Hot flashes and sweating are the most common symptoms of menopause. Close to 85% of all menopausal women will suffer from some degree of hot flashes. Most women experience these symptoms for no more than a year, but up to one-half may experience these symptoms for as long as 2-5 years.

Hot flashes are sudden sensations of warmth, especially in the upper body and face. Most hot flashes will last for only several minutes. Some women wake up in the middle of the night feeling hot and drenched with perspiration.

Increased stress, anxiety, warm humid temperatures, and the use of certain substances such as alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine can trigger hot flashes.