Hot flashes are usually caused by menopause, but they can also occur in people with a history of breast cancer, women who have had their ovaries removed, during andropause, during pregnancy, medication side-effects or due to thyroid disease.

Characteristic symptoms of hot flashes include a very sudden feeling of heat spreading throughout the body, the emergence of redness or rashes on the skin, increased heart rate, intense sweating, and a feeling of chills or coldness when the hot flash is over.

If you notice frequent hot flashes, you should consult your doctor for assessment to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms, which will help to guide the most appropriate treatment.

Why do I have hot flashes?

The most common causes of hot flashes are:

1. Menopause

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause, and occur due to hormonal changes within the body that occur at this time. Hot flashes can emerge a few months before a woman fully enters menopause, and can appear very suddenly at different points of the day. This symptom tends to vary in intensity from woman to woman.

What to do: Treatment depends on the intensity of symptoms and should be directed by a gynecologist. He or she may recommend hormone replacement therapy or prescribe medications, supplements or diet changes that help to manage these symptoms.

2. Andropause

The most common symptoms of andropause and sudden changes in mood, fatigue, hot flashes and decreased sexual drive and performance. It occurs due to reduced production of testosterone, which can occur at around 50 years of age.

What to do: Generally, treatment consists of using oral or injectable medications that increase testosterone levels. These should only be used as prescribed by a urologist or endocrinologist.

3. History of breast cancer

Women who have had breast cancer, or have undergone chemotherapy treatment that has affected an ovary, may experience hot flashes or other symptoms similar to menopause.

What to do: In these cases, hormone replacement therapy is not recommended. Patients should speak to the doctor about alternative therapies or natural options to relieve symptoms.

4. Ovary removal

Surgical removal of the ovaries may be medically necessary in the presence of ovarian abscesses, cancer, endometriosis or ovarian cysts. Removal can induce early menopause due to decreased hormone production in the ovaries, which can cause symptoms like hot flashes

What to do: Treatment depends on the woman’s age, and may include hormone replacement therapy.

5. Medication side effects

Some medications, particularly those that inhibit the release of hormones, can cause hot flashes. This can be seen in leuprolide acetate, which is the main ingredient in Lupron, a medication used from the treatment of prostate cancer, myomas, endometriosis, early puberty and advanced breast cancer. This medication decreases the production of gonadotropin hormones by blocking its formation in the ovaries and testicles.

What to do: Generally, symptoms disappear when the medication is discontinued, however stopping a medication should first be discussed with the prescriber.

6. Prostate cancer therapy

Androgen suppression therapy is utilized as a treatment approach for prostate cancer. This therapy reduces testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels in the body, which can lead to hot flashes as a possible side effect.

What to do: Generally, symptoms disappear once the therapy is discontinued. This should be discussed with the prescribing doctor first.

7. Hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism occurs when the testicles produce little to no testosterone, leading to symptoms like impotence, abnormal development through puberty and hot flashes. Female hypogonadism occurs when the ovaries produce little to no sex hormones, like estrogen and progesterone.

What to do: This condition is not curable, but symptoms can be well-managed through hormone replacement therapy.

8. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an excessive production of thyroid hormones, which can lead to immune system changes, inflammation, or nodules in the thyroid. This condition causes symptoms like anxiety, nervousness, palpitations, hot flashes, tremors, excessive sweating or frequent fatigue.

Read more about thyroid symptoms and how to recognize them.

What to do: Treatment depends on the underlying cause of this condition, the patient’s age and the presenting symptoms. It may involve medications, radioactive iodine, or surgical removal of the thyroid.

9. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with several hormonal changes, which can cause an increase in body temperature and, consequently, hot flashes.

Hot flashes from pregnancy can occur during the day or at night, and may also be accompanied by night sweats and discomfort.

What to do: Women should ensure adequate daily water intake, and should opt for light cotton clothing and well-ventilated environments to keep body temperatures neutral. Taking a lukewarm shower can also help to reduce body temperature.

Check-out other treatments for hot flashes your doctor may advise.