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The Best Ways to Cope With Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a precursor to menopause and a normal transition in a woman's life. Doctors have been unable to determine the exact cause of hot flashes but they have associated them to a disruption in hypothalamus--the area of the brain that regulates body temperature--function due to estrogen reduction. Hot flashes can last anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes. They may be accompanied by excessive perspiration and are most strongly felt around the head/neck area. There are several treatment options available when hot flashes become disruptive to your normal daily routine.

  1. Hot Flash Triggers

    • Hot flashes can be triggered by many external stimulating factors. Identified triggers include smoking (tobacco and marijuana), alcoholic drinks, caffeine, spicy/acidic foods, white sugar, hydrogenated/saturated fats and diet pills. If you consume foods, or indulge in any of the listed behaviors, eliminate them to see if hot flashes subside. Also, avoid prolonged exposure to any environment with elevated temperatures like hot tubs, saunas, hot rooms, hot showers, hot beds and hot weather.

    Lifestyle Adjustments

    • Mild hot flashes can be managed by making a few simple lifestyle adjustments. Try to keep cool by opening windows, using fans or lowering the temperature in air-conditioned areas. Yoga, meditation or other stress-relieving techniques help provide some relief from the discomfort. Slow, deep breathing at the beginning of a hot flash helps to minimize its effects. Try exercising at least 30 minutes a day by walking, riding a bike or participating in any other form of physical activity

    Prescribed Medications

    • Hormone replacement therapy (with either estrogen and/or progesterone) has traditionally been prescribed to treat hot flashes. Consult with your physician to determine the best course of treatment.There are also non-hormonal medications available as alternatives. They are not specifically geared toward treating hot flashes but have been proven successful in alleviating symptoms, according to studies performed by doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Low doses of antidepressants that affect serotonin and epinephrine have been found to relieve hot flashes like Paxil, Effexor and Celexa. Gabapentin (used for seizures) , and Clonidine (high-blood pressure) also have been effective. Taken occasionally, Bellergal-S--a mild sedative that controls chemical activity in the brain--also has been helpful.

    Alternative Treatments

    • Natural supplements have been effective in curbing hot flashes. Consult with your physician before beginning any herbal regimen. Some ingredients, although natural, may interact with prescribed medication you are taking for other conditions. Black cohosh is popular among woman as a natural treatment of hot flashes. It has a low incidence of side effects, and it helps reduce the intensity of hot flashes. Consumption of soy and other phytoestrogenic (plant estrogen) compounds like chick peas/lentils also help to reduce occurrences. Vitamin E, licorice, evening primrose oil and wild yam have showed promise in reducing the number of hot flashes. Essential oils of basil and thyme can ease the flashes when inhaled, used in bath water or mixed with massage oils.

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