Hot Flashes In Children - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Based on the cause, children can experience several symptoms with varying intensity.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla, MBBS, DCH Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla Dr. Mubina AgboatwallaMBBS, DCH MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on YouTube Specialty: PediatricsExperience: 20 years
Written by , BDS, CLC Dr. Ritika Shah BDS, CLC Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Dental and General Health, LactationExperience: 10 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc, MA, BEd Ghazia Shah MSc, MA, BEd Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years
Last Updated on
✔ Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.
Child Suffering From Hot Flashes

Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team

Have you ever observed your child experiencing intense outbreaks of sweating, causing their face to turn red? These could be signs of hot flashes in children. Additionally, some may also experience fever-like heat in several parts of the body. Though witnessing your child profusely perspiring could be alarming, hot flashes are seldom serious.

Hot flashes can be caused by various factors, from hormonal changes at puberty to diet problems and chronic pain. Hence, they are treated depending on the underlying cause.

Understanding hot flashes in children is vital for early intervention and management. Parents should be aware that these occurrences can be linked to various underlying health issues. Read this article to learn more about hot flashes in children, including the possible causes, signs and symptoms, and ways to treat them.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Hormonal changes, including puberty or thyroid issues, can trigger hot flashes in children.
  • Hot flashes in children can lead to excessive sweating and facial redness.
  • A rapid heartbeat is a common indication of hot flashes in children.
  • Hot flashes can cause irritability and mood swings in children.
  • Antidepressants and hormone therapy may be effective in alleviating hot flash symptoms.

What Are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes and night sweats are collectively called vasomotor symptoms. Generally, night sweats in children are normal and don’t have a specific cause. However, hot flashes usually warrant a medical check as a standard preventive care step. A hot flash is felt mostly during the day, while night sweats occur at night. A hot flash is a feeling of warmth or intense heat that spreads all over the body and is accompanied by perspirationiProcess of secretion of fluids from sweat glands or flushing. Although this feeling spreads throughout the body, it is prominent in some particular regions of the body, viz., neck, and head regions. There may also be dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and a feeling of suffocation, symptoms similar to panic attacks (1). So, if your child experiences hot flashes, they will have a sudden outbreak of sweat in their upper body.

protip_icon Quick fact
Hot flashes are common in menopausal women; however, they are rare among children (4).

What Causes Hot Flashes In Children?

Hot flashes may result from certain medical conditions or due to a reaction to some medicine. The following are some of the common reasons.

1. Hormonal changes

There are sudden changes in the hormonal levels at the time of puberty. The hormones at puberty undergo change and spike, resulting in hot flashes. The reproductive system also undergoes changes both in girls as well as boys. Thus, hot flashes are common occurrences at this stage of development.

2. Body thermostat

Changes in the thermostat can cause hot flashes in children

Image: Shutterstock

Changes in the thermostat or body temperature of your child’s body; the hypothalamus becomes more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls temperature regulation, blood pressure, appetite, and hormonal changes.

3. Side-effects of medication

If your child is on medication for some medical condition such as chronic illnesses, then you will observe hot flashes. Some medications stimulate hormonal changes that can lead to hot flashes. Even if your child stops taking her medicines, the symptoms will be visible for some time. However, if the feeling of flashes continues for a considerable duration, then please consult your doctor.

protip_icon Research finds
A study showed that a food supplement containing the plant Serenoa repens given to an 11-year-old girl for Telogen effluvium (a type of hair loss) treatment caused hot flashes (5).

4. Lifestyle factors

Factors such as lack of physical activity, poor dietary choices, and excessive screen time can contribute to the frequency and severity of hot flashes in children. Encouraging a balanced lifestyle may reduce the occurrence of symptoms.

5. Diseases

There are certain disorders that also cause hot flashes in children. For instance, if your child has epilepsyiNeurological condition resulting in sudden, recurrent fits and unconsciousness , type 1 diabetes, and is prone to seizuresi A medical condition that triggers an involuntary and uncontrollable surge of electrical activity in the brain , they may also experience hot flashes during the seizures.

Additionally, conditions such as thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism, Pituitary Disorders such as hypopituitarism, and Menstrual Disorders may also cause hot flashes.

6. Phobia

A phobia is a feeling of fear for a thing or a situation. If your child has any phobia, then it is likely that they will have a sudden outbreak of perspiration and the feeling of warmth all over their body.

7. Spicy food

These days kids gorge on spicy and junk food. Such foods also aggravate the condition of hot flashes.

Hot flashes usually stop within four to five years in children. But if they persist for longer consult your pediatrician, as it might signal an underlying medical condition.

US-based board-certified physician Dr. Laura Purdy says, “Some risk factors that increase the likelihood of hot flashes in children include obesity, stress, and anxiety. In addition, hormonal conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may cause hot flashes.”

Symptoms Of Hot Flashes In Children

The frequency of child hot flashes varies, i.e. two children will show different levels and durations of hot flashes. Also, your child himself will have varied levels of hot flashes i.e. either a few or many in a day depending on the causes of such flashes. Also, hot flashes are more common during the night than in the day.

The following are the common symptoms that your child will experience during a hot flash.

  1. Increase in the heartbeat.
  1. A warm feeling spreads in the upper parts of the body.
  1. The skin color becomes red during a hot flash as if your child is blushing.
Reddened skin may indicate hot flashes in children

Image: Shutterstock

  1. When the hot flash subsides, there is a feeling of chilling in the body.
  2. If your child has a hot flash, then he will start sweating. Also, perspiration is mostly on the upper body.

Additional symptoms to watch for may include anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can often exacerbate the discomfort associated with hot flashes and should be monitored closely (2).

Treating Hot Flashes In Children

If your child experiences hot flashes, then your doctor will suggest a treatment depending on the causes and symptoms of your child. The doctor will also take into account any past medical history of your child and will suggest the treatment accordingly. The most important treatment modality is avoiding the triggers (such as caffeine). Also, prefer light clothing over tight dresses.

1. Antidepressants

If your child shows signs of hot flashes then, they will be given antidepressants in small doses. Examples of some antidepressants are:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
  • Venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
  • Gabapentin
  • Pregabalin.
  • Clonidine

2. Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy for frequent attacks of hot flashes in kids

Image: Shutterstock

If your child has frequent attacks of hot flashes, then a dose of hormones estrogeniA hormone that regulates the growth of long bones and develops female sex characteristics and progesteroneiA steroid hormone that plays a key role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and early stages of pregnancy will prove beneficial. However, if you have a family history of uterus or breast cancer, then estrogen therapy for your young girl is not a good option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any long-term effects of hot flashes in children?

It is usually the underlying cause of hot flashes in children that could have long-term effects. For instance, hot flashes due to anxiety disorders may cause long-term complications. These disorders may also cause impaired concentration and physical symptoms such as muscle strain, sweating, and nausea (2).

2. How can parents support their children during hot flashes?

Parents must understand what hot flashes are and what triggers them to support their children. They should offer cold water, cool towels, and comfortable clothing to provide comfort. It is essential to encourage their children to have a healthy lifestyle by promoting exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reducing activities.

3. Are hot flashes in children more common in boys or girls, or do they affect both equally?

The existing medical research does not exhibit gender predilection for pediatric hot flashes.

4. Can stress or emotional factors contribute to the occurrence of hot flashes in children?

Stressful and emotional situations may cause anxiety, fatigue, and weakness which are often associated with episodes of hot flashes (2). Frequent hot flashes require a doctor’s consultation for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

5. Are any specific age groups more prone to experiencing hot flashes in children?

The available medical research and statistics have not noticed any age-related predilection of hot flashes in children.

6. Are there any ongoing research studies or advancements in understanding and treating hot flashes in children?

Small-scale research has shown that evening primrose oil, black cohosh, soy, vitamin E, and acupuncture may have a mild effect on improving symptoms of hot flashes (3). Further research will be needed to validate their efficacies.

Illustration: Hot Flashes In Children - Causes Symptoms And Treatment

Hot Flashes In Children - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

In most cases, hot flashes in children could be due to harmless factors and might not be cause for concern. If your child shows the symptoms of hot flashes, try to identify the triggering factors. If the hot flashes are accompanied by other concerning signs, consult a doctor. The healthcare provider would usually treat hot flashes based on the symptoms, and hence, the treatment may or may not include medication. Simultaneously, try to control the triggering factors and engage your child in relaxing practices to reduce the occurrence of hot flashes.

Infographic: Potential Causes Of Hot Flashes In Children

Hot flashes (usually caused by hormonal changes) are common in children, especially as they approach puberty. While the infographic below highlights other possible causes of hot flashes in children, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider if your child is experiencing discomfort or other unusual symptoms.

likely reasons for hot flashes in children (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Experience relief from common menopause symptoms like hot flashes by exploring causes, signs, and solutions in this enlightening video. Arm yourself with knowledge and seize control of your well-being today!

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Panic attacks
    https://www.icope.nhs.uk/camden-islington/problems-we-help-with/334-2/panic-attacks/
  2. Hot Flashes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539827/
  3. Hot Flashes
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15223-hot-flashes
  4. Hot flashes
    https://www.cham.org/health-library/article?id=sth149818
  5. Marco Miroddi et al; (2012); Hot Flashes in a Young Girl: A Wake-up Call Concerning Serenoa repens Use in Children
    https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/130/5/e1374/32394/Hot-Flashes-in-a-Young-Girl-A-Wake-up-Call?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Was this article helpful?
Like buttonDislike button

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla
Dr. Mubina AgboatwallaMBBS, DCH, MCPS
Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla is a well-known pediatrician, practicing paediatrics since the last 20 years in Karachi Pakistan. She is the head of the department of Pediatrics in Karachi Liaquat Hospital, as well as her private practice in three specialist clinics in Pediatrics.

Read full bio of Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla
  • Dr. Laura Purdy
    Dr. Laura PurdyMD, MBA Dr. Laura Purdy is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician with over a decade of experience. Previously a performing pianist, she later did her graduation in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Ball State University and attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After graduating with a family medicine residency at Georgia’s Martin Army Hospital, she joined as a US Army physician.
    Dr. Laura Purdy is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician with over a decade of experience. Previously a performing pianist, she later did her graduation in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Ball State University and attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After graduating with a family medicine residency at Georgia’s Martin Army Hospital, she joined as a US Army physician.
Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Ghazia Shah
Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd
Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

Read full bio of Ghazia Shah
Latest Articles