How does hot flashes feel

Triggers, How Long They Last & Treatments

What are hot flashes?

A sudden flare of heat, sweating and discomfort: Hot flashes are a common and uncomfortable vasomotor symptom of menopause. There are many symptoms that you might experience during menopause (the transitional phase when your menstrual cycle stops), ranging from vaginal dryness and urinary urgency to insomnia and mood swings. But, for many people, hot flashes are one of the most frequent symptoms of menopause.

Hot flashes can be different for everyone. Some people might not really notice hot flashes, while others may have hot flashes that disrupt normal daily life. Not only can the severity of hot flashes vary, but the length of time you have hot flashes can be different for each person.

The reason hot flashes happen isn’t really clear. However, there are ways to manage them and improve your life during this time of transition.

At what age do hot flashes start?

Hot flashes are a symptom of menopause that can happen as you go through this transitional phase of life. On average, menopause happens in your late 40s to early 50s. This can vary depending on each person.

Do hot flashes go away after menopause?

Just like many other aspects of hot flashes, the length of time they last can vary from person to person. You might only experience hot flashes for a little while during menopause, but not the entire time. Your hot flashes could end once you’re post-menopausal. In other cases, they could last for the rest of your life. Hot flashes that last a long period of time often become less severe as time goes on.

What does a hot flash feel like?

Even though different people might experience them slightly differently, hot flashes usually feel like a brief sensation of heat throughout your body. When you have a hot flash, you might become flush and start sweating. After the heat, you might feel chilled.

Hot flashes not only feel different for each person, they can also last for different amounts of time and vary in severity. What might be a short inconvenience for one person could be intense heat for another.

What can trigger a hot flash?

A trigger is something that can set off a hot flash. There are actually a lot of things in your normal life that could trigger a hot flash. Triggers of hot flashes can include:

Hot weather.
Heat.
Smoking.
Caffeine.
Alcohol.
Spicy foods.
Tight clothing.
Stress.

Avoiding things that trigger your hot flashes can often mean watching what you eat. Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol are just a few things that can cause you to experience hot flashes.

Hot flashes can also be triggered by heat. You might experience more hot flashes when the weather is hot or even when you get overheated by an activity. Be careful when you’re working out to make sure you don’t get too hot as this could lead to a hot flash.

How do I treat a hot flash?

Hot flashes may seem like an inevitable symptom of menopause that you just need to deal with. But there are treatment options to improve your hot flashes. If you have hot flashes, particularly hot flashes that disrupt your daily life, reach out to your healthcare provider to learn more about your treatment options.

In general, there are two categories of treatment options for hot flashes: prescription medications and over-the-counter (non-prescription) therapies. Some prescription medications are used as off-label treatments to help reduce hot flashes. Using a product “off label” means that it’s not FDA-approved for the treatment of hot flashes, but is often used because it can be safe and effective as a treatment option.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about any treatment option and discuss the pros and cons. Your provider is aware of your medical history and other medications. Some treatment options may not be safe to take with your other medications or other medical conditions.

Prescription medications are typically considered to be more effective than over-the-counter treatments. These medications can include:

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) boosts your hormone levels and can relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. Your provider will consider whether your uterus is in place or has been removed when prescribing hormone replacement therapy. They’ll prescribe:

Estrogen and progesterone, if you still have your uterus.
Estrogen, if you’ve had surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy).

Non-hormonal medications

Certain antidepressants, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can reduce how often you have hot flashes and how bad they are. These medications include:

Venlafaxine (Effexor®): This medication has been proven to be effective in several well-designed studies. Some common side effects of this medication include nausea, changes in bowel habits, headaches (temporary side effect for most) and elevated blood pressure (at high doses).
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®): This is a newer medication than venlafaxine, so there are fewer studies available. Common side effects include nausea, changes in bowel habits, headache (temporary side effect for most people) and elevated blood pressure (at high doses).
Fluoxetine (Prozac®): This medication improves hot flashes. Some side effects include nausea, changes in bowel habits, decreased sex drive and insomnia. This medication should be avoided if you’re taking tamoxifen.
Paroxetine (Paxil®, Brisdelle®): This medication has been FDA-approved to treat hot flashes. Common side effects include nausea, changes in bowel habits, decreased sex drive, dry mouth and weight gain (not common). You should avoid taking this medication if you’re taking tamoxifen.
Escitalopram (Lexapro®): If you’re also experiencing insomnia with hot flashes, this medication tends to be more effective for sleep. Common side effects can include nausea, changes in bowel habits, decreased sex drive and an abnormal EKG (this is not common).
Gabapentin (Neurontin®): This medication tends to be effective for sleep in people with hot flashes who also have insomnia. Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, swelling and weight gain.
Clonidine (Catapres®): This medication relieved hot flashes in some people. Healthcare providers use it less frequently than other options. Common side effects can include dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, constipation and low blood pressure.

Over-the-counter therapies

Non-prescription, herbal and over-the-counter therapies are another treatment option for hot flashes. These therapies can include:

Evening primrose oil: There’s only one well-designed study for this treatment option, and it shows that this therapy isn’t effective. Common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea and headache.
Black cohosh: Some small, short-term studies have suggested benefits with this therapy, but most studies don't show that it works. A common side effect is mild stomach upset. It’s safe for up to six months only due to possible estrogen-like effects. Liver toxicity has also been reported.
Soy (plant estrogen): This treatment option is also referred to as phytoestrogens. For the most part, results from clinical studies show that phytoestrogens aren’t effective for treatment of hot flashes. This is generally safe when you consume it in foods. In supplements, consistency of dose and quality can be a concern. Supplements are not recommended for breast cancer survivors.
Acupuncture: Individual trials have reported some benefits of acupuncture, but larger studies haven’t shown any improvement over placebo procedures. Some people do report benefits with acupuncture, so it’s possible that more well-designed studies are needed to determine just how effective this treatment option is. This option is uncomfortable for some and often costly. It’s generally well-tolerated, but it can require multiple appointments.
Vitamin E: One study showed that this treatment option was effective. However, the improvement seen in this was only one less hot flash per day compared to placebo. Side effects include a 13% increased risk of heart failure. It might also increase the death rate in those who use high doses for a long time. A higher risk of prostate cancer has also been shown, but this applies only to people designated male at birth (DMAB).

Are over-the-counter herbal products (botanicals) safe to use when treating hot flashes?

While consuming small amounts of soy isoflavones is generally safe in your diet, adding them through supplements may be harmful to people with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer, like breast cancer, and possibly to other people as well. More research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of botanical treatments. For example, ginseng, dong quai, wild yam, progesterone cream, reflexology and magnetic devices are sold to help menopausal symptoms, but there are no good studies demonstrating their safety or how well they work. The best thing to do is talk to your healthcare provider before you start any new supplement or treatment for your hot flashes.

How do I know if a product to treat hot flashes is safe or legitimate?

In general, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement. Sometimes, a product might seem safe on the surface, but it might not be a good option for you when you factor in other medications you take or other medical conditions you might have. Your provider will discuss each of these factors with you and make sure it’s a safe product for you.

Ask yourself a few simple questions when you’re considering a new treatment for hot flashes:

What’s the treatment?
What does it involve?
How does it work?
Why does it work?
Are there any risks?
What are the side effects?
Is it effective (ask for evidence or proof)?
How much does it cost?

Also, when you’re trying to determine whether or not a product is what it says it is, consider how it’s being promoted. Advertising can give you clues about the product. Be cautious of products that are promoted through:

Telemarketers.
Direct mailings.
Infomercials.
Ads disguised as valid news articles.
Ads in the back of the magazines.

Additional red flags to look for can include:

Big claims: If products claim to be a "cure" for your condition or give outrageous claims, be cautious.
Source: Be wary if the product is only offered through one manufacturer or purchased only through a healthcare provider’s office.

Ingredients: Make sure all of the active ingredients are listed and don’t trust "secret formulas."
Testimonials: Remember that only people who are satisfied with a product give testimonials and that they may be getting paid for their endorsement.

The best and safest thing to do is talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new product for your hot flashes.

Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to help with hot flashes?

Making small changes to your normal lifestyle can sometimes help limit the number and severity of your hot flashes. Dressing in layers, reducing the temperature in your home, using a fan and drinking cold beverages can all be small ways to help with hot flashes. If you have obesity, you might have more bothersome hot flashes. Maintaining a healthy body weight may be helpful. Another lifestyle change that can help improve your hot flashes is not smoking or using tobacco products. Smoking contributes to the increased cardiovascular risks of being postmenopausal. People who smoke and/or use tobacco products also tend to experience more hot flashes.

Exercise is another lifestyle change that often helps menopausal people. This is not only a great way to maintain a healthy weight, but people who lead sedentary lives seem to experience more hot flashes. Just remember to watch the temperature when you work out. Getting overheated can trigger a hot flash, so it’s best to try and exercise in a cooler environment.

Are there foods that can help with my hot flashes?

Many people try to add more plant estrogen into their diets to combat the hormonal changes that go along with menopause. The thought is that adding plant estrogens can help with your hot flashes. Plant estrogens, such as isoflavones, are thought to have weak estrogen-like effects that might reduce hot flashes.

Examples of foods with isoflavones include:

Soybeans.
Chickpeas.
Lentils.
Flaxseed.
Grains.
Beans.
Fruits.
Red clover.
Vegetables.

In general, soybeans, chickpeas and lentils are considered to have the most powerful plant estrogens. Keep in mind though, the effects of these foods won’t be as strong as human estrogen.

Try working natural foods into your diet rather than supplements. Also, remember that only crushed or ground forms of flaxseed are likely to help as compared to the whole seed or seed oil forms.

What foods have high amounts of isoflavones?

Certain foods have higher amounts of isoflavones than others. These foods include:

Food	Amount of isoflavone in 100g of food
Soybeans, green, raw.	151.17 Mg.
Soy flour (textured).	148.61 Mg.
Soybeans, dry roasted.	60.39 Mg.
Instant beverage soy, powder, not reconstituted.	109.51 Mg.
Miso soup mix, dry.	60.39 Mg.
Soybean chips.	54.16 Mg.
Tempeh, cooked.	53.00 Mg.
Soybean curd cheese.	28.20 Mg.
Tofu, silken.	27.91 Mg.
Tofu, yogurt.	16.30 Mg.
Soymilk.	9.65 Mg.

How do I cope with mood swings, fears and depression?

Many people experience a wide variety of symptoms during menopause, not just hot flashes. Mood swings, depression, anxiety and fears are all possible symptoms you might experience throughout menopause. It’s alright if you have these symptoms. Menopause is a time of extreme change and transition for your body. If you feel overwhelmed by any of these symptoms at any point, reach out to your healthcare provider. There are ways to help you feel better.

There are also a few ways you can cope with mood swings, depression and fear during menopause at home. These things include:

Finding a self-calming skill to practice, like yoga, meditation or slow, deep breathing exercises.
Avoiding tranquilizers, if possible.
Engaging in creative outlets (hobbies) that foster a sense of achievement.
Staying connected with your family, friends and community.

Another symptom of menopause that you might experience is painful intercourse. If you find that sex is uncomfortable or painful, there are things you can do to make it better. Try using a vaginal water-based moisturizing lotion or lubricant during intercourse. These are sold without a prescription. Common names include Astroglide® and KY liquid®. It’s recommended that you avoid Vaseline® as a lubricant because it could lead to yeast infections.

Can I prevent hot flashes at night (night sweats)?

Hot flashes can also interfere with your sleep. You might hear this referred to as night sweats or even insomnia. There are a few environmental and lifestyle changes you can make that can help you sleep better each night. These changes include:

Keep your bedroom cool to prevent night sweats.
Avoid using sleeping pills.
Exercise daily.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol at night.
Take a warm bath or shower at bedtime.
Try milk products at bedtime or during the night (but avoid products that contain caffeine).

Did I just have a hot flash? I'm 44!

Hot flashes — those sudden surges of hot skin and sweat associated with menopause and perimenopause — start for most women in their 40s. If that’s news to you, take a deep breath.

First, hot flashes occur less frequently in perimenopause (the pre-menopause years) than during menopause. Second, there are several ways you can manage these heat spikes to lessen their impact on your daily life.

Wen Shen, M.D., M.P.H. , a Johns Hopkins gynecologist who specializes in perimenopause and menopause, shares information about hot flashes and steps you can take to minimize their affect.

Q: What is a hot flash?

A: Hot flashes are the quick bursts of hot skin and often drenching sweat that last anywhere from 30 seconds to about five minutes. Your face and neck may turn red, your heart rate may increase and you will most likely break out in a sweat. Night sweats are the same thing, only you’re asleep and are jolted awake by the heat and sweat sensation consuming your body.

These sudden bursts, especially at night, can cause fatigue, irritability and even forgetfulness. For 10 to 15 percent of women, hot flashes are so severe that they disrupt normal functions, such as leading a meeting or sticking to a schedule. If you feel your daily activities are impacted by hot flashes, make sure to speak with your gynecologist.

Q: How long will I get hot flashes?

A: On average, you may be looking at 10-15 years of living with hot flashes. Though they are sporadic, their unpredictability is very frustrating. Let’s look at what you can expect:

40s: This is when most women start perimenopause. Some hot flashes and night sweats begin. (For some, perimenopause starts in the 30s.)
46-53: In the U.S., this is the average age for menopause, which is defined as 12 straight months with no period. Hot flashes tend to be most frequent in the two years after menopause.
Late 50s: Most women continue to have hot flashes anywhere from 4-10 years after menopause. But most of these will decrease in frequency and severity.

Q: What causes hot flashes?

A: The exact causes of hot flashes are still unknown, but they are thought to be related to changes in the brain’s thermoregulatory center, which controls heat production and loss, and is influenced by your hormones. During perimenopause, hormones start acting like a rollercoaster, with progesterone and estrogen levels changing in wide variations. These ups and downs don’t settle down until almost 10 years after menopause.

Q: How can you control hot flashes?

A: There are several ways to deal with hot flashes. Since hormone levels are changing all the time, we don’t treat the hormone levels — we treat the symptoms. Start with lifestyle changes, but if that doesn’t work, talk to your gynecologist about prescription medication.

Lifestyle

1. Keep Yourself Cool.

Dress in layers so you can easily remove clothes if you get hot.
Wear natural fibers instead of synthetic materials.
Carry a portable fan in your purse.
Use cold water and pre-treated wipes to cool the back of your neck when you feel a hot flash coming on.

2. Avoid Triggers.

It may take you a while to figure out your triggers. For most women, they include coffee and red wine.
Review your medications with your provider. Certain high blood pressure and cholesterol medicines are known to cause hot flashes.

3. Acupuncture: Research has shown that acupuncture can be highly effective for resolving hot flashes. In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, hot flashes were reduced by almost half for 50 percent of women over eight weeks of acupuncture treatment.

Prescription Medications

If lifestyle changes don’t help you manage hot flashes, talk to your gynecologist about medication.

Menopause Hormone Therapy: This is really the gold standard for treatment options — it is the most effective way to make sure hot flashes are manageable. There is a multitude of options, and your gynecologist can recommend a treatment that meets your needs.
Nonhormonal Medications: For women who do not wish to use hormone therapy, or cannot use it due to medical problems, there are nonhormonal medications such as gabapentin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clonidine.
New Drugs: There are new drugs and injections being tested that may take care of specific menopausal symptoms. Especially if you cannot take hormone therapy because it may be harmful to you (a medical contraindication) or if you did not find relief with the other medications, these new drugs may be helpful. Talk to your provider to find out if you qualify to use them.

Hot flashes are an unavoidable part of being a woman. But with lifestyle choices and perhaps help from your gynecologist, you can manage them with minimal disruption to your life.

what is it, symptoms, what is the cause

Menopause is one of the stages in a woman's life, which is characterized by a decrease in the production of the hormone estrogen. By itself, it is not a disease, but is accompanied by a number of unpleasant physical and emotional manifestations.

One of the indicators of menopause is the so-called hot flashes. They significantly complicate the condition of a woman in this already difficult time. It is worth learning more about the nature of this phenomenon in order to find a way to endure it with the least discomfort. nine0003

What are hot flashes during menopause

Hot flashes are the most common complaint voiced by women during menopause (menopause). The appearance of hot flashes is caused by the inevitable hormonal changes in a woman's body. The production of estrogen by the ovaries decreases significantly after forty-five years, and after fifty-five it stops completely. This sex hormone, among other things, is also responsible for the thermoregulation of the body.

When the estrogen content is significantly reduced, the body perceives this as a malfunction in the ovaries. He signals about this failure in a peculiar way - with hot flashes to the head and upper body. nine0003

Hot flashes are a kind of strategic maneuver, an attempt to restore the previous balance of hormones through the need to urgently regulate body temperature.

How long a woman will experience the unpleasant consequences of this strategy depends largely on the characteristics of her body. As it adapts to the need to exist in conditions of an updated hormonal background, the tides flow less rapidly, and then completely disappear. nine0003

About symptoms of hot flashes

The onset of hot flashes can be judged by the presence of the following manifestations:

There is a feeling of a rush of blood and an unreasonable increase in temperature in the face, neck, and chest.
Feeling of heat may alternate with chills.
Periodically there is a feeling of dizziness.
There are attacks of tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) in a situation of rest. nine0022
Skin sweats for no reason.

Causes of hot flashes during menopause

The main cause of hot flashes is a violation of the stability of the hormonal background, due to a lack of estrogens. This situation is a normal climacteric manifestation. Another thing is that hot flashes for some women are a short-term annoying source of discomfort, while for others it is a fairly protracted test of strength that makes life unbearable. nine0003

Let's talk about those cases when the hot flashes are pronounced and exhaust the woman.

The severity of hot flashes is more severe if the menopause develops rapidly or begins ahead of time.

Hot flushes are difficult for women who have undergone ovarian surgery. Removal of one or two ovaries further exacerbates the situation.

Increased symptoms of hot flashes may occur if a woman develops breast cancer. Conducting chemotherapy to treat cancer is another factor that explains the severe course of menopause. nine0003

To alleviate the condition during hot flashes, it is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations, combining the possibilities of traditional and traditional medicine with reasonable physical activity.

The main thing is to remember that the tides are a temporary phenomenon. It is very important to keep a positive attitude and try to enjoy life.

what is it, symptoms, what is the reason, how long do they last, how to get rid of hot flashes during menopause?

Sudden hot flashes, palpitations and profuse sweating - this is how hot flashes, one of the unpleasant companions of menopause, manifest themselves. Is it possible to fight this condition, why do hot flashes occur and what are the factors that aggravate the condition?

Hot flashes are one of the manifestations of hormonal changes in a woman's body during menopause. A hot flash is a short-term failure in thermoregulation, in which the brain incorrectly interprets signals from nerve endings. The female hormone estrogen is directly involved in maintaining normal body temperature, and during the period of ovarian failure, with a decrease in estrogen levels, problems with thermoregulation are possible. nine0003

Hot flashes are accompanied by a sensation of heat in the upper body, redness of the face and chest, increased sweating and palpitations. Sometimes these attacks are accompanied by dizziness, unreasonable anxiety, shortness of breath and weakness [1] . The hot flashes do not last long - from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, very rarely - about half an hour, and often end with an attack of chills.

Hot flashes themselves are not dangerous to health, but they are quite annoying for women. Hot flashes at night provoke insomnia, and during the day, attacks of increased sweating can be so strong that you have to change clothes. Exhausting hot flashes cause fatigue, nervousness, spoil the mood and threaten self-esteem. nine0003

By the way
About 70% of women aged 40-55 experience hot flashes.

When can we expect high tides? This is very individual and depends on the timing of the onset of menopause. Most women experience hot flashes for the first time at the very beginning of menopause, between the ages of 45 and 55. Hot flashes disappear on their own as the body adapts to low estrogen levels. For most, between the first and last tide, it takes from a year to three years. However, not everyone is so lucky - sometimes hot flashes last 5-10 years, and for some - the rest of their lives. nine0003

Causes of hot flashes and factors that aggravate the condition

Why do some women experience hot flashes during menopause constantly and suffer from them for a very long time, while others hardly bother? On the one hand, the matter is in genetics, on the other hand, in the way of life.

There are a number of risk factors that make menopause worse, including hot flashes.

Stress and anxiety. Strong emotional reactions exacerbate hot flashes.
Foods and drinks that increase circulation and heart rate. These include any spicy foods, tea, coffee and alcohol. nine0022
Medications that speed up the metabolism. Most often, they are taken in order to cope with another problem of menopause - weight gain.
Stuffy environments, overly warm or synthetic clothing all cause overheating and hot flashes.
Some diseases, in particular hyperthyroidism and hypoglycemia.

How to deal with menopausal hot flashes without medication

Hot flashes can be alleviated by following a few simple rules and changing your habits. nine0003

Everything starts with the right diet. With the onset of menopause, spicy, salty and pickled foods should be abandoned. You will also have to give up coffee. Those who cannot imagine a morning without a cup of hot drink can be advised to replace coffee with a chicory drink, green tea, or at least decaffeinated coffee.

It is necessary to add as many vegetables, fruits and cereals as possible to the menu, excluding fatty, fried, sweet and starchy foods. This will help you lose weight, and studies show that even modest weight loss can help relieve many of the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes [2] . In addition, fiber-rich foods themselves help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes [3] . nine0003

You should also go through your wardrobe and try to wear only loose clothes made from natural fabrics (they “breathe” better), without high collars, with a fastener or zipper on the chest that can be unfastened during high tide.

Stress can increase hot flashes and should be avoided. Of course, our life is full of experiences, but it is still possible to reduce the level of tension a little - try at least not to watch too emotional and disturbing TV shows and films, avoid unnecessary disputes and conflicts at home and at work, and also go to bed and get up at the same time. . Compliance with the regime increases our resistance to stress. Mild sedatives will also help reduce nervousness - for example, herbal teas with lemon balm and valerian, preparations based on motherwort, etc.

During hot flashes, the body loses a lot of fluid, so you need to drink more than usual - about 2.5 liters per day. Carry a bottle of water with you at all times and drink it every time you think of it.

How to Relieve Menopausal Hot Flashes with Medication

Following the tips above will greatly reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, but sometimes medication is needed. The following medicinal methods are used to relieve hot flashes:

Hormone therapy

Since all the symptoms associated with menopause are the result of a decrease in estrogen levels, hormone therapy is widely used to alleviate the condition, the purpose of which is to increase hormone levels. Hormonal preparations for women in menopause contain synthetic or natural estrogens and gestagens. Hormonal drugs are effective in 90% of cases [4] and act quickly. In addition, modern drugs are low-dose drugs. However, these tablets have many contraindications - hormone-dependent tumors, kidney and liver failure, diabetes mellitus, thrombosis, and some autoimmune diseases. We must not forget about the side effects - swelling, impaired appetite and weight gain, headache, weakness, breast engorgement. It is precisely because of the large number of contraindications and undesirable side effects that hormone therapy is prescribed infrequently and in special cases, for example, with early menopause or with very severe menopause [5] . nine0003

Heat-regulating drugs

Good results in the fight against hot flashes are obtained by the use of heat-regulating drugs: for example, based on beta-alanine, an amino acid that, among other things, normalizes heat exchange and also fights free radicals, inhibiting the aging process, improves metabolism. Preparations based on beta-alanine are a good alternative to hormone therapy in terms of combating hot flashes, since they have much fewer side effects and contraindications. As a rule, they can be used no more than three times during the day, and hot flashes can be repeated up to 20 times a day. You should also be aware that such drugs can cause allergies and are contraindicated for those who have an individual intolerance to the active components [6] . nine0003

Phytotherapy

About 75% of women experiencing problems associated with hormonal changes during menopause resort to herbal medicine [7] . Herbal preparations based on plant extracts containing estrogens (for example, based on soy) can reduce the severity of hot flashes by a quarter [8] . Phytoestrogens are found in many different plants. Most often, herbal remedies for women of elegant age include licorice and hops. Their use allows you to reduce the manifestations of hot flashes. In addition to herbs containing phytoestrogens, herbal medicine for menopause often uses plant extracts with a sedative effect (St.

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