Hot flashes are sudden, intense sensations of heat accompanied by sweating and flushed skin, a common vasomotor symptom experienced by up to 3 in 4 people during perimenopause and menopause. While declining estrogen levels disrupt the body's temperature regulation system, hot flashes can also be triggered by thyroid disorders, certain medications, stress, or environmental factors like spicy foods and hot beverages. Each hot flash typically lasts 1-5 minutes, though frequency and intensity vary greatly between individuals. If hot flashes are severe or disruptive to daily life, various treatment options including hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, and lifestyle modifications are available.