Hot flashes are a common symptom which is experienced by three out of four women in the transitional period of menopause.

Hot flashes are an uncomfortable symptom of menopause that can leaves women feeling hot, sweaty and red faced. Hot flashes are a common symptom which is experienced by three out of four women in the transitional period of menopause.

Hot flashes are a natural symptom that does not require treatment. If the hot flashes are especially uncomfortable, treatment options are available. If you are tolerating the hot flashes through self care, medical intervention is not necessary. If the hot flashes are interrupting your life, consider the benefits of the most common remedies. Remedies range from changes in lifestyle to prescription medications.

There is a range of severity and frequency in hot flashes. Women may just feel and little warmer than usual on occasion, or could experience several uncomfortable episodes throughout the day and night. Night sweats can wake women from a sound sleep, creating lack of rest through sleep disturbances.

Hot flashes may include a feeling of mild warmth, a flushed appearance with red blotchy skin, rapid heartbeat, perspiration or a chilled feeling. A woman may experience hot flashes for a couple of years, or even for several years.

The point is, that no one else can really tell another woman how uncomfortable her hot flashes are. Each person has a different experience and different level of discomfort. Sometimes spouses and family members can aggravate the problem emotionally with lack of understanding.

Following are suggestions for self care, especially effective for mild hot flashes.

Keep cool: Slight increase in the core temperate of the body can trigger hot flashes. Open a window, use an air conditioner, remove excess clothing or sip a cool drink.

Get active: It is important to exercise daily during the change of life.

Watch diet: Certain foods can trigger hot flashes. Avoid hot and spicy foods. Beverages with caffeine and alcohol can trigger hot flashes. Be aware of your own triggers.

Relax: Relaxation techniques through yoga and meditation can help to relieve stress.Relaxation techniques may help you to get better sleep and rest at night.

Deep Breathing. Practice paced respiration, which is deep, slow abdominal breathing. Breathing techniques can decrease hot flashes while creating a feeling of calmness.

Don't Smoke: Smoking is linked to an increase in hot flashes. Avoiding smoking may reduce hot flashes.

Some women use dietary supplements, or alternative medicine to help curb the symptoms of hot flashes. Popular dietary supplements include:

Black Cohosh: Widely used in Europe, the herb is gaining popularity in the United States States. Black cohosh has a good safety record, but there is no scientific evidence that is reduces menopausal symptoms.

Soy and Red Clover: Scientists have noted that women in Asian countries are less likely to suffer from hot flashes. The theory is that the diet, which is rich is the estrogen-like compounds in soy, red clover and other plants are related to the reduced incidence in hot flashes. Breast cancer patients should talk to their doctor before supplementing with isoflavonone pills or red clover.

Vitamin E. Studies have found Vitamin E to be of little benefit in treating hot flashes and it is no longer recommended for this particular condition.

If the hot flashes are particularly uncomfortable and self care techniques are not effective, medical intervention may help to relieve symptoms. Talk to the doctor about therapies which may include estrogen therapy, progesterone therapy, antidepressants or other treatments.

Hot flashes are a natural part of menopause and may not require any treatment at all. Self care techniques may make the hot flashes more tolerable. If self care is not effective consult a physician for treatment options.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have medical condition, consult a physician.

Resources:

Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com)