What Are Hot Flashes in Your Legs?

If you have experienced a burning sensation in your legs, you may have experienced a hot flash. Hot flashes can be large or small patches of heat that flare up under you skin. They can last a short or longer time and can come once or in a flurry. Women are more prone to experience hot flashes of any sort, as these flashes are mainly caused by estrogen levels changing in the body.

Menopause

Hot flashes can occur anywhere--in the face, all over the body or just in the legs. A menopause-related hot flash can occur when estrogen levels drop rapidly in a woman's body. She can feel moments of intense heat or experience the sensation for longer periods. Hot flashes are not normally anything to worry about. They are mainly uncomfortable side effects of the changes a woman's body experiences as she loses her fertility. Hot flashes are mainly reported to occur at night, when a woman is trying to rest.

Prescriptions

Some prescription drugs can cause hot flashes in the legs. This type of hot flash can indicate a serious problem. If you are taking Evista or Tamoxifen and have had hot flashes in the legs, call your doctor immediately. These side effects may mean you have a blood clot in your lungs, legs or elsewhere in your body. There are other prescription drugs that cause hot flashing in the legs. Check with your doctor if you suspect that your medication is causing hot flashes.

Hyperthyroidism

Having a fast-working thyroid can be the cause of hot flashes. Hyperthyroidism is the condition that makes your thyroid work faster, increasing metabolism and speeding up your body's systems. It has been reported that hyperthyroidism causes hot flashes in the legs, face, and torso.

Triggers

While you may not be able to completely eliminate your hot flashes, you can recognize what your triggers are. Certain factors, such as foods, can trigger a hot flash in your body. Foods that are spicy or contain caffeine can trigger hot flashes. Fatty foods can also trigger hot flashes. Wearing shorts or lightweight materials can help offset the heat in your legs. Don't take hot showers. Keep your water temperature down and turn down the thermostat to fight hot flashes.

Treatments

Taking a course of estrogen-correcting medications could help relieve your hot flashes. You could also try an herbal supplement like black cohosh. Taking flax seed and vitamin E are also reported to help with hot flashes. There are no herbal supplements that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the purpose of relieving hot flashes, but many women swear by their effectiveness.

Resources

• WebMD