There is something I often hear in the clinic every summer. Patients say, “My face suddenly heats up and sweat pours out, so I can’t sleep.” During menopause, body temperature regulation can become more sensitive, and when heat and humidity are added, heat sensation, facial flushing, and cold sweats may feel more uncomfortable.
Why Does Menopausal Heat Sensation Occur?
Menopause is a time when ovarian function gradually weakens and changes in female hormones become more pronounced. Over several years around menopause, the rhythms of the body and mind may become unsettled, and in that process, if the autonomic nervous system and vascular responses become sensitive, sudden heat sensation and flushing appear.
Some people feel heat rising to the face and chest, and after sweating, the body instead cools down and fatigue comes on. If this repeats during the night, sleep quality decreases, and sensitivity and lack of energy can easily continue during the day.
Symptoms To Check Together
Menopausal symptoms do not end with heat sensation. Physical changes such as headaches, dizziness, muscle pain, palpitations, frequent urination, vaginal dryness, and memory decline may accompany it. Low mood, irritability, decreased motivation, and anxiety may also appear along with changes in the body.
- The face and neck suddenly become red and feel hot.
- I sweat a lot while sleeping and wake up.
- My chest feels tight or palpitations happen often.
- Fatigue, irritability, and low mood have increased compared with before.
Korean Medicine Looks At Balance As A Whole
In Korean medicine, the foundation of menopause is viewed as kidney deficiency, meaning a pattern in which reproductive and hormonal function and recovery weaken with age. At the same time, we also look at upper heat and lower cold, in which the upper body is hot and the lower body is cold, decreased blood circulation, and tension in the autonomic nervous system.
In care, we decide the treatment direction after checking body build, constitution, digestive strength, sleep, sweating patterns, underlying conditions, and current medications. Samul-tang, Gamisoyo-san, Gamiguibi-tang, and Gyejibokryeong-hwan may be considered depending on the condition, and customized herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture, cupping, and other options are also selected according to each person’s needs. This is why prescriptions can differ even for the same “menopause.”
We recommend a consultation in these cases
- When hot flashes and sweating keep waking you from sleep
- When flushing and palpitations interfere with daily life
- When there is bleeding after menopause, severe pelvic pain, or unexplained weight changes
- When low mood or anxiety lasts a long time and motivation for daily life drops significantly
- If you are taking hormones, blood pressure medication, anticoagulants, or other medications, do not stop them on your own; review them together during your visit
However, if chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided paralysis, slurred speech, or decreased consciousness occurs, do not regard it only as menopausal symptoms. Please call 119 or go to the emergency room first.
Try managing it this way in summer
- Reduce alcohol and smoking, as they can worsen hot flashes and poor sleep.
- Adjust caffeine, spicy foods, and late-night snacks while observing your body’s heat response.
- Continue light aerobic exercise and strength training regularly.
- Keep the bedroom temperature and humidity lower, and prepare thin clothing that absorbs sweat.
- Do not skip meals, and include both protein and vegetables.
Menopause is a change that can happen to anyone, but it is not a time when you must simply endure it. I do not look only at the intensity of symptoms; I also consider the person’s physical strength, sleep, digestion, and emotional state to find ways to adjust. If summer hot flashes and cold sweats are disrupting your rhythm of life, I recommend receiving care.