Women's healthDiabetes & hormonesSleep

7 expert-approved ways to relieve hot flashes

There are many things you can do to minimize this symptom, which can start during perimenopause.


LearnWomen's healthHot flashes7 expert-approved ways to relieve hot flashes
Consider menopausal hormone therapy
Other types of medication are available
Wear layers and choose your fabric wisely
Keep fans and ice cubes handy
Steer clear of triggers
Try stress reduction techniques
Exercise and maintain a healthy weight

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As many as four in five people going through perimenopause and menopause will experience hot flashes—the rapid onset of a sensation of extreme heat that can cause a flushed face and sweating, sometimes followed by chills. Whether hot flashes happen in the middle of an important meeting or at night, they can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

Hot flashes can last for just a few months or can come and go for more than 10 years. There are many short- and long-term treatments that may help you feel better.

Sources: Harvard Health Publishing. Perimenopause... + 11
  1. Harvard Health Publishing. Perimenopause: Rocky Road to Menopause. August 9, 2022.
  2. Bansal R, Aggarwal N. Menopausal Hot Flashes: A Concise Review. J Midlife Health. 2019 Jan-Mar;10(1):6-13.
  3. Menopause Society. Hot Flashes. Accessed March 23, 2026.
  4. Mayo Clinic. Hot Flashes: Diagnosis and Treatment. March 4, 2025.
  5. Breastcancer.org. Elinzanetant for Hormonal Therapy Hot Flashes. January 8, 2026.
  6. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Managing Hot Flashes: Tips From a Menopause Expert. November 14, 2025.
  7. National Council on Aging. Menopause Hot Flashes: 9 Tips for Staying Cool Naturally. December 12, 2024.
  8. Cleveland Clinic. Hot Flashes. October 21, 2024.
  9. National Institute on Aging. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? September 30, 2021.
  10. Saccomani S, Lui-Filho JF, et al. Does obesity increase the risk of hot flashes among midlife women?: a population-based study. Menopause. 2017 Sep;24(9):1065-1070.
  11. Haghshenas N, Ghoreishy SM, et al. Association between modified mediterranean diet score and menopause-specific quality of life and symptoms: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 28;15(1):31682.
  12. Herber-Gast GC, Mishra GD. Fruit, Mediterranean-style, and high-fat and -sugar diets are associated with the risk of night sweats and hot flushes in midlife: results from a prospective cohort study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 May;97(5):1092-9.
Written by Olivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.December, 2025
Updated onOctober, 2026
Written by Olivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.December, 2025
Updated onOctober, 2026
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