Why are hot flashes considered neurological, and what does that imply?
Hot flashes are considered neurological because they originate in the brain, specifically in the hypothalamus, which is the part of your brain responsible for regulating body temperature. During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating and declining estrogen levels disrupt the hypothalamus, narrowing your "thermoneutral zone"—the range in which you feel comfortable and aren't sweating or shivering. This makes your body's thermostat overreact to even small changes, triggering the sudden heat, sweating, and flushing that define a hot flash.
What this implies is that hot flashes are not just a minor inconvenience or a purely physical symptom—they are a sign that your brain is undergoing significant changes during menopause. These neurological changes can also be linked to other symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even long-term health risks such as cardiovascular disease and, potentially, markers associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Lisa Mosconi and Dr. Sharon Malone discuss this in detail, emphasizing that hot flashes are a manifestation of the brain's response to hormonal changes, and that treating them (often with hormone therapy) can be important for both immediate comfort and long-term health. You can watch their expert discussion in the chapter "Hot Flashes and Long-Term Health Risks" on our YouTube webinar for a deeper dive into the science and implications.
If you're looking for effective relief, at Alloy we offer a range of FDA-approved, plant-based estradiol products and other menopause solutions designed to address hot flashes and other neurological symptoms. Visit our hot flashes symptom page or our product page to learn more about your options and how a menopause-trained physician can help you feel better.
And for a detailed expert discussion, check out the relevant YouTube chapter: Hot Flashes and Long-Term Health Risks.
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