Understanding and Managing Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of menopause. You might be sitting at your desk feeling fine, when suddenly you’re overwhelmed by a wave of heat spreading from head to toe. You may feel like stripping off layers, stepping into the cold, or sitting directly in front of a fan. Hot flashes can be intense and disruptive, making it hard to concentrate on daily tasks. They can happen multiple times a day, sometimes triggered by something as simple as a warm drink.

At night, hot flashes may wake you up drenched in sweat, which can leave you feeling tired and frustrated. Sometimes, they’re accompanied by a racing heartbeat or palpitations. While this can feel alarming, it’s usually not harmful. Unfortunately, hot flashes can also worsen other menopause symptoms, like insomnia, brain fog, depression, or anxiety.

Why Do Hot Flashes Happen?

Hot flashes are linked to the drop in estrogen that occurs during menopause. They tend to be more intense for women who have had their uterus or ovaries removed. As estrogen levels begin to shift—sometimes as early as your late 30s—hot flashes can come and go.

While the exact cause of hot flashes isn’t fully understood, one theory suggests that the part of your brain responsible for regulating body temperature becomes overly sensitive to small changes in body heat. In response, your body dilates blood vessels in your skin to cool off, triggering a hot flash.

Another theory involves a brain chemical called Neurokinin B, which helps control body temperature. Normally, estrogen keeps Neurokinin B in balance, but when estrogen levels drop, Neurokinin B increases and may trigger hot flashes. A new medication, Veozah, blocks Neurokinin B and has been effective for many women. Stress hormones, like cortisol, may also play a role.

Hot flashes can also be a signal to monitor your health. Research suggests that women with more severe hot flashes may have a higher risk of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and osteoporosis.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes can last for years, but the good news is there are effective ways to manage them. Every woman deserves relief, and there are many options to explore:

Simple Lifestyle Changes

• Keep a fan nearby and lower the temperature in your home.

  
  

• Dress in layers and wear breathable fabrics.

  
  

• Try cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis, or relaxation techniques

  
  

• Maintain a healthy weight—less body fat is linked to fewer hot flashes.

  
  

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol.

  
  

• Eat a healthy, Mediterranean-style diet.

  
  

Medical Treatments

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, prescription treatments are available:

• Hormone Therapy: Estrogen (sometimes combined with progesterone) is highly effective for many women, even if you’re still having periods or have had treatments like endometrial ablation, chemotherapy, or a hysterectomy.

  
  

• Non-Hormonal Options: These include medications like Veozah, antidepressants, and other prescriptions tailored to your needs.

  
  

Alternative Options

• Supplements like rhapontic rhubarb root extract may help, but should be used under professional guidance.

  
  

• Acupuncture and other holistic therapies can also provide relief.

If you’re struggling with hot flashes, you’re not alone, and help is available! Together, we can create a personalized plan to manage your symptoms and help you feel your best as you navigate this stage of life.