What causes hot flushes?

A hot flush happens when the brain's temperature-control centre temporarily triggers widening of blood vessels and sweating. Hormone changes can make this response easier to set off. Perimenopause may bring episodes while periods are still occurring; menopause is reached after periods have stopped for a sustained time. Earlier loss of ovarian function, including Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, can also cause hormone-related flushing.

Warm rooms, alcohol, spicy food, emotional stress and some medicines may trigger episodes or make them feel stronger. The pattern, timing and accompanying symptoms help a clinician decide whether hormone changes or another cause deserves attention.

Note when episodes occur and record possible triggers, medicines, menstrual changes, sleep disruption and night sweating. Light layers, a cool bedroom, a fan, water nearby and slower breathing can make an episode easier to manage. Avoiding a trigger is useful only when it is clearly linked to your symptoms.

If flushing disrupts sleep, work or daily comfort, discuss treatment choices. Hormone Replacement Therapy may suit some people after a review of personal risks and health history; Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatment is another option when hormones are unsuitable or not wanted.

Arrange a medical review if hot flushes begin unexpectedly, are severe, persist outside a likely hormonal transition, or come with fever, unexplained weight change, persistent cough, palpitations or fainting. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion or collapse.

Ask what pattern your symptoms suggest, whether a medicine or health condition could be contributing, and which checks are appropriate. You can also ask how treatment options fit with your medical history and whether sleep or mood symptoms need separate support.