Preventing Hot Flashes

How to prevent hot flashes in menopause

Here it comes again, that balloon of heat that expands until it bursts and spreads uncomfortable warmth throughout your body, otherwise known as a hot flash. The majority of women who experience menopause will also experience hot flashes. In fact, researchers believe that as many as 75-85% of women will suffer with them at some point during “the change.” Hot flashes can occur at any time during the day (or night, when they are usually called night sweats) and different women report varied duration and frequency of episodes, although almost all will experience intense heat, rapid heartbeat, flushing skin, and extreme perspiration, however long the episode. Most sufferers of hot flashes yearn to prevent this inconvenient and sometimes temporarily debilitating symptom of menopause. Although there is no sure-fire way to totally eradicate hot flashes, there are a number of things women can do to help control them.

How can I prevent hot flashes?

It is difficult to completely prevent hot flashes. However, their effects can be minimized if certain action is taken. Research has shown that when women avoid certain hot flash triggers, they are able to reduce the likelihood that a hot flash will occur. These triggers include:

preventing hot flashes1 . Overconsumption of caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and sugar.
. Stress.
. Warm environments.
. Smoking.
. Restrictive clothing.
. Diet pills.

Women who successfully avoid these triggers will be able to better manage the frequency and intensity of their hot flashes.

Other small tricks women can pull to help outsmart hot flashes include:

. Daily exercise – try to walk, cycle, run, dance, or swim for at least 30 minutes a day.
. Deep breathing exercises – these can reduce stress which is a major trigger for hot flashes and can also make a hot flash episode shorter if practiced on its onset.
. Staying cool with fans, light clothing made from natural fibers, and air conditioning.
. Keeping ice water on hand during the day and night.

Incorporating these lifestyle changes has been shown to make a difference for women who seek to prevent hot flashes. Of course, no two women are the same and it is nearly impossible to prevent hot flashes 100% of the time, but armed with these and some other management methods, women will hopefully be able to live without fear of a debilitating hot flash.

More Information on Preventing Hot Flashes

There are many options available for women who seek to prevent their hot flashes and the other symptoms they may be experiencing because of menopause. These can be divided into three categories, which vary in intensity:

preventing hot flashes2 . Lifestyle changes.
. Alternative medicines.
. Prescription drugs.

Women can explore these options and discuss with their doctor the most effective route for preventing hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. Follow this link to read more about hot flashes prevention.

To learn more about Hot Flashes