PERIMENOPAUSE
Sudden Heat and Sweating After 40: Understanding Perimenopause Hot Flushes
Sudden heat or sweating in your face, neck or chest? Learn about hot flushes, what to notice and when to seek medical advice.
‘My face and chest suddenly feel hot, I sweat, then it settles a few minutes later.’ Hot flushes are common during the menopause transition, but they are not the only possible explanation.
1. What are hot flushes?
A hot flush is a sudden feeling of heat, commonly in the face, neck or chest. It can come with flushing, sweating or palpitations and often lasts a few minutes.
When it happens at night and wakes you or soaks sleepwear, it is often called a night sweat. Frequency and impact vary greatly.
2. It is not automatically perimenopause
Hot flushes may occur alongside changes in periods, sleep or mood. Fever, infection, thyroid conditions, medicine effects and other conditions can also cause heat or sweating.
For two weeks, note when episodes occur, how long they last, other symptoms, sleep, periods, what happened beforehand and medicines or supplements.
3. Comfort and when to get help
Light layers, water, a portable fan or a cooler space may support comfort. If a consistent trigger emerges, change one thing at a time.
Seek urgent assessment for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, very irregular heartbeat, persistent fever or unintentional weight loss. Speak to a doctor if symptoms disrupt daily life.
This is general health education, not diagnosis or a treatment plan. Appropriate support depends on your symptoms and health history.