What Are Hot Flashes?
A hot flash is a sudden feeling of intense heat, often with sweating and a flushed face, typically lasting a few minutes. They are most commonly linked to perimenopause and menopause but can have other causes.
Common Causes
- Perimenopause and menopause (most common cause)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Certain medications
- Anxiety and stress
- Some medical treatments (e.g. hormone therapy for cancer)
- Rarely, an underlying endocrine disorder
Tests Your Doctor May Order
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FSH & Oestradiol | Assess menopausal status |
| TSH, Free T4 | Rules out an overactive thyroid |
| Fasting Glucose | Checks for blood sugar-related sweating episodes |
Tips for Relief
- Dress in layers and keep your environment cool
- Avoid common triggers — spicy food, caffeine, alcohol
- Practice slow, deep breathing when a flash starts
- Regular exercise can reduce frequency over time
- Discuss hormone therapy or non-hormonal medication options with your doctor if flashes are frequent or disruptive
Important: Frequent or severe hot flashes, especially outside the typical menopause age range, should be evaluated by a doctor.