Women undergoing menopause can experience hot flashes, but anyone can have them. Smoking, pregnancy, and having an over- or under-active thyroid may trigger a hot flash. Read on to learn about more causes, as well as treatments.

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause. Women undergoing menopause can experience hot flashes as often as several times a day.

Menopause isn’t the only cause of hot flashes, though. Anyone can experience them. Keep reading to learn about different causes of hot flashes and how they can be treated.

Hormonal changes in your body are associated with hot flashes. Hormonal imbalance can have a variety of triggers, including:

Other potential triggers of hot flashes include:

Many people can manage their hot flashes at home with some strategies. It helps to know what triggers them first.

One way to figure out what’s triggering your hot flashes is to keep a symptom journal. Take note of each incident, including which foods you ate before the hot flash.

A symptom journal can help you narrow down your hot flash triggers and determine which lifestyle changes to make to reduce your symptoms and prevent hot flashes. Your doctor can also use the journal to help make a diagnosis.

Lifestyle changes and strategies for managing hot flashes include:

  • dressing in layers, even on the coldest days, so you can adjust your clothing to how you’re feeling
  • sipping ice water before going to bed
  • keeping a fan on while you sleep
  • lowering the room temperature
  • layering your bedding
  • avoiding spicy foods
  • limiting how much alcohol you drink
  • limiting caffeine
  • stopping smoking
  • using stress reduction techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or guided breathing
  • avoiding ultra-processed foods, foods high in saturated fats, and foods high in sugar

If lifestyle changes and strategies don’t work, or if your case is severe, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage your hot flashes.

Drugs that may be prescribed include:

Hot flashes can also be a side effect of antithyroid medications, such as Levothyroxine.

In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the malfunctioning areas of the thyroid gland.

Note that using some of these prescription drugs for hot flashes is considered off-label use.

Off-label drug use

Off-label drug use means a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for one purpose is used for a different purpose that hasn’t yet been approved.

However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose. This is because the FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, but not how doctors use drugs to treat patients.

So, your doctor can prescribe a drug if they think it is best for your care.

You may prefer to use natural or alternative remedies to treat hot flashes.

One option is acupuncture. A 2018 research review found that traditional acupuncture was associated with reduced frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Herbs and supplements are sometimes used for symptoms of menopause. However, research has been inconclusive, and larger, higher-quality studies are needed.

Further, you should check with your doctor before taking any herbs and supplements. Herbs and supplements can sometimes interfere with the medications you’re currently taking.

Black cohosh

Black cohosh root is one of the most popular herbal remedies for hot flashes. Research is mixed, with some studies indicating that it helps ease symptoms and others indicating that it has no noticeable effect.

Black cohosh side effects include gastrointestinal upset and rashes, which are both mild. However, you should not use black cohosh if you have liver disease.

Dong quai

Dong quai is taken alongside other herbs, black cohosh. Very few studies have looked at its independent effect on hot flashes. The studies that do exist concluded that its effects were insignificant.

You shouldn’t use it if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Evening primrose oil

A 2024 research review found that evening primrose oil may have an effect on hot flash symptoms. However, research is mixed, with other studies finding that it had no effect.

It may interfere with blood thinners.

Soy isoflavones

Isoflavones are chemical compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen. Research from 2018 suggests that soy isoflavones may reduce the number and severity of hot flashes.

Some foods that contain soy isoflavones include:

  • soybeans and other soy products, such as miso and tempeh
  • alfalfa
  • white and red clover
  • chickpeas

There are many possible causes of hot flashes besides menopause, including hormonal changes, stress and anxiety, and smoking. Something as simple as being in a hot room or eating spicy foods may trigger a hot flash.

Lifestyle changes, such as layering your clothes and bedding, may help reduce hot flashes. If you don’t know what’s causing them, keeping a symptom journal can help you narrow down your triggers.

Medications and natural remedies may also help treat hot flashes. Talk to your doctor before starting on any new medications or natural remedies.

If you experience repeat hot flashes that don’t go away, talk to your doctor.