Is hot flashes and sweating a sign of menopause?

Hot flashes and sweating are not exclusive to menopause and should be evaluated in combination with other accompanying symptoms. Menopausal hot flashes and sweating are typically associated with hormonal imbalances in women, particularly a decline in estrogen levels; however, not all cases of hot flashes and sweating indicate menopause. Various diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, pleural tuberculosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, and diabetes accompanied by neurological dysfunction, can also cause symptoms of hot flashes and sweating. Menopausal hot flashes usually occur in areas such as the face, neck, chest, and back. Each episode may last from one to three minutes, and the frequency of episodes varies among individuals. In addition, menopause may also be accompanied by other typical manifestations, including emotional anxiety, irritability, decreased menstrual flow, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss. Therefore, when experiencing symptoms of hot flashes and sweating, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to determine the exact cause through comprehensive physical examinations and medical history evaluation, thus enabling targeted treatment.