Why Do Women Experience Hot Flashes During Menopause?

Menopausal hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by women during perimenopause and after menopause. The primary cause is the significant decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays crucial roles in multiple systems in women, including the endocrine, cardiovascular, and skeletal systems. As menopause approaches, ovarian function gradually declines, leading to reduced estrogen secretion, which causes abnormal sensitivity of the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, resulting in episodes of hot flashes and sweating. Additionally, individual differences, genetic factors, environmental influences, and unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as consumption of spicy foods, alcohol intake, and smoking) may also affect the severity and manifestation of hot flashes. Although menopausal hot flashes are considered a normal physiological phenomenon, individuals experiencing severe symptoms should seek timely medical consultation and follow appropriate treatment measures under a physician's guidance.