Periwell
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Vasomotor

Is hot flashes a sign of perimenopause?

Sudden feelings of heat, usually most intense over the face, neck, and chest.

Why it happens

Estrogen fluctuations disrupt the hypothalamus -- your brain's internal thermostat -- causing it to misread normal body temperature as dangerously high. The result is a sudden hot flashes as your body attempts to cool itself. These episodes can occur dozens of times a day and are one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk later in life.

Did you know? Less than 20% of U.S. primary care physicians have received formal menopause training — meaning this symptom is frequently misattributed to stress, anxiety, or ageing.

Don't guess.
Know your stage.

Our 5-minute Pattern Preview uses the Greene Climacteric Scale and STRAW+10 framework to show you where you are in your transition — and generate a report you can share with your doctor.

Generates a PDF you can share directly with your provider.

You are not alone

6,000 women enter menopause every day in the U.S., yet 1 in 3 receive an incorrect diagnosis first. Tracking hot flashes helps build a clinical picture of your specific transition phase — evidence you can bring to any provider.

Other Vasomotor symptoms

Night SweatsSevere hot flashes that occur during sleep and can cause heavy sweating.Heart PalpitationsFeelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart.Flushing / Facial RednessSudden reddening of the skin directly related to a hot flash.