Hot flashes are experienced by almost every woman who is going through menopause; the body heats up quickly during a hot flash, often causing perspiration, and the face to become red. Hot flashes are quite uncomfortable, and may last for just a few minutes to nearly an hour. There are a few different remedies for hot flashes that may be able to reduce their frequency, make them shorter, or even stop them from occurring altogether.
One may choose to seek remedies for hot flashes from a doctor. A doctor may be able to prescribe medication such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or certain antidepressants to help prevent hot flashes. Estrogen therapy and progesterone therapy are both common remedies for hot flashes; estrogen should be avoided by anyone who is at risk for breast cancer or heart disease. In addition, it is generally recommended that one only use hormone replacement therapy for a short period of time at the lowest possible dose, so it may be a good idea to attempt other home remedies as well.
Hot flashes can easily be triggered by the diet, so one of the best remedies for hot flashes is to make some simple changes to the diet. Avoid hot, spicy foods as well as foods that are high in saturated fat; in addition, caffeine and alcohol can both trigger hot flashes, so try to cut back or eliminate those entirely. Focus on eating lots of vegetables and drinking plenty of water; some people find that taking a vitamin E supplement can help with hot flashes. It is also important to quit smoking, both to prevent hot flashes and for overall health.
Stress can bring on hot flashes as well, so relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises can also work as remedies for hot flashes. Yoga and meditation may be able to help one relax overall, and a regular exercise program can also be extremely beneficial at preventing hot flashes. Some women choose to take herbal supplements such as black cohosh or licorice root as remedies for hot flashes, but it is best to ask a doctor about this beforehand.
In addition, a diet that contains soy may help prevent hot flashes as well. Tofu and soy milk are two simple sources of soy foods, and some studies have shown that soy can have a positive impact. Menopausal women should also increase their calcium intake. Though this will not make a difference in hot flashes, it is important to prevent bone loss.
