Dr Linia Patel (PhD, RD, MBDA) is the author of Food For Menopause and Life After Weight Loss Medication (publishing June 25th, Murdoch Books), and an award-winning women’s health dietitian, performance nutritionist and public health researcher. They can come on suddenly at any time of day, spreading throughout the face, chest and body. They may also be accompanied by sweating, dizziness or even heart palpitations. The exact reason why hot flushes happen is still not fully understood.