Woman goes viral after TikTok of her head ‘steaming’ during a hot flush
A woman has sparked conversation on the video streaming platform TikTok after she shared a clip of herself experiencing a hot flush while outdoors in the cold.
Tracey Monique, who goes by the handle @pleezebfree on TikTok, shared the video showing steam rising from her head while attending an outdoor event this week.
The steam can be seen coming directly from her scalp and dissipating into the air. In the video, Monique, who is snacking on chips, says: I am hot!" while her friend filming her sings about the hot flash.
She wrote in the caption: "Hot and hungry. Hot flashes are annoying and rude."
Hot flushes are a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause, affecting as many as eight in 10 women.
Dozens of women who are going through or have gone through the menopause have since commented on the video about how relatable Monique’s experience was.
One person wrote: "Every menopausal woman is feeling you right now!"
Another said: "I feel this as my face looks like I’ve been running a marathon! Accurate menopausal video."
A third added: "This is so accurate. When the flashes hit, heat is just radiating off of me."
Some commenters reflected on their own mothers’ experiences of hot flashes, and how Monique’s video made them realise it wasn’t an exaggeration.
"I see why I’m always freezing at my moms [sic] now and she yells: ‘It’s not cold in here’. I apologise," one viewer said.
Another added: "I gotta call my mom and apologise for making fun of her."
What is a hot flush?
A hot flush, sometimes known in the US as a hot flash, is a sudden feeling of heat spreading through the body and face.
The symptom can also be accompanied by:
A red flush spreading across the chest, neck, face, and head
Sweating
Changes in mood
A lack of concentration
According to Dr Samantha Wild, clinical lead for women’s health at Bupa, a hot flush can occur at any time of the day and usually lasts several minutes.
"You may have them a couple of times a week or up to every hour," she said. "Hot flushes that happen at night are known as night sweats. You may carry on getting them for several years after your periods stop."
Why do hot flushes happen?
Hot flushes are usually caused by changing hormone levels. As oestrogen levels decline before, during and after menopause, scientists believe the body’s internal thermostat becomes more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature.
The hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, may think the body is too warm and start trying to cool you down, resulting in the hot and sweaty experience of a hot flush.
According to the Endocrine Society, some women may experience a racing heart or heart palpitations during menopause.
"Your heart rate can increase during a hot flash by as much as eight to 16 beats per minute," the organisation said. Certain things may trigger a hot flush, like spicy food, alcohol and smoking.
In order to manage hot flushes on your own, Dr Wild recommended:
Avoiding triggers
Hot flushes can be unpredictable, but can become worse after drinking alcohol or caffeine, eating spicy food, smoking, or when you’re stressed.
Dressing lightly
Wear lighter clothing made of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk or soft wool, and go for looser styles rather than tighter ones.
Layering your bed linen
Instead of a heavy duvet, try layering a light blankets and sheets that you can remove when you feel a hot flush coming on.
Using a fan
Keep a fan in your bedroom or on your desk, and carry a battery-powered mini fan or traditional handheld fan in your bag.
Carrying a cooling spray
Keep a small spray bottle filled with water close to spritz yourself during a hot flush.
Taking a lukewarm shower
When taking a shower, aim for a temperature that’s warm rather than hot.
Read more about menopause:
The link between menopause and osteoporosis, as new drug approved (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)
What causes hot flushes? A gynaecologist explains all (Red, 2-min read)
Night sweats and hot flushes in menopause linked to poorer brain health – study (PA Media, 2-min read)
