Some redness of the skin surface may appear during the hot flash, and sweating ranging from mild to extreme may occur. When the sweating happens during sleep, they are termed "night sweats" and often leave bedding drenched in sweat.

When hot flashes occur is as variable as the women that experience them. Some women start having the issue several years before the cessation of menstruation, while some never get a hot flash during the transition. There appears to be no predictable pattern or condition that can determine who will get it and who will not.

Figuring Out the Problem

A doctor will conduct a complete physical examination and take a medical history to determine whether hot flashes are related to perimenopause or menopause or if they may be caused by some other condition or circumstance. Doctors may ask questions like whether you have recently traveled or if you've dined in any restaurants lately.

Because hot flashes are a symptom, not a medical condition, there is no way to stop them from occurring. While taking a medical history, the doctor will ask how often and when the condition occurs, and under what circumstances.

There typically are also questions about other symptoms that may occur before, during or after the event. The information is usually enough to make an effective diagnosis, but blood tests sometimes are performed if there is any question about whether the symptoms are menopause related. Blood tests will try to measure hormone levels and discern whether any other conditions may cause hot flashes.