The Do’s and Don’ts for Hot Flash Relief
Are you tired of feeling hot and sweaty at the most inopportune times? Are you burning up so much that you can’t sleep? Are you ready to stop those hot flashes in their tracks?
Hot flashes are the most common and well known symptom of menopause. They also affect women who have had their ovaries removed or had a total hysterectomy, since that throws a woman directly into what is referred to as surgical menopause. Some women have mild hot flashes and can tolerate them well. However, for others, hot flashes can be debilitating. Other symptoms of menopause include night sweats, fatigue, low libido, depression, and sleepless nights.
What is a hot flash?
Hot flashes are when you feel surge of heat, a red flushed face and neck, and sweating. These occur over and over again. Hot flashes occur when the blood vessels near the skin’s surface dilate to cool, making you break out in sweat. Hot flashes with sweating that happen at night are called night sweats. Hot flashes can last either for a very short time, from about six months to two years, and they usually get milder over time, but some women have them for much longer time, even possibly for the rest of their lives.
DO’S
Here are many things you can do for hot flash relief:
DIM – DIM, the natural compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, aids in hormone function in women. It supports hormone balance, may promote balanced estrogen metabolism, and promotes cell health by getting rid of damaged cells.
Maca Root – Maca is a root grown in the Andes and has been used for many years to help women regulate hormone production. Maca Root supports hormonal balance naturally and helps with menopause and hot flashes. It works as an adaptogen in that it responds to different body’s needs individually. It may improve energy levels and it also enhances libido and sexual function.
Chaste Berry – Commonly referred to as “Vitex”, Chaste Berry supports female hormone balance, especially during menopause, and is naturally proven to increase libido.
Flax Oil – Essential fatty acids are an important part of a well-balanced nutrition plan and play an important role in the anti-inflammatory system of our body. The rich flax oil found in Omega Nutrients provides a balanced source of essential fatty acids, 3, 6 and 9, which may help reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. Flax oil also supports cardiovascular system and promotes the maintenance of healthy skin.
Turn down the A/C – Keep your bedroom as cool as possible.
Fans – Use fans to keep the air flowing. Try a standing fan next to your bed or a small fan on your desk at work to help keep you cool.
Cold Shower – Take a cold shower before bed to cool you off.
Lose Weight – Stay active and work on losing those extra pounds, since excess weight and obesity are risks factors for hot flashes.
Stay Hydrated – Drink lots of water. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. This helps keep your body’s cooling system working well.
Cooling Pillow – Get yourself a cooling pillow to help keep you cool while you sleep.
Balance your hormones – Be sure not to overlook the important significance of correcting progesterone and estrogen loss. Replenishing and balancing these hormones with bioidentical hormones is crucial to stopping hot flashes.
DON’TS
Be sure to avoid these hot flash triggers:
Sugar
Stress
Spicy foods
Heat
Cigarette Smoke
Caffeine
Alcohol (especially red wine)
Chocolate
Aged Cheese
Tight clothing
Tempur-Pedic mattress (it tends to be hot)
Caution: A Word about Premarin
Premarin is conventional doctors’ answer for hot flashes, and while it does contain estrogens that can help, it contains even more potent horse estrogens that were not meant to be inside the human body, with potentially devastating results, including cancer. Premarin is made of horse estrogens derived from pregnant mare urine, hence the name, “Pre-mar-in”. It has serious side effects that include blood clots, breast tenderness, fluid retention, gall stones, headaches, high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, increased risk of diabetes, increased risk of endometrial cancer and breast cancer, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, leg cramps, nausea and vomiting, vaginal bleeding, worsened uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
Dr. Hotze Discusses How You Can Get Relief for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
We Can Help
Are hot flashes and other menopause symptoms controlling your life? We can help. Let us guide you safely through menopause and help you to feel your best. Contact a wellness consultant today at 281-698-8698.
What tips do you have for keeping hot flashes under control? Please share them below.
