What Increases Your Risk of Hot Flashes?
What Increases Your Risk of Hot Flashes?
Risk Factors Unveiled
Certain factors can make hot flashes more frequent or severe. Let's find out what they are.
Contents
- Weight and Lifestyle
- Education and Economics
- Hormones and Genetics
Weight and Lifestyle
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of hot flashes. Women with more body fat may experience more intense symptoms. Smoking is another risk factor. It's believed that nicotine affects estrogen levels, which could trigger hot flashes.
Education and Economics
Surprisingly, socioeconomic factors play a role too. Women with less education or those struggling financially may experience more hot flashes. This could be due to increased stress or limited access to healthcare resources.
Hormones and Genetics
Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), can also influence hot flashes. Genetics play a part as well; variations in certain genes, like the TACR3 gene, have been linked to increased risk.
FAQs
Does weight affect hot flashes?
Yes, higher body fat can increase the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Can smoking trigger hot flashes?
Smoking may worsen hot flashes by affecting estrogen levels.
Do genes influence hot flashes?
Genetic factors, like variations in TACR3, can increase the risk of hot flashes.
Key Takeaways
Understanding what increases your risk can help you take control and find ways to manage hot flashes.
Additional References
- Grodin JM, Siiteri PK, MacDonald PC. Source of estrogen production in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1973; 36:207.
- Gold EB, Sternfeld B, Kelsey JL, et al. Relation of demographic and lifestyle factors to symptoms in a multi-racial/ethnic population of women 40-55 years of age. Am J Epidemiol 2000; 152:463.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.