1. Menopausal stages
A study says that around 80 per cent of menopausal women experience hot flashes along with other symptoms like anxiety and chills. The study also revealed that around 55% of women experience hot flashes during the premenopausal period, 25% up to five years of attaining menopause, one-third up to ten years and 8% still after 20 years of menopause. [3]
2. Tumours
A study has shown that hot flashes are often reported by cancer patients, especially in patients with thyroid, renal and pancreatic cancer. They are also reported by 51-81 per cent of women with breast cancer and 69-76 per cent of men with prostate cancer. [4]
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3. Sex steroid hormones
Sex steroid hormones, especially oestrogen are considered a risk factor for hot flashes. The decrease in oestrogen gradually affects the thermoregulatory homeostasis of the body and triggers the sensation of warmth. The decrease in oestrogen is not only related to menopause but other conditions that cause low oestrogen levels in the body such as prepuberty, pituitary insufficiency, postpartum Sheehan’s syndrome and loss of ovarian functions. [5]
4. Diabetes
A study says that hot flashes are induced due to oestrogen-related decline in glucose delivery to the brain. Low oestrogen causes a decrease in glucose transportation to the brain. Therefore, when the brain activity increases and requires more glucose, the body is unable to upregulate to maintain the supply, which results in hot flashes. [6]
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5. Genetic
Some published studies have shown that genetic polymorphism or say, variation in certain kinds of genes (usually that encode oestrogen receptors) can cause hot flashes. This is why some premenopausal women face hot flashes at an early stage and for a longer period and some not. [7]
7. Race/ethnicity
Though hot flashes can occur in anyone, it is frequently reported among certain race or socioeconomic groups. For example, African American women report the symptom often compared to Caucasian women. This is because of the differences in lifestyle factors such as BMI, smoking and diet among different races. [8]
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9. Obesity
High BMI or obesity is linked to hot flashes. Some theories have shown that obese people have more adipose tissues or say, body fat that acts as an insulator and inhibit the release of heat, thus causing more episodes of hot flashes. Also, in obese women, the oestrogen levels are low which can trigger the symptom more often. [10]
10. Mood disorders
Mood disorders like depression and anxiety can be a risk factor of hot flashes. A study has shown that depression is prevalent in premenopausal women who have hot flashes compared to those who do not have the symptom. A strong association was also made that women who exercise daily are at a lower risk of depression. Though, physical activity is not directly linked to a low incidence of hot flashes. [11]
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11. Smoking
A study says that women who are smokers have low progesterone and oestrogen levels and high androgen levels. They also have 1.6 fold increased odds (if ever smoked) and 4 fold increased odds (if heavy smokers) of experiencing hot flashes, compared to women who never smoked. [12]
12. Certain medications
A study says that women who are on breast cancer medications and men who are on prostate cancer drugs can experience hot flashes for a certain period. Also, women who are on hormonal therapy can experience the symptoms. [13]
Other Known Causes
- Consuming spicy foods
- Intake of hot drinks
- Frequent physical activity
- Caffeine
- Wearing tight dresses
- Being in a warm room with no proper ventilation
- Spinal lesions
- Alcohol consumption
To Conclude
Though hot flashes are studied for several years, the exact cause is yet to be discovered. This is because of the complex interactions between many environmental, genetic and physical factors.
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