I’ve noticed that my neck has large red splotches that disappear by morning, but then reappear during the day. Is this also a symptom of menopause or something else?

Answer:

The blotchy skin you’re experiencing is likely a reaction to a preceding hot flush or night sweat. These are two of the most hated symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause. You mention that the red blotches you’re experiencing disappear by morning and appear throughout the day, so they are more than likely a result of hot flushes and not night sweats. 

Many perimenopausal women complain of red spots appearing on their faces and necks after a hot flush, but many women also notice similar red areas on their upper arms, abdomens and legs after a hot flush. Depending on the extent of your hot flushes blotchy skin might not always result.

For example, if a mild hot flush lasts only a few seconds it won’t likely cause your skin to redden; however a severe hot flush that lasts a few minutes can leave your skin red, blotchy and covered in a layer of sweat.

Hot flushes can occur any time of day. They’re a direct reaction to the lack of female hormones - progesterone and estrogen - your body produces. Hot flushes are your body’s natural way of reacting to this hormone imbalance.

We’re often asked how long hot flushes last, but unfortunately it varies from woman to woman, and it’s largely dependant on the length of time your hormone levels are unstable. The good news is that once your hormones stabilize, your hot flushes and night sweats will subside.  

In the meantime you can stay away from things that cause hot flushes. They can be caused by just about anything – a high thermostat, sitting too near a woodstove, a heavy blanket, a hot shower, or even if you consume too much coffee, tea or spicy foods. Additionally, you can try the following methods to curb your hot flushes:

• Dress in layers so you can remove clothing when you feel a hot flush coming on.
• Wear breathable cotton so your clothing doesn’t rub or irritate your skin making it redder.
• Carry a cool bottle of water with you at all times.
• If you feel a hot flush coming on sit down near an open window.
• Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeinated beverages. These will get your heart rate up and cause increased body temperature and sweating.
• Avoid smoking.