What makes some women’s hot flushes worse than others?
Hot flush severity can be influenced by genetics, ethnicity, weight, smoking, stress, underlying health, and some medications, explaining why symptoms vary widely among women.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Women with a family history of severe hot flushes are more likely to be affected. Factors like higher BMI, smoking, anxiety, stress, and certain conditions (e.g. thyroid disease) can increase frequency and intensity. Some ethnic groups report fewer or more severe hot flushes, likely due to a mix of genetic and lifestyle influences. See NHS menopause diversity.
Clinical Context
Understanding individual risk factors helps women and clinicians tailor management, making it possible to reduce symptom burden.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NICE and NHS recommend holistic assessment including lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors. See NICE menopause guidance.