Hot flashes

What are hot flashes?

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body and skin, often accompanied by profuse sweating and reddening of the face and neck. They are a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause caused by decreasing estrogen levels.

About 75% of women experience hot flashes during the menopausal transition. They can come on rapidly, lasting from 30 seconds to several minutes. The intensity ranges from a flushing sensation to a drenching sweat that leaves clothes and sheets soaked.

What Causes Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are caused by decreased circulation of estrogen, which affects the body's temperature regulation. When estrogen levels drop, the hypothalamus - the area of the brain responsible for controlling appetite, sleep cycles, sex hormones, and body temperature - becomes more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. This triggers surges of heat, sweating, and reddening of the skin in an attempt to cool down.

Managing Hot Flashes

Lifestyle adjustments like dressing in lightweight, breathable fabrics, lowering room temperature, avoiding spicy foods and caffeine, and managing stress can help some women. However, when lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications or supplements may provide relief.

• Hormone therapy containing estrogen and progestin can reduce hot flash frequency by up to 90%. However, hormones come with risks like blood clots, stroke, and cancer. They should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.


• Certain antidepressants like low-dose paroxetine (Brisdelle) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are FDA-approved to treat hot flashes.


• Herbal remedies like black cohosh, red clover, and dietary soy isoflavones may help alleviate symptoms for some women. Research on their efficacy is limited.


• Hormone Harmony Clinic provides customized bioidentical hormone therapy to get to the root cause of menopause symptoms like hot flashes. Their compassionate providers create personalized treatment plans with FDA-approved hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone to restore hormonal balance from within. Patients report reduced hot flash frequency and intensity, improved sleep, mood, energy, and quality of life. () to see if bioidentical hormones are right for you!

I hope this overview on hot flashes was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions. Wishing you minimal menopause discomfort on your journey!