What Causes Hot Flashes From Head Then Through Out The Body?

i am a 51 year old female. I have been experiencing what I would classify as severe hot flashed -- 15-20 daily. I heat up very quickly beginning with a very warm flash regarding my head then continues through rest of my body. I perspire from head to toe with my forehead and back of neck at hairline being the most severe. I at times have to change clothes. I am also experiencing numbness/tingling in both arms/hands every night and continues through the am. My hands are also slightly swollen. I experiencen arm pain throughout the day. I am tired throughout the day which I am assuming is due to restless/and lack of sleep.