Causes Of Hot Flashes

Q: Why do I feel hot all of the time? – Margaret W. 

A: There are several reasons you could be hot all of the time. Below are a few of the most common:

Menopause

Menopause refers to a natural stop in a woman’s menstrual period and fertility. All women go through menopause, usually between the ages of 40 and 55. Studies have shown that Black women tend to have earlier onset of menopause compared to White women. Women sometimes experience “hot flashes” before and during menopause. However, not all body heat is menopause-related.

Medication

Hot flashes can be caused by some prescription medications including raloxifene and tamoxifen. Over-the-counter drugs can also sometimes mimic menopausal hot flashes. Be certain to read all medication labels, noting potential side effects.

Food

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Are you a fan of spicy foods? Certain spicy foods, like hot peppers, can dilate blood vessels in the body making you feel extremely hot. Consuming alcohol can also cause feelings similar to hot flashes.

Health Issue

Health conditions such as overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and hypothalamus dysfunction can be another reason a woman would experience hot flashes. The hypothalamus is the area of the brain that regulates body temperature and decreased estrogen levels (that occur naturally with aging) can cause the hypothalamus to function improperly.

It is best to see your doctor to determine the cause of your feeling hot all of the time. Your physician will likely take all your symptoms into consideration and assess your age, family history, and lifestyle before making a diagnosis.