Hot Flashes in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Hot Flashes in Women
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Hot flashes are no joke—they hit like a sudden, uninvited wave of heat that starts deep inside and spreads out, leaving you feeling like you’re on fire from the inside out. One minute, you’re fine, and the next, it’s like someone cranked up the thermostat to unbearable levels.

Sweat pours out of nowhere, soaking through your clothes and making you feel sticky and uncomfortable. Your face flushes red, your heart races like you’ve just run a marathon, and when it’s finally over, you’re left chilled, damp, and drained. It’s not just physical—it messes with your sleep, mood, and ability to focus. 

Sometimes it feels like your body has betrayed you. These hot flashes occur due to hormonal changes during menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, which affects the body’s temperature regulation. If you’re dealing with hot flashes, we want you to know that you’re not alone, and let’s jump into how we can help manage hot flashes naturally.

What Are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are sudden sensations of intense heat that primarily affect the upper body. It feels like your body’s thermostat has gone haywire. For many women, they often start with a sudden rush of heat in the chest or neck that spreads upward, leaving them flushed and sometimes, drenched in sweat. They typically last between 1–5 minutes and may occur multiple times a day or night (commonly referred to as night sweats). Here’s what many women experience during a hot flash: 

  • Sudden warmth: Often concentrated in the upper body.
  • Flushing: Redness in the face and neck.
  • Sweating: Sometimes intense enough to soak through clothes.
  • Rapid heartbeat: A racing or irregular pulse can accompany the heat.
  • Chills afterward: As your body cools down post-flash.

These episodes vary in intensity and frequency among women, with some experiencing mild discomfort and others facing severe disruptions to their daily lives.

Why Do Hot Flashes Happen?

Hot flashes1 are primarily caused by the hormonal changes of menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps regulate the hypothalamus, which acts as your body’s thermostat. When estrogen levels drop, the hypothalamus becomes overly sensitive to temperature changes, triggering these intense heat episodes. It’s a reminder of how deeply interconnected our hormones are with our overall health.

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Treatment Options for Hot Flashes

Treatment Options for Hot Flashes

Managing hot flashes is a personal journey. What works for one woman might not work for another. You can consider hormone replacement, non-hormonal methods, or holistic approaches that do not require adding medication to your regimen. Here are some approaches that have helped me and others:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is considered one of the most effective treatments for hot flashes. By supplementing estrogen levels, you can stabilize your body’s temperature regulation. However, it’s not suitable for everyone due to risks like blood clots or certain cancer23. If you’re considering HRT, talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you 

Non-Hormonal Medications

For women who cannot use HRT, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or gabapentin may help reduce hot flash frequency and intensity. 

The Holistic Approach to Managing Hot Flashes

A comprehensive approach to managing hot flashes in women often yields the best results. This may include:

  • Dietary adjustments: Avoid triggers! Such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and hot drinks can exacerbate symptoms. Try incorporating phytoestrogen-rich foods such as soy, seeds, nuts & legumes. 
  • Regular exercise: Helps regulate hormones and improve overall well-being. Whatever your choice of movement, keep it consistent!
  • Mindfulness practices: Techniques like meditation, breathwork, or choosing a yin yoga practice can reduce stress-induced hot flashes. 
  • Acupuncture: Some studies suggest it may help alleviate menopausal symptoms

Supplements for Hot Flashes

Supplements for Hot Flashes

Many women turn to natural supplements as an alternative to medication. It’s best to consider the side effects that may happen if you decide to choose a medication regimen for your hot flashes. At Her Bio, we do extensive research into what ingredients are best for your symptoms. After taking the quiz on our website, you’ll get a personalized blend that includes important ingredients to reduce hot flashes. Some evidence-based ingredients we include in our menopause list are:

Soy Isoflavones: These plant-based compounds mimic estrogen in the body and have been shown to reduce hot flashes by up to 57% in some studies. 

Flaxseed: During menopause, women experience a decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Studies have suggested that flaxseed may help reduce the severity of these symptoms by providing a natural source of estrogen-like compounds called lignans.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek is effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats by regulating estrogen levels in the body.

To all the women navigating menopause: we see you. Hot flashes are more than just a physical discomfort—they can be emotionally draining too. But here’s the good news: relief is possible. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or natural remedies, there are ways to regain control and improve your quality of life.

Remember, this phase doesn’t define you—it’s just one chapter in our journey as strong, resilient women. Be patient with yourself as you explore what works best for you. And don’t hesitate to reach out for support—whether it’s from friends, family, or healthcare providers. 

Together, we can navigate this challenging time with grace and compassion. You’ve got this!

  1. Bansal R, Aggarwal N. Menopausal Hot Flashes: A Concise Review. J Midlife Health. 2019 Jan-Mar;10(1):6-13. doi: 10.4103/jmh.JMH_7_19. PMID: 31001050; PMCID: PMC6459071. ↩︎
  2. Morrow PK, Mattair DN, Hortobagyi GN. Hot flashes: a review of pathophysiology and treatment modalities. Oncologist. 2011;16(11):1658-64. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2011-0174. Epub 2011 Oct 31. PMID: 22042786; PMCID: PMC3233302. ↩︎
  3. Bansal R, Aggarwal N. Menopausal Hot Flashes: A Concise Review. J Midlife Health. 2019 Jan-Mar;10(1):6-13. doi: 10.4103/jmh.JMH_7_19. PMID: 31001050; PMCID: PMC6459071. ↩︎

FAQs

Hot flashes typically last 1–5 minutes per episode but can persist for years, sometimes 7–10 years or longer.
Yes! Foods rich in phytoestrogens (like soy), omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), and whole grains may help alleviate symptoms.
If your hot flashes are severe enough to disrupt daily life or occur alongside other concerning symptoms like weight loss or irregular periods, consult a healthcare provider.

Why Personalisation Matters:

Every woman is distinct, and your supplement needs are unique. Our quiz considers your individual health, symptoms, and lifestyle to create a supplement blend that aligns with your cycle and fitness goals.

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