Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. However, many women search for home remedies to reduce hot flashes as an alternative to or addition to medicine.
5 Easy Steps to Alleviate Hot Flashes
It is not always possible to completely get rid of hot flashes. However, there are some solutions that can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes. Common home solutions for hot flashes include:
Dressing in layers
Layering your clothing can help to reduce a sudden hot flash. By using multiple lightweight pieces of clothing, you can remove them when you're too warm. This is helpful in all situations of life, from going out with friends to sitting in the office.
Breathing slowly and deeply
Breathing slowly when a hot flash starts can help to reduce it. It may not seem like the first thing to do when you're in the midst of an episode, but by slowing your breathing down and expanding the ribcage with deep breaths, you will help to reduce stress and cool down the body.
Getting air
Fresh air is a great help for reducing stress. Walks in the fresh air can help soothe the mind and nerves. When a hot flash strikes, try to get to an open area with room to breathe.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is not only helpful in preventing hot flashes, but it's also essential for overall health. Particularly, ice water immediately cools you down.
Splashing water on your face
Go to the bathroom and give your face a splash of cold water. This will help take away the immediate problem and go some way to reducing body temperature.
Recommendations
Hot flashes are a common symptom among menopausal women and vary greatly in severity and duration. Home remedies can help reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes. Click on the following link for more information on remedies for hot flashes.
Sources
- National Health Service UK. (2015). Hot flushes: how to cope. Retrieved November 17, 2015, from http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/menopause/Pages/hot-flushes.aspx
- National Prescribing Service Australia: Medicinewise. (2014). Managing hot flushes in menopause. Retrieved November 17, 2015, from http://www.nps.org.au/publications/consumer/medicinewise-living/2014/managing-hot-flushes