Hot Flushes & Alcohol Consumption: What Is an Alcohol Hot Flush?

Many people experience hot flushes, also known as ‘hot flashes’ or ‘alcohol hot flashes’, as part of the menopause. However, for some, just drinking alcohol can trigger the symptoms of a hot flush.

Most of the time, hot flushes are nothing to worry about and are a normal bodily response. However, if you experience alcohol flush reactions, you may be at increased risk of certain health conditions.^1,2

If you are worried about your alcohol use or the hot flushes you experience as a result of drinking alcohol, finding out more can provide you with the knowledge and tools to manage your symptoms and seek further support.

What Is an Alcohol Hot Flush?

A hot flush is an intense and sudden rush of warmth in the upper body. You can experience both hot flushes or heat in the face, neck, chest or arms as well as an increase in heart rate. These episodes can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but typically, they aren’t dangerous and are not prolonged, typically lasting around 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

When drinking, it can be harder for your body to process or ‘metabolise’ the alcohol in your system effectively. Your body breaks the substance down into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance normally further broken down into acetic acid, carbon dioxide and water, which are then eliminated from the body. However, this process puts a strain on the body, which can cause an alcohol hot flush.

However, some people have a genetic variation that produces a deficiency in an enzyme responsible for converting acetaldehyde into acetic acid. As a result, acetaldehyde can accumulate in the body, leading to the symptoms of a hot flush.

For some women, hot flushes are also common before as well as during the menopause. Alcohol metabolism can produce unpleasant symptoms in menopausal women that add to the uncomfortable flushing reaction experienced.¹

Are Hot Flushes Dangerous?

Whilst they can be unpleasant and stress-inducing, alcohol hot flushes are not typically dangerous. They usually resolve over time and with lifestyle measures. However, if you experience one after alcohol consumption, this can be a sign of underlying issues.¹

Hot flushes that occur after alcohol use are known as ‘alcohol flush reactions’. These reactions are a sign of sudden alcohol intolerance, and continuing to consume alcohol can lead to greater risks of liver disease and cancer.

An alcohol flush reaction is when you get a red face after drinking. You might also feel sick, have an itchy rash or experience signs of low blood pressure. These symptoms occur because alcohol is not broken down properly, resulting in higher levels of a toxic by-product in the body. If you experience one of these reactions, you are, therefore, at higher risk of certain types of cancer, including oesophageal (food pipe) and breast cancer.²

Signs & Symptoms of Hot Flushes from Alcohol

Everyone’s experience of an alcohol flush reaction can be different. In general, alcohol flushes tend to cause:

• Feelings of intense heat in the upper body (face, neck, chest and arms) that can spread throughout the body
• Sweating
• Flushed appearance of the skin (redness)
• Fast heart rate
• Palpitations
• Cool, damp skin
• Feeling cold or shivering afterwards
• Menopausal symptoms

You may also become anxious or stressed during alcohol hot flush episodes, particularly if you’re in a public place when the symptoms start.

Some people experience shorter episodes than others, and some can have hot flushes overnight. These are known as ‘night sweats’. The severity and how often they happen can vary. You may even experience hot flushes over several months or years.^1,3

Alcohol Hot Flush Symptoms

An alcohol-related hot flush reaction primarily causes a flushing, or redness, of the face. Other signs include an itchy, raised rash and low blood pressure. Alcohol hot flushes can also bring on symptoms of asthma or migraines.²

If you experience any symptoms after drinking alcohol, it is important to seek medical support from your GP. Try to limit your alcohol intake or seek further help and guidance from an accredited addiction treatment clinic.

Red Flag Signs and Symptoms of Hot Flushes

As alcohol hot flushes carry increased cancer risks, you should speak to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of cancer, such as:

• New lumps or skin changes
• Persistent indigestion or heartburn (burning feeling in the chest)
• Persistent hiccups
• Fatigue
• Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight

These can be signs of cancer, including oesophageal and breast cancer, which are linked to alcohol flush reactions. If you recognise these signs or symptoms, it’s important to speak to your GP.⁴

Causes of Hot Flushes

Disruptions in oestrogen levels and body temperature likely cause hot flushes. Some factors can trigger hot flush reactions, such as a warm environment, drinking hot tea or coffee, smoking cigarettes, alcohol use, eating spicy food, and having a hot shower. Taking medications that interfere with oestrogen levels or temperature regulation in the body can also cause hot flushes. Examples include medications used for birth control, depression, and high blood pressure.^3,5

In addition to these triggers, some health conditions can cause hot flushes, including ⁵:

• Menopause
• Hormone-related conditions, like hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypogonadism (low testosterone)
• Infections that cause a fever
• Anxiety
• Neurological conditions, like migraines and multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Rosacea (a long-term skin condition that causes flushing in the face)
• Alcohol allergy

What Happens During a Hot Flush?

Certain health conditions can affect your oestrogen levels and the functioning of the hypothalamus, a structure in the brain that regulates body temperature.

In conditions like the menopause, your oestrogen levels drop, which can cause your brain to think that your body temperature is too high, even if it isn’t. This triggers mechanisms, like vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and sweating, that help the body cool down. This results in a warm and flushed appearance, as blood flow to the skin’s surface is increased to help heat escape.^5,6

Does Alcohol Misuse Cause Hot Flushes?

If you are continuing to drink alcohol despite negative impacts on your home, work or social life, you may be suffering from alcohol misuse or alcohol intolerance. Over time, this condition can cause serious health conditions and impact your health and well-being.

Long-term alcohol misuse damages the brain’s ability to control blood vessels, so they become enlarged, causing persistent facial redness. Chronic alcohol misuse can also affect the levels of hormones, like testosterone and oestrogen, in the body. Imbalance of these hormones can lead to hot flushes.⁷

If you are suffering from alcohol misuse or addiction, you may experience night sweats as a symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Night sweats in this context tend to resolve over time, but can persist for several days. If you experience other symptoms or if they keep recurring, it is important to seek medical advice, as they can be a sign of cancer.

If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol withdrawal effects, it is important to seek medical guidance straight away, as some effects can be severe.⁸

How Can I Reduce the Risk of Hot Flushes?

Hot flushes can often feel out of your control, however, there are a few steps you can take to help ease your symptoms. These steps involve managing and avoiding potential triggers.

To help reduce the frequency and/or severity of your alcohol hot flushes, you can:

• Limit alcohol intake
• Keep well hydrated
• Keep your home well ventilated, especially during warm periods
• Wear breathable clothing that allows heat to escape
• Practice stress-relief techniques, like meditation
• Avoid spicy food
• Avoid too much caffeine
• Stop smoking

It is important to consult your GP before making any medication or dietary changes, as major shifts in either of these can also trigger alcohol hot flushes.⁵

When To Speak to a Healthcare Professional

If you are worried about your hot flushes or if you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, reaching out for professional support is an important first step.

Alcohol hot flushes can interfere with your daily life and make you feel anxious or stressed. Whether you are experiencing one for the first time or are concerned about recurrent or worsening episodes of hot flushes, talking through your symptoms with your GP can help to identify the cause and get you started on appropriate treatments.

If you are experiencing additional symptoms that may relate to a serious health problem, such as cancer or alcohol withdrawal, it is important to seek help immediately.^5,8

Treatment

Methods for managing alcohol hot flushes can vary depending on the underlying cause. Most of the time, they are self-limiting and will resolve over time and with lifestyle changes. In some cases, medical treatment may be required to help ease your symptoms and manage underlying causes.¹

How Can I Treat My Hot Flushes at Home?

Making small changes to your lifestyle, such as limiting your caffeine, alcohol and spicy food intake, and stopping smoking, can help mitigate the symptoms of a hot flush. Keeping your home cool, wearing light layers of clothing and using a cool compress during an episode can all be helpful steps to ease your discomfort.

Practising meditation at home can alleviate stress and anxiety and may reduce the severity and/or frequency of your episodes. Exercising in a cool environment, maintaining a healthy body weight and drinking plenty of water are all practices that can not only ease hot flush symptoms but also benefit your overall health and well-being.

After a hot flush, it is important to stay hydrated and keep warm, as the loss of heat through sweating and vasodilation can lead to dehydration and a reduced body temperature.^1,3,5

Medical Treatments for Hot Flushes

In many cases, alcohol hot flushes can be managed on your own by avoiding or cutting down on certain foods and alcohol and hot drinks, staying hydrated and having a cool and well-ventilated environment.

However, if you experience hot flushes as a result of the menopause, alcohol misuse or other health issues, you may be started on treatment. For example, in women’s health, a woman going through menopause or experiencing menopause symptoms during perimenopause may be prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to ease her symptoms. HRT replaces hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, helping to restore balance and alleviate hot flush symptoms.^1,3

If you experience hot flushes after drinking alcohol or have signs of chronic misuse, like facial redness, it is important to seek professional support. You may have developed health issues related to alcohol and could benefit from alcohol addiction treatment, which may also alleviate alcohol withdrawal triggers.

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CATCH Recovery is an addiction treatment provider that offers in-person and online treatments for a range of conditions, including alcohol misuse and addiction. Our friendly and experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalised care to every patient.

We understand that alcoholism can have far-reaching impacts on your health and well-being. At CATCH Recovery, we provide treatment for alcohol addiction. Our approach is grounded in the 12 Step model and focuses on compassion and respect, ensuring that you feel supported throughout your recovery journey.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol hot flushes related to alcohol misuse or addiction, we are here to provide support and guidance. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation screening assessment to find out how we can help.

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