Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are the most typical symptom of perimenopause and menopause. Nearly all women experience hot flashes at some time during the process. Hot flashes are characterized by the momentary feeling of heat, a flushed face and sweating. This experience is caused by expanding blood vessels, letting more blood flow through the skin. This is triggered by variations in your hormones. The hot flash can last anywhere between a few seconds to several minutes—sometimes they will last even longer. The frequency varies—some women experience hot flashes once and hour, while some women never experience hot flashes at all. After the hot flash subsides, you may feel chilled and clammy if you have sweated. Hot flashes can cause night sweats, the experience of waking in the middle of the night soaked with sweat, and with chills. Night sweats are a significant factor in sleeplessness and disrupted sleep patterns that characterize menopause.

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Introduction
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
Sleep
Cognition & Memory
Emotions