Now that the heat of the summer is engulfing many parts of the country, it’s not as easy to find immediate relief from those hormonal waves of sweat. And hot weather is a big hot flash trigger.
Is it hot in here, or…is it hot in here?
(photos.com)
I see it every time I am with a friend who is in the midst of menopause. I easily recognize that dazed and dreaded look that precedes the hot flash; I watch sympathetically as the droplets of sweat start to form on her upper lip; I offer a cold glass of water or even a handful of ice cubes when she starts to squirm uncomfortably or look like she might just pass out. I feel so utterly helpless, though, sitting by and just watching my friends suffer.
And when they ask me what I did when I was going through it, I search my mind for an answer and come up with nothing more than “I carried around a pretty fan,” or “I dressed in layers and packed away, for an indefinite period of time, anything that wasn’t 100 percent cotton.”
The other night I was out for dinner. When I went into the ladies room, I encountered a woman hovering helplessly over the sink, frantically splashing cold water on her face. She looked absolutely panicky when she saw me enter the room. Her face dripping wet, she looked up from the sink and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like, “thesehotflashesarekillingme!” Feeling helpless once again, I could only nod my head and manage a sympathetic smile.
Then I got home and hit the computer. My research yielded an array of suggestions. And even though my time has passed, perhaps I can save you some misery when it is your turn, or you can pay it forward for a friend who is swimming in her own sweat.
- Sip a cold drink. If you feel a hot flash coming on, this could help lower your body’s temperature.
- Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Hot and spicy foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol can all be triggers.
- Breathe. Anxiety over the hot flash can actually worsen it. Work on steadying your breathing; practice yoga, meditation or other helpful relaxation techniques.
- Don’t smoke. Tobacco use is linked to an increase in hot flashes.
- Wear layers of clothing so you can peel them off when a hot flash hits.
- Consider complementary or alternative treatments. We all know the jury is out on hormonal or bioidentical hormonal treatments. And I’m in no way endorsing using any of these, but many women successfully manage their hot flashes with soy, flaxseed, herbal remedies, acupuncture, vitamins, mild sedatives or medications that are used to treat depression or high blood pressure.
- Freeze something. An ice-cold washcloth taken from the freezer and placed around your neck can cool you off in a hurry. There are also products on the market that contain tiny crystals inside a swath of fabric that you can drape around your neck. Or do as one friend of mine does—open your freezer and stick your head right in!
- Lose weight. Losing excess pounds can significantly alleviate—or even eliminate—hot flashes. Researchers found that each 11-pound decrease in weight yielded 33 percent greater odds of improvement in hot flashes. It’s not entirely clear why overweight women suffer more; some theorize that excess fat traps heat, leading to more sweating and flushing to cool the body; or that obese women’s blood vessels react differently to heat or stress.
PS. When I was going through menopause, hubby was so so happy that he could finally blast the A/C in the summertime. I needed relief! But now…the so-called air conditioning wars have returned. He turns it down, I turn it up.
And so it goes.
I have a feeling my hot flashes are going to last forever!
No, Janie, I sure hope not. Although it can feel that way sometimes!
I was lucky that my hot flashes lasted a total of 4 months then disappeared into the no longer sweaty night! I never panicked when they came on, but I did need a good wringing out thereafter! I hope readers benefit from your tips!
Four months beats the four YEARS that I had to deal with them, on and off. Lucky you!
Add breathable fabrics to your list—especially for sleeping~
They really help!
Oh, how could I have forgotten that one? I guess I was thinking more in the line of NO fabrics 🙂
Some handy tips for managing self-generated heat. Thanks!
Those are great suggestions. I only have the occasional hot flash and not as severe as these. I’ve noticed that stress or agitation can trigger it for me.
I agree – in looking back (and occasionally I still get a flash here and there), you’re right – stress absolutely contributes to the hot flash frenzy.
You mentioned freezing a cloth to drape around your neck. You could also carry around one of those chamois looking cloths – already primed with water and stored in its airtight container. When needed, pull it out, wave it surrepticiously back and forth to fully activate the cooling effect, and place around neck, against forehead, etc. They remained ready for action for quite a long time.
Ah, good idea, Julie – thanks for adding that tip!
I had hot flashes, they went away, now guess what? THEY B-A-A-A-C-K! Nice time to return – in the heat and humidity of summer. Will this fun ever end?
Love your suggestions. Losing weight is a new one, and something I’m trying to do.
Thanks, Sheryl~
One step forward…two back? I’m sorry, Cathy. Who needs them NOW?? Hopefully they’ll make a quick exit and give you some relief.
Hi All,
Hot flashes and night sweats can be a big debilitating problem. It was for me, which led me to create the one and only Dry Babe Absorbent Sleepwear (& day wear) for “Hot” Mamas, which works like a dream, if I say so myself :).
Just wanted to let all you lovely ladies know that we are here to help – htto://www.drybabe.com.
Best,
Wendy
Thanks for the suggestion, Wendy!
I only have hot flashes rarely now, but even so, they are still very stressful. I like your suggestions for dealing with them. I have a friend who carries a small fan with her wherever she goes.
Rarely is better than often, isn’t it? I still get one every once in a while, and it brings back those days when I felt like my body was wrapped, mummy-style, in a giant heating pad!
Too many women are suffering with debilitating hot flashes because they are basing their health decisions on fear instead of facts. There is plenty of new information on hormone replacement that can ease a women’s fears and allow them to get the help they need and deserve. This Menopause Mondays interview with Dr. Josh Trutt maybe helpful. http://www.shmirshky.com/menopause-blog/2013/01/14/the-doctor-is-in-menopause-mondays-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt-are-you-still-confused-dr-josh-trutt-weighs-in/
Thank you, Ellen, for sharing this important information with my readers!
I may live to regret it, but I’ve said for years “I can’t wait for hot flashes” (at times)! I’m always cold. My husband and I also have the thermostat wars. I’ll be 47 in a couple days and have had no power surges, yet..do have occasional night sweats.
But, I must tell you…the “warm” sensation of hot flashes is not like being warmed up by a lovely fire or a toasty room. They are super-power surges! Maybe you will like them. You never know!