You’re sitting in a meeting, trying to focus, when suddenly your face heats up. Your skin starts to prickle, your heart pounds, and before you know it, you’re drenched in sweat. A few minutes later, it passes, but you're left feeling shaken, sticky, and confused.

Hot flushes can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. If you're not going through menopause or you're too young for it, it’s natural to wonder what else might be going on.

The good news is that hot flushes are not always linked to menopause. There are several other reasons they might be happening. Let’s explore what causes hot flushes apart from the menopause and how to start getting answers.

What Is a Hot Flush, Exactly?

A hot flush is a sudden sensation of heat that spreads across your face, neck, and chest. It may come with sweating, a red or blotchy complexion, a rapid heartbeat, or even feelings of nausea and dizziness. Some people also feel a chill once the hot flush passes.

These symptoms can be intense or mild, and they may strike during the day or wake you up at night. Although they are a classic sign of menopause, they can also occur for many other reasons.

If you're dealing with sudden hot flashes, nausea, and dizziness symptoms that are not menopause related, it’s important to consider other triggers.

Other Causes of Hot Flushes

1. Stress and Anxiety

Your body reacts to stress by activating the fight-or-flight response. This can cause a surge in adrenaline and a rise in body temperature, which feels a lot like a hot flush. Panic attacks can also mimic this sensation and may include sweating, shaking, and rapid breathing.

2. Thyroid Problems

An overactive thyroid speeds up your metabolism and can make you feel hot, flushed, or sweaty even when you're not exerting yourself. You might also notice a racing heart, restlessness, or weight loss. A simple blood test can check your thyroid hormone levels.

3. Medications

Several medications can trigger hot flushes as a side effect. These include antidepressants, hormone therapies, some pain relievers, and treatments used in cancer care. If you've recently started or changed medication, check with your doctor to see if it could be contributing.

4. Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Low blood sugar can bring on sweating, shakiness, light-headedness, and warmth. Skipping meals, eating too many refined carbs, or being insulin resistant can lead to these symptoms. Keeping your blood sugar stable is key to avoiding these dips.

5. Diet Triggers

Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food are common culprits. They can cause your blood vessels to dilate, leading to a flushed face and heat sensation. Try cutting back or tracking what you eat before a flush to see if there’s a connection.

6. Infections or Illness

A fever or viral infection may also cause waves of heat, chills, or sweating. If you’ve been unwell or your symptoms come with a sore throat, fatigue, or body aches, your immune system may be the reason.

7. Rare Health Conditions

Some uncommon but serious conditions, like carcinoid syndrome or adrenal gland disorders, can cause recurring hot flushes. These are rare but worth exploring if symptoms are persistent and no other cause is found.

Is It Perimenopause?

Even if you’re not yet menopausal, you might be in perimenopause. This is the lead-up to menopause and can begin years earlier. Hormone levels begin to fluctuate during this stage, and symptoms like hot flushes, sleep issues, irritability, and weight gain can appear even if your cycle is still regular.

If you're curious about your hormone health or want to know more about what menopause is, a practitioner can run tests and help identify if perimenopause is starting.

Other Symptoms That May Occur With Hot Flushes

If your hot flushes are accompanied by other symptoms, it can offer clues about what’s going on. Some combinations to be aware of include:

Dizziness and nausea
Brain fog or fatigue
Shaky hands or irritability
Heart palpitations or anxiety
Unexplained weight gain

Fatigue and poor sleep are common in both menopause and other hormonal or metabolic conditions. You can learn more in our guide: does menopause make you tired.

The Functional Medicine Approach

At Evergreen Doctors, we take a whole-body approach. Rather than looking at hot flushes in isolation, we explore all the factors that might be contributing. These include hormone balance, stress response, thyroid health, blood sugar regulation, and inflammation.

Using advanced testing and a personalised plan, we help you find the cause and guide you with practical, evidence-based solutions.

Can Lifestyle Help?

Yes. Small, consistent changes to your routine can have a big impact on your symptoms.

Eat balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep blood sugar stable
Get regular movement to regulate stress hormones and boost circulation
Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine
Prioritise rest and sleep
Practice calming activities like deep breathing, walking, or journaling

If weight gain around your stomach is adding to your discomfort, read our tips on how to get rid of menopause belly. Even if menopause isn’t the root cause, similar principles can help. You can also explore menopause and exercise insights, which apply to hormonal imbalances beyond just menopause.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See your healthcare provider if your hot flushes are:

Frequent or severe
Interfering with sleep or daily life
Accompanied by symptoms like fainting, extreme fatigue, or heart palpitations
Unexplained or worsening over time

Even if it’s hot flushes that are not menopause-related, your symptoms are worth investigating and managing properly.

Let’s Find the Cause Together

Hot flushes can feel unsettling, especially when you’re unsure what’s behind them. You don’t have to navigate it alone. At Evergreen Doctors, we’ll help you understand what your body is trying to tell you and work with you on a clear, personalised path forward.

Book a consultation today and start getting answers. Whether your symptoms are related to hormones, stress, or something else entirely, we’re here to help you feel like yourself again.

What Causes Hot Flushes Apart From The Menopause?