Why do hot flushes happen during menopause?

Hot flushes are one of the most common experiences during the stages of menopause and are often described as a sudden wave of intense heat.

Hot flushes and night sweats are some of the most well-known symptoms of menopause.

These changes occur as the body moves through the transition towards the menopause milestone.

While they are a normal biological response they can be unpredictable and vary significantly in intensity between individuals.

How menopause affects the body's temperature control

The brain contains a specific centre that acts as the body's internal thermostat to regulate temperature. During menopause this system becomes significantly more sensitive to even minor fluctuations in the environment or internal body state.

Even a small rise in heat can trigger a rapid response from the body as it attempts to regulate its temperature.

This heightened sensitivity means the body is essentially overreacting to thermal signals that it may have ignored in the past.

How oestrogen affects hot flushes in menopause

Hormonal changes during perimenopause impact how the brain manages heat. Oestrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause and, as oestrogen is closely linked to the brain's temperature control centre, the body may react as if it is overheating even when the external temperature is stable.

Gaining insight into hormone changes during perimenopause can help explain why these sensations feel so sudden and intense.

What happens during a hot flush?

When a hot flush begins the blood vessels near the surface of the skin widen to release heat through a process called vasodilation. This increases blood flow and creates a sudden feeling of warmth that often affects the face neck and chest.

This response is a normal biological process as the body attempts to cool itself down quickly by bringing blood closer to the surface.

Why sweating follows a hot flush

Following the sudden heat response the body may respond with sweating in an attempt to further lower the temperature. As moisture evaporates from the skin the flush passes and many women notice a chilled sensation as the body temperature settles back towards a normal range.

This cycle of heating and cooling can happen multiple times a day or night and can significantly impact your comfort.

What triggers hot flushes in menopause?

While hot flushes can occur without any warning they are often triggered by specific factors such as warm environments or stress. Triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol can stimulate the temperature control centre and increase the frequency of physical symptoms.

Identifying these triggers is an important step in maintaining your daily comfort and overall wellbeing.

When to see a doctor

If hot flushes are frequent, severe or interfering with your daily life it is important to arrange a menopause consultation.

This can provide clarity, help identify the cause of your discomfort, and rule out other underlying health conditions that may be contributing.

Key points

Hot flushes are caused by changes in internal temperature regulation.
Hormone levels such as oestrogen affect how the brain manages heat.
Blood vessels widen to create a sudden feeling of warmth in the face and chest.
Sweating is the body's attempt to cool down quickly.
Symptoms should be assessed by a professional if they become bothersome.

Medically reviewed by Dr Susana Rodriguez, menopause clinician at ClaraSana Women’s Health, Perth.

Our content is based on up-to-date Australian guidelines & may differ from information on other sites.

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