Overview

What are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are sudden sensations of heat most commonly felt in the face, neck, and chest. They can cause a reddening of the skin that resembles blushing and can lead to sweating that can also cause chills afterward. If they occur when you are sleeping, they are referred to as “night sweats”.

Hot flashes are most commonly a symptom of menopause and can vary in intensity as well as frequency. While the specific cause of hot flashes isn’t known, hormonal changes can cause the body to be particularly sensitive to variations in temperature.

The occurrence of hot flashes can vary from woman to woman and can occur a few times every week to several an hour. Treatments are available for bothersome hot flashes.