Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat. They are most commonly experienced during menopause, a natural transition in a woman's life when hormone levels fluctuate. Hot flashes can vary in intensity and duration, sometimes lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep, leading to night sweats and disrupted rest. While the exact cause of hot flashes is not fully understood, they are believed to be linked to changes in the body's temperature regulation due to decreased levels of estrogen. Various treatments are available to help manage symptoms.