Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life wherein her body undergoes a number of changes. Most of these are because of low levels of the hormone oestrogen, by far the most important of the female hormones.
The low hormone levels can affect the body of a menopausal woman in a variety of ways.. Some of these are immediate while the body is still trying to adjust to the new hormonal environment and they give rise to some very unpleasant symptoms. The foremost among these is the experience of hot flashes.
What are hot flashes?
Hot flashes involve a feeling of uncomfortable waves of heat spreading through different areas of the body like face, neck and chest. This is followed by profuse sweating and a feeling of cold. This cycle is what is known as a hot flash.
The number of hot flashes varies in severity and frequency from person to person. Every individual however suffers the same unpleasant feeling and the huge embarrassment caused when in company.
What is the solution?
Doctors may recommend replacement of the hormones. But it is a documented fact that hormone replacement therapy can have more side effects than benefits in the long term.
Therefore it is important to find something that will help you without the side effects. In fact, even doctors recommend trying out some of the natural solutions to the problem before turning to hormones for relief.
Let Us Now Discuss Some Of The Most Effective Home Remedies For Hot Flashes.
Lifestyle Changes
Although this does not involve consuming anything orally by way of a remedy, it is definitely an important tool to reduce your hot flashes. Regular exercise will certainly help improve symptoms of hot flashes.
Choose The Right Clothing
It is a good idea to dress in layers. If you feel suddenly hot, you can peel off the outer layers. Dress in cool cottons to help you cope better with the situation.
Drink Plenty Of Water
There is nothing more welcome or effective than drinking water to cool off the heat. So always have a bottle of water handy and drink plenty of water.
Diet
A well- balanced, nutritious food can help you withstand any unpleasant situations better including hot flashes.
Avoid Triggers
Some habits are known to trigger hot flashes. Some of these are—
*Smoking
*Consuming alcohol
*Eating spicy food
*Stress of any kind
*Being in a hot place.
Consciously avoiding such triggers can prevent onset of hot flashes.
Soy Foods
There are several natural remedies that have been traditionally found to be effective in reducing hot flashes. Soy foods are most important among these. These contain ingredients called phyto-oestrogens, which are believed to have an effect somewhat similar to that of the hormone oestrogen. This is probably how they offer relief from hot flashes.
Evening Primrose Oil
This is generally recommended for reproductive health in women. It has, in particular, a cooling effect on skin. It also relieves stress and induces sleep. It is therefore useful if you are suffering from hot flashes.
Black Cohosh
This is used extensively in the European countries, and is believed to be as effective as oestrogen in providing relief from hot flashes.
Red Clover
Believed to be rich in a phyto-oestrogen called Isoflavon, Red Clover has been found to be effective in reducing both the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.
Chickweed Tincture
This is a herb also found to exert beneficial effect in women suffering from hot flashes.
Apart from the herbs and remedies mentioned above, Vitamin C available abundantly in citrus fruits and Vitamin E, present in large amounts in nuts like almonds, are both considered helpful in combating hot flashes occurring in menopause.
If you are taking any of the herbal remedies for treating your menopausal symptoms, it may be a good idea to share this information with your doctor. While these are considered perfectly safe for consumption, they may sometimes interfere with the actions of certain medications like blood thinners and others. It is therefore important that you exercise this precaution.
Each woman responds differently to the changes occurring in her body because of menopause. The luckier ones can sail through menopause without any major symptoms. But for the less fortunate women, it is necessary to combat the hot flashes and other problems quickly and effectively. This will help restore order to her life and existence. And what better way to do this than the natural way? This can ensure relief from hot flashes with minimal side effects.
