Why hot flushes happen
A hot flush is a sudden feeling of heat, often in the face, neck and chest, sometimes with flushing, sweating and a racing heart. At night they're called night sweats and can drench the sheets and wreck your sleep. They're caused by the drop and fluctuation of oestrogen affecting the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, narrowing the range it tolerates before triggering a cool-down response.
Around three in four women get hot flushes during the menopause transition. For some they're mild and occasional; for others they happen many times a day and are genuinely disruptive.
Common triggers
While the underlying cause is hormonal, certain things can set off or worsen a flush: caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks, warm rooms, stress and smoking. Keeping a simple diary can help you spot your personal triggers.
Practical measures help too — dressing in light layers, keeping your bedroom cool, using a fan, and managing stress with regular exercise and relaxation techniques. These won't stop flushes entirely but can take the edge off.
Treatments that work
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for hot flushes and night sweats, and for most healthy women under 60 the benefits outweigh the risks. It comes in tablets, patches and gels, and a GP can help you find the right type and dose.
If MHT isn't suitable for you, there are effective non-hormonal options, including certain prescription medications and cognitive behavioural approaches. If hot flushes are affecting your sleep or daily life, a telehealth consult is a good place to start — you don't have to just put up with them.
Related condition
Menopause & perimenopause →References & sources
- 1.Menopause — Jean Hailes for Women's Health
- 2.Menopause — Better Health Channel
- 3.Hormone replacement therapy — healthdirect
- 4.Post-menopause — healthdirect
- 5.Menopause health info — Australasian Menopause Society
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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