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Hot Flushes in Menopause: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

at Omniya Clinic in London

Relief for hot flushes, night sweats and menopausal symptoms at Omniya Clinic, Knightsbridge

Hot flushes (also called hot flashes) are among the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. They can be brief and occasional or intense and frequent, sometimes disrupting sleep, work, and confidence.

You’re not alone: most women experience vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats during the menopausal transition, according to the British Menopause Society. These temperature surges are often linked to hormonal changes that affect the body’s internal thermostat.

At Omniya Clinic in Knightsbridge, we take a medical, root-cause approach to managing hot flushes. Our doctors assess hormone balance, thyroid and metabolic health, sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors, then build a plan that fits your needs, whether that involves HRT, a non-hormonal treatment, or a holistic programme to calm symptoms and restore your wellbeing.

Mature Woman Experiencing Hot Flush From Menopause

What Are Hot Flushes?

Hot flushes (also called hot flashes) are sudden waves of heat that spread through the chest, neck, and face. Your skin may flush, you might start sweating, feel your heart race, or even experience a chill once it passes.

These temperature surges occur when falling oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause affect the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. When the brain misreads your body as overheating, it triggers the blood vessels to widen, releasing heat suddenly.

While hot flushes are most common during menopause, they can also be influenced by:

  • Hormonal fluctuations (thyroid or adrenal changes)
  • Certain medications (such as antidepressants or cancer therapies)
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Lifestyle factors – alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, or warm environments

 

For many women, these episodes can range from mild and occasional to frequent and disruptive, particularly at night. Understanding your triggers and hormonal profile is the first step toward effective, lasting relief.

Female Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT consultation

Symptoms of Hot Flushes

Hot flushes are sudden sensations of intense heat, often starting in the face, neck, or chest. Your skin may become warm or red, and you may begin to sweat – sometimes followed by a chill once the flush passes. These episodes can occur at any time of day but are especially common at night, leading to what’s known as night sweats.

Common symptoms of hot flushes include:

  • Sudden warmth in the face, neck, or upper body
  • Red or flushed skin, sometimes with visible sweating
  • Night sweats that interrupt sleep
  • Palpitations or a rapid heartbeat
  • Chills or shivering after the episode
  • Dizziness, irritability, or anxiety
  • Poor sleep, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes or increased emotional sensitivity

 

If your hot flushes are frequent, severe, or affecting your sleep or daily comfort, it’s a good idea to speak with a clinician. At Omniya Clinc, our team can help identify what’s driving your symptoms and create a tailored plan to bring your body, and confidence, back into balance.

HRT for Menopause consultation

Causes of Hot Flushes

Hot flushes are most commonly caused by declining and fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause. These hormonal shifts affect the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that controls body temperature – making it more sensitive to small changes in heat.

When oestrogen levels fall, the brain’s “thermostat” misfires and triggers blood vessels to widen (vasodilation) to release heat. This leads to the sudden sensation of warmth, redness, and sweating that characterise a hot flush.

Other contributing factors can make these episodes more frequent or intense, including:

  • Stress or anxiety, which increase adrenaline and body heat
  • Caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods, which stimulate blood flow and temperature
  • Smoking, which accelerates oestrogen breakdown
  • Certain medications, such as antidepressants or blood pressure tablets
  • Warm environments or excessive clothing

 

While hot flushes are closely linked to menopause, they can continue for several years after periods stop, especially without hormonal or lifestyle support. The good news is that with the right medical assessment and tailored care, these symptoms can be effectively managed.

Female Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT showing the product to client

What Treatments Are Available For Hot Flushes?

Experts estimate that up to 80% of women going through menopause experience hot flushes, which can vary in intensity and frequency, potentially disrupting sleep and daily activities. If this is the case for you, we recommend the following treatments at Omniya to ease your symptoms.

How to Ease Hot Flushes at Home

Hot flushes can be uncomfortable, but there are many ways to reduce their intensity and frequency. Simple changes to your lifestyle, combined with medical support where needed, can make a significant difference.

Wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and dress in layers you can remove easily. Keep your bedroom cool, use a fan or cooling spray, and consider moisture-wicking bedding or a cooling pillow to improve sleep and reduce night sweats.
Everyone’s triggers are different. Common ones include alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and smoking - all of which can raise body temperature or affect circulation. Keeping a symptom diary can help you pinpoint your personal triggers and plan ahead.
Regular exercise supports hormonal balance, circulation, and mood. Activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling release endorphins that help the body cope with stress and temperature changes. Even 20-30 minutes of daily movement can reduce the frequency of hot flushes and improve sleep quality.
Quality sleep is vital for hormone regulation. Maintain a consistent sleep-wake routine, avoid heavy meals and screens close to bedtime, and create a calm, cool environment to help manage night sweats and restlessness.
Stress can intensify hot flushes. Techniques like paced breathing, mindfulness, meditation, or CBT-based relaxation can help reduce anxiety and calm the nervous system. Practices such as yoga, tai chi, or gentle stretching promote relaxation and better temperature control.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps stabilise blood sugar and support overall wellbeing. Include foods containing phytoestrogens — such as soybeans, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and tofu — which may have a mild oestrogen-like effect. Limiting processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can also help manage hormonal fluctuations that trigger flushes.
If hot flushes are frequent, severe, or affecting your daily comfort or sleep, it’s time to speak with a clinician. At Omniya Clinic in Knightsbridge, our doctors offer evidence-based options - from Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to non-hormonal treatments - to restore balance and relieve symptoms safely.

If self-care alone isn’t enough, Omniya Clinic in Knightsbridge offers medical and holistic options to help you manage hot flushes more effectively – from HRT to nutritional and lifestyle support tailored to you.

Female Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT

Hot Flushes After Menopause

For some women, hot flushes don’t stop when menopause ends. These postmenopausal hot flushes can continue for several years, and in a small percentage of women, they may persist long-term. This happens because oestrogen levels remain low and the brain’s temperature control centre stays hypersensitive, even after periods have stopped.

The approach to managing hot flushes after menopause is similar to that during the transition:

  • Lifestyle adjustments such as cooling techniques, exercise, and reducing triggers like caffeine or alcohol.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), where suitable, to restore balance and reduce vasomotor symptoms.
  • Non-hormonal therapies, such as fezolinetant, or other options for women who prefer or require alternatives to HRT.

 

Your clinician will help you weigh the benefits, risks, and personal preferences of each approach to find the best path forward. The goal is always the same – to reduce symptom intensity, improve sleep and comfort, and help you feel like yourself again.

low-mood-hrt-trt-testosterone-omniya-clinic-

Treatments Available at Omniya Clinic

Treatments Available at Omniya Clinic

At Omniya Clinic in Knightsbridge, we recognise that no two women experience menopause in the same way. Your practitioner will take time to understand your unique symptoms, health history, and goals before creating a tailored plan to manage and reduce hot flushes effectively.

Your treatment journey typically includes:

Consultation → Targeted tests (only if useful) → Tailored plan (HRT and/or non-hormonal therapy + Lifestyle guidance) → Review and optimisation.

Learn more about HRT HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flushes and night sweats. It works by replenishing oestrogen (and progesterone, if you have a uterus) to stabilise your body’s temperature regulation. Many women notice improvement within a few weeks, with ongoing benefits for sleep, mood, joint comfort, and overall wellbeing. At Omniya, our doctors are experienced in prescribing body-identical and bio-identical HRT, ensuring your plan is personalised, safe, and regularly reviewed.
If HRT isn’t suitable, or you prefer a non-hormonal route there are alternative treatments that are approved in the UK, working on the brain’s temperature-control centre.
An underactive thyroid can make hot flushes, fatigue, and low mood worse. We review thyroid function as part of your assessment and provide individualised treatment where indicated to optimise energy, mood, and metabolism.
For a more comprehensive view of your hormonal health, our Hormones MOT includes testing of oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid, testosterone, and adrenal markers. This deeper analysis allows us to create a targeted plan that supports balance across multiple systems, not just oestrogen alone.
Our approach always combines medical expertise with holistic care. We may recommend: Nutritional supplements to support hormonal and metabolic health Exercise and diet guidance to improve circulation and energy Stress management techniques (such as CBT, mindfulness, or breathing exercises) to reduce symptom intensity

Our Goal
To restore comfort, balance, and confidence by addressing the underlying causes of your hot flushes, not just the symptoms.

Female Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT consultation

Hot Flushes in Men

Although hot flushes are more common in women, men can experience them too – most often due to low testosterone levels or hormonal treatment for prostate cancer. When testosterone drops, the brain’s temperature control centre becomes more sensitive, causing sudden feelings of heat, sweating, and flushing similar to menopausal symptoms.

A gradual decline in testosterone, sometimes called andropause or the “male menopause,” can also trigger hot flushes, low libido, fatigue, and mood changes. These changes tend to occur gradually with age but can become more noticeable after illness, stress, or weight gain.

Men experiencing persistent or distressing hot flushes should seek a comprehensive health and hormone assessment. At Omniya Clinic, our doctors provide Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) where clinically appropriate, helping to restore hormone balance, energy, and confidence.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy London (TRT)

Hot Flushes FAQs

How long will my hot flushes last?

Hot flushes typically last from 6 months to 2 years for most women, but it’s not unusual for them to persist much longer, sometimes up to 10 years, especially if they start early. A small number of women may experience them indefinitely. Additionally, it’s possible for hot flushes to recur more than 10 years after menopause, continuing into the 70s and beyond. Unfortunately, there’s no certain way to predict their onset or duration.

What should I do if I start to experience hot flushes?

If you start experiencing hot flushes, it’s important to stay hydrated, dress in layers, avoid triggers like spicy foods and caffeine, and practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation. If they significantly impact your quality of life, book in a consultation at Omniya Clinic for further evaluation and management options.

What age do hot flushes occur?

Hot flushes commonly occur during perimenopause and menopause, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, but can also occur earlier or later depending on individual factors.

Can hot flushes be treated?

Yes, hot flushes can be managed with various treatments. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective, but other options include lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.

Are there any long-term health risks associated with hot flushes?

While hot flushes themselves are not harmful, frequent and severe episodes can affect quality of life and may be associated with other health issues such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and cardiovascular concerns. It is important to discuss symptoms with your healthcare provider or practitioner at Omniya Clinic.

What supplements should I take if I am having hot flushes?

Supplements that may help manage hot flushes include Evening primrose oil, vitamin E, black cohosh, and phytoestrogens like soy isoflavones. However, it’s crucial to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements as they can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Are hot flushes a recurrence after menopause?

Yes, some women may experience a recurrence of hot flushes even years after the menopause transition. These late-onset hot flushes can occur well into the 70s or beyond.

What is the best treatment for hot flushes?

The best treatment for hot flushes varies depending on individual health, severity of symptoms, and personal preferences. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is highly effective for many, while others might prefer non-hormonal medications or lifestyle adjustments.

How do I know if I am having hot flushes or something else?

Hot flushes are typically characterised by sudden warmth, redness of the face and neck, sweating, and sometimes palpitations. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with irregular periods, it’s likely related to menopause. However, other medical conditions can also cause similar symptoms, so consulting a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis is recommended.

What is considered too many hot flushes?

There isn’t a specific number that is considered “too many” hot flushes. However, if hot flushes are frequent enough to interfere with your daily life or sleep patterns, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for management strategies.

Does your temperature go up during a hot flush?

During a hot flush, you might feel like your temperature is rising, but the actual increase in core body temperature is usually very slight. The sensation of heat is more about increased blood flow to the skin and sweating.

How many hot flushes a day is normal?

The frequency of hot flushes varies widely. Some may experience a few a week, while others might have several per day. If the frequency disrupts your daily life or sleep, seeking medical advice is advised.

What age is it normal to get hot flushes?

It’s most common to start experiencing hot flushes during perimenopause, typically in the mid to late 40s, but they can start earlier or later depending on individual hormonal changes.

How to know if oestrogen is low?

Signs of low oestrogen may include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and decreased libido. Blood tests can confirm low oestrogen levels, so discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider is advisable.

What stage of menopause are hot flushes?

Hot flushes are most common during perimenopause (the stage leading up to menopause) and may continue through menopause and postmenopause. They are one of the hallmark symptoms indicating the transition into menopause.

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