What is a hot flash?

A hot flash is a sudden wave of intense heat that seems to come from inside your body, most often during perimenopause and menopause. It usually starts in the face, neck, or chest, then can spread through the upper body. You might get flushed, sweat a lot, feel your heart race, and sometimes feel chilled afterward.

At Alloy, we explain hot flashes as a temperature regulation problem linked to changing estrogen levels. Those hormone shifts can throw off the brain’s thermostat, so your body acts like it needs to cool down fast, even if the room itself isn’t hot. A hot flash can last anywhere from about 30 seconds to 10 minutes, and when it happens at night it’s called a night sweat.

If you want a little more detail, our articles on what causes hot flashes, what a hot flash feels like, and how long hot flashes last are helpful. Dr. Sharon Malone also explains it clearly in this short video chapter on understanding hot flashes.

This answer was created using the following resources:

• Ask Dr. Sharon Malone: What is a hot flash? - Understanding Hot Flashes

• Your Menopause Questions Answered | Dr. Sharon Malone - Understanding Hot Flashes and Their Impact

• Hot Flashes Start in the Brain - Hot Flashes and the Brain

• How Long Do Hot Flashes Last?

• Hot Flashes and Menopause: What’s the Connection? | Alloy

• What Causes Hot Flashes? What Supplements Can Help? HRT?

• What Does a Hot Flash Feel Like? | Alloy

• Hot Flashes and Night Sweats During Menopause | Alloy Health

• Hot Flashes - Remedies | Menopause Hot Flashes | Alloy

• Can Anxiety from Menopause Cause Hot Flashes? Does HRT Help?

• Why Are My Hot Flashes Getting Worse? Causes & Tips

• Hot Flashes and Headaches: Understanding the Link

• Menopause in the Workplace : Brain Fog & Hot Flashes at Work