# How a Hot Flush Feels and a New Treatment Offers Relief
BBC Health correspondent James Gallagher experienced a hot flush firsthand to understand what millions of women endure during menopause. His immersive reporting reveals both the physical sensation and the psychological toll of these sudden temperature spikes.
Hot flushes strike without warning. A woman's core body temperature rises rapidly, triggering sweating, facial flushing, and heart palpitations that can last from seconds to minutes. The experience disrupts sleep, work, and daily confidence. Gallagher's firsthand account brings clarity to a symptom often dismissed or minimized in medical settings.
The reporting highlights a newer treatment approach gaining traction among menopause specialists. Rather than relying solely on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which remains effective but not suitable for all women, clinicians now explore targeted options. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and newer medications like venlafaxine, which reduce hot flush frequency and severity by 40 to 50 percent in clinical studies.
Dr. Meg Minkin and other menopause experts increasingly prescribe non-hormonal alternatives for women who cannot take HRT due to breast cancer history, blood clots, or personal preference. These medications work by stabilizing the body's thermoregulatory system rather than replacing hormones.
Lifestyle strategies also matter. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding known triggers like caffeine and alcohol reduce hot flush severity. Some women benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy designed specifically for menopause symptoms.
Gallagher's investigation underscores a critical gap in medical education. Many doctors receive minimal menopause training, leaving women without proper guidance. Patient advocacy groups push for better awareness and access to treatment options that actually work.
THE TAKEAWAY: Hot flushes deserve medical