Hot flashes are sudden feelings of intense warmth, often accompanied by sweating, rapid heartbeat, and flushing. They are the most common symptom of menopause, affecting up to 80% of women.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-19
Hot flashes are sudden, intense feelings of heat that spread across the body, particularly the face, neck, and chest. They can last from 30 seconds to several minutes and are often accompanied by sweating, rapid heartbeat, and skin flushing. Research suggests they are caused by changes in the hypothalamus — the body's thermostat — as estrogen levels decline.
Declining estrogen levels affect the hypothalamus, making it more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. When the hypothalamus thinks your body is too warm, it triggers a hot flash to cool you down — dilating blood vessels, increasing heart rate, and activating sweat glands.
Contact your healthcare provider if hot flashes are disrupting your sleep, work, or daily life, or if they are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or other concerning symptoms.
Hot Flasher provides informational content only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.