Hot Flashes

What is it?

Hot flashes (hot flushes) are sudden episodes of intense warmth spreading over the upper body and face, often followed by sweating, flushing, and sometimes chills. They are the hallmark vasomotor symptom of menopause, affecting up to 80% of women. They result from a narrowed thermoregulatory zone in the hypothalamus, caused by declining estrogen, which triggers inappropriate heat-dissipating responses. The average duration of vasomotor symptoms is 7 years; some women experience them for over a decade. Non-menopausal causes include hormone therapy withdrawal, certain medications, carcinoid tumors, and pheochromocytoma.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Hot flashes that occur more than 7–10 times per day or significantly disrupt sleep
• 2Hot flashes in a man or a premenopausal woman without explanation
• 3Hot flashes with hypertension, palpitations, and headache (pheochromocytoma)
• 4Hot flashes with diarrhea, facial flushing, and wheezing (carcinoid syndrome)
• 5Hot flashes after starting or stopping a medication
• 6Vasomotor symptoms causing significant distress or quality-of-life impairment

What you can do

• ✓Layer clothing so you can quickly remove layers during a flash
• ✓Keep a small fan at your desk and bedside
• ✓Avoid triggers: caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, hot beverages, stress, and hot environments
• ✓Cool your bedroom to 65–68°F (18–20°C) with moisture-wicking bedding
• ✓Mind-body practices: paced breathing (6 breaths/min) reduces flash intensity significantly
• ✓Maintain a healthy weight — adipose tissue stores heat and amplifies vasomotor symptoms

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions