The science behind your symptoms and the relief most women don't know about...

Those sudden waves of heat that make you rip off your sweater in the middle of winter? The night sweats that leave your sheets soaked? The unpredictable flushing that happens during important meetings?

They're not random. They're not "just stress." And they're definitely not something you have to live with.

Hot flashes are your body's way of saying: "My hormone levels have changed dramatically, and I need help adjusting."

Here's what's really happening—and more importantly, what you can do about it.

Hot flashes happen when your estrogen levels drop. As you move through perimenopause and into menopause, your ovaries produce less estrogen. Sometimes these levels drop gradually. Sometimes they swing wildly up and down.

Your brain has a temperature control center called the hypothalamus. It's like your body's thermostat. When estrogen drops, this thermostat gets confused. It thinks you're overheating when you're not.

Your body responds by trying to cool you down fast. Your heart rate increases. Blood vessels near your skin expand. You start sweating. That's a hot flash.

About 75% to 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. For some women, they're mild and occasional. For others, they happen multiple times per day and disrupt sleep, work, and daily life.

Here's a surprising fact: About 1.3 million American women enter menopause every year. That's 6,000 women every single day.

Most of them experience symptoms beyond just hot flashes. Night sweats. Mood swings. Trouble sleeping. Brain fog. Joint pain. Fatigue.

These symptoms aren't just annoying. They're life-changing.

Almost half of working women say menopause symptoms hurt their job performance. Some miss work. Others struggle to focus. Many feel like they're failing at tasks that used to be easy.

Yet 95% of women who could get help don't receive any treatment.

Let that sink in. Only 5 out of 100 women get help for something that affects their sleep, work, and quality of life.

The reasons are complicated.

Many women don't know what's happening. Six out of ten women didn't learn about perimenopause until they were already in it. They think their symptoms are stress, depression, or just "part of aging."

When you don't realize your symptoms are menopause-related, you can't ask for the right help.

Many women feel embarrassed. About 40% of women feel shame around menopause. They don't want to bother their doctor with "women's problems." They suffer in silence instead.

Many doctors don't offer solutions. Even when women do see a doctor, only 4 out of 10 are offered hormone therapy right away. Some doctors don't have much training in menopause care. Others simply don't bring it up.

Access is hard. Finding a menopause specialist takes time. Wait times can stretch for months. Between work and family, who has hours to sit in waiting rooms?

Here's the good news: Medical science has excellent solutions for menopause symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment available. It works better than any other option for hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause symptoms.

Every major medical organization agrees: HRT is safe and effective for most women when used correctly.

The results speak for themselves:

Starting treatment before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause beginning works best. This is when your body responds most effectively.

Hormone replacement therapy works by giving your body the hormones it's no longer making. Your ovaries used to make estrogen and progesterone. During menopause, they slow down or stop.

This drop in hormones causes your symptoms. Replacing them brings relief.

Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body makes naturally. They're made from plant sources but refined in labs to match your natural hormones exactly.

Your body recognizes bioidentical hormones easily. That's why many doctors prefer them today.

HRT comes in many forms: pills, patches, gels, creams, and vaginal treatments. Your doctor can help you find what works best for your body and lifestyle.

Most women want to know: How long until I feel like myself again?

Here's a typical timeline:

Week 1-2: You might notice small changes. Sleep may improve slightly. Hot flashes might decrease a bit.

Week 3-4: Changes become more clear. Hot flashes happen less often. Your mood feels more stable. You have more energy.

Week 6-8: Most women notice big improvements by now. Hot flashes are much better. Sleep is more restful. Brain fog lifts. You feel more like "you."

3 months: Your hormones settle into a stable level. Most symptoms are well-controlled. Your doctor might adjust your dose to fine-tune things.

Everyone is different. Some women feel better within days. Others need a few months. But most women do feel significantly better.

Online healthcare platforms are making menopause care much more accessible.

Instead of waiting months to see a specialist in person, women can now connect with menopause experts from home. No waiting rooms. No taking time off work. No driving across town.

These platforms typically work like this:

The best platforms employ doctors who specialize in menopause care. They understand the latest research. They know how to adjust treatments based on your symptoms.

Whether you choose traditional care or telemedicine, look for these things:

A quality provider will ask about your medical history carefully. They'll make sure hormone therapy is right for you. They'll coordinate with your regular doctor if needed.

Companies like Winona are making menopause care simple and accessible.

Winona connects women with board-certified physicians who specialize in menopause care. The platform operates in over 40 states.

Here's how it works: You complete a detailed health questionnaire online. Within 24 hours, a menopause specialist reviews your information and creates a personalized bioidentical HRT plan. Your prescription arrives at your door within a week.

You get 24/7 access to message your doctor. Regular check-ins are included. No video calls required—though available if you want them.

The platform focuses on bioidentical hormone therapy. Plant-based hormones that match what your body naturally produces. Their doctors tailor treatment to your specific symptoms and health history.

Over 80% of their patients report relief from menopause symptoms within 90 days. Many see improvements much sooner.

The process is straightforward. Private. And designed around your busy life.

Learn more about Winona’s approach here.

Here's the bottom line: Hot flashes are your body asking for help. And help is available.

You don't have to power through hot flashes, sleepless nights, and brain fog. You don't have to feel like you're losing yourself.

Modern hormone therapy is safe for most women. It's effective. And it's more accessible than ever before.

If you're struggling with menopause symptoms, you have options. The science is clear. The treatments work. And help is available right now.

Whether you choose traditional care or a telemedicine platform like Winona, the important thing is to seek help.

You deserve to feel like yourself again.

Do you think you might benefit from hormone therapy, but you're not sure?

Winona has a helpful quiz to find out here.

It just takes a few minutes, and you'll have your answer.