How to Control Post-Menopausal Hot Flashes

Unfortunately, hot flashes are a common side effect of menopause. With less estrogen in your body, your hypothalamus has a difficult time regulating your body's temperature. Hot flashes often start off as a warm feeling in your core that intensifies and spreads throughout your entire upper body. You may begin to sweat; your skin may flush and become blotchy. You can expect your heart rate to increase and small amount of pressure in your head.

Things You'll Need

• Hormone therapy
• Soy products

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor for hormone therapy. She will prescribe estrogen pills, which will help to replace the estrogen that your body has lost after having gone through menopause. If you cannot take estrogen for any reason, you will be prescribed progesterone pills.

• 2

  Eat a diet high in soy. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which have properties that are similar to estrogen. You can get soy from soybeans, tofu and soy milk. You can also buy supplements that contain soy.

• 3

  Keep your home cool but comfortable. It is much easier to cool down from a hot flash in a cool room than it is in a room that is toasty warm.

• 4

  Keep cold water on hand. Stock your refrigerator with bottled water. Drinking cold water during a hot flash can help it pass quickly.

• 5

  Get regular exercise. Exercising regularly will improve your overall health, making it easier for your body to regulate your temperature during a hot flash.

• 6

  Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine is known to help induce hot flashes.

• 7

  Quit smoking. Nicotine (like caffeine) is a stimulant. Stimulants can bring on hot flashes.