Causes of Hot Flashes in the Twenties

It's common for women in their late 40s and early 50s to experience hot flashes, as this is the typical age for menopause. But what if they occur in your 20s? Keep reading to learn about the causes of hot flashes in the twenties. 

Causes of Hot Flashes in the Twenties

Although hot flashes are uncommon for women in their 20s, they can still happen. Here are some of the main causes:

• Infections and Inflammation

It’s normal for body temperature to rise in response to viral or bacterial infections, such as:

1. Urinary tract infections.
2. Tuberculosis.
3. HIV.
4. Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
5. Osteomyelitis (bone infection).
6. Colds, flu, or COVID-19.

In such cases, hot flashes may be accompanied by joint and bone pain, body fatigue, and excessive sweating.

• Certain Medications

Another cause of hot flashes in the twenties is side effects from certain medications. The mechanisms include:

1. Some medications directly affect estrogen levels in the body, causing sudden blood vessel dilation and hot flashes.
2. Others interfere with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which normally helps regulate body temperature.

Medications that can impact body temperature regulation include:

1. Tricyclic antidepressants.
2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
3. Clomiphene (fertility medication).
4. Tamoxifen.
5. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
6. Calcium channel blockers.
7. Chemotherapy.

• Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are one of the most common causes of hot flashes in the twenties. These include:

1. Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland works in conjunction with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to regulate hormone production. Hyperthyroidism disrupts this balance, overstimulating the hypothalamus and causing hot flashes.
2. Hypogonadism: Low estrogen levels due to hypogonadism can alter how the brain perceives temperature, making it more sensitive. This leads the brain to think the body is too hot, prompting blood vessel dilation and sweating to cool down, resulting in hot flashes.

• Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are linked to physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and hot flashes. When feeling anxious, the body releases cortisol, which increases heart rate and speeds up breathing, raising body temperature and triggering hot flashes.

• Pregnancy

Pregnancy is also a common cause of hot flashes in the twenties, due to the hormonal changes the body undergoes, particularly during the first and third trimesters.

• Other Causes

Less common causes of hot flashes in the twenties include:

1. Cancers: Women in their 20s with certain cancers, like leukemia, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, or bronchial cancer, may experience hot flashes.
2. Carcinoid Syndrome: This rare condition occurs when a cancerous tumor secretes excess hormones like serotonin, causing facial and neck flushing, along with hot flashes.
3. Neurological Disorders: Some neurological conditions, such as migraines, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, can affect the autonomic nervous system and trigger hot flashes, skin redness, and sudden sweating.

Factors That Trigger Hot Flashes

Certain factors can contribute to hot flashes in women of all ages, including: 

1. Hot weather or high room temperatures.
2. Elevated body temperature from physical activity.
3. Smoking.
4. Alcohol and caffeine consumption.
5. Eating spicy foods or processed foods containing nitrates, like sausages.
6. Wearing tight clothing.
7. Obesity or excess weight.

When to See a Doctor?

While there are many possible causes for hot flashes in the twenties, most are not serious. However, it is essential to identify the cause, especially if:

1. The episodes become worse or more frequent suddenly.
2. Symptoms of an allergic reaction accompany the hot flashes.
3. They interfere with your daily life.

In these cases, your doctor may ask about other symptoms accompanying the hot flashes and recommend a series of tests and evaluations to determine the exact cause. Blazma offers all these tests, including estradiol hormone, thyroid tests Package, cortisol tests, and more.