The menopausal transition is a stage of life all women go through, although some women experience no noticeable menopausal symptoms. Symptoms of menopause can include moodiness, irritability, vaginal dryness, depression, and of course, the infamous hot flashes. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult with a doctor for treatment to lessen your menopause symptoms. Thankfully, there are a few remedies for hot flashes you can try without professional medical consultation.
Pay attention to possible triggers.
For some, hot flashes can be a result of a lifestyle trigger. Fans of spicy food and junk food may be disheartened to hear that they are possible triggers for hot flashes. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can increase hot flashes as well. Consider cutting back on your morning coffee or switching to a decaffeinated alternative. If you drink alcohol, you may want to pay attention to whether or not there is a link between your alcohol consumption and an episode of hot flashes. Learning to recognize and avoid your triggers can help cut down the time you spend being uncomfortable. This could help combat mood changes and irritability during menopause or perimenopause as well!
Stay cool.
Even the slightest increase in your body temperature can set off a hot flash episode. Dress in breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, especially in the summer or to bed, to avoid night sweats. Staying hydrated and drinking ice-cold drinks can help keep your body temperature low. If you find yourself frequently standing in front of the open freezer, checking for a new batch of ice, consider a countertop ice maker. When you’re in the midst of a severe hot flash, the last thing you want to see when you open your freezer is an empty ice tray. If possible, keep your environment cool as well. Lower the air conditioning temperature or utilize a portable fan.
Relaxation is key.
Reducing stress is one route many women take to lessen symptoms throughout all stages of menopause. Meditation, massage, and breathing exercises are all excellent relaxation techniques to consider. Reducing stress could combat your hot flashes; however, it can be applied to other symptoms of menopause as well. The peace of mind relaxation provides you with can help you sleep better and improve stability in your mood. It may be beneficial for you to consider practicing yoga. Yoga combines meditation, breathing techniques, and deep stretching to help regulate your emotions and get you feeling your best. If you’re aspiring to lose weight, the physical fitness component of yoga is a bonus.
No smoking!
Smoking has a direct link to hot flashes. In addition to putting you at the additional risk for cancer, heart disease, and strokes, it could be setting off your hot flashes during menopause or perimenopause as well. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s worth it to help you get through a transitional stage of your life that can already be challenging. Many people think that seeing benefits after quitting smoking takes time. However, that is not always the case. The health benefits of quitting smoking begin just one hour after your last cigarette. The mere decision to make your next cigarette your last cigarette ever results in a near-immediate drop in blood pressure and increased circulation. After a single month, your lung capacity improves. Your increased lung capacity will feed directly into your breathing techniques, relaxation, and overall wellness.
Battling the symptoms of menopause can seem like an uphill battle. By following these recommendations, you may be able to ease your discomfort. Suppose your symptoms are severe, or the end of your menstrual period has been interfering with your daily life. In that case, it may be a good idea to seek professional medical advice. You may want to discuss in-depth treatment options like hormone therapy with your doctor.
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