Flushing and sweating usually occur as well, followed by a chill. Some women describe palpitations or feel their heart beating very fast or hard and feel anxious. These flashes last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Many women experience most of their hot flashes in the first 2 years after menopause, and find that the hot flashes gradually lessen. However, some women have hot flashes for several years before menopause, and some have them for years after menopause.
Hot flashes can affect a woman's life in many ways.
Social situations may become difficult and trouble with concentration may affect work. Also, hot flashes that occur during the night can disrupt sleep. In fact, some women report that their bedsheets become dampened or even soaked with sweat when they have a hot flash during the night. Vaginal Thinning Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining the function of a woman's gynecologic organs. Estrogen also works to maintain the bladder and urethra.