Support has been pouring in for a woman who showed off just how dramatic the menopause can be.
Hot flushes, widely known as hot flashes, are among the most commonly reported symptoms of menopause, typically causing rapid waves of heat in the face, neck, and chest. The intensity of these hot flushes can be severe, as demonstrated by one woman who captured the distressing physical effects on camera.
Tracey Monique took to TikTok under the username @pleezebefree to post a clip showing herself cheerfully eating chips at a football match while an astonishing amount of steam rose from her head. “I am hot,” Tracey stated while her friend recorded the scene, which quickly spiralled into a social media sensation.
Her caption read: “Hot and hungry. Hot flashes are annoying and rude.”
The video left audiences startled and sympathetic, with one person commenting with disbelief: “Wait…is this for real? Never seen this before.”
Other users related to Tracey’s discomfort, with remarks such as: “List, those hot flashes are no joke.” Another said: “This is so accurate. When the flashes hit, heat is just radiating off me.”
Empathy also flooded in from others experiencing menopause, with one commentator saying: “Every menopausal woman is feeling you right now,” and another adding: “I am going through menopause right now and this is perfect visual representation of a hot flash. I have to change my sheets every day and my clothes multiple times a day.”
Reacting to the responses, Tracey expressed her gratitude and said: “I thank God for using me to make people laugh and bring awareness to the world that women go through hot flashes for real.”
On Reddit, one user shared their experience: “I remember sitting in the car with my aunt and she suddenly says mind if I open the window? Then she was suddenly instantly dripping with sweat. Looking forward to that.”
Another person also recounted a similar situation: “I remember in the winter my mum’s window would immediately steam up when we were in the car.”
Why does this happen?
As oestrogen levels drop before, during and after menopause, it’s believed that the body’s internal thermostat becomes more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. Hot flushes are a common symptom of menopause but can be quite uncomfortable for those experiencing them.
While the severity can vary from individual to individual, generally, a person suffering from hot flushes is described as having a ‘sudden feeling of heat spreading through your body and face’, according to Bupa. The reason you may see steam coming off your head is due to the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, thinking the body is too warm and initiating cooling measures.
It’s important to note that hot flushes can intensify after consuming alcohol or caffeine, eating spicy food, smoking, or during periods of stress. To help keep your body cool, consider wearing lighter clothing, using a fan, and taking cooler showers.
The NHS highlights a range of other symptoms that can be experienced during menopause. These encompass mood fluctuations, anxiety, irregular menstrual cycles, sleep disturbances, headaches and migraines, muscle and joint discomfort, dry and itchy skin, and alterations in libido.
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