Endocrine disorders that can cause a sudden onset of warmth and redness include Cushing syndrome, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.

Your endocrine system consists of eight different glands that affect everyday functions, such as metabolism, mood, and body temperature.

When hormones in your endocrine system become too high or too low, you may develop symptoms of related endocrine disorders that can cause skin flushing.

Skin flushing, also called “blushing,” causes changes in your skin tone. You may also notice sudden warming or burning sensations in your cheeks, neck, or other parts of your upper body.

Flushing is not exclusive to endocrine disorders, but it’s important to rule out this possibility, especially if other symptoms accompany flushing.

This article reviews endocrine disorders that may cause flushing and other symptoms that accompany these disorders.

Cushing syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused by chronically high cortisol levels in the body. Also called hypercortisolism, this condition may be diagnosed through blood, saliva, or urine tests collected over a 24-hour period.

Treatment for Cushing syndrome depends on the underlying cause and may include the following options:

  • cortisol-reducing medications
  • stopping steroid treatments
  • radiotherapy
  • surgery

Symptoms of Cushing syndrome

The most common symptoms of Cushing syndrome include:

  • skin on your face that turns red, brown, or purple, depending on skin tone
  • face that develops a rounder shape or puffiness
  • increased weight
  • fat development between the back portions of your neck and shoulders

Additionally, Cushing syndrome may cause the following:

  • unexplained fatigue
  • poor wound healing
  • recurring infections
  • easy bruising
  • pain
  • mood changes
  • low libido
  • menstrual changes
  • erectile dysfunction

Menopause is the gradual process of the menstrual cycle stopping in people assigned female at birth. A natural drop in estrogen can lead to a range of hormone-related symptoms. Some of these can interfere with quality of life and may be treated with the help of a doctor.

Symptoms of menopause

Hot flashes are common symptoms of menopause, and these can increase flushing in your face and chest. These occur in approximately 75% of menopausal women.

Other symptoms of menopause include:

  • mood shifts
  • brain fog
  • trouble sleeping
  • night sweats
  • libido changes
  • frequent urination
  • vaginal dryness
  • painful sex

An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) develops when your thyroid produces too many hormones. Depending on the cause, this condition may be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or surgery.

A doctor can confirm hyperthyroidism based on a blood test. They may also order additional testing to determine the underlying cause. This includes Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism increases your metabolic rate, which can make you feel warmer and flushed. Aside from skin flushing, you may also experience:

  • increased sweating
  • increased heart rate
  • irritability or anxiety
  • hand tremors
  • insomnia
  • hair loss
  • eye bulging or swelling
  • unexplained weight loss, sometimes with an increased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • lighter or missed periods

Antithyroid medications may cause hives or a skin rash

It’s important to note that antithyroid medications used to treat hyperthyroidism may cause hives or a skin rash.

This is different from flushing but may be mistaken as such. You should have a doctor assess any unexplained rashes.

Rosacea is a common condition that is primarily considered a skin disease. However, it may have some endocrine connections due to underlying risk factors, including menopause and hypothyroidism.

A dermatologist may diagnose rosacea based on its symptoms and your medical history. Treatment for rosacea involves medications, avoidance of known triggers, and a healthy skin care routine.

Symptoms of rosacea

Rosacea is primarily known for causing flushed skin, especially along your cheeks and nose. Some people with rosacea also develop skin flushing that extends up to their scalp or even down toward their upper back or chest.

Other possible symptoms of rosacea include:

  • visible blood vessels
  • acne-like lesions
  • burning or stinging
  • dry skin
  • thickening skin

Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting nearly 12% of the U.S. population. It can sometimes develop from the presence of other endocrine disorders, such as Cushing syndrome.

A doctor can diagnose diabetes with a combination of a physical exam, blood test, and urine sample. Prompt treatment is important in helping to prevent long-term complications from diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes can affect all areas of your body, including the skin. Chronic skin flushing is one possible symptom and is considered a common skin manifestation of diabetes.

Other common symptoms include:

  • unexplained fatigue
  • increased thirst and hunger
  • increased urination
  • blurry vision
  • frequent infections
  • slow-healing wounds

Carcinoid syndrome describes multiple symptoms that develop from neuroendocrine tumors. While considered rare, these tumors can develop in the gastrointestinal tract or the lungs.

Carcinoid syndrome may be confirmed with blood and imaging tests.

Symptoms of carcinoid syndrome

Flushing occurs in about 85% of people who have carcinoid syndrome, and it is considered the most common symptom.

Carcinoid syndrome may also cause:

  • diarrhea
  • irregular heart rate
  • wheezing
  • muscle wasting
  • skin rashes

While several endocrine conditions are linked with symptoms of skin flushing, these aren’t the only causes. Other common causes of flushing include:

  • excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • stress and anxiety
  • spicy foods
  • hot beverages, such as tea and coffee
  • alcohol

If lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques do not help reduce frequent flushing, a doctor may rule out other possible causes. Aside from the above endocrine disorders, other medical conditions that may cause flushing include:

Medications may also play a role

Another consideration is the medications you currently take. Flushing is linked with numerous types of prescription medications, such as:

Flushing is a symptom that can cause warmth and skin tone changes in your face, chest, and other parts of your upper body. Numerous factors, including certain foods, medications, and health conditions, can cause it.

It’s important to see a doctor if you experience frequent skin flushing, especially if you have other concerning symptoms or cannot identify any particular trigger of flushing.

Depending on their findings, they may order certain diagnostic tests to rule out or confirm endocrine disorders.