Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, which is a natural biological process that marks the end of a womans reproductive years. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones decrease, leading to various symptoms, including hot flashes.

Hot flashes are characterized by a sudden feeling of warmth spreading through the chest, neck, and face, followed by a flushed appearance with red, blotchy skin, rapid heartbeat, perspiration, mostly on the upper body, and a chilled feeling as the hot flash lets up. The frequency and intensity of hot flashes vary among women, and a single episode may last a minute or two or as long as 5 minutes.

Hot flashes are most commonly caused by changing hormone levels before, during, and after menopause. Its not clear exactly how hormonal changes cause hot flashes, but most research suggests that hot flashes occur when decreased estrogen levels cause your bodys thermostat (hypothalamus) to become more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. When the hypothalamus thinks your body is too warm, it starts a chain of events — a hot flash — to cool you down.

Other potential causes of hot flashes and night sweats include medication side effects, problems with the thyroid, certain cancers, and side effects of cancer treatment. Not all women who go through menopause have hot flashes, and factors that may increase your risk include smoking, obesity, and race.

There are several lifestyle changes that can help improve hot flashes, including avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine, maintaining a healthy weight, and exploring mind-body practices such as hypnotherapy and mindfulness meditation. Nonhormonal medications may also be used to treat hot flashes if lifestyle changes are not enough to improve symptoms. Hormone therapy is another option, but it is not suitable for everyone and may have potential risks.

In summary, hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause caused by changing hormone levels, and they can be managed through lifestyle changes, nonhormonal medications, and hormone therapy.