9 Ways to Be Smart About Hot Flashes During Menopause

You’ve been going to great lengths to manage your hot flashes. You’ve asked your boss about a transfer to Alaska where you would happily start a branch office in an igloo. You tried, unsuccessfully, to have the dress code changed to beachwear and sandals. You’ve spent so much time with your head in the freezer that you’ve developed frostbite on your nose, yet you still have hot flashes.

You’re desperate and willing to try just about anything. You need some tips for beating hot flashes fast.

It’s time to get to work. If you’re willing, there are several ways you can be smart and decrease hot flashes during menopause.

Be Smart – Review Your Diet

There are a number of foods which can increase hot flashes and others which can help prevent them. Creating a healthy diet that includes the right foods and eliminates the trigger ones is one of the first places to start. Pass on spicy foods, sugar, fat, and hot dishes.

Be Smart – Drink More Water

Dehydration can increase your risk for hot flashes, and hot flashes can cause sweating which can increase your risk for dehydration. It’s a vicious cycle. Keep a water bottle with you so you can make sure you are drinking your 8 glasses of water per day. Pass on hot drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.

Be Smart – Exercise Regularly

As ironic as it sounds, moving is more likely to prevent hot flashes, whereas sitting can increase them. If you aren’t exercising regularly, now’s the time to start. Exercising doesn’t have to be hard. There are several tricks for working exercise into your day.

Be Smart – Manage Stress

Anxiety and stress can trigger hot flashes. Unfortunately, menopause and all that is going on in life around that time can increase your anxiety and stress levels. Learn some relaxation techniques, consider changes to your lifestyle, practice meditation, etc. so you can manage stress better and bring anxiety levels down.

Be Smart – Quit Smoking

You know it’s bad for your health, but did you know it also causes hot flashes. You owe it to yourself to find a cessation program that will work for you. If you ask, your doctor, family, and friends will be happy to help you stop smoking.

Be Smart – Consider HRT

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help you manage hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. There are a number of options to choose from, including many different hormone delivery systems, so talk to your doctor today about what is best for you.

Be Smart – Ask about Alternatives

If HRT is not right for you but you still need some help with hot flashes, talk to your doctor. There are other prescription options, such as Brisdelle, over-the-counter remedies, acupuncture, home remedies, and more.

Be Smart – Plan Ahead

You know hot flashes may be a problem, so be prepared. Dress in layers. Keep a fan at your desk, by your bed, and in your purse. Keep cold water with you at all times. Also, avoid your hot flash triggers and steer clear of places or people that cause you stress.

Be Smart – Stay Cool

You know getting hot is likely to trigger a hot flash, so be wise about your temperature. Avoid hot tubs and saunas. Turn the temperature down. Don’t pile too many blankets on your bed and make wise choices about fabrics – avoid wool and silk, and choose those that breathe instead. Don’t wear tight or constricting clothing which can keep you too warm. Stay out of the sun and skip sunbathing.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.  Reprinted with permission: 9 Ways to Be Smart About Hot Flashes During Menopause