{"id":266136,"date":"2022-11-10T14:21:03","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T19:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=266136"},"modified":"2024-10-28T15:30:57","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T19:30:57","slug":"cold-flashes-a-lesser-known-symptom-of-menopause","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/266136\/cold-flashes-a-lesser-known-symptom-of-menopause\/","title":{"rendered":"Cold flashes: A lesser known symptom of menopause"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Most people know that hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, but did you know that you may also experience cold flashes? Both symptoms, despite seeming like exact opposites, are linked to the same root cause \u2014 temperature instability due to hormonal changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the years leading up to menopause, dropping estrogen levels make your brain\u2019s internal thermostat more sensitive. You may suddenly notice either hot or cold sensations due to the body\u2019s inability to regulate temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both hot and cold flashes are considered a vasomotor symptom, which means they\u2019re related to the dilation or constriction of blood vessels. Other vasomotor symptoms of menopause include palpitations and migraines. About 75% of people going through menopause experience vasomotor effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a cold flash feels like<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cold flashes tend to occur right before bed or in the middle of the night. Typically, they come on quickly, and you\u2019re suddenly shivering. Or in some cases, you may experience a hot flash first, and then as your body reacts to the sweat that\u2019s produced, you become cold. Unlike the chills, which occur when you\u2019re sick, cold flashes only last for a few minutes, although they can sometimes last as long as 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to cope with cold flashes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are some things you can do to help manage your cold flashes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n