US Medical Term · symptoms
Hot Flashes
Bochornos
Also: Sofocos (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Hot Flashes |
| Spanish (Español) | Bochornos |
| Chinese (中文) | 潮熱 |
| Korean (한국어) | 열성 홍조 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bốc hỏa |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Biglang init ng katawan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Ondas de calor |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ร้อนวูบวาบ |
| Japanese (日本語) | ほてり |
What it means
Hot flashes are sudden feelings of intense warmth, often spreading over the face, neck, and chest, followed by sweating and sometimes chills. They most commonly occur during perimenopause and menopause due to declining estrogen levels. They can also be triggered by certain medications, chemotherapy, stress, hot beverages, and spicy food. In men, hot flashes can occur during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Hot flashes are generally not medically dangerous but can disrupt sleep and quality of life. Talk to your doctor about management options, including hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, and lifestyle changes. Record frequency and severity to guide treatment decisions.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been having sudden episodes of intense heat that spread over my face and chest several times a day.
He tenido episodios repentinos de calor intenso que se extienden por mi cara y pecho varias veces al día.
The hot flashes wake me up at night and I end up drenched in sweat.
Los bochornos me despiertan de noche y termino empapada en sudor.
I started getting hot flashes after beginning androgen therapy for my prostate cancer treatment.
Empecé a tener bochornos después de comenzar la terapia hormonal para el tratamiento de mi cáncer de próstata.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
N95 Menopausal and other perimenopausal disordersRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026