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The Signs of Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are often experienced by menopausal and perimenopausal women, but can also happen in younger women that are suffering from hormonal imbalances or difficult periods. Hot flashes are also referred to as night sweats because many women experience them in the evening hours. While the typical hot flash comes and goes quickly, there are those that come on slowly, and linger.

  1. The Aura

    • One sign that a hot flash may be starting, is the "aura" experience. Breastcancer.org explains that an aura is an intense feeling of uneasiness that comes over some women, alerting them that a hot flash is eminent. Sometimes a slight feeling of nausea may also accompany the aura.

    Panic

    • Sometimes, women will describe an anxious feeling that comes over them immediately before a hot flash. At times, the anxiety can be so severe; it may mirror a panic attack. According to Education Resources Information Center, there are ongoing research studies that scientists hope will reveal the parallels between hot flashes and panic attacks.

    Dizziness, Headache and Weakness

    • Preceding a hot flash, dizziness or a feeling like the room is spinning may occur that can sometimes be so intense, that the hot flash sufferer feels off balance and may even need to sit down. A headache may also be a sign that a hot flash is just around the corner; varying between mild and of migraine intensity. A feeling of weakness may also result.

    Is It Hot in Here?

    • OBGYN.net compares the hot flash phenomenon to a thermostat; continuously turning on and off. During the heat phase of the hot flash, the intensity can be of such a high degree that the skin can appear to be red and flushed with color. Some women describe the heat of a hot flash to feel like an inferno that causes them to sweat profusely.

    Chills

    • Chills are the part of the hot flash that can be most daunting. If chills usually appear prior to a hot flash, the women who experience them are usually all too aware of what will follow. However, hot flash sufferers who experience chills afterward sometimes welcome the cold feelings with open arms, knowing that the worst of the hot flash is over.

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