hot flash
Noun: A hot flash is a sudden, brief feeling of intense warmth, typically affecting the face, neck, and chest, often accompanied by sweating and a reddening of the skin. It is most commonly associated with menopause but can also occur due to other medical conditions or treatments.
This term is used specifically to describe a distinct physiological symptom. It functions as a countable noun. * She experienced a hot flash during the meeting and had to step outside. * Hot flashes are a common symptom of perimenopause. * The medication can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
- To have a hot flash: The most common verb collocation.
- She had a hot flash and quickly fanned herself with a magazine.
- To be accompanied by sweating/redness: Describing common concurrent symptoms.
- The hot flash was accompanied by profuse sweating.
- Hot flush: (noun) A synonymous term more commonly used in British English.
- She complained of frequent hot flushes.
- Vasomotor symptom: (noun) The broader medical category that includes hot flashes and night sweats.
- Hot flashes are a type of vasomotor symptom.
- Flush: (noun) A less specific term for a feeling of warmth and reddening of the skin.
- Heat surge: (noun) A descriptive, informal synonym.
- Night sweat: (noun) Episodes of sweating during sleep, often related to the same causes as hot flashes. While related, a night sweat is not identical to a hot flash, as it may occur without the conscious sensation of heat.
- She was awakened by a night sweat.
The primary and most common meaning relates to menopause. A secondary meaning, as noted in the reference, can relate to some mental disorders or medical treatments (e.g., certain medications, surgical menopause) that affect hormone levels or the body's temperature regulation. The sensation is the same, but the underlying cause differs. * Primary Meaning (Menopause): Her doctor said the hot flashes were a normal part of the transition. * Secondary Meaning (Other Cause): As a side effect of the treatment, he began having hot flashes.
- sudden brief sensation of heat (associated with menopause and some mental disorders)