Why do hot flushes cause sweating and chills?
Hot flushes trigger the body’s temperature control system, causing intense heat, sweating, and sometimes a cold chill as your body rapidly cools down after the flush.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Oestrogen fluctuations disrupt the hypothalamus, the body’s internal thermostat. This leads to a sudden dilation of skin blood vessels (causing heat and redness), followed by sweating to cool down. Once the flush ends, you may feel chilled as your body overcompensates and loses heat rapidly. See the NHS menopause symptoms page for more.
Clinical Context
Chills and sweating can be uncomfortable but are a normal part of hot flushes for many women. Wearing layers can help manage rapid temperature swings.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NHS and NICE describe this classic hot flush cycle as a result of hormone-driven temperature regulation changes. Read more in the NICE menopause guidance.
