Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms women experience during perimenopause and menopause. They often feel like a sudden wave of heat spreading through the chest, neck, and face, sometimes followed by sweating, flushing, or chills. Many women also notice night sweats that disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and irritability during the day.

These symptoms occur because declining estrogen affects the body’s temperature regulation system in the brain. While hot flashes can last a few seconds to several minutes, they may happen multiple times per day and can continue for years if left untreated.

The good news is that there are effective treatment options. Hormone therapy using estrogen is considered the most effective treatment for moderate to severe hot flashes and can also improve sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. For women who cannot or prefer not to use hormones, there are also non-hormonal prescription medications and lifestyle strategies that can significantly reduce symptoms.

Every woman’s experience with menopause is different. A personalized approach can help identify the best treatment plan based on your symptoms, health history, and goals so you can feel like yourself again.