As many as 85% of people experience hot flashes in menopause. Hot flashes are temporary, sudden, and intense feelings of warmth that affect the upper body. They typically last 1 to 5 minutes.

Hot flashes are among the most common menopause symptoms. Healthcare professionals typically include hot flashes in a group of symptoms called vasomotor symptoms, which can include:

About 55% of people experience hot flashes at the onset of perimenopause, the start of the transition toward menopause. Hot flashes become more common in late menopause. Some people continue to experience them long after menopause.

Hot flashes typically occur daily in menopausal people. According to a 2018 review, people report an average of 4 to 5 hot flashes per day, but some people have as many as 20.

Hot flashes are more common in the daytime but can also occur at night, causing night sweats.

The frequency and severity of hot flashes typically peak 1 year after the final menstrual period.

Research suggests that you might be more likely to experience hot flashes if you:

  • had anxiety or depression before menopause
  • are more sensitive to menopause symptoms
  • are Black or African American
  • smoke
  • take anti-endocrine therapy (for example, for breast cancer)

Diet, physical activity, and alcohol consumption may also play a role, but research is mixed or lacking.

You may be able to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes with hormone therapy. Estrogen hormone therapy is considered the most effective treatment for hot flashes. Talk with a healthcare professional about how you can best manage hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms.