Controlling Hot Flashes

Completely controlling hot flashes would be like controlling the wind, or waves, or other powerful forces of nature it just isn't possible. It is possible, however, to outsmart and craftily manage hot flashes with aplomb. Armed with knowledge about their enemy and a few simple tricks, women can take their lives back from unpredictable changes in temperature.

About Hot Flashes

Hot flashes affect as many as 75-85% of American women at some point in their lives -usually in the years immediately preceding and following menopause. Characterized by a sudden rush of intense heat, hot flashes are often accompanied by the following:

controlling hot flashes1 . Headache.
. Nausea.
. Perspiration.
. Flushed or warm skin.
. Chills.
. Rapid heartbeat or pulse.

Hot flashes that occur while a woman is sleeping are known as night sweats. The above list also applies to night sweats, although many women don't realize they've experienced a night sweat unless it is strong enough to wake her or if she wakes up to damp-feeling sheets.

Hot Flash Triggers

There are number of small changes a woman can make to her daily routine to help alleviate and control the affects of hot flashes. First, women should be aware of the things that can spontaneously trigger hot flashes. These triggers include:

. Overconsumption of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar.
. Spice foods or drinks.
. Warm environments.
. Heat makers (eg. hairdryers, fireplaces, space heaters).
. Stress and anxiety.
. Smoking.
. Diet pills.

"Controlling" Hot Flashes

Completely controlling hot flashes is nearly impossible, but it is possible for women to incorporate a number of small adjustments to her daily life to help her control hot flashes as much as possible.

Room Temperature Regulation
Sometimes, avoiding hot flashes, or lowing their intensity and frequency, is a simple matter of opening a window, turning on a fan, or cranking up the air conditioner. Reaching for a cool, refreshing beverage can never hurt either.

Breezy Clothing
Certain fabrics help keep women cooler than others. Natural fabrics -like cotton, linen, and silk -are much more breathable than synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex.

Leisurely Paces
Maintaining a regular and slower heart rate can keep hot flashes at bay. Many women find that leaving some extra time in the morning so that they aren't rushing into work at the last minute helps keep their hot flashes at a minimum.

More Information on Controlling Hot Flashes

For women who want even more control over their hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, there are a variety of effective treatment options. These options can be divided into categories, based on their intensity:

. Lifestyle changes.
. Alternative medicines.
. Prescription drugs.

Women can explore these options to learn about the most effective treatment for hot flashes to effectively control it.

To learn more about Hot Flashes