What Are the Signs of a Hot Flash?

Most of us know that hot flashes (aka hot flushes) are often experienced by women during perimenopause and menopause. Although the phrase is quite evocative, what exactly does a hot flash feel like? 

In general, hot flashes are characterized by a sudden sensation of intense and overwhelming heat.

But there can be more to it than that. Let’s take a look…

Signs Commonly Associated With Hot Flashes

Here are some signs commonly associated with hot flashes:

Sudden Sensation of Intense Heat

A hot flash typically begins with a sudden feeling of warmth or heat that spreads over the face, neck, and upper body.

Flushed Skin

The skin may become red and flushed during a hot flash. Some individuals experience blotchy skin or a reddened appearance, particularly on the chest, neck, and face.

Sweating

Profuse sweating often accompanies a hot flash. It can range from mild perspiration to drenching sweat.

Rapid Heartbeat

Many women may notice an increased heart rate or palpitations during a hot flash.

A Feeling of Being Chilled

Following a hot flash, some individuals may experience a brief period of feeling cold or chilled as the body temperature drops.

Anxiety or Irritability

Hot flashes can sometimes be accompanied by feelings of anxiety, irritability, or restlessness.

Night Sweats

Hot flashes that occur during sleep are referred to as night sweats. They can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

Duration and Frequency

Hot flashes typically last for a few minutes but can vary in duration. They may occur sporadically or multiple times throughout the day.

Why Do Hot Flashes Happen During Perimenopause?

During perimenopause, which is the transitional phase before menopause, hot flashes commonly occur. The exact cause of hot flashes during perimenopause is not fully understood, but it is believed that hot flashes occur because of hormonal changes in the body. Here’s how it’s thought to break down:

Fluctuating Hormone Levels

Perimenopause is characterized by hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen levels. It is believed that these hormonal changes disrupt the body's thermoregulatory system, which is responsible for maintaining a stable body temperature.

Hypothalamus involvement

The hypothalamus, a region in the brain, plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. Estrogen is known to influence the hypothalamus, and the decline in estrogen levels during perimenopause can affect the hypothalamus's function. This disruption can lead to the hypothalamus perceiving an increase in body temperature when there isn't one, triggering a hot flash.

Vasomotor instability

Hot flashes are thought to be a result of vasomotor instability, which refers to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. When a hot flash occurs, blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate, causing flushing and increased blood flow to the skin. This sudden dilation of blood vessels leads to the characteristic sensation of heat and sweating associated with hot flashes.

It's worth noting that while hot flashes are most commonly associated with perimenopause and menopause, they can also be caused by other factors such as certain medications, thyroid disorders, stress, anxiety, or certain lifestyle factors. No two women will experience hot flashes the same way. If you are experiencing bothersome hot flashes, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance, support, and potential treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

Steps You Can Take to Manage, Prevent and Treat Hot Flashes

While it's not possible to completely eliminate hot flashes, there are several strategies you can try to reduce their severity or frequency, as well as some options for treating hot flashes. Here are some suggestions:

Dress in Layers

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. Dressing in layers allows you to remove clothing as needed when a hot flash occurs.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress can trigger or worsen hot flashes. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or engaging in activities you enjoy.

Keep Your Environment Cool

Keep your environment cool by using fans, air conditioning, or opening windows. Use a portable fan or carry a handheld fan to use during hot flashes.

Avoid Food & Drink That Trigger Hot Flashes

Identify any triggers that seem to worsen your hot flashes and try to avoid them. Common triggers include spicy foods, hot beverages, alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Some women find that sipping cold water during a hot flash can help alleviate the sensation of heat.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Some studies suggest that maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the severity of hot flashes. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being during perimenopause.

Explore Alternative Therapies

Some women find relief from hot flashes through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, or herbal supplements like black cohosh. However, the effectiveness of these therapies varies from person to person, so it's important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before trying them.

Discuss Hormone Therapy With Your Doctor

If your hot flashes are severe and significantly affect your quality of life, you can discuss hormone therapy options with your healthcare provider. Hormone therapy involves taking medications that contain estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin to help alleviate menopausal symptoms. However, hormone therapy may not be suitable for everyone, so it's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so it may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you. If your hot flashes are persistent, severe, or significantly impact your daily life, it's advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management options.

Discuss SSRIs With Your Doctor

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of medications primarily used to treat depression and anxiety. However, certain SSRIs have been found to be effective in treating symptoms of perimenopause—including reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes, particularly in women who cannot or do not want to use hormone therapy. 

If you are considering using an SSRI for the management of hot flashes, it's important to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and side effects with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your specific situation, medical history, and any other medications you may be taking to determine if an SSRI is an appropriate option for you.

Severe Hot Flashes? When to See a Doctor

While hot flashes are a common symptom during perimenopause and menopause, there are instances when it is recommended to seek medical attention for severe or concerning hot flashes. Here are some situations in which you should consider seeing a doctor:

Interference With Your Daily Life

If hot flashes are significantly affecting your quality of life, disrupting your sleep, or interfering with your ability to perform everyday activities, it's important to seek medical help. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment options to manage the severity of hot flashes.

Other Concerning Symptoms

If you experience additional symptoms along with hot flashes that are concerning or unusual, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms may include excessive bleeding, pain, vaginal discharge, or any other symptoms that are causing you distress.

Onset Before Age 40

If you start experiencing hot flashes before the age of 40, it could indicate a different underlying medical condition. Consulting a doctor can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

Risk Factors or Medical History

If you have a personal or family history of certain medical conditions, such as breast cancer or blood clots, or if you have specific risk factors, it's advisable to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your individual situation and provide appropriate guidance.

Persistence or Worsening of Symptoms

If your hot flashes persist or worsen over time rather than improving or becoming less frequent, it's worth seeking medical attention. A doctor can assess your condition and help determine the underlying cause or explore alternative treatment options.

Don’t depend on Dr. Google! Remember, a healthcare professional is always the best resource to evaluate your specific situation and provide personalized advice. They can help determine the underlying cause of your severe hot flashes and recommend appropriate treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.