“My periods stopped more than a year ago. Why am I still having hot flushes?”

Because hot flushes do not necessarily end when your periods stop.

They often begin before menopause and may continue for years afterwards. On average, hot flushes and night sweats last about seven to ten years. Some women experience them for longer.

A hot flush may feel like a sudden wave of heat spreading across your face, neck and chest. When it happens during sleep, it is called a night sweat. Frequent episodes can leave you exhausted, embarrassed and unable to concentrate.

Wearing light clothing may help. Keep your bedroom cool and use a fan. A cool drink can help when a flush begins.

Pay attention to what happens before each episode. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy food and hot drinks may trigger symptoms in some women.

If these measures are not enough, please speak with your doctor. Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for many women, but it requires an individual medical assessment. Nonhormonal treatments are also available.

Do not assume that every night sweat is caused by menopause. Please get checked if the sweating is new or unexplained, or occurs with fever, a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss or a racing heartbeat.

Hot flushes may be common, but losing sleep and struggling through every day should not become your new normal.

How long have yours lasted?

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