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. Heart rate and skin blood flow increase, although internal body temperature may drop by as much as three or four degrees as the body struggles to correct the imbalance. After the flash, the body quickly becomes chilled as it struggles to regain its normal temperature. Most flashes last about three to six minutes, although it's possible to have one that goes on as long as an hour.