What causes hot flashes?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
The root cause is the menopause transition: falling and fluctuating estrogen makes the brain's temperature regulation more sensitive, triggering a sudden warm feeling in the face, neck, and chest, often with sweating. At night they are called night sweats. MedlinePlus notes they are usually worst in the first 1 to 2 years, then ease for most women. Individual episodes are set off by triggers like caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, warm rooms, and stress.
What to do
- Track your triggers. Hot drinks, caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, and stress are the common ones - a week of notes shows your pattern.
- Cool the environment. Layers, a cooler bedroom, and a fan by the bed cut both frequency and misery.
- Consider treatment if they disrupt life. Hormone therapy and non-hormonal options exist; the right answer is individual.
- Get checked for the unusual. Hot flashes before 45, or alongside other symptoms, warrant a look at thyroid and other causes.
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