Hot flashes

What are hot flashes?

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often most pronounced in the face, neck and chest. They may also be accompanied by sweating and reddening of the skin as blood vessels near the surface of the skin dilate.

Hot flashes are primarily associated with perimenopause and menopause in women as declining estrogen levels affect the body's temperature regulation. However, they may happen to anyone at any age for various reasons. Some other causes include:

• Hormone-based medications like tamoxifen or androgen deprivation therapy


• Diseases involving the hypothalamus or pituitary gland


• Cancer therapies like chemotherapy or stem cell transplants


• Medications like antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, heart medications, opioids, etc.


• Medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, carcinoid tumors, leukemia, etc.


• Lifestyle factors like spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, stress, etc.

Some things you can do to help relieve hot flashes include:

• Wear loose, layered, breathable clothing


• Carry a portable fan


• Avoid triggers like hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods


• Practice relaxation techniques like paced breathing


• Consider non-hormonal medications like SSRI antidepressants


• Hormone therapy if related to menopause

If hot flashes are frequent and disruptive to your quality of life, see your healthcare provider to identify any underlying causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The medical team at Revive Hormone Clinic specializes in hormonal conditions and can provide customized care plans which may include bioidentical hormone therapy to help manage troublesome menopause symptoms. Contact them today to schedule a consultation!