When you get close to menopause, there are changes that happen and most of them are not pleasant. One of the worst symptoms for most women is the hot flashes that can turn a 50 degree evening into a few moments in the Sahara Desert.
There are ways to deal with hot flashes. Some will work for you and others won’t. Try various things until you find something that works – and enjoy the savings on your heating bill this winter.
Drink It Up
Water, that is. Keeping your body hydrated is important for health as well as cutting down on the number and severity of hot flashes.
Wear Layers
Wearing layers of clothing is the only way to go. If you put short sleeved shirt on under a jacket or sweater you can start removing clothing as soon as you feel that tingly heat. Gauzy, loose fitting clothing made from materials that breathe are also helpful during your own personal heat wave.
Keep It Cool
If you are in control of the thermostat, keep it as cool as possible during this season of your life. Get a fan to put on your desk at work and aim it at your face when you feel the flush start up. Keep layers of covers on your bed, each in a different weight so you can control the amount of warmth you get.
This may sound ridiculous but I sleep with one leg on the top of the covers because it keeps me from getting overheated. It’s all about finding what works, right?
Spice It Down
Spicy foods are more likely to bring on a hot flash than foods that aren’t spicy. So can caffeine and alcohol. Keep a record of what you eat and your hot flashes and see if you can find what may be triggering you.
Speaking of Eating
Being overweight will increase the tendency to have hot flashes and can make them even more severe. Talk to your health care provider about your best weight and tips for getting there.
Breathe, Breathe, Breathe
Learning to slow down and deepen your breathing can help you through a hot flash. Breathe in deeply through your nose, allowing your ribcage to expand fully. Let your breath out slowly through your mouth with a whooshing sound. You should feel your body relax and your heat index drop dramatically.
If you happen to be in public and someone stares just lean over and whisper, “I’m a ninja.â€
Don’t Be Afraid to Medicate
When your menopause symptoms begin to create problems and affect your quality of life then it is time to consider prescription medications. There are a variety of hormone replacement therapies that help reduce hot flashes. Make an appointment to talk with your doctor about your concerns and possible treatment.
Going through menopause is as big of a change in your life and adjustment as it was when you first started to have periods. It probably took you a while to adjust back then, and you can expect it to take a while for you to adjust now.
Accept that it is happening, learn all you can about how to deal with symptoms, and try different ways to relieve those symptoms. It’s a season that will pass – eventually.
photo credit: Enfad
