Hot flashes

What are hot flashes?

Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are sudden feelings of warmth which are usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. They result from decreasing estrogen levels and represent the hallmark symptom of the menopausal transition.

While hot flashes are normal, they can negatively impact quality of life for some women. Over 80% of women experience hot flashes around menopause, with symptoms often lasting 6 months to 5 years. However, around 10% of women experience moderate to severe hot flashes for more than 10 years!

What Causes Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes happen when the hypothalamus, the body's internal thermostat, becomes more sensitive to small changes in body temperature. This triggers:

• Blood vessels near skin's surface to dilate rapidly


• Heart rate to increase


• Sweat glands to activate

The exact reasons why this happens are still being studied, but we know it relates to changes in estrogen and neurotransmitters like norepinephrine.

Managing Hot Flashes:

While hot flashes will eventually dissipate for most women, there are many things you can do to find relief in the meantime:

• Dress in layers and use fans or ACs to cool down


• Exercise regularly - studies show active women have less severe hot flashes


• Reduce stress through yoga, meditation or counseling


• Avoid triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and warm rooms

• Estrogen therapy - the most effective treatment with 90% reduction in symptoms


• Certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications


• Herbal remedies like black cohosh, red clover and soy isoflavones