Hot Flash/Menopause

[GatorCT]

Hello,
I'm not sure this is the correct place, but I've searched the forum and this is the most logical place I could find.
I'm looking for advice/info from female divers who've already gone through what is affectionately called "the change" while diving. We're both just over the magical 50 mark, and are in relatively good shape. My wife has just begun to experience her first "hot flashes" this week, and we've a dive trip planned next month.
I'm certain there are others who've gone down this path, and I'd (we'd) be grateful for advice.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[Queen]

Not much advice to give, having a hot flash while diving is less noticeable than having one on land. It never bothered me enough to notice really (and I have awful ones on land).

 

[GatorCT]

Thank you. That's actually very reassuring. I was afraid the rapid increase in blood pressure might somehow present problems, but maybe being underwater is probably a much more comfortable place to be!
Peter

Not much advice to give, having a hot flash while diving is less noticeable than having one on land. It never bothered me enough to notice really (and I have awful ones on land).

 

[DocVikingo]

I was afraid the rapid increase in blood pressure might somehow present problems, ....

Hi Peter,

Hot flashes, more technically known as vasomotor flushes, probably are the single most common menopausal symptom. They often just appear, but can be precipitated by things such as hot weather and hot showers/tubs/saunas; hot liquids, spicy foods, alcohol, sugar and caffeine; and stressful events.

While hot flashes do seem to be associated with increased arterial blood pressure, this appears to be independent of menopausal status. The published data suggest that menopausal hot flashes often are accompanied by a reduction in blood pressure.

A rapid increase in blood pressure during a menopausal hot flash while diving is unlikely to be a compelling concern.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[GatorCT]

Great information!
Thanks Doc

Peter

Hi Peter,

Hot flashes, more technically known as vasomotor flushes, probably are the single most common menopausal symptom. They often just appear, but can be precipitated by things such as hot weather and hot showers/tubs/saunas; hot liquids, spicy foods, alcohol, sugar and caffeine; and stressful events.

While hot flashes do seem to be associated with increased arterial blood pressure, this appears to be independent of menopausal status. The published data suggest that menopausal hot flashes often are accompanied by a reduction in blood pressure.

A rapid increase in blood pressure during a menopausal hot flash while diving is unlikely to be a compelling concern.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[cutlass]

Anxiety, irritability, headaches, fatigue, even dizziness and palpitations are not unusual during "hot flashes". Sometimes, these symptoms lead one to become concerned about their blood pressure. But unless there are risk factors or examination gives another reason for concern, there's usually not a lot of cause for alarm. Ill effects from hypertension tend to be the result of cumulative damage. Acute hypertensive crises such as preeclampsia or from renal diseases are rarer events; not associated with menopause.

 

[Gene_Hobbs]

I can only think of one abstract on the subject...

Taylor, M. Underwater Hot Flash? 2004 Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Annual Meeting abstract. RRR ID: 1551

DISCUSSION: We believe this case represents an underwater hot flash. This report suggests that menopause related vasomotor symptoms should be included in the differential diagnosis of anxiety or panic while diving.

Rubicon is participating in the Great Human Race 5k Run/ Walk in Durham, NC, USA on March 21st. Please consider sponsoring our team. More info available here.