Locations:
Search IconSearch

How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?

Learn what may trigger the sudden onset of heat and sweat

Woman drinking coffee which is a know trigger for hot flashes.

You’re going about your life — putting together a work presentation or taking a walk around the block. All of the sudden you feel really hot. Then the sweating starts.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Oh no, is this another hot flash?

Hot flashes and night sweats are considered vasomotor symptoms, and they are some of the most common symptoms of menopause, affecting about 75% of people assigned female at birth.

While hot flashes can be disruptive and embarrassing, there are things you can do to lessen their effects.

Internal medicine and women’s health specialist Andrea Sikon, MD, explains why hot flashes continue and what may trigger one.

When do hot flashes start?

This can vary from person to person. Typically, you may start experiencing hot flashes in your early 40s as your levels of estrogen and progesterone start to decrease. This triggers the start of perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause.

“You can experience hot flashes in perimenopause, before you go through menopause,” says Dr. Sikon.

Most individuals describe a hot flash as a sudden, intense period of heat that’s accompanied by sweating and discomfort. Sometimes, it’s followed by chills.

When they happen during the day, they’re called hot flashes and when they happen during the night, they’re called night sweats. And night sweats can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling fatigued, irritable and more forgetful.

How long do hot flashes last?

You may not experience vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) during menopause. But for those who do, the severity and length of time of each hot flash can vary from person to person. One hot flash may be just a few minutes, while others may last for more than 5 minutes.

Advertisement

And when it comes to how many years you may have hot flashes, that varies as well.

“On average, they can last for four to seven years,” says Dr. Sikon.

Why hot flashes continue to happen

It can be hard to predict when you may have a hot flash.

And unfortunately, there are a handful of things that can trigger a hot flash. But once you learn what triggers your hot flashes, you can work on avoiding or limiting them.

Common hot flash triggers include:

  • Alcohol. From beer to wine to that fancy cocktail, alcohol causes your blood vessels to expand, which can lead to a hot flash.
  • Caffeine. That cup of joe or can of soda is loaded with caffeine which causes your blood vessels to narrow and raises your heart rate.
  • Heat. Sounds like a no-brainer, but any kind of heat can make your internal temperature rise. So skip that hot shower and opt for a cooler one.
  • Hot weather. The sun is shining, but you’re a sweaty mess. Hot weather, especially when it’s humid out, can bring on a hot flashes.
  • Smoking. Lighting up can cause your heart rate to increase thanks to nicotine which makes your blood vessels tighten up.
  • Spicy foods. If you’re a fan of ingredients like jalapenos and cayenne powder, you might find yourself breaking out in a sweat thanks to capsaicin, which causes your body to heat up.
  • Stress. You can feel your heart rate quicken and your body getting sweaty when you’re stressed out or anxious. Next time you’re feeling the pressure, try deep breathing.
  • Tight clothing. Think about what you’re wearing and opt for pieces made with breathable fabric like cotton and ones that aren’t too tight. Fabrics like spandex and polyester keep your body heat trapped which can lead to a higher body temperature.

In addition to these common triggers, certain medications like tamoxifen, which is used for breast cancer, or raloxifene, an osteoporosis medication that can also be used for breast cancer prevention, and certain antidepressants can cause hot flashes as well.

Do hot flashes ever stop?

Once you enter menopause, which is the cessation of your menstrual cycle, you stay in it forever, says Dr. Sikon.

Most individuals will experience hot flashes for about four to seven years before their symptoms stop. Some experience them for longer.

But can your hot flashes stop and then come back?

“It’s not typical,” says Dr. Sikon. “They can be episodic where you may not have one for months but then they come on again. This is especially true in perimenopause, when your periods may be starting and stopping. But once you’ve completely stopped having periods and are in menopause, it’s highly unlikely that hot flashes would be gone for years and then come back.”

In addition to learning what your triggers are, there are treatment options available. Talk to your doctor if your hot flashes are affecting your daily life.

Your doctor will discuss whether hormone therapy, prescription medication or alternative therapies are right for you. Make sure you talk to a provider who has experience in treating them, as there is a lot of misinformation on hormone therapy and a lack of training for many. Many options exist to help with the symptoms.

Advertisement

“Hot flashes are natural,” notes Dr. Sikon. “It’s easy to be dismissive of them but for some people, hot flashes can be very intense. Identifying your triggers and seeking medical treatment can help.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person holding bottle of vitamins, reading the label
December 9, 2024/Women's Health
Can You Take Prenatal Vitamins Without Being Pregnant?

The pros and cons of taking prenatal vitamins when you’re not pregnant depend on your age, ethnicity and health

Female asleep in bed in darkened bedroom, red alarm clock on table
November 15, 2024/Sleep
Why Women Need To Sleep More Than Men

Changing hormones, mental health issues and a higher risk for sleep disorders can all impact women’s sleep needs

Female looking at laptop at home desk in living room, hand on head, holding coffee cup, looking stressed
November 14, 2024/Women's Health
Midlife Crisis in Women: When It Starts and How To Cope

Biological changes, family issues and work problems may cause you to reevaluate your life and make changes for the better

Female reclining on couch holding laptop, having video appointment with healthcare provider
November 8, 2024/Sex & Relationships
Dealing With Vaginal Rips and Tears After Sex

Most tears down there are mild and heal on their own, but some require medical treatment

Pregnant person in medical office with healthcare provider
November 6, 2024/Women's Health
Ob/Gyn or Midwife: Understanding the Differences

Ob/Gyns are trained physicians who can care for more complex medical needs than midwives, but which you choose depends on your health and comfort

Person lying on floor in living room doing pelvic floor exercise
November 4, 2024/Women's Health
How and Why To Do Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening your pelvic floor can help you avoid incontinence issues and sexual dysfunction

Female looking over their shoulder, with oversized tube of gel and x'd out sperm
October 28, 2024/Women's Health
Birth Control Gel: Effectiveness and How It Works

Birth control gel is simple to use and an effective method for preventing pregnancy

Three happy females sitting at table outside playing cards
October 25, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
14 Ways To Limit Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Research suggests that up to 45% of current Alzheimer’s cases may have been avoidable

Trending Topics

Person sitting on floor at night next to bed in deep thought, with partner sleeping in bed
Understanding Mental Load: What It Is and How It Affects You

When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

Smiling person with headphones on, sweeping floor in living room
Understanding Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT Exercise)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being

Ad