- 1. Menopause
- 2. Andropause
- 3. History of breast cancer
- 4. Removal of the ovaries
- 5. Side effects of medications
- 6. Prostate cancer therapy
- 7. Hypogonadism
- 8. Hyperthyroidism
Heat waves are characterized by sensations of heat throughout the body and more intensely on the face, neck and chest, which may be accompanied by intense sweating. Hot flashes are very common when entering menopause, however, there are other cases where this can happen, such as andropause, during some treatments or in diseases such as hyperthyroidism or hypogonadism, for example. In some cases, it can also arise in pregnancy.
The characteristic symptoms of a heat wave are a sudden sensation of heat spreading through the body, the appearance of redness and spots on the skin, an increase in heart rate and sweating and a feeling of cold or chills when the heat wave passes.
It is not known for certain what causes the heat waves, but it is known that they may be related to hormonal changes and to the regulation of body temperature, controlled by the hypothalamus, which is sensitive to hormonal changes.
1. Menopause
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause, which arise due to hormonal changes that occur in the woman's body. These hot flashes can appear a few months before the woman enters menopause and appear suddenly at various times of the day, varying in intensity according to each woman.
What to do: the treatment will depend on the intensity of the symptoms and should be determined by the gynecologist, who can recommend hormone replacement therapy or other medications that help control these symptoms, natural supplements or even changes in the diet. Learn more about the treatment of hot flashes in menopause.
2. Andropause
The most common symptoms of andropause are sudden changes in mood, tiredness, hot flashes and decreased sexual desire and erection capacity, which is due to a reduction in testosterone production, around 50 years of age. Learn how to identify andropause symptoms.
What to do: Usually, treatment consists of using drugs that increase testosterone levels in the blood, through pills or injections, but should only be used if recommended by the urologist or endocrinologist. Learn more about treatment.
3. History of breast cancer
Women who have had breast cancer, or who have had chemotherapy treatments that induce ovarian failure, may also experience hot flashes with symptoms similar to those reported by women entering menopause. Know the types of breast cancer and the associated risk factors.
What to do: in these cases, hormone replacement therapy is not recommended. The person should speak to the doctor who can recommend alternative therapies or natural products to relieve symptoms.
4. Removal of the ovaries
Surgery to remove the ovaries may be necessary in some situations, such as in cases of ovarian abscess, cancer, endometriosis or ovarian cysts. The removal of the ovaries leads to the onset of early menopause, which also causes symptoms such as hot flashes, as there is no more production of hormones by the ovaries.
What to do: Treatment depends on the age of the person, and it may be necessary to resort to hormone replacement therapy.
5. Side effects of medications
Some drugs, especially those that inhibit the release of hormones, can also cause hot flashes, such as leuprorelin acetate, which is the active substance in the drug Lupron. This is a drug indicated for the treatment of prostate cancer, myoma, endometriosis, precocious puberty and advanced breast cancer, which acts by decreasing the production of the hormone gonadotropin, blocking the production in the ovaries and testicles and causing symptoms similar to menopause.
What to do: Symptoms usually disappear when the medication is discontinued, but it should only be done when directed by the doctor.
6. Prostate cancer therapy
Androgen suppression therapy is used to treat prostate cancer and, by reducing the hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the body, can lead to the appearance of hot flashes as a side effect.
What to do: usually, the symptoms disappear when the medication is stopped, which should only happen when indicated by the doctor.
7. Hypogonadism
Male hypogonadism occurs when the testicles produce little or no testosterone, leading to symptoms such as impotence, abnormal development of male sexual characteristics and hot flashes. Female hypogonadism occurs when the ovaries produce little or no sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.
What to do: This problem has no cure, but the symptoms can be improved through hormone replacement therapy. See more about treatment.
8. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an excessive production of hormones by the thyroid, which can be caused by changes in the immune system, inflammation or the presence of nodules in the thyroid, for example, leading to the appearance of symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, palpitations, feeling of heat, tremors, excessive sweating or frequent tiredness, for example.
What to do: the treatment depends on the cause of the disease, the person's age and the symptoms presented, which can be done with medication, radioactive iodine or through surgical removal of the thyroid.
Watch the following video and learn what to eat to help regulate your thyroid:
