How Can I Make my Work Environment Hot Flash Friendly?

Hot Flashes (sometimes referred to as Hot Flushes) are a common symptom of menopause and are something that women can quickly diagnose, and associate with the “the change”. When a woman’s hormones become imbalanced during the menopausal period then they can experience intense moments of heat which in turn can result in mild to severe perspiration and/or other symptoms of menopause such as a rapid heartbeat or flushing.

Depending on the severity of the menopausal hot flashes, women will find each episode a particularly uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing moment. It is important that you can deal with each hot flash effectively so that you can alleviate the problem as quickly as possible before it impacts on your day. This is particularly important whilst you are at work because you don’t want a hot flash to impede on your already busy schedule.

Easy Steps to Deal with Hot Flashes at Work

Dress Sensibly

This might sound like an obvious solution but it’s essential that you do this. Dress in layers so that you can easily cool yourself during or after a hot flash. You will also have the layers to put back on if you experience a cold chill that can often happen after a hot flash. Make sure the final layer is short sleeved and wear breathable clothes. You might also want to avoid light color clothing or linen because you sweat is more visible.

Get a Fan

Although your work environment may already have air conditioning installed you can’t assume that all your other colleagues will want it on full power! Get yourself a handheld fan or the foldable kind so that you can create your own cool air without affecting others. Alternatively, ask your boss and colleagues if you can have the desk by the window so that you can have it open and feel the fresh air. However, only do this if the weather is cool and breezy, otherwise close the blinds so the sunlight won’t make you too warm.

Get to Meetings Early

Turning up to meetings or even just work, early will mean that you can prepare yourself for a hot flash before it happens, and you won’t be rushing, which is likely to bring on a hot flash. Turning up to meetings early also means you can get the best seat, perhaps one close to a window or under the air vent, and this will make you more prepared for the next episode.

Have a Glass of Water on Your Desk

Make sure that you always have a glass, or bottle of cold water close to hand. If you drink this on the outset of a hot flash then it can reduce the length of the episode and can cool you down. Avoid drinking too many hot drinks at work, but if you have to, then enjoy chamomile tea instead of coffee because this helps to balance hormones.

Be Upbeat and Laugh About It

Don’t be afraid to let your colleagues know about your menopausal symptoms. It is an unavoidable transition and one that can’t be taken too seriously, all of the time. Warn them that you may experience hot flashes at work and explain why you are occasionally wafting a fan in your face even though the air conditioning unit is pumping out cool air, and why you may have beads of sweat running down your forehead from time to time. They are more likely to help you if they know what is happening.

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