What are hot flashes?

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are physical responses to the body’s changing hormone levels and are often associated with menopause.  Also a symptom of perimenopause, hot flashes are experienced as a sudden feeling of intense heat or flushing and are often accompanied by sweating, increased, or racing heart rate.  Each person experiences hot flashes differently, as some people report a single hot flash can last for as little as two minutes, while others may last up to 30 minutes.  The feeling of intense heat usually begins in the face, head, and neck and can spread to the chest or the whole body.  This feeling of heat is usually also evidenced by an a feeling of increased skin temperature to the touch and/or a reddening or flushing of the face and cheeks. 

The standard hot flash is usually unexpected and may occur suddenly.  The heat intensity can peak within a minute and may continue to occur at its full intensity for a few minutes before residing.  Some women report a second type of hot flashes, called “ember flashes” or “slow hot flashes.”  This second type of hot flash is less intense than a standard hot flash, but can last for longer; up to 30 minutes at its lower intensity.

How often do people have hot flashes?

People can experience hot flashes in a variety of frequencies.  Some people report one to two hot flashes a day, while others report a feeling of almost constant, continuous hot flashes.  Over time, people generally report that hot flashes reduce with age or time after the onset of menopause.  However, hot flashes may appear before menopause even begins, and can last for many years afterward.  On the other hand, some people never experience hot flashes, and others may only experience mild or infrequent hot flashes.  In the worst cases, some women report dozens of hot flashes per day, often worse in situations like warm weather or a hot room. 

Some women also experience hot flashes while sleeping or at night, as estrogen levels are typically lowest at night, thus triggering a hot flash.  These “night sweats” can make it extremely difficult to get a good night’s sleep and can cause insomnia.  Many women experience difficulties with concentration, irritability or mood disturbances as a result of loss of sleep or a truly restful night.