Hot flushes: a sudden wave of heat over your face, neck and chest, often with sweating and red, flushed skin.
Why hot flushes matter
Hot flushes are one of the most common signs of perimenopause and menopause. As many as 3 in 4 women get them in the years around menopause.
They're caused mainly by falling oestrogen, which unsettles your body's temperature control.
What to expect:
- Each one usually lasts one to five minutes.
- Some women get more than ten a day, for months or even years.
- Night sweats can break your sleep, leaving you tired and irritable.
Thyroid problems, infections and some medicines can also cause them.
What helps with hot flushes
Notice your own triggers. Common ones are:
- spicy food
- hot or caffeinated drinks like chai and coffee
- alcohol
- hot weather, heavy clothes and hot baths
- smoking and stress
To stay cool:
- Dress in cotton layers.
- Keep a fan nearby.
- Sip cold water or chaas.
- Use light sheets at night.
Regular exercise, ideally somewhere cool, and keeping a healthy weight can help, as extra weight can make hot flushes stronger.
Slow breathing, yoga or meditation can calm the stress side. If they're severe, talk to your doctor.
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Checked against: Cleveland Clinic: Hot Flashes: Triggers, How Long They Last & Treatments. General information, not medical advice.
Related words
MenopausePerimenopauseOestrogenPostmenopauseHydrationPhytoestrogens
Foods to read about
Cucumber (Kheera)Coconut waterWater melon (Tarbuj)
Where it comes up
Sample diet charts
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