Hot flashes: definition and meaning
Hot flashes, called hot flushes in British English, are sudden waves of heat across the face, neck and chest, often with flushing, sweating and a racing heart, followed by chills. They usually last one to five minutes. They're the most common symptom of perimenopause and menopause, caused by falling estrogen affecting the brain's temperature control.
Why they happen
Estrogen helps tune the hypothalamus, the brain's thermostat. As estrogen falls and swings in perimenopause, the comfort zone narrows, so small rises in body temperature trigger a full cooling response: blood vessels open, you flush and sweat. At night they're called night sweats.
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Who gets them | Around 3 in 4 people going through menopause |
| How long each lasts | 1 to 5 minutes |
| How many years | Often about 7 years in total, longer for some |
What helps
- Layers, a fan, cool drinks and a cooler bedroom
- Noticing triggers: alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, hot drinks, stress
- HRT, the most effective treatment for most people
- Non-hormonal medicines, including some antidepressants and newer options
- CBT, which helps people cope and sleep better
Why it matters
Hot flashes aren't just uncomfortable. Night sweats break up sleep, and poor sleep feeds irritability, anxiety and low mood. Some people also get hot flashes before their period, from the premenstrual estrogen drop. More in the full menopause guide.
See a doctor if hot flashes disrupt your sleep or life, start before 40, or come with fever, weight loss, or a racing heart at other times, which may point to other causes like thyroid problems.
Frequently asked questions
What age do hot flashes start?
Usually in the mid to late 40s during perimenopause, though they can begin earlier.
Can you get hot flashes before your period?
Yes. Some people get them in the days before a period, especially in their late 30s and 40s, as estrogen drops.
Sources
This page is for information only and isn鈥檛 medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
Menopause, gently explainedMenopause explained kindly: what it is, the average age, how it's confirmed, what changes in your body and mood, treatment options and when to see a doctor.
Night sweats: definition and meaningNight sweats are heavy sweating during sleep that soaks your clothes or sheets. Why they happen before periods and in perimenopause, and when to see a doctor.Perimenopause: definition and meaningPerimenopause is the transition before menopause when hormones fluctuate and periods change, usually starting in your 40s. Signs, mood changes and timing.
Hot flashes before your period: why they happen and what helpsHot flashes or night sweats before your period? How falling estrogen and higher luteal temperature cause them, the perimenopause link, and what helps.Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): what it meansHormone replacement therapy (HRT) tops up estrogen, often with progestogen, to ease menopause symptoms. Types, benefits, risks and how mood can respond.