A Hot Flash … A Burst of Oxidative Stress

During a hot flash the blood vessels close to the skin open wider than usual. This allows for more blood flow which generates a sense of warmth. Perspiration then occurs on the skin to cool down the body.

A burst of oxidative stress also accompanies a hot flash. The oxidative stress causes LDL cholesterol in the arteries to essentially brew contributing to inflamed, stiffened coronary arteries. Oxidative stress also wears down the protective inner lining of the artery: the endothelium. This leads to torn and tightened arteries.

For post menopausal women who experience ongoing hot flashes it is cardio protective to diminish the occurrence of hot flashes and counteract the bursts of oxidative stress. Berries, red peppers and prunes are high in water soluble inner cell antioxidants.

However, the oxidative stress that accompanies a hot flash effects the fat soluble membrane of the cell. Enhancing vitamin E intake will be beneficial because vitamin E is the prime cell membrane stabilizer and antioxidant. Vitamin E does not necessarily reduce hot flashes but is able to provide cellular protection from oxidative stress.

The daily reference intakes for vitamin E is 15 mg. One quarter cup a sunflower seeds has 17 mg of vitamin E. Olive oil and wheat germ oil are also good sources of vitamin E. Vitamin E also helps reduce production of thromboxane A2 which causes platelet clumping.

Source:
Influence of the presence of hot flashes during menopause on the metabolism of nitric oxide.
Med Clin (Barc). 2000 Jan 22;114(2):41-5
Leal Hernandez M, Abellan Alernan J