99. Hot Flashes

There's a connection between changing hormone levels and the body's heat regulation system.  So when there is a sharp decrease in estrogen level, the body's thermostat thinks that body is overheating, triggering perspiration and dilatation of superficial blood vessels.  The latter shunts blood to the skin, allowing heat to escape.  A perception of increased body temperature follows (though the core temperature has remained normal)--the classic menopausal hot flash (or a hot "flush," recognizing the skin's redness due extra blood near the surface).

48-year old Leeann tells me that she only experiences hot flashes when she's near her husband.  Apparently, there can be more to a hot flash than a malfunctioning thermostat.