Could Your Hot Flashes Be a Result of Anxiety?

Hot flashes are incredibly uncomfortable shifts in body temperature, but could your hot flashes be a result of...

Anxiety
May 8, 2025

Hot flashes are incredibly uncomfortable shifts in body temperature, but could your hot flashes be a result of

What are Hot Flashes? 

To explain a hot flash simply, they are sudden changes in body temperature. In terms of anxiety, hot flashes can occur due to vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction is the tension of blood vessels as they deliver more blood to areas of your body--typically during the "fight or flight" response. When this happens, your body heats up suddenly, which feels very much like a "flash." 

Of course, once the body heats up, its natural response is to cool off. You may also experience excessive sweating as your body tries to reach a normal temperature once again. For some people, this process leads to your body cooling down quickly, leading to a sudden feeling of chills. The entire process can be very uncomfortable.

Are Your Hot Flashes Due to Anxiety?

As mentioned, only your doctor can determine whether your hot flashes are caused by anxiety. However, there are a few factors considered, such as your anxiety score and the type of anxiety you experience. Your doctor will likely ask many questions about your day-to-day life and other medical histories to determine if anxiety is the root cause of your sudden temperature changes. 

How Can You Stop Anxiety-Induced Hot Flashes?

While there's no particular method to stop anxiety-related hot flashes, there are things you can do that may help. One of the most helpful things you can do is learn coping strategies for your anxiety. This may mean different things for different people. Some tips are:

While you may not be able to stop hot flashes completely, you may be able to change their impact on your life. Other tips to help maintain your comfort level are:

  • Keep appropriate clothing nearby
  • Try to distract yourself such as listening to music
  • Get up and move--sometimes movement disrupts the hot flash

While hot flashes can be over in a matter of minutes, they can still be very difficult to manage. If your hot flashes continue to wreak havoc on your life, talk to your doctor about potential other options that are suitable for your exact needs.

Conclusion

Hot flashes can certainly have an impact on your daily life. They are uncomfortable, distracting, and can even make it difficult to participate in your regular activities. If you are experiencing body temperature changes, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor to find the underlying cause.  Anxiety can have numerous impacts on your health, and understanding more about it can help you identify the best course of action moving forward.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Anxiety

Why is it important to address anxiety?

Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

Will medication help with my anxiety?

Medication is often prescribed for anxiety due to the fact that it works quickly to ease symptoms of distress or panic attacks in some cases. However, this should always be discussed with your doctor so they can provide guidance on what's right for you and the type of medication best suited for your needs.

What can happen if I don't seek help for my anxiety?

Ignoring anxiety can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation and even depression.

How do I know if my therapist is a good fit for me?

It's important that you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with your therapist in order to open up and get more out of therapy sessions; therefore finding someone who meets certain criteria like experience level, expertise areas, and personality is key when selecting a therapist who can give meaningful feedback about how best handle issues related to anxiety or other mental health concerns.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety?

To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.

How long does anxiety counseling typically take?

The duration of anxiety counseling varies for each individual, depending on the severity of their anxiety and their progress in therapy. Our therapists will regularly assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.