Hot flashes usually start on the chest, neck and face. They usually last between three and six minutes and may occur up to several times a day. They may cause extreme sweating and can be very embarrassing. Many women experience insomnia along with the rush of heat and sweating. Other symptoms such as headache or pressure, nausea, and difficulty with concentration are often reported.
Hot flashes tend to get worse in hot, humid weather.
Some say that their symptoms get worse if they drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol or eat spicy foods. Before menopause the female body produces hormones to regulate the production of eggs and get the uterus ready for nurturing a fertilized egg. When the ovaries shut down production of estrogen it often causes menopausal symptoms. This may happen naturally or may be brought on by surgical removal of the ovaries or as a side effect of cancer chemotherapy. Hot flashes can be a serious problem for women experiencing diminished ovarian function as a result of menopause.