Can menopausal hot flashes resolve on their own?

Menopause generally refers to the perimenopausal period. In most cases, perimenopausal hot flashes can resolve spontaneously, as analyzed below:

As women enter the perimenopausal stage, declining bodily functions due to aging, poor diet, irregular sleep patterns, and ovarian function decline lead to reduced estrogen levels. This may result in symptoms such as flushing, sweating, palpitations, menstrual irregularities, constipation, and soreness in the lower back and knees—collectively referred to as hot flashes during perimenopause. Most women experience these symptoms, which typically last for over a year. With improved lifestyle habits and proper self-care, symptoms often resolve on their own. It is recommended that individuals maintain regular sleep patterns and consume more whole grains such as soybeans, buckwheat, corn, and sweet potatoes, along with fruits and vegetables like watermelon, banana, pear, pomelo, orange, apple, persimmon, loofah, lily bulb, celery, and fresh lotus root. Moderate physical exercise is also advised.

If symptoms are severe, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Under a doctor's guidance, symptomatic treatment may be pursued, commonly involving acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Commonly used acupuncture points include Yinlingquan (SP9), Jianshi (PC5), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Guanyuan (CV4). Traditional Chinese herbal formulas should be tailored according to individual symptoms; commonly used prescriptions include Shen Ling Bai Zhu San with modifications and Xiao Cheng Qi Tang or Da Cheng Qi Tang with modifications.