diet can exacerbate symptoms.

How to Treat Hot Flashes During Your Period

We want to highlight here again that hot flashes should not occur during your period. Hot flashes can occur while a woman still has her periods but is not something that only happens when on your period. Hot flashes are a perimenopausal and menopausal symptom.

That being said, there are various ways to manage hot flashes. Let’s dive into them!

The best, most effective treatment for hot flashes in the years leading up to menopause is hormonal treatment. Before your last period and for 1 year after, the best treatment for hot flashes is “birth control” pills or ring (Annovera, NuvaRing) because it takes over the chaos of perimenopausal hormones and keeps your hormones stable. One year after your last period, you can consider HRT (hormone replacement therapy), also known by its updated name MHT (menopause hormone therapy).
To manage hot flashes FAR from menopause or to help those around menopause:

Medication Options

• The best, most effective treatment for hot flashes in the years leading up to menopause is hormonal treatment.
• Before your last period and for 1 year after, the best treatment for hot flashes is “birth control” pills or ring (Annovera, NuvaRing) because it takes over the chaos of perimenopausal hormones and keeps your hormones stable. One year after your last period, you can consider HRT (hormone replacement therapy), also known by its updated name MHT (menopause hormone therapy).

Lifestyle Changes

• Maintain a cool environment.
• Wear light, breathable clothing.
• Avoid known dietary triggers like caffeine and spicy foods.
• Exercise regularly to regulate hormone levels.

Herbal Remedies

• Black cohosh and evening primrose oil have been known to alleviate symptoms.
• Red clover is another herb sometimes used for hormonal balance.

Stress Management

• Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can reduce symptoms.
• Acupuncture has been studied as a method to relieve hot flashes.

Hydration

Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature.

Comparison Chart: Hot Flash Treatment Options

Final Thoughts

Hot flashes can happen unrelated to menopause. Make sure you see a doctor and find out why you are having hot flashes. Understanding the triggers and knowing how to manage them can greatly improve comfort and quality of life. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

👉 Looking for expert help?

Pandia Health has doctors trained specifically in menopause care. They’ll review your symptoms, health history, and preferences to create a personalized treatment plan. It’s all done online, discreetly, and without long wait times. Our doctors who provide asynchronous telemedicine usually take care of you within 3-5 business days vs. 3-6 month wait for an in person visit.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.