Controlling Hot Flashes

Controlling hot flashes completely and getting rid of all their related symptoms may not be possible for all women, but with more knowledge of this symptom of menopause and a few simple tips, women can work towards relief.

Continue reading to learn more about hot flashes and how you can effectively manage them.

About Hot Flashes

Studies estimate that hot flashes affect up 70% of American women at some point in their lives - usually during the menopausal stage. Characterized by a sudden rush of intense heat. Hot flashes are often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Perspiration
• Flushed or warm skin
• Chills
• Irregular heartbeat

Hot flashes that occur while a woman is sleeping are known as night sweats. The above list also applies to night sweats, although many women don't realize they've experienced a night sweat unless it is strong enough to wake them up.

Hot Flash Triggers

There are many small changes a woman can make in her daily routine to help alleviate and control the effects of hot flashes. The first ones to implement should be avoiding hot flashes triggers. These include:

• Over-consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar
• Spicy foods and hot drinks
• Warm environments
• Hairdryers and heaters
• Stress
• Smoking
• Diet pills

Managing Hot Flashes

It is possible for women to make small adjustments to help control hot flashes.

Room Temperature

Sometimes, avoiding hot flashes, or just lowering their intensity and frequency, can be as simple as opening a window, turning on a fan, or cranking up the air conditioning.

Breezy Clothing

Certain fabrics help keep women cooler than others. Natural materials like cotton, are more breathable than synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex.

Avoiding Stressful Situations

Maintaining a regular heartbeat can keep hot flashes at bay. Finding the time to de-stress is vital if you want to prevent uncomfortable sweating moments at work. Get a massage, practice meditation, join a yoga class, or just enjoy a walk to the park.

More Information

For women who want even more control over their hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, there are a variety of effective treatment options available. These options can be divided in three categories:

• Lifestyle changes
• Alternative medicines
• Prescription medications

Women can explore these options to learn about the most effective treatment for hot flashes. However, women should discuss their treatment options with their doctors before choosing.