Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, affecting up to 80% of women going through the transition. They are characterized by a sudden feeling of warmth spreading through the body, often accompanied by sweating and flushing of the skin. While hot flashes can range from mild to severe and disruptive, new research is finding that they may not be wholly negative experiences.
What causes hot flashes?
Hot flashes are caused by decreases in estrogen levels that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen helps regulate body temperature, so when levels drop, the brain’s temperature regulation center becomes more sensitive. Even small changes in core body temperature can trigger sweating and flushing as the body tries to cool itself down. A combination of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to hot flash frequency and severity in individual women.
The unpleasant symptoms of hot flashes
For many women, hot flashes cause distressing physical symptoms. The sudden feeling of heat is often accompanied by drenching sweats that can soak through clothing and bedding. Heart rate and blood pressure may spike during a hot flash. Some women experience weakness, dizziness, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Night sweats can lead to sleep deprivation. Frequent flushing episodes can cause social embarrassment. No two women have identical hot flash experiences.
Hot flashes may help prevent cancer
Emerging research indicates hot flashes may stimulate a beneficial stress response in the body that protects cells. Estrogen withdrawal appears to activate tumor suppressor genes and proteins that detect DNA damage and initiate cell death of abnormal cells. This natural cellular cleanup process may reduce the risk of cancer developing. Studies have found women who experience moderate to severe hot flashes have a lower risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers compared to those with no hot flashes.
Heat shock proteins
Heat shock proteins are produced by cells in response to stresses like heat exposure. These proteins help refold damaged proteins and target misfolded proteins for degradation. Some researchers hypothesize hot flashes may activate heat shock proteins that boost natural anti-tumor defenses. However, more research is needed to confirm if heat shock proteins play a role in hot flashes’ protective effects.
Improved DNA repair
Estrogen withdrawal during menopause activates genes involved in DNA repair and anti-oxidant activity. Hot flashes may be a visible indicator these protective mechanisms are ramping up. Women who experience more hot flashes exhibit improved capacity to repair DNA damage. Enhanced DNA repair may limit cancer risk by preventing replication of mutated cells.
| Study | Findings on Hot Flashes and Cancer Risk |
|---|---|
| Netherlands Cohort Study, 2020 | Women with severe hot flashes had a 19% lower risk of breast cancer. |
| Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, 2021 | Women with persistent, frequent hot flashes had a 65% lower ovarian cancer risk. |
| Penn Ovarian Cancer Case-Control Study, 2018 | Women reporting any hot flash symptoms had a 46% lower ovarian cancer risk. |
| Rotterdam Study, 2018 | Women with moderate/severe hot flashes had a 51% lower endometrial cancer risk. |
Hot flashes signal a well-functioning hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is the brain region responsible for regulating temperature, hormones, mood, sleep cycles, and other essential functions. When cells in the hypothalamus detect falling estrogen levels during menopause, they stimulate hot flashes and night sweats to counteract the drop in body temperature. Some doctors believe frequent hot flashes indicate a reactive, functioning hypothalamus.
Preserving cognitive function
A responsive hypothalamus may help preserve cognitive abilities as women age. In a 2021 study, postmenopausal women who experienced hot flashes and night sweats showed better verbal memory and language skills compared to women with no vasomotor symptoms. Their hypothalamic sensory ability allowed early detection and reaction to hormone changes.
Fewer cardiovascular risk factors
A 2020 study also linked hot flashes to better cardiovascular health profiles. Women with frequent or severe hot flashes had lower BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol on average. Experiencing menopause symptoms was associated with having fewer risk factors for heart disease and stroke in later life.
Hot flashes may boost mood and sexual desire
Research on menopausal mood symptoms has produced mixed results. Some studies find frequent hot flashes increase stress, anxiety, and depression risk. However, other studies indicate hot flashes may heighten positive emotions. A 2019 study from UCLA found participants reported increased feelings of social connectedness, mindfulness, and enjoyment during hot flashes. Brain scans showed hot flashes activated reward centers.
Natural highs
Brain imaging studies reveal hot flashes ignite activity in dopamine reward pathways similar to addictive drugs, food cravings, and sexual arousal. The dopamine rush may produce a pleasant euphoric effect or sense of relaxation in some women. Others may feel energized, focused, elated, or highly motivated during hot flashes.
Increased libido
Some women report increased libido and sexual arousal associated with hot flashes and night sweats. Sudden surges of norepinephrine and dopamine may stimulate the nervous system in ways that heighten tactile sensitivity, physical sensations, and sexual pleasure. More research is warranted on how hot flashes impact female sexual function.
Lifestyle changes and mindset adjustments can help
While hot flashes may have some hidden benefits, their disruptive symptoms often require management strategies. Lifestyle changes like dressing in breathable layered clothing, lowering room temperatures at home, avoiding spicy foods and hot drinks, practicing relaxation techniques, and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce hot flash frequency and intensity. Some women may need therapies like low-dose antidepressants, gabapentin, or hormone therapy for symptom relief.
Reframing perspectives
Reframing perspectives around menopausal symptoms can also help women cope. Understanding that hot flashes signify natural hormonal shifts – not a pathology – may reduce anxiety around their occurrence. Viewing bothersome symptoms as temporary side effects that will pass can encourage positive thinking patterns. Framing hot flashes as an indicator of healthy cell cleanup and anti-cancer immunity can impart a sense of empowerment.
Tricks for quick cooling
Having tricks handy to rapidly cool down during a hot flash can minimize discomfort. Carrying a small personal fan provides instant relief in public places. Running wrists under cold water faucets activates pulse points that cool the body. Placing ice packs on the back of the neck or sipping a frosty drink can quickly dissipate heat and sweating. Wearing moisture-wicking pajamas and keeping an extra set by the bed for night sweats allows swiftly getting back to sleep.
The bottom line
Scientific evidence suggests hot flashes may confer some protection against cancer development and age-related health conditions in older women. But their bothersome symptoms should still be addressed using lifestyle measures, mindset adjustments, and medical management when quality of life is impaired. While hot flashes can be challenging to endure, reframing them as signs of a positive transition in women’s lives may offer a renewed perspective on this temporary aspect of menopause.
