Hot flushes
A sudden wave of heat through the chest, neck and face, often with flushing and a racing heart.
What it feels like
A hot flush usually starts as a sudden feeling of heat in the chest, neck or face. It can spread through the body, bring on sweating and redness, and leave you chilled afterwards. Some last seconds, others several minutes. Some women have one a week, others many a day.
Why it happens
Falling and fluctuating oestrogen affects the part of the brain that controls body temperature. Its comfortable range narrows, so small changes in temperature trigger the body to try to cool down quickly.
How long it lasts
Hot flushes often start in perimenopause, before periods stop. For many women they last several years, and for some much longer.
What can help
- HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flushes and night sweats for most women. Our guide to HRT in the UK covers the types, the risks and how to get it.
- Non-hormonal medicines are an option if HRT is not suitable or not wanted. Several work well for flushes and night sweats, and your doctor will explain which fit your history.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can reduce how much flushes affect daily life.
- Layers, a fan, and noticing triggers such as alcohol, caffeine or spicy food can help at the margins. Soya and other foods high in oestrogen have a modest effect for some women after two to three months.
When to see a doctor
If flushes are affecting your sleep, work or mood, it is worth a conversation. A doctor can also check that nothing else, such as a thyroid problem, is causing them.
At Arc, your doctor builds an HRT plan around your symptoms rather than starting everyone on the same prescription, and adjusts it at your reviews until the flushes are under control.
Often goes with hot flushes.
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Body
Joint pain
Aching, stiff joints and muscles, often worse in the morning, without an obvious injury.
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Sleep & energy
Night sweats
Hot flushes that happen at night, often soaking sheets and breaking sleep.
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Mood & mind
Brain fog
Losing words mid-sentence, forgetting why you walked into a room, struggling to focus.
Free three-minute symptom check
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Questions about hot flushes, answered.
Can perimenopause cause hot flushes before my periods stop?
Yes. Hot flushes often begin in perimenopause, while you are still having periods, sometimes years before they stop.
Will HRT help with hot flushes, and how quickly?
HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flushes for most women. Many notice a difference within a few weeks, and it can take up to three months to feel the full effect.
What if HRT isn't right for me?
There are non-hormonal medicines and CBT, which can reduce how much flushes affect you. Your doctor will go through the options that suit your health history.
Could something else be causing my flushes?
Sometimes. Thyroid problems, some medicines and, rarely, other conditions can cause flushing. Your doctor will consider these at your consultation.
Hormones matter.
Let's treat them properly.
Medical care that puts you back in control, with a doctor who listens, clear options and treatment tailored to you.
