Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth that spread across the body and face. They result from hormone changes that occur during menopause, the time when a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently.
What do hot flashes feel like?
Some women describe hot flash sensations like:
- A sudden, intense heat wave spreading through the upper body and face
- Flushing, redness, and sweating, often starting at the chest and moving up to the neck and head
- Heart palpitations or increased heart rate
- Anxiety, irritability, or nausea may also accompany hot flashes
Hot flashes typically last 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Some women get just a few hot flashes, while others can get several per day.
How are hot flashes treated?
Options for relieving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes include:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen supplements can reduce hot flash frequency by 85-90%. However, hormones come with health risks like stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer.
- Antidepressants - Low doses of certain antidepressants can decrease hot flash severity by 60-70% when taken daily.
- Lifestyle changes - Staying cool, limiting triggers like caffeine and alcohol, getting regular exercise, and managing stress may help reduce hot flashes.
- Herbal remedies - Some women find relief using botanical supplements, but clinical evidence is limited regarding efficacy and long-term safety.
If hot flashes interfere significantly with daily life, consult a healthcare provider at Rejuvenate Clinic about treatment options suited to your needs and health status. Keeping a symptom diary can help identify hot flash triggers and track what therapies work best to control them.