Hot flashes - Hormone Health Center

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth that spread across the body and face. They result from hormone changes related to perimenopause and menopause. During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels in the body fluctuate and decline. These hormone changes affect the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. When the warm flashes happen, perspiration often occurs with it.

Signs and Symptoms

• A hot flash usually starts with an abrupt feeling of heat spreading through the upper body and face.
• Skin may redden or develop a rash-like appearance during a hot flash.
• A rapid heartbeat sometimes accompanies a hot flash.
• You may also break out in sweat after or during the onset of a hot flash.
• Hot flashes can make you feel dizzy or weak.
• Night sweats are hot flashes occurring at night. They can disrupt sleep patterns.

What Triggers a Hot Flash?

Some common hot flash triggers include:

• Stress
• Caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol
• Warm environments or temperature changes
• Tight clothing and being covered by heavy blankets

How Long Do They Last?

Most hot flashes last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. You may have a few hot flashes a week or several a day. They tend to decrease over time for most women.

Treatment Options

Here are some ways to help relieve hot flashes:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - Estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin can ease hot flashes. But doctors usually don't recommend long-term use due to health risks.
• Antidepressants - Low doses of certain antidepressants can reduce hot flash frequency.
• Lifestyle changes like staying cool, limiting triggers, managing stress, etc.

If hot flashes severely disrupt your life, see your doctor at Hormone Health Center. Getting to the root hormonal cause can help determine if and what treatments may help.