Hot Flushes and Night Sweats

Mathis Viollet

"My Body Feels Like the surface of the Sun"

-Hot flushes are sudden feelings of intense heat that can spread throughout the body, particularly the face, neck, and chest. They are a common symptom experienced by 80% women during menopause and can occur unexpectedly, often accompanied by sweating, flushing of the skin, and a rapid heartbeat, which last on average between 1-5mn but can be longer.

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"It’s like my body thermostat is malfunctioning"

Hot flushes are caused by hormonal changes associated with menopause, specifically fluctuations in estrogen levels. It is believed that changes in estrogen levels affect the body's thermoregulatory system, leading to a misinterpretation of temperature signals by the brain's hypothalamus. A minor temperature change can be interpreted as a heat threat.

As a result, the hypothalamus may mistakenly perceive minor changes in body temperature as a threat to the body's core temperature, triggering a cascade of physiological responses to cool the body down, even when it is not necessary. This overreaction leads to the characteristic sensations of heat and sweating associated with hot flushes.

Hot Flushes are often triggered by various factors, including Stress, Spicy foods. Caffeine. Alcohol. Smoking, Hot weather.

Hot flushes aren’t only linked to menopause — they can appear in lots of other situations. Illness or fever and other inflammatory states can bring sudden waves of heat. Certain medical conditions (for example thyroid disorders, some infections, hormonal imbalances, and neurological conditions) are known triggers, and medication-induced hot flushes can occur with some antidepressants, opioids and hormone treatments. For some people, flushes are menstrual cycle–related, showing up with PMS or at particular points in the cycle.

Day-to-day factors can play a role too. Stress or anxiety (including panic attacks) can prompt a surge of heat, as can food and drink triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol or very hot beverages. Everyone’s pattern is different, and these examples aren’t exhaustive — if hot flushes are new, frequent, severe, or come with other symptoms, it’s sensible to speak with a healthcare professional.

Hot Flushes and Night Sweats

"My Body Feels Like the surface of the Sun"

"It’s like my body thermostat is malfunctioning"

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