Hot flashes in teens may occur due to various reasons. They may complain about sudden, intense warmth (heat) and sweating. This can be temporary and often felt on the upper body, such as the face, neck, and chest. Some may also experience skin reddening (1) (2). The duration and how often it occurs may vary depending on the underlying causes. Some teens may experience hot flashes in the night hours, called night sweats. Read on to learn more about the causes, related symptoms, and homecare measures for hot flashes in teenagers.
Can Teenagers Have Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes primarily occur in menopausal women. However, men and adolescents may also experience hot flashes due to various reasons, which may signify an underlying medical condition that need to be identified promptly.
Causes of Hot Flashes in Teenagers
Hot flashes in teenagers can be caused by various triggering factors and conditions that we discuss next. A phobia is “an extreme anxiety response toward something that is not causing immediate danger.” Anxiety and phobia) can also present similar symptoms and limit teenager’s activities and impact the quality of life (4). Teenagers can often miss symptoms of primary ovarian insufficiency as they are similar to that of menopause.
Can Puberty Cause Hot Flashes?
After puberty (sexual maturity) and during the rest of the reproductive time in a female, estradiol level in ovaries is high. Hence, the body tolerates only 0.5 degrees variation in the body temperature without activating the compensation mechanism in the central nervous system (CNS). That is the reason why an adolescent’s CNS does not respond to changes in weather with hot flashes. However, with the decline in estrogen levels, the hypothalamus control of the temperature is disturbed, and even a small change in temperature triggers a hot flash (8).
Symptoms of Hot Flashes in Teens
Depending on the cause or triggering factor, associated symptoms of hot flashes may include the following (1), (2).
Treatment for Hot Flashes in Teens
Healthcare practitioners may diagnose the cause for hot flashes based on the description of the symptoms experienced. An evaluation of medical history and other associated symptoms may help identify the triggering factors or underlying conditions. Treatment of hot flashes in teenagers may depend on the triggering factors or conditions. The line of treatment can include the following.
Home Remedies for Teens Hot Flashes
Besides addressing the causative factor or condition, you may also encourage your child to follow these home-care and lifestyle tips (11).
Dietary changes: Try and avoid caffeine, spicy food, and alcohol. Eating a well-balanced diet with all nutrients from different food groups can also help your child. Avoid food items containing additives (sulphites) that can trigger hot flashes.
Deep breathing: Encourage your child to do deep breathing exercises for 10 to 15 minutes every day. This can help in preventing anxiety and panic-creating situations. You may also get them to try other self-calming techniques like yoga and meditation.
Physical activity: Regular physical exercise will help maintain the general wellbeing of your child.
Cotton clothes: Light cotton and airy clothes can help keep your child feel comfortable, especially during hot weather that can trigger hot flashes.
Avoid self-medication for managing hot flashes. If your child experiences recurring hot flashes, schedule a visit to your healthcare practitioner.
