Very hot head and neck with cold sweats?

Hi, I'm a 43 yr old woman and I keep getting these strange sensations in my head and neck. It feels as if my head is in an oven, the heat seems to work its way from the back of my neck then all over my head and face. I then break out in a cold, dripping sweat on my forehead, face and back of neck. It only lasts a few minutes but it can happen several times a day, no matter where I am or what I'm doing. Someone has mentioned pre-menopause but I don't know if this is a recognised symptom or if it could be something else altogether. I would be grateful for any and all advice given. Best wishes, Sharon.