Hot Flashes
A hot flash is the sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body, which is usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. Your skin might redden, as if you're blushing. A hot flash can also cause sweating. They can happen at any time of day or night. Nighttime hot flashes (night sweats) may wake you from sleep and can cause long-term sleep disruptions. A single episode may last a minute or two — or as long as 5 minutes
Hot flashes are most commonly are due to menopause — the time when menstrual periods become irregular and eventually stop. In fact, hot flashes are the most common symptom of the menopausal transition. Hot flashes may be mild or so intense that they disrupt daily activities.
During a hot flash, you might have:
· A sudden feeling of warmth spreading through your chest, neck and face
· A flushed appearance with red, blotchy skin
· Rapid heartbeat
· Perspiration, mostly on your upper body
· A chilled feeling as the hot flash lets up
· Feelings of anxiety
