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Remedies for Hot Flashes

A hot flash is an intense feeling of warmth that permeates throughout your body in a very short period of time. Hot flashes are mainly associated with menopause, but women can experience this uncomfortable feeling after childbirth or any time they have a hormonal imbalance. Remedies for hot flashes range from changing your diet to using hormone replacement therapy and antidepressant medications.

  1. Dietary Triggers

    • Spicy food and caffeinated drinks can intensify and trigger hot flashes. Keep a food diary to help identify triggers and avoid problem foods. Switch to decaf teas and coffees as a measure of relief.

    Exercise

    • A regular exercise program can help minimize hot flash episodes. Aim for three 30-minute sessions of aerobic exercise each week. Walking, jogging or biking are all examples of aerobic exercise.

    Cool Down

    • Becoming overheated can trigger a hot flash. Wear layers of clothing that can be easily removed as needed. A well-ventilated home with air conditioning or open windows can help keep your body temperature down and stave off a hot flash.

    Reduce Stress

    • Try taking some slow, deep breaths--called paced respiration--as a remedy for hot flashes. Some women find yoga or meditation to be an effective stress reducer that puts a stop to hot flashes.

    Medicine

    • Hormone replacement therapy is an option for menopausal women and may reduce the number of hot flashes they have. Estrogen or progesterone therapy can even out a hormone imbalance that leads to hot flashes. Antidepressants such as Paxil and Prozac may alleviate hot flashes as well.

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