Hot flashes and menopause — it’s nearly impossible to consider one without the other. Hot flashes are most likely the first symptom we contribute to menopause or perimenopause (the years before menopause).Hot flashes can happen at random, leaving you red-faced and covered with sweat. Even though other hormonal circumstances can cause them, hot flashes are commonly due to menopause. Hot flashes are quite ordinary with as many as 3 out of 4 women experience hot flashes during menopause.

Why do hot flashes occur? During menopause the body produces less estrogen and progesterone, resulting in hot flashes. During menopause the thermostat in the brain, the hypothalamus, gets mixed signals. It is as if it cannot decide between these hot and cold states. This alternation causes the blood vessels to enlarge and contract during irregular and unpredictable times. The increased blood flow in the body produced the feeling of heat which starts on the face, and continues to the chest. A lot of women perspire, and sometimes a chill follows the hot flash. Depending on the severity of the hot flash, some women may get headaches, feel weak, dizzy, tired or lose sleep. A number of women may have palpitations, skipped or erratic heartbeats. Women need to always remember to be sure to check with their doctor before attributing any of the above symptoms to menopause. Hot flashes can possibly be a sign of illness or medical disorders.

There’s no actual “standard” when it comes to timing of hot flashes. Some can last 15 to 30 seconds, whereas others can last up to 6 minutes. Most everyone who has come through a “Power Surge” has described the flashes continuing for approximately 5 minutes. However, they can last as long as 30 minutes to an hour. A number of women find that they can hit as often as every 90 minutes.