How do I tell if I'm having hot flashes or just hot from the temperature?

I'm 49 and think I may be having very subtle hot flashes but I also work a very physical job and get hot from the temperature.

If you get very irritable when you get these hot flashes or are feeling more hot than normal, then it could be hot flashes. You are at that age, so I think it's menopause. Go see your ob/gyn. He/she will be able to tell you if you are experiencing signs of menopause, and will probably prescribe you hormone replacement treatments. They may prescribe something else, but it might not even be menopause. But because of your age, I'm thinking it's more than likely menopause. But I'm no doctor so be sure to go see your ob/gyn. Source(s): I'm taking hormone replacement for a different reason, but have done a lot of research.

Could be a little of both, but its likely you're approaching the change.
I am a little older, and I started taking black cohosh/soy bioflavinoid tablets daily about 6 months ago when I noticed I was getting flashes, and I don't get them at all anymore.
I also don't have the mood swings other women complain about.
As a 49 year old woman myself I can tell you that you can't always know. There have times when I just say to others, "Is it hot in here, or am I having a hot flash?" I make no bones about it. It's part of life and I just roll with it.