The intensity of hot flashes are varied , some easy to ignore, others are embarrassing, still others can be debilitating. They can occur as 'night sweats' where you experience drenching perspiration while sleeping. They interfere with sleep, and women who have them become tired and sometimes irritable because normal healthy sleep patterns are disrupted. The body's normal reaction to withdrawal of the sex hormones includes mood changes, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, dryness of the vagina, discomfort with intercourse, and lowered sex drive. There is a need to assess a woman's risk for developing the more serious problems.
Most women have minimal impact on their life due to minor symptoms but some suffer severly.
Fortunately the symptoms do not usually last but diminish or disappear over time. Many find they can be reduced with certain lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet modifications. Most or all decrease or disappear with treatment.