In the United Kingdom, these two terms are interchangeable, “hot flash” being referred to there as the “hot flush”, its meaning one and the same. But in America, one letter creates a huge difference between the two terms. Although commonly interchanged, these two words have absolutely different meaning, the former encompassing the other.

To give you a clearer picture, let me define the terms specifically.

Hot Flash—This is a symptom of the changing hormone levels during menopause. The estrogen level in the body drops, and creates an imbalance in the body, although the direct connection is not really explained. The hot flashes cease a year or two after menopause, but the estrogen continues to drop. Hot flashes are identified as sudden hot and intense feeling in the face and upper body, thus the term, along with other symptoms that go along with the heat.

Hot Flush—This term on the other hand, can refer to one of the symptoms of hot flash. It comes on the near end of the flash, generating profuse sweating.