Many women think that they have an idea of what to expect when they begin experiencing menopause, and while there is a standard list of common symptoms and conditions, in truth each woman has an entirely different experience than the next. Some have extreme symptoms while others report that they rarely if ever experience this. If you're one of those women that does seem to have hot flashes as a side effect of menopause what can you do about these?
One thing to keep in mind is that the number of hot flashes you may or may not have and the degree to which you experience them will also be different. Some have them only at night whereas others have them consistently throughout the day; some have them on a regular or daily basis while others have one only every so often. If you have them every day but hear of a friend that has one only occasionally, don't assume that there is something necessarily wrong with you. Some symptoms of menopause are accompanied by facial flushing and sweating whereas others are just uncomfortably warm.
Typically hot flashes are caused by a rush of hormones that raise a woman's body temperature. During menopause, a woman's hormone level can fluctuate greatly as her body is adjusting to this change. It's thought that they typically happen because of this fluctuation rather than a low level of hormones, so they may taper off as the body adjusts. Taking hormone replacement therapies can help with all the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes but for those who aren't ready for this, there are a few things you can do to help yourself.
For one, understand that hot flashes are going to happen and prepare yourself appropriately. It helps to dress in layers at all times so that you can take off your coat and sweater when you're feeling a bit warm. Avoid materials that make you feel uncomfortable such as silk or nylon, and instead opt for cotton and other natural fabrics. Bring a fan into your office and use it. Drink plenty of water to help your body with its own natural cooling systems. Make sure you wear deodorant and use some powder under your arms, in your underclothes, and in your armpits as well. While you may not be able to actually stop the symptoms of menopause altogether, by doing everything you can to keep yourself comfortable you're less likely to be embarrassed if you do have them. If you drink ice water or even suck on popsicles you can help cool yourself off or at least not feel as bad when you do experience hot flashes.
And if you do have symptoms of menopause to the extent that they interfere with your everyday life, keep you awake at night, or otherwise are impossible for you to deal with on your own, don't hesitate to speak to your doctor. He or she may have some other options for you.
One thing to keep in mind is that the number of hot flashes you may or may not have and the degree to which you experience them will also be different. Some have them only at night whereas others have them consistently throughout the day; some have them on a regular or daily basis while others have one only every so often. If you have them every day but hear of a friend that has one only occasionally, don't assume that there is something necessarily wrong with you. Some symptoms of menopause are accompanied by facial flushing and sweating whereas others are just uncomfortably warm.
Typically hot flashes are caused by a rush of hormones that raise a woman's body temperature. During menopause, a woman's hormone level can fluctuate greatly as her body is adjusting to this change. It's thought that they typically happen because of this fluctuation rather than a low level of hormones, so they may taper off as the body adjusts. Taking hormone replacement therapies can help with all the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes but for those who aren't ready for this, there are a few things you can do to help yourself.
For one, understand that hot flashes are going to happen and prepare yourself appropriately. It helps to dress in layers at all times so that you can take off your coat and sweater when you're feeling a bit warm. Avoid materials that make you feel uncomfortable such as silk or nylon, and instead opt for cotton and other natural fabrics. Bring a fan into your office and use it. Drink plenty of water to help your body with its own natural cooling systems. Make sure you wear deodorant and use some powder under your arms, in your underclothes, and in your armpits as well. While you may not be able to actually stop the symptoms of menopause altogether, by doing everything you can to keep yourself comfortable you're less likely to be embarrassed if you do have them. If you drink ice water or even suck on popsicles you can help cool yourself off or at least not feel as bad when you do experience hot flashes.
And if you do have symptoms of menopause to the extent that they interfere with your everyday life, keep you awake at night, or otherwise are impossible for you to deal with on your own, don't hesitate to speak to your doctor. He or she may have some other options for you.
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