Difference Between Menopause Hot Flashes and Fever

Hot flashes and fever are distinct in nature but share a few common characteristics. When you are at your perimenopausal stage, it may be a little difficult to tell if you are having hot flashes or a fever. Even though they are distinct, the similarities may be a little hard to tell.

Let’s find out how we can differentiate the two and properly address them. Remember, a can be a symptom of infection and may need to be addressed promptly.

What Is Menopause Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are characterized by a sudden surge of a warm feeling on the upper body that usually lasts for minutes. It is commonly accompanied by flushed skin and sweating. The superficial blood vessels dilate which makes the skin flushed and reddish. Sometimes, the condition also comes with increased heart rate and chills after the episode.
The exact cause of hot flashes has not been uncovered by scientists yet. However, they are most commonly related to women entering menopause. They may happen any time of the day and leave you with a wet shirt. When this happens at night, it makes sleeping a little difficult and can lead to frustration.

The physical symptom hot flashes give are uncomfortable and may make you feel feverish. When it goes away, it can leave you flustered and frustrated about the experience. With the increasing imbalance in the blood hormones, episodes of hot flashes may also leave you emotional.

What is a Fever?

Fever is defined as having an elevated body temperature that exceeds the normal range. The normal range of body temperature is 97.7-99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius). A temperature exceeding the normal range up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius), is considered a low-grade fever. Exceeding 101 degrees, Fahrenheit is categorized as a high-grade fever.
Fevers can be caused by a wide range of medical conditions. Some of them are mild infections, and others can be life-threatening. Fever can also be accompanied by a flushed skin, chills, and sweating profusely.

A fever is a cue that there is an infection in the body. Fevers can be continuous and intermittent depending on the source of infection. Fever may last for a few hours and recur intermittently. Some fever is characterized by long hours of elevated body temperature.

A fever is usually accompanied by body weakness and feeling of exhaustion. Fever lasting more than three days should be brought to medical professionals for proper diagnosis and prescription of medication.

Fever is usually treated with anti-pyretic that brings the body temperature to the normal range. Administration of anti-pyretic is the first step to ease discomfort. Antibiotics, antivirals, or other medications may be further administered by medical professionals to treat the illness.

The Distinction Between Fever and Hot Flashes
Although fever and hot flashes involve a warm sensation of the body, they have distinct characteristics that you won’t miss. Fever is marked by an increase in the body temperature that exceeds the normal body temperature range. Although hot flashes present with an increase in body temperature, they do not exceed the normal body temperature range.

Hot flashes don’t usually last long as fever does. Hot flashes present skin redness without the body temperature hitting the low-grade fever threshold. Fever is commonly accompanied by fatigue while hot flashes are not.

Hot flashes are unpredictable and can happen throughout the day in varying degrees and frequency. Some medical condition follows a distinct pattern of fever occurrence. In fact, the frequency and the time of fever can give a clue about what type of microorganism has caused it.
Mild fever goes away with the administration of anti-pyretic while hot flashes go away on its own.

How to Avoid Hot Flashes?

The episodes of hot flashes can be annoying and sometimes depressing. Predicting when they will occur is nearly impossible and you can’t even tell what triggers it. The actual cause of hot flashes is still a mystery but closely related to the balance of the hormones.
To cure menopause hot flashes, there are a few things you can do. This may not get rid of them, but it can help you minimize its occurrence.

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1. Understand unique triggers.

Some people have closely observed their activities and have found out what triggers their worst hot flashes. Being mindful of your daily routine can help you find out what exacerbates episodes of hot flashes. Alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, tight clothing, and smoking are some of the common triggers noted by many women.
Simply avoiding them will decrease the likelihood of triggering hot flashes. Do note of other activities you find that triggers you.

2. Deep breathing exercise.

Another known cause of hot flashes is stress. Well, stress causes a ton of other symptoms and aggravates many illnesses too. In the case of perimenopause or menopause, stress can easily trigger hot flashes. Environmental stress or work-related stress may not be easy to avoid. The best thing you could do about it is calming yourself.
Deep breathing exercise can help you lower your heart rate and relax your body. In times of pressing situations, practice deep breathing until you clear your mind. You can also do deep breathing exercises upon waking up and before going to sleep to help increase your body’s state of relaxation.

3. Eat right.

During perimenopause and menopause, your hormones start to get imbalanced. Estrogen gradually decreases and give rise to the symptoms of menopause. Eating food or supplementing with estrogen or isoflavones will help you rebalance your hormones. The balanced hormones decrease the likelihood of hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms.

4. Exercise regularly.

Exercising is one of the best ways to increase health and improve bodily functions. However, many of us don’t enjoy and don’t pay attention to it. Regular exercise can help balance your hormones and increase your overall state of health.

If you find working out boring, find a sport or other strenuous activity you enjoy. A workout partner will help you get motivated too!

Hot Flashes and Fever

Hot flashes and fever are two distinct conditions which share a few similarities. Not that you know which is which, you will be better equipped in dealing and managing the factors triggering hot flashes!