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Body temperatures during menopausal hot flashes
Journal of Applied Physiology
|March 1, 1975
Summary
Hot flashes in menopause cause a drop in core body temperature and a rise in peripheral temperatures like fingers and toes. Dabbing cheeks with cold water provided relief from thermal distress.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Menopause Research
Background:
- Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause.
- The physiological mechanisms underlying hot flashes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the body's thermal and cardiovascular responses during hot flashes.
- To explore potential triggers and relief methods for hot flashes.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of body temperatures (rectal, vaginal, tympanic, skin, finger, toe) in a menopausal woman.
- Measurement of heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG) during hot flashes.
- Observation of skin temperature changes and sweating patterns.
Main Results:
- Core body temperatures decreased after hot flashes, with the lowest recorded at 35.2°C (tympanic).
- Peripheral temperatures (fingers, toes) showed a sharp increase at flash onset, while cheek temperatures rose slightly.
- Heart rate increased at the onset of a hot flash, followed by a decrease.
Conclusions:
- Hot flashes involve complex thermoregulatory and cardiovascular changes, not solely a rise in body heat.
- Vascular warming in the cheeks may contribute to the sensation of thermal distress.
- External cooling of the cheeks offered immediate relief, suggesting a localized vascular component.