How to treat hot flashes in post-menopause naturally

First the good news: If you have gone one year without a period, then congratulations, you have made it to the other side of "the change" and the majority of distressing and uncomfortable symptoms that you have been suffering with will start to decrease in severity and are soon likely to stop altogether. Now for the bad news: Unfortunately once you are having hot flashes during post-menopause are likely to continue, at least for a few years anyhow.

However, there are ways of treating your hot flashes so don't be too disheartened. Fortunately, you can do this by making simple lifestyle changes or by turning to natural hormone replacement. There is a choice of treatment depending on the severity of your hot flashes, your medical background and your personal preference. Read on to learn more.

How can I treat my post-menopausal hot flashes naturally?

Your hot flashes are happening because your ovaries have now stopped producing estrogen- the main hormone that is associated with the menstrual cycle. Once a woman's periods have stopped, estrogen production shifts to the fat cells but the production is lessened significantly. The part of the brain that controls body temperature is affected by this lack of estrogen. Finding a way to increase your estrogen levels will make the duration, frequency and severity of your hot flashes decrease.

Lifestyle changes

Exercise

Try to do at least 30-40 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. This will decrease the number of hot flashes you have because the hormones that are released after exercise leave the body in a calmer state.

Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet is key. Eating healthfully will keep you and your body healthy and reduce your hot flash episodes. However, try to increase your intake of vitamin B and C and magnesium because these minerals can help to avoid or regulate your episodes.

De-stress

The stress hormone, cortisol, has a negative impact on the production of estrogen so make sure you are not encouraging production of it by being under pressure or stressed. Consider meditation or a yoga class, or indulge in 'you time' and get a massage or read a book.

Avoid triggers

It is important that you reduce your consumption of hot drinks, particularly caffeine because this will reduce your estrogen levels even further. Don't wear heavy, thick clothing. Instead wear breathable clothes and wear layers so you can remove them when you have a hot flash. Don't sit, work, or play in very hot places. It will trigger a flash.

Alternative treatments

Bioidentical estrogen - This isn't a completly natural way of dealing with your hot flashes but is a better way to solve the root of the problem. This method is one form of hormone replacement therapy and works by increasing your estrogen levels with estrogen that has been synthesized in a lab. Bioidentical estrogen is a plant-based hormone and its contents are extracted from yams and soy plants. They are often referred to as 'phytohormones', simply meaning plant based. They have the same make-up as the hormones our body makes so it is treated in the same way by the body once it has entered it. Bioidentical estrogen can be administered by creams, lotions, pills, patches, or by using vaginal rings. There can be side effects to this method but it is considered safer than an HRT method that uses hormones that are not identical to ours. You should talk to your doctor before considering this option.

More information about hot flashes:

There are many different ways to treat hot flashes, some just require a lot of self-restraint and some require you to apply, or take some form of natural hormones. If it is this second option, find out from your doctor which will be the best way to administer it because this will vary for each person.

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