You have a date with someone that you have been eyeing for weeks, but now you are wondering how you are going to cope with your pesky menopausal hot flashes while you are out on the town. Have no fear and follow these tips for dealing with hot flashes on a date.
Always Layer
Layering is by far the best way to protect yourself from a hot flash meltdown. If you are dressed in layers, you can take off your clothes easily and cool down quickly. Always start with a basic t-shirt or tank top, then add a long sleeve shirt and a cardigan or sweater if it is cool weather. If it is really cold out, throw on a jacket that doesn't have too many buttons or hooks so that it can easily be removed if a hot flash comes around.
Wear Sweat-proof Makeup
If you wear makeup, it's important to find a product that can withstand your menopausal hot flashes and help to disguise flushed red skin after a particularly bad episode. Once you find your perfect shade, make sure to apply a light layer only. Wearing a thick layer of foundation can make your skin feel clogged and clammy, exacerbating the uncomfortable feelings of a hot flash. Less is more, and you can always apply more after a hot flash episode.
Don't Be Embarrassed
Try not to let yourself feel ashamed about your hot flashes. They are a natural part of menopause. Don't feel embarrassed about suggesting a date option that will make it easier for you to manage your hot flashes. Try to avoid extremely crowded or small restaurants, as these stuffy, warm environments can easily trigger a hot flash.
If it is an option, you could choose seating outside, as a cool breeze will be helpful if you start having a hot flash during dinner. Another good date option would be doing something outside, like a walk in the park or a trip to the pier.
Avoid Alcohol
It's relatively common knowledge that alcohol makes people feel as though their body temperature is rising. As tempting as it may be to sip a glass of wine to calm your nerves, this could easily trigger a hot flash.
For more information on hot flashes and effective treatments, follow the links below.
Sources
- National Health Service UK. (2015). Hot flushes: how to cope. Retrieved January 22, 2016, from http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/menopause/Pages/hot-flushes.aspx
- Sikon, A. & Thacker, H. (2004). Treatment for Menopausal Hot Flashes. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 71(7).
- Weir, E. (2004). Hot flashes ... in January. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 170(1), 39-40. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC305309/