Can hot flashes be related to thyroid problems?

Hot flashes can be a symptom of an overactive thyroid, according to Prevention. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include sweating, heat intolerance and heart palpitations.

When the thyroid is overactive, it produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, according to Prevention. This speeds up the body's metabolism and can cause hot flashes, a rapid heartbeat and unexplained weight loss. The hot flashes that accompany hyperthyroidism happen constantly, which differs from those that accompany menopause.

A woman experiencing hot flashes that may not be caused by menopause can take a simple blood test to check thyroid hormone levels, says Prevention.