How to Cure Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are a sign of menopause due to changing hormone levels, but they can also be caused by medication and lifestyle choices. Hot flashes come in the form of intense heat, sweating and palpitations. They can start from your face to your neck area and spread throughout your body and last from two to 30 minutes. Hot flashes can also be so uncomfortable as to cause insomnia, mood swings and loss of focus. Women are reported to experience hot flashes even years before menopause sets in their bodies, which is extremely problematic. Learn how to cure hot flashes and minimize their effects with these steps.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy goes straight to the cause of hot flashes. While HRT is noted to be the fastest way to relieve menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, it can also increase your chances of getting breast cancer, stroke and dementia. It also has a number of short-term and long-term risks.
Doctors recommend getting HRT in the lowest possible dosage in the shortest span of time to minimize its potential ill effects.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
SERMs are a kind of drug that can either inhibit or stimulate the way various tissues in your body accept estrogen. It is noted to be relatively safer than HRT, while alleviating the effects of hot flashes all the same.
Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
A type of anti-depressant that is also effective in preventing or minimizing the symptoms of menopause and hot flashes. However, they may be accompanied by side effects such as headaches or nausea.
Isoflavones
Isoflavones are organic compounds also known as phytoestrogens that are naturally occurring in certain food such as St. John’s Wort, red clover, soy, ginseng and black cohosh. Isoflavones as solution to hot flashes are usually termed as herbal alternative remedies. There are no conclusive evidence on the efficacy of isoflavones or isoflavones-rich food in curing hot flashes, but some report a relief from menopause symptoms that last up to six hours.
Lifestyle Changes
When it comes to long-term hot flashes, a lifestyle change might help alleviate these menopause symptoms. Avoid coffee, chocolates, caffeine, spicy food and alcohol, as these can aggravate hot flashes.
Dressing sensibly is also one way to lessen the discomfort hot flashes can bring. Dress in cool, light layers, preferably in fabric that breathes and that lets sweat evaporate quickly. Dress comfortably and try to get rid of unnecessary layers like stockings and vests.
Stay away from hot environments such as the beach. Keep to cool rooms and cool weather.
Exercises such as yoga or pilates help pace your body and provides another outlet for everyday stress. Stress can be a trigger to hot flashes, so try to keep your cool by keeping yourself stress-free.
Breathing
Finally, take a deep breather and relax! Menopause may be deeply uncomfortable but it doesn’t have to run your life. Take some time off for yourself and devote 15 minutes of your day to just breathe. Make sure that you know how to breathe properly to fully benefit from this exercise!