How is hot flushes treated?

Hot flushes are brief episodes of heat, sweating or flushing that often occur as hormone levels change during perimenopause and menopause. They can disturb sleep, work and concentration. A clinician will consider your age, menstrual pattern, medical history, medicines and whether symptoms began earlier than expected. Hot flushes can also occur with premature ovarian insufficiency, so the reason for the symptom matters when choosing treatment.

Hormone replacement therapy can help when it is appropriate, with the type selected according to whether you have a uterus and other health factors. Non-hormonal treatment may suit people who cannot use hormones or prefer another approach. Keep the room cool, wear removable layers, identify triggers such as hot drinks or alcohol, and use paced breathing during an episode. Record timing and impact so your clinician can judge whether treatment is helping.

Make an appointment if flushes are new, severe, disrupting sleep or affecting daily activities. Seek prompt assessment for hot flushes with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, confusion or a high fever. Bleeding after menopause should be assessed separately rather than assumed to be part of a flush.

Ask whether your symptoms fit perimenopause or menopause, whether hormone therapy is suitable, and what non-hormonal alternatives are available. Ask how to review treatment, which side effects matter, and whether another condition or medicine could be contributing.