Hot flashes, which are characterized by heat that radiates through the face and upper body, increased sweating and flushing on the face, neck and chest, are a common occurrence in women. The exact physiological cause of hot flashes is unknown; but they are believed to develop as a result of conditions that affect the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain responsible for regulation of body temperature.
Menopause
By far, the most common cause of hot flashes and sweats is menopause. Menopause is a natural process that stops menstruation and marks the end of female fertility. A woman is considered to have fully reached menopause when she has not a period for 12 consecutive months, according to MayoClinic.com. The natural cause of menopause is a normal decline of the hormones estrogen and progesterone due to increased age. MayoClinic.com notes that menstruation occurs at the age of 51, on average. Menopause can also be brought on prematurely as a result of a full hysterectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or ovarian insufficiency. In addition to hot flashes and sweats, other symptoms of menopause include vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood swings, thinning hair, loss of breast tissue and increased fat around the abdomen.
Panic Attack
Panic attacks are defined by the American Academy of Family Physicians as episodes of intense fear and anxiety that often come on without a known reason or trigger. The characteristics of a panic attack differ between individuals. Some people experience symptoms for a few minutes, while others suffer for hours. Some are affected several times a week, while others only experience an attack a few times per year. In addition to the feelings of fear and anxiety, physical symptoms also occur with a panic attack. These symptoms include shaking, increased heart rate, hot flashes, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, tingling and numbness in the limbs and nausea. Those who experience recurrent panic attacks may have a condition called panic disorder, which can usually be controlled by medications.
Insulinoma
The pancreas is an organ in the body that is responsible for making specific hormones and enzymes that regulate several body functions. One of these hormones is insulin, which is needed to effectively control blood sugar. An insulinoma is a rare tumor that forms on the pancreas and causes the pancreas to release too much insulin. Too much insulin in the body results in low blood sugar, a condition called hypoglycemia, which causes hot flashes, sweats, anxiety, behavioral changes, vision problems, dizziness, hunger, rapid heart rate, tremor and weight gain, according to Medline Plus. Most insulinomas are benign, so treatment usually consists only of surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, part of the pancreas must be removed as well.
