As they transition through menopause many women find hot flashes one of the hardest symptoms to deal with. This is because the symptom can be sudden and overwhelming.
Menopause is a natural transition from fertility to infertility that can produce a variety of unpleasant and inconvenient symptoms. Managing these symptoms can be difficult, but you can lessen the impact menopause has on your daily life and begin to regain control.
Fortunately, there are treatments for menopause and hot flash. Continue reading to learn more about the different treatments available and how to choose the best hot flash remedy for you.
What Are Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes are feelings of extreme heat usually felt in the neck, head, scalp, and ears. Other symptoms of hot flash include an increased heart rate, redness or flushing of the chest, neck, and face and sometimes profuse sweating and nausea.
What Triggers Hot Flashes?
Aside from hormonal changes during menopause, there are a number of factors that can cause hot flashes and prompt women to look for a suitable hot flash remedy.The following are some of the common hot flash triggers:
- Hot showers
- Caffeine
- Warm environments
- Spicy food
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Stress
- Hot drinks
- Diet pills
What Is the Best Hot Flash Remedy?
Due to the fact that almost all women suffer from hot flashes during menopause, there is a great demand for hot flash remedies. Luckily, there are various options available when it comes to finding an effective remedy.
One of the most effective remedies does not require medication or a great deal of expense. It is simply involves making certain lifestyle adjustments such as wearing clothes that are made of natural materials or practicing deep breathing techniques.
Other successful hot flash remedies options include:
- Eating a diet rich in protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and grains
- Drinking 2 liters of water each day
- Stopping smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Wearing suitable clothing
- Keeping cold water at hand
Consider a Natural Hot Flash Remedy
As a hot flash remedy, alternative medicines and natural products are growing in popularity. They involve little to no risk and can be extremely effective when dealing with hot flashes.
However, the health risks involved in using hormone replacement therapy (such as an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease) mean that a natural hot flash remedy can be the best form of treatment. Natural remedies range from phytoestrogens and natural medicines to complementary therapies such as acupuncture and aromatherapy. Furthermore, alternative treatments as a form of hot flash remedy are frequently combined with healthy lifestyle adjustments for a full effect.
Sources
- Sikon, Andrea and Holly Thacker M.D. "Treatment for Menopausal Hot Flashes". Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. July 2004: 71 (7).
- "Hot flashes ... in January". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2004: 170 (1).
- Miller, Heather and Rose Maria Li, M.D. "Measuring Hot Flashes: Summary of a National Institutes of Health Workshop". Conference report. Mayo Clinic. June 2004: 79.