It's most common to start having symptoms of perimenopause in your 40s. Those symptoms include irregular periods, vaginal dryness and, yes, hot flashes. As many as 3 in 4 people will have hot flashes in the years leading up to menopause. Scientists don’t know the exact reasoning behind flashes and night sweats, known as vasomotor symptoms, but they’re likely related to changes in hormone levels. When you enter menopause, your body starts producing less estrogen, a hormone that’s secreted by your ovaries and regulates your menstrual cycle. But what is clear is that hot flashes can be really, really unpleasant. You might feel like you’ve been swallowed by a heatwave, and you may sweat, turn red and feel your heart race. And while they’re an unwelcome experience any time of day, hot flashes can be especially troubling at night, when they mess with your sleep. Menopause-related vasomotor symptoms aren’t dangerous. But if they’re interfering with your sleep or otherwise making you miserable, help is available: ◻️Find (and avoid) your triggers ◻️Decrease your stress ◻️Make your bed a cool zone ◻️Start treatment (medications, hormone therapy, complementary therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy) You can experience hot flashes for months or even years. But if they’re getting in the way of your life, it’s time to seek treatment. Plus, not all hot flashes are from menopause. They can also be related to thyroid disorders and other conditions or medications, so it’s especially important to get evaluated by your doctor