Hot Flashes in Women:
That sudden wave of heat, the racing heartbeat, and the sweat that shows up out of nowhere? You’re likely experiencing hot flashes—a hallmark symptom of perimenopause and menopause.
While they’re common, they don’t have to be your “new normal.” At Ask Dr Olz, we help South African women find natural, root-cause solutions to restore hormonal balance and finally get relief from hot flashes.
What Are Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes are brief episodes of intense heat, often followed by sweating, flushing, and sometimes chills. They can happen during the day—or wake you up drenched in the middle of the night (aka night sweats).
Symptoms of Hot Flashes
- Sudden heat in the face, neck, or chest
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating (even in cool environments)
- Flushed or red skin
- Chills following the hot episode
- Anxiety or irritability
- Disturbed sleep (if it happens at night)
Some women have hot flashes a few times a week, while others experience them multiple times a day.
What Causes Hot Flashes?
The primary driver is fluctuating or declining estrogen levels, which impact the part of the brain that regulates temperature. But other factors can make them worse.
Common Triggers:
- Hormone imbalances (low estrogen or estrogen dominance)
- Stress and elevated cortisol
- Blood sugar instability
- Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Certain medications
Your body’s internal thermostat becomes more sensitive—so even small changes can trigger a full-blown sweat.
Natural Relief for Hot Flashes – The Ask Dr Olz Protocol
At Ask Dr Olz, we help women manage hot flashes without synthetic hormones, using a functional medicine approach focused on rebalancing your hormonal ecosystem.
1. Balance Estrogen Naturally
Supporting estrogen receptors can ease hot flashes significantly.
Recommended products:
- Estrovera® – A plant-based supplement with ERr 731, clinically proven to reduce hot flashes and night sweats
- Chasteberry Plus® – Helps regulate hormone rhythms, especially in perimenopause
- Calcium-D-Glucarate – Supports safe estrogen detox via the liver
- EstroFactors™ – Promotes estrogen balance through gut and liver support
2. Support the Adrenals
Chronic stress worsens hot flashes. Support your stress response with:
- Adaptogens like Ashwagandha
- Magnesium Glycinate – Calms nerves, supports deep sleep
- B-vitamins + D3 – Essential for hormone and adrenal function
3. Cool Your System with Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine (major triggers)
- Sleep in a cool room with light, breathable clothing
- Try paced breathing (slow, deep breaths during the onset of a flash)
- Regular movement and yoga can regulate temperature and mood
How Long Do Hot Flashes Last?
Hot flashes typically begin during perimenopause (mid-to-late 40s) and may continue for several years into menopause. The average woman experiences them for 5–7 years, but some may feel them longer without proper hormone support.
When to Seek Support
If hot flashes are:
- Interrupting your sleep
- Affecting your work or mood
- Causing anxiety or distress
- Not improving with lifestyle changes
…it’s time for a functional approach that looks beyond symptoms and targets your root cause.
Hot Flashes Can Be Fixed, Naturally
Hot flashes don’t mean you’re broken. They mean your hormones are shifting, and your body needs support. With the right nutrition, hormone-balancing supplements, and stress management tools, you can feel calm, clear, and cool again.
👉 Shop Estrovera® and our full menopause support range or book a virtual consult at AskDrOlz.com