Coping with Menopausal Hot Flashes

As women age and their bodies continue to change there will come a time when all women will go through a stage called menopause. This occurs after a women’s menstrual cycle ceases for good and their reproductive stage ends, usually occurring sometime after they turn 45 years old. Unfortunately, every woman will go through menopause, which can be a rather ‘unruly’ experience with unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms.

While there can be a variety of different symptoms, which can vary from person to person and are more severe for some people than others, hot flashes and night sweats tend to be one of the most complained about and most bothersome symptoms. According to recent survey data from the Mayo Clinic, about two-thirds of menopausal women are plagued by hot flashes. Fortunately, there are some tips and management techniques that can be implemented to help reduce the discomfort of menopausal symptoms and help ease hot flashes and night sweats.

Tips for Coping with Hot Flashes:

#1 – Skip the coffee

Try to avoid consuming foods and beverages that have been know to cause/worsen hot flashes, such as spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, tea, or any other hot beverages.

#2 – Dress in layers

Like the name implies, hot flashes can occur at any given time and without notice. Admit that you’re having them and dress in layers so you can remove some clothing if/when a hot flash appears.

#3 – Drink a glass of cold water/fruit juice

At first sign of a hot flash, drink a refreshing glass of cold water or fruit juice

 #4 – De-Stress

Stress has been known to exacerbate hot flashes for many menopausal women. Reducing your stress level can help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

#5 – Keep an ice pack by the bed at night

Many women report that their hot flashes tend to flare-up more at night and keep them tossing and turning. Keep an ice pack by the bed and when you start to feel like your heating up try applying it to your forehead, the back of the neck, or your wrists.

#6 – Use Cotton Sheets/Clothing

Using clothing and linens that are made out of breathable materials, like cotton, also helps reduce hot flashes.

#7 – Keep a Diary

We’re not talking about the kind of diary where you write down all your deepest thoughts and feelings (unless you find that helps you de-stress, which many people says it does). Keeping a diary about when your hot flashes tend to flare-up, what you’ve been eating, drinking, or doing, and what tends to provide the most relief can help you determine what your triggers are… and then you can start making a plan to avoid the things that trigger your hot flashes.

#8 – Take Menopausal Vitamins/ Supplements

Taking specially formulated vitamins and supplements that have been tailored to meet the unique needs of menopausal women is another great way to help manage menopausal symptoms while supporting your overall health and well-being.

In addition, Mountainside Medical Equipment has dedicated a whole section of their website to products that are specifically tailored to helping make menopausal symptoms more manageable. Browse through today and see what might work best for you. Utilizing the tips suggested above, as well as taking vitamins/supplements that are specially formulated to help ease menopausal symptoms, like the Nature’s Bounty Complete Menopause Support Complex or the One A Day Vitamins Menopause Formula, can help provide the relief that you’ve been looking for to help ease those unpleasant symptoms.

Sources:

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/gynecological_health/introduction_to_menopause_85,P01535/

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_147495.html