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Hot flushes due to menopause
6-minute read
Key facts
- Hot flushes — also called hot flashes — are a symptom of menopause in females.
- Not all females need treatment for hot flushes at menopause.
- Hot flushes cause you to feel warm, and some skin redness may also happen.
- If your hot flushes are severe, speak to your doctor about how they can help.
- Depending on your symptoms your doctor may organise for you to have other health checks.
What are hot flushes?
A hot flush may be a symptom of menopause. They are also called hot flashes. When hot flushes happen at night, they are called night sweats.
Most females (about 8 in every 10) have some symptoms of menopause.
The most common are:
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- a dry vagina
About 1 in every 4 people who go through menopause have severe symptoms and need treatment from a doctor.
Hot flushes may occur during perimenopause (before menopause). They can continue in females over 60 years of age. Your hot flushes should get better over time.
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What are the symptoms of hot flushes?
During a hot flush, you may have a feeling of warmth and your skin may become red (flush). This can start in your chest and spread to your neck and face. You may start to sweat.
Everyone experiences hot flushes differently. Some people may have them only sometimes, while other people may have them more often. They may last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes.
Night sweats may wake you from your sleep. You may need to change your sheets during the night due to heavy sweating.
What causes hot flushes?
It's not known why females have hot flushes. However, lower levels of oestrogen may influence how your body regulates temperature.
As you age, the balance of hormones in your body changes. If you go through menopause early (before age 45 years), you are more likely to have symptoms that bother you.
You might find certain things make it more likely for you to have hot flushes, such as:
If you smoke or have been treated for cancer this can make hot flushes more likely.
When should I see my doctor?
Speak to your doctor if your hot flushes affect your daily activities or night-time sleep.
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How is the cause of hot flushes diagnosed?
Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms. They will ask about your menstrual cycle (periods) and medical history.
Your doctor may suggest that you have a general health check. This may cover:
- blood glucose test
- bone density check
- breast check
- cancer screening — including cervical cancer and bowel cancer
- cardiac (heart) check-up
- changes to your contraception (birth control)
- mental health screening
How are hot flushes treated?
There are different types of treatments for hot flushes, including:
- menopausal hormone therapy
- non-medicine treatments — such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- non-hormonal drug treatments
Some people find their symptoms are manageable and choose not to have treatment.
Your doctor will suggest a treatment that's right for you.
Self-care at home
Your doctor may also give you advice on managing your symptoms without taking medicines through:
- stress reduction
- regular exercise
- weight management
- eating a balanced diet
- reducing your alcohol and caffeine intake
- quitting smoking
Other treatment options
There is less evidence to support the use of complementary treatments such as
- herbal medicines
- soy extracts and soy foods
Unfortunately, over-the-counter and herbal medicines do not reduce menopausal symptoms.
Speak with your doctor before using complementary treatments. They may not be safe for you depending on your medical history and any medicines you take.
Can hot flushes be prevented?
You may be able to reduce the impact of your hot flushes by finding things that trigger them. This may include things such as:
- stress
- anxiety
- spicy food
- alcohol
- hot drinks
Ask your doctor if there are medicines that can help prevent hot flushes.
What are the complications of hot flushes?
You may find that hot flushes affect your quality of life. Night sweats may disturb your sleep, meaning that:
- you need to change your sheets during the night due to heavy sweating
- you are tired and irritable during the day
Your hot flushes may continue after menopause.
Research shows that people who have hot flushes at menopause may be at an increased chance of:
- heart disease
- greater bone loss
- depression and mood changes
Resources and support
The NSW Government has a menopause symptom checklist in multiple languages and an Easy Read version.
They also have a checklist for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Learn more about how to manage your health in your 40s or manage your health in your 50s.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.