Still Getting Hot Flashes After Menopause? Here’s Why & How to Stop Them
Didn't expect hot flashes after menopause to stick around? You're not alone! Many women continue to experience sudden waves of heat, sometimes with nausea and dizziness, even after menopause. But what if these symptoms aren’t just hormonal? Factors like medications, thyroid issues, or other health conditions can also trigger hot flashes not related to menopause. In this guide, we’ll break down why these lingering symptoms happen, what could be causing them, and—most importantly—how to cool down and find lasting relief.
Menopause or Another Condition? Why You’re Experiencing Hot Flashes, Nausea & Dizziness
Hot flashes occur due to changes in the body’s regulation of temperature, largely driven by fluctuating hormone levels. Nearly 75% of women experience hot flashes during menopause, with some women reporting them as early as perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause.
A study published in Menopause explored the risk factors associated with hot flashes in women undergoing the menopausal transition. The research found that up to 80% of women experience hot flashes during midlife, with symptoms often lasting approximately 10 years from onset through the menopausal transition. The study identified factors such as discomfort, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and decreased quality of life as commonly associated with hot flashes.
Additionally, hot flashes after menopause, even at 70 years of age and older, are more common than many realize. While they typically occur during perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes can persist long after these stages. The primary cause is often fluctuating estrogen levels or low estrogen production, which disrupts the body’s temperature regulation. If you're experiencing hot flashes after menopause, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the cause, confirm whether it's related to menopause or another condition, and explore effective treatment options for relief.
Sweating Through the Night? What Menopausal Hot Flashes Really Feel Like
Struggling with sudden heat waves and drenched sheets at night? Here’s what menopausal hot flashes really feel like and how they can disrupt your sleep.
- Sudden feeling of intense heat: When estrogen levels drop, the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that regulates body temperature — starts misreading your body’s actual temperature. This causes the body to feel overheated, leading to the sensation of intense heat, particularly around the face, neck, and chest.
- Sweating followed by chills: As the body tries to cool down, it sweats profusely. After sweating, the body cools too much, causing chills.
- Flushed or red skin: The blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate in response to heat, causing it to become red or flushed.
- Increased heart rate or palpitations: The body’s reaction to overheating involves an increase in heart rate as part of its effort to dissipate heat quickly.
- Feeling of anxiety or discomfort: The sudden onset of heat and changes in bodily functions can cause feelings of anxiety, discomfort, or a sense of urgency.
Hot flashes, and the sensations listed above, can last from a few seconds to several minutes, though they may seem longer due to the discomfort they cause.
Recognizing these signs early and seeking support can help manage hot flashes effectively during menopause.
Menopausal vs. Non-Menopausal Hot Flashes—How to Tell the Difference
Hot flashes are often associated with menopause, but they can also occur due to other health conditions, lifestyle factors, or medical issues. Understanding the difference between menopausal vs. non-menopausal hot flashes is essential for identifying the root cause and finding the right treatment.
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes occur due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in estrogen. They typically present as:
- Sudden warmth or heat spreading over the face, neck, and chest
- Excessive sweating, especially at night (night sweats)
- Chills or shivering after the heat subsides
- Increased heart rate or mild palpitations
These flashes often begin during perimenopause and may continue post-menopause, though they usually lessen over time.
Non-Menopausal Hot Flashes
Hot flashes outside of menopause can be triggered by various factors, such as:
- Hormonal imbalances due to health issues (thyroid disorders, adrenal issues)
- Medications (antidepressants, diabetes drugs, chemotherapy)
- Medical conditions (infections, certain cancers, neurological disorders)
- Stress & anxiety (activating the body's fight-or-flight response)
- Dietary triggers (spicy foods, caffeine)
How to Tell the Difference
- If you're in your 40s or 50s and experiencing irregular periods, menopause is likely the cause.
- If you’re younger, not in menopause, or have additional symptoms like weight loss, rapid heart rate, or night sweats unrelated to sleep, another medical condition might be responsible.
When to Seek Help
- If your hot flashes are severe, persistent, or accompanied by unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
- A doctor can help determine the exact cause through blood tests and medical evaluations and discuss possible treatment options.
Your Hot Flash Solution Starts Here—Should You Go Natural or Choose Medical Help?
While some women prefer natural remedies like herbal supplements and vitamins, others find relief through medical treatments such as hormone therapy or prescription medications. Understanding how each option works, its benefits, and potential side effects can help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
Popular Natural Supplements for Hot Flashes
Many women prefer a natural approach to managing menopause symptoms, turning to herbal supplements, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments. These focus on supporting hormonal balance without the use of synthetic medications.
- Black Cohosh – One of the most researched herbal remedies, believed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
- Red Clover – Contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen and may help with menopause symptoms.
- Maca Root – Known for supporting energy levels, mood balance, and hormonal health.
- Evening Primrose Oil – Used to manage hot flashes, night sweats, and hormonal fluctuations.
- Soy Isoflavones – Found in soy-based foods and supplements, these compounds act as weak estrogens and may provide mild relief.
Medical Treatments for Hot Flashes
While medical interventions may be the most effective solution for individuals experiencing severe or persistent hot flashes, only 20%–30% of women seek medical help for symptoms. The following are common medical treatments for hot flashes that may provide relief.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for menopausal hot flashes; however, it may not be suitable for individuals with a history of breast cancer or certain health conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting HRT.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) – Originally used for depression, certain SSRIs like paroxetine and fluoxetine can also help reduce hot flashes.
- Gabapentin – A medication often used for nerve pain that has been shown to help with hot flashes.
- Clonidine – A blood pressure medication that may also reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause and Hot Flashes
Key Takeaways: Understanding and Overcoming Hot Flashes During and After Menopause
Hot flashes are a common and often uncomfortable symptom of menopause, but they can be managed with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. Hormonal fluctuations are the primary cause of hot flashes, but understanding the triggers and adopting proactive strategies—such as hormone therapy, dietary adjustments, and menopause supplements—can significantly reduce their impact. With the right approach, women can navigate menopause with greater comfort and ease.
Zuri Hawkins-Jarrett
Before deciding to attend the University of Georgia for undergrad and pharmacy school, Zuri knew she had a love of science and a passion for helping people. Although she changed her major several times, she finally landed in pharmacy, where she found her niche. After graduating from pharmacy school in 2016, she moved to Columbus, Georgia, where she completed two years of pharmacy residency training. In her second year, Zuri cared for insured and uninsured populations. These experiences highlighted the importance of patient education and how it affects a person's health outcomes. Zuri graduated from her residency program in 2018 and started as a clinical pharmacy specialist with Kaiser Permanente Georgia. In this role, she had the opportunity to provide direct patient care and education on various health conditions. Despite finding a job that spoke to her passion for helping others, she still felt she could do more. In 2019, Zuri enrolled at Emory University to complete a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on prevention science. One course, in particular, sparked her interest in an area she had never considered before – health communications. After finishing her Master's program, Zuri found a way to merge her pharmacy and public health backgrounds through health content writing.
