Menopause is a natural phase of life, but for many women, it can bring a wave of challenges. This can include hot flashes that strike without warning, disrupted sleep, mood swings, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. Similar to dysmenorrhea symptoms, these can impact quality of life and disrupt day-to-day activities. The good news is that aside from traditional treatment methods, there are also complementary, natural treatments that can help provide great relief from these symptoms – with the popularisation of the personal infrared sauna amid a wave of individualising treatments. 

We explore how this treatment can provide relief for women in the menopausal stage, and how it can help boost their overall health in this significant life transition with our team at Sun Stream Saunas EU

How Personal Infrared Sauna Sessions Ease Hot Flashes

During menopause, women experience sudden and intense sensations of heat called hot flashes. This results from declining estrogen levels that disrupt the hypothalamus, the brain region regulating body temperature. This hormonal imbalance causes the body to misinterpret normal temperature signals, leading to flushing and discomfort.

Infrared sauna therapy helps relieve this symptom by inducing a mild fever-like state known as hyperthermia. This produces specific benefits including the following: 

  • Thermal Conditioning

Regular exposure to infrared heat trains the body’s thermoregulation system. Over time, its ability to respond to temperature changes, reducing heat-related discomfort more efficiently. 

  • Natural Cooling through Sweating

Sweating naturally helps the body expel excess heat, providing an efficient cooling mechanism that makes hot flashes easier to manage.

  • Improved Circulation

The deep penetrating heat of infrared saunas stimulates better circulation, which can help distribute heat more evenly throughout the entire body. Over time, this can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.

Supporting Hormonal Balance Through Stress Reduction

Stress increases cortisol levels in the body. Elevated levels of this stress hormone can disrupt the delicate balance between estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones, worsening fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other menopausal symptoms

Fortunately, consistent personal infrared sauna sessions also have a positive effect on hormone balance. Its effects help to restore equilibrium via:

  • Cortisol Reduction

The soothing heat of an infrared sauna activates the parasympathetic nervous system, prompting the body to relax. This state lowers cortisol production in the body and allows the endocrine systems to function more effectively. 

  • Enhanced Sleep Quality

The gentle heat of infrared saunas helps relax the body, ease tension, and regulate temperature, paving the way for deeper and more restful sleep.

  • Endorphin Release

As the body relaxes in infrared saunas, it produces endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormone. This can help alleviate irritability, mood swings, and feelings of anxiety often associated with menopause.

Enhancing Overall Circulatory Health

Aside from producing disruptive symptoms, menopause can also affect women’s circulatory health. Declining estrogen levels can reduce blood vessel flexibility, leading to poor circulation and an increased risk of cardiovascular concerns. Infrared sauna therapy helps mitigate this by supporting cardiovascular health in a number of ways.

  • Cardiovascular Conditioning

Infrared saunas mimic the effects of a mild, cardiovascular workout, which can help strengthen the heart and improve overall circulatory function.

  • Vasodilation

Infrared heat causes blood vessels to dilate, improving blood flow and delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body.

  • Reduced Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that regular infrared sauna use can help reduce blood pressure levels, which is particularly beneficial for mitigating cardiovascular health risks in menopausal women. 

Key Takeaways

Navigating menopause, especially with the symptoms it presents can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be entirely debilitating. With natural and effective solutions like the personal infrared sauna at home, women can find comfort, relief, and renewed energy during this transition.

Discover the benefits of infrared saunas in our Sun Stream blog. We also offer top-of-the-line infrared sauna units perfect for home use. Through these, you can enjoy all of the treatment’s benefits from the comfort and privacy of your home. Contact us today for more questions or inquiries!