Hot flushes are experienced by more than 85% of menopausal women, although their frequency and severity can vary greatly from person to person.

During a hot flush, a woman can perspire so profusely that perspiration runs down her face, neck and back, her temperature will rise, her heart will beat faster and she may experience palpitations. It usually lasts for 3-5 minutes. Sometimes she may even faint, though this is rare. The discomfort experienced during a hot flush is unique.

Hot flushes occur as the brain decides that the body is overheated. Two of three women may suffer hot flushes well before the last menstrual period, but most have increased frequency at menopause and continue for five to six years.

Simple measures to relieve symptoms.
Record your flushes, try to avoid recurrence of situations that act as a trigger.
Avoid synthetic fabrics, and clothes with long sleeves.
Discover ways of cooling yourself, iced water, sit under the fan or a cold shower.
Try vitamin E, 1000 IU a day is recommended unless you have diabetes or heart problem.

NIGHT SWEATS

Night time equivalent of the hot flush is the night sweat where you wake up hot and drenched in perspiration. Most women who have night sweats also experience hot flushes but vice versa is not true. Sleeplessness in menopausal women is also related to night sweats.

It is due to a physiological process involving a fever that lasts a minute or two and then disappears. The heart rate increases and the body temperature rises and is followed by a chill.
Herbal medicines help relieve insomnia, and relaxation and meditation therapy can also help. Yoga is also beneficial.