How to Deal With Hot Flashes From Menopause

During menopause, hot flashes can be one of your most significant symptoms. They can come on suddenly, leaving you sweating and uncomfortable. Hot flashes are an inevitable result of menopause for most women---they're not preventable, but you can take steps to make them more manageable.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose your foods wisely. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods, which WebMD says can increase your chances of having hot flashes.

• 2

  Adjust your wardrobe. If you're prone to having hot flashes, layer your clothes. Make sure your base layer is a very light article of clothing, such as a silk or cotton tank top. Make sure to have a sweater in the office or around the house for when the hot flash goes away.

• 3

  Exercise. Losing a bit of weight can help you allay the severity of hot flashes, and a steady exercise regime can also help you sweat out part of what you would during a hot flash.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor about non-hormonal prescriptions. According to an MSNBC article, drugs used to treat depression, epilepsy and high blood pressure can allay the symptoms of some hot flashes.

• 5

  Cool yourself down by taking cold showers frequently. According to BreastCancer.org, this will particularly help if you wake up in the middle of the night with a hot flash.