How to Treat Hot Flashes Without Hormones

For many women, hot flashes are a common, and unwelcome, part of menopause. The Mayo Clinic states that about three-quarters of all women experience hot flashes during menopause. They can occur at any time, causing significant sweating and discomfort. For women who cannot take hormones, or who want to treat their hot flashes naturally, there are a number of non-hormonal treatment options available.

Things You'll Need

• Black Cohosh
• Vitamin E

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify what triggers your hot flashes, and then avoid those triggers as much as possible. Some women find that certain things, such as spicy foods, alcohol, stress or temperature changes, bring on hot flashes. Keeping a record of when your hot flashes occur in relation to your diet, emotions and activities may help.

• 2

  Drink ice water or another cold beverage when a hot flash begins. This will help reduce your body temperature and prevent dehydration caused by sweating.

• 3

  Dress in natural fabrics, and wear layers during cold weather. Wearing layers allows you to remove some clothing when a hot flash begins.

• 4

  Take a cool bath or shower to reduce your symptoms. Cool showers are especially beneficial if you suffer from hot flashes soon after going to bed at night, a common time for many women.

• 5

  Supplement with black cohosh or vitamin E. The Mayo Clinic states that black cohosh is widely used in Europe for the treatment of hot flashes during menopause.

• 6

  Try acupuncture treatments. Some women report a reduction in the intensity and frequency of hot flashes following acupuncture, while others report no improvement.

• 7

  Ask your doctor about non-hormonal medications to treat your hot flashes. Blood pressure medications and some antidepressants may lessen the frequency and severity of hot flashes in some women.