Hot flashes can occur due to a variety of reasons unrelated to menopause. Some of the most common causes include:
Medications - Certain medications like antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, opioids, and drugs that affect blood pressure can trigger hot flashes as a side effect. The sudden drop in estrogen caused by some of these medications leads to vasodilation and a feeling of intense heat.
Medical conditions - Several medical conditions can cause hot flashes in both men and women. Hypothyroidism is a common cause as the thyroid hormones help regulate body temperature. Carcinoid syndrome, a condition caused by tumors in the digestive tract can lead to flushing episodes. Chronic infections like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and autoimmune disorders like lupus can also result in hot flashes.
Perimenopause - As a woman approaches menopause, hormonal fluctuations during the perimenopausal stage can trigger hot flashes and night sweats. Perimenopause usually begins a few years before menopause as estrogen levels start to decline.
Men with prostate cancer - Men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer often experience severe hot flashes as the treatment causes a rapid drop in testosterone levels. Up to 80% of men have hot flashes during the first few months of therapy.
Anxiety disorders - Anxious situations and anxiety disorders themselves can cause flushing, sweating, and sensations of heat. This is due to the fight-or-flight response triggered by stress hormones like adrenaline. The rush of adrenaline causes vasodilation and increased blood flow resulting in skin flushing and sweating.
Eating spicy foods - Spicy foods that contain chilli peppers can stimulate nerve receptors and cause flushing, sweating, and a sudden feeling of heat. This is caused by capsaicin, the active component in chillies that elevates body temperature. The spiciness triggers the body's cooling mechanisms.
Caffeine and alcohol - Beverages like coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol cause vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels near skin. This results in a flushed appearance and sensation of warmth. Alcohol also affects the body's temperature regulating mechanisms leading to hot flashes.
Low estrogen in men - While less common than in women, low testosterone and estrogen levels in men can also cause hot flashes. Conditions like hypogonadism, certain cancers, and obesity can lead to lower estrogen levels and flushing episodes in men.
Hyperthyroidism - An overactive thyroid gland increases metabolism and causes excess production of thyroid hormones. This leads to elevated body temperature and profuse sweating, which is experienced as hot flashes. Hyperthyroidism affects women more often than men.
Carcinoid syndrome - This condition causes tumor cells to release serotonin and other hormones into the bloodstream. These substances can cause facial flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing. Carcinoid tumors often occur in the GI tract, lungs, or pancreas.
HIV/AIDS - Up to 85% of HIV-positive patients report experiencing hot flashes as a symptom. Factors like fever and night sweats due to associated infections can cause flushing. Also, HIV medications, anxiety, and hormonal factors may play a role.
Tuberculosis - Night sweats are a common symptom of TB infection and the body's immune response. Hormonal factors and associated fevers can also lead to flashes of intense heat and sweating. Checking for TB is important if flushing persists.
If you're experiencing intense hot flashes unrelated to menopause, have a consultation with our hormone experts at Balance Hormone Center. Our cutting-edge diagnostic tests can help identify any hormone imbalance or underlying conditions. We provide personalized treatment plans to help regulate hormones and reduce hot flashes. Book an appointment today to start feeling like yourself again!
