Coping with Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause and are caused by decreasing estrogen levels. About 75 percent of all women experience these sudden, brief, periodic increases in their body temperature.
In addition to increasing skin temperature, a hot flash may increase a woman’s heart rate. This causes sudden perspiration as the body tries to reduce its temperature. This symptom may also be accompanied by heart palpitations and dizziness.
As estrogen levels decrease, your glands release higher amounts of other hormones that affect the brain’s thermostat, causing your body temperature to fluctuate.
Hormone replacement therapy or herbal remedies can relieve some of the discomfort of hot flashes for many women. However, the decision to start the supplement or replace these hormones should be made only after you and your healthcare provider have evaluated the risks and benefits.
To help you cope with hot flashes:
-
Dress in layers, so you can remove clothing when a hot flash begins
-
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, tea and other hot beverages
-
Drink a glass of cold water or fruit juice when a hot flash begins
-
Avoid stress as much as possible
-
Keep a thermos of ice water or an ice pack near your bed at night
-
Use cotton sheets, lingerie and clothing that allow your skin to breathe
-
Record your symptoms to determine what might trigger hot flashes.
For individual menopause counseling or more information about hot flashes, call 544-3779.
For more information related to this topic: