Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often most pronounced in the face, neck, and chest. They are a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause.
Hot flashes are caused by changing hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause. As women get closer to menopause, the ovaries begin to fail, and estrogen levels decline. This triggers the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for controlling temperature regulation, to become more sensitive to small changes in body temperature.
When the hypothalamus detects a small increase in body heat, it tries to cool the body down by starting sweating and blood vessel dilation. This causes the skin, especially on the face, neck, and chest, to become flushed and feel warmer. Heart rate can also quicken during a hot flash.
The feeling of heat during a hot flash can range from mild to intense. Many women experience sweating, reddening of the skin, and a flushed appearance along with the heat sensation. Some additional common symptoms include:
The duration and frequency of hot flashes vary widely. They can last from 30 seconds up to several minutes. Some women only occasionally get them, while others experience multiple hot flashes per day.
Lifestyle adjustments may help reduce hot flash severity for some women:
If lifestyle measures are not enough, low-dose hormone therapy, certain antidepressants, or gabapentin may be prescribed to relieve severe vasomotor symptoms. Speak to your doctor at Balance Hormone Center if hot flashes are significantly disrupting sleep or quality of life.