A hot flash is characterized by a sudden rush of heat, typically from a woman’s chest to her head. Hot flashes can range from a mild feeling of warmth to an even, intense heat in the body. Hot flashes are most often a symptom of menopause and in some cases, they can be accompanied by:

• Flushed appearance
• Red, blotchy skin on the face, arms and neck
• A rapid heartbeat
• Mild to drenching perspiration
• A chilled feeling after the hot flashes pass

When hot flashes occur at night while a woman is sleeping, they are referred to as night sweats. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, many women experience varying degrees of symptoms, including hot flashes. Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause. In fact, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 85 percent of women approaching or going through menopause have hot flashes.

Hot flashes can be upsetting and frustrating for a woman, particularly if they are intense. However, menopausal symptoms are not a sign of a medical problem, but rather a normal biological reaction to fluctuating hormone levels within a woman’s body.

Menopause is the most common reason women experience hot flashes but they can occur due to other conditions, including:

• Breast cancer
• Chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure
• Estrogen-lowering medications
• Infertility medications (e.g., ovulation drugs)

Men can also experience hot flashes. These may be caused by androgen ablation therapy (often used in cancer treatment) or orchiectomy (surgical removal of a testicle).

Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended for frequent and severe hot flashes, these medications come with potentially serious side effects. Not all women are candidates for HRT based on a number of factors.

Women can take several steps to reduce the risk of experiencing hot flashes that do not include medication, such as exercising regularly and adjusting their diet. Herbal supplements, such as black cohosh, are not effective for reducing hot flashes, according to a large study conducted by the National Institutes of Health.