Having Hot Flashes: What You Should Know

You may notice warmth in the face, neck, chest, or upper body, followed by sweating and sometimes chills as your skin cools. Episodes can interrupt sleep or make work and social situations uncomfortable.

Hot flashes commonly occur during perimenopause and menopause, when shifts in oestrogen affect the brain's temperature-control system. They can also occur after ovarian surgery or with treatments that change hormone levels. Less commonly, medicines, thyroid conditions, infections, or other health problems can cause similar episodes, so a new or unusual pattern deserves attention.

The timing varies: some people have occasional episodes, while others experience them during the day and night. Night sweats can leave you tired, irritable, or less able to concentrate. Hot flashes do not by themselves confirm menopause; menstrual changes, age, medicines, and other symptoms help a clinician assess the cause. Explore information about [Perimenopause](/conditions/perimenopause/) and [Menopause](/conditions/menopause/) for context.

Track when episodes happen and note heat, stress, alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, smoking, or warm rooms as possible triggers. Wear light layers, keep your bedroom cool, use a fan, and sip cool water. Slow breathing may help an episode pass more comfortably. Regular movement, a steady sleep routine, and support with stress can also help some people.

If symptoms affect sleep, work, or quality of life, arrange a review rather than coping alone. A clinician can discuss whether [Hormone Replacement Therapy](/treatments/menopause-and-hormone-therapy/hormone-replacement-therapy/) or [Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatment](/treatments/menopause-and-hormone-therapy/non-hormonal-menopause-treatment/) fits your medical history. Do not start, stop, or share prescription treatment without advice.

Book a medical appointment if hot flashes are new, severe, steadily changing, disturbing sleep, or beginning before the expected time of menopause. Seek assessment if they come with unexplained weight change, persistent fever, a racing or irregular heartbeat, fainting, marked weakness, or soaking night sweats. If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, or collapse, seek urgent care.

Tell the clinician about your periods or bleeding pattern, medicines and supplements, alcohol or caffeine use, recent procedures, and any personal history that affects hormone treatment. Mention whether episodes happen with exertion, at rest, or during sleep.

You could ask: What might be causing my episodes? Could a medicine or another health condition be contributing? Which non-medicine measures are worth trying? What are the benefits and risks of hormone and non-hormonal options for me? Do I need an examination or tests because of my age, bleeding pattern, or other symptoms?