For some people, these symptoms, including hot flashes, may linger aftermenopause.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What Is a Hot Flash?
A hot flash is a sudden sensation of warmth in the upper body.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Its typically felt on the face, neck, and chest.
A persons face may appear red during a hot flash, and they may sweat and feel anxious.
Hot flashes are temporary, generally lasting from one to five minutes.
Hot flashes can occur both day and night.
Night sweats is the term used to describe nighttime hot flashes, which can disrupt sleep.
Some people only experience occasional hot flashes, while others have them frequently throughout the day.
Symptoms that can occur with hot flashes include:
What Causes a Hot Flash?
Hot flashes occur when estrogen levels in the body drop.
Estrogen is a hormone that is responsible for the regulation of the reproductive system in people with a uterus.
The hypothalamus is sometimes called the bodys thermostat because of the role it plays in regulating body temperature.
A drop in estrogen levels can cause the hypothalamus to get mixed signals.
Some people experience a chilled feeling after a hot flash.
Other things that can cause hot flashes include:
How Long Do Hot Flashes Last?
The intensity and frequency of hot flashes vary.
Some people experience them multiple times a day, and others will only have the occasional hot flash.
Hot flash episodes usually last anywhere from one to five minutes at a time.
The time at which you first start having hot flashes may indicate how long youll get them.
Can hot flashes continue after menopause?
In some cases, hot flashes are disruptive to a persons life and can greatly affect their well-being.
There are some treatments that you might be able to try that can help control hot flashes.
Antidepressants
Low doses of antidepressant medications may help reduce symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, or birth control, contain combinations of estrogen and progesterone.
Research suggests that these medications may improve menstrual irregularity andvasomotor symptoms(which include hot flashes) of menopause.
Veozah may lead to serious liver injury in some individuals.
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Veozah and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
If your doctor prescribes medications to help manage your hot flashes, take them exactly as instructed.
If you get side effects, do not stop taking your medication until you have talked to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do hot flashes stop after menopause?
Many people experience hot flashes for years after their final menstrual cycle.
Can you still get hot flashes years after menopause?
Hot flashes are common after menopause and may continue for 10 years or more after your last menstrual period.
What causes hot flashes well after menopause?
What causes night sweats years after menopause?
People sometimes continue to have nighttime hot flashes, known as night sweats, well after menopause.
A decrease in estrogen levels is the primary cause of night sweats after menopause.
How soon do hot flashes start after surgical menopause?
Surgical menopause essentially begins on the day of the surgery.
The abrupt loss of hormones produced by the ovaries can cause intense hot flashes immediately after the procedure.
A Word From Verywell
Menopause is a time of major change and transition in a persons life.
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