Natural Cures for Hot Flashes

According to the National Institute of Health, a hot flash is defined as a sudden sensation of the body getting warm as well as flushing and sweating. While these feelings are temporary, they can range in intensity and frequency. While one may not deem it serious enough to see a doctor, there are things that you can try that will give you the relief you are seeking. Read on to find natural cures for hot flashes.

Causes

• Hot flashes are mainly caused by hormonal changes related to menopause, however, they can also appear with changes in lifestyle or medication. The estrogen level in women drops, which directly affects the hypothalamus - the part of the brain that controls the autonomous nervous system. The hypothalamus becomes disoriented and sends out a signal of being 'too hot'. Eighty-five percent of U.S. women experience hot flashes as they come upon menopause.

Natural Cures

• Before seeing a doctor or starting some kind of estrogen therapy, try one of these natural cures and you may find that it can help.
  Try and identify something that could be triggering your hot flashes to appear. Take note of what you were doing every time you experience a hot flash. Write it in a notebook, on the computer or even send a text message to yourself. As long as you keep track every time this happens, you will begin to identify triggers. Stress may be a huge trigger, and in that case it is important to relax and pace yourself throughout the day.
  Exercising can also reduce the occurrence of hot flashes. Regular exercise also has many benefits, as it can also reduce conditions such as insomnia, mood swings and fatigue. Develop a regular exercise routine and make sure to fit it into your day.
  You may want to learn relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. Even taking up yoga can have a positive effect on your body. Anything that helps you eliminate stress is beneficial to you.
  Changing your diet may also help with the hot flashes. Losing any excess weight could help lessen the symptoms.
  Some women have used acupuncture to treat hot flashes. There are also many herbs that can be combined in order to make a tea designed to reduce hot flashes.
  Lastly, you may want to try taking a vitamin. Many women have found that taking Vitamin E has helped to lessen their hot flashes.