Does menopause cause hot flushes?

During the menopause transition, changing hormone levels can make the brain’s temperature-control system react to a smaller change in body heat. A flush may bring sudden warmth in the face, neck or chest, followed by sweating and sometimes chills. Episodes can happen during the day or at night and may disturb sleep.

Hot flushes can occur for reasons other than menopause, including some medicines, thyroid problems or infections. A new, severe or unusual pattern deserves an assessment rather than an assumption about its cause.

Keep the room cool, wear removable layers, and consider a fan or cool drink when a flush begins. Notice triggers such as heat, alcohol, spicy foods, stress or crowded rooms. If symptoms affect sleep, work or comfort, a clinician can discuss hormonal and non-hormonal options that fit your health history.

Arrange medical advice if flushes are new, worsening, associated with fever, unexplained weight change, chest pain, fainting or breathlessness, or begin after a long symptom-free period. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty or collapse.

Could another condition or medicine be contributing? Which treatment options suit my history? How should I track night sweats and sleep disruption?