What do hot flushes feel like?
Hot flushes are characterised by an increase in body temperature and the woman feeling hot, usually uncomfortably hot. Women describe hot flushes as periods of intense flushing, heat and sweating, which begins in the face and is often also felt in the neck and chest. Hot flushes are sometimes followed by chills. Onset is rapid and a person experiencing a hot flush can feel uncomfortably hot for as little as a couple of seconds, or as long as a couple of hours. However, usually they only persist for 2-4 minutes. The physical changes which occur with hot flushes can mimic symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks. Hot flushes may occur frequently (a dozen in an hour) or infrequently (just a couple of times a year). The severity of hot flushes also varies. Some women experience only mild hot flushes, while for others flushes may be severe enough to disrupt sleep. Hot flushes may also cause feelings of anxiety, heart palpitations and red skin blotches.
