Hot Flash

A hot flash is a sudden feeling of intense warmth that can cause a person to sweat and feel flushed. Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause and can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. They can also occur during other times of hormonal change such as perimenopause or during hormone therapy. Hot flashes can be accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, rapid heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness. The exact cause of hot flashes is unknown, but they are believed to be caused by a drop in the female hormone estrogen. Low levels of estrogen can cause the body to overreact to the slightest changes in temperature and trigger a hot flash.