Sometimes a chill follows a hot flash. You'd be cold, too, if you were hot and soaking wet in the middle of winter, and suddenly someone turned off the heat. Depending on the intensity of the hot flash, some women may get headaches, feel weak, dizzy, tired or lose sleep. Some may experience palpitations, skipped or erratic heartbeats. Remember to be sure to check with your health care practiioner before attributing any of the above symptoms to menopause.
Hot flashes can be the sign of illness or medical disorders.
Some women report that they knew they were about to have the experience before it happened. An aura, or premonition, may feel like nausea, or a tingling or pressing sensation in the head. Some women become weak in the knees, dizzy and have to sit down. Others experience heart palpitations before or as the flash begins and while it's occurring. The upper body, from the chest to the scalp, may begin to sweat profusely.