Some hot flash tips sent to you from health writer Arianna Solimene:
With the decline of estrogen levels in the body and the onset of menopause, the always-dreaded hot flash effects women of all ages. While hot flashes aren’t completely preventable, there are some steps you can take to manage the overwhelming symptoms.
Step 1
The first step to preventing hot flashes is avoiding tobacco and heavy alcohol consumption. While not a direct cause, both are known to trigger hot flashes in women. Other things to avoid include stress, caffeine, spicy foods, and heat. Because triggers for hot flashes are different for every woman, it’s important to observe and recognize what brings on hot flashes for you.
Step 2
The next step is easier said than done. Relax. More times than not, anxiety and stress can worsen hot flashes. It is important to focus on breathing or meditation to practice relaxation techniques.
More tips for preventing hot flashes
Other ways to prevent hot flashes include exercise, eating well and staying cool. Often, sudden changes in body temperature can trigger a hot flash. Common techniques for staying cool are wearing layers so that you can peel them off, freezing wash clothes so you can place them around your neck, or sleeping in a cool environment at night.
While hot flashes are a normal symptom of menopause and are not a medical problem, some women find them so uncomfortable that they choose to seek medical treatment. This often includes hormone treatments, medications, acupuncture and more.
Although the annoyance of hot flashes is not completely preventable, it’s important to take these steps to manage the symptoms. By living a stress free and healthy lifestyle, you will able to manage & hopefully avoid regular hot flashes.
Arianna Solimene is a staff writer for NorthShore, an integrated health system with dedicated medical offices and hospitals in Chicago. The core mission of NorthShore University HealthSystem is to preserve and improve human life. Visit NorthShore today for personalized wellness services today.
Top Photo: Thanks to the kind shopkeeper at the North Carolina State Fair who let me flash a picture of her hot flash magnet!
Photo Below: Here’s writer Arianna, with miles to go before the Great Pause!
Friend For The Ride 
Nice tips. Thanks, Arianna, for sharing, and thanks, Barbara, for finding yet another excellent guest poster and resource. Being at the ‘finish line’ of menopause, I have discovered some interesting things. In my case (and this is NOT always what happens) the hot flashes stopped once I crossed that line. I still may get the occasional flush and my scalp sweats, etc., but it is very seldom now. I no longer get the night sweats or the ‘burning sheets’ that used to really bother me.
I agree that relaxation techniques, routine exercise, and a healthy diet with no smoking and limited alcohol helps relieve the hot flashes. I have two more tips… keep a fan handy and get used to people looking at you funny and asking if you’re okay. I worked in an office during my Flashy Years and I learned to fan away and dab the sweat off my face and neck. I quit wearing makeup and wore my hair clipped up. I gave up wearing anything but wrinkle-resistant cotton shirts, and always kept a spare in the office. Now all that is over. It’s easier here on the other side.
I guess that would be my last tip: take heart, it passes. 😉
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Hot flashes first happened to me when I weaned my last child. I was 41 but not perimenapausal. Ehat a shock! Swift change in hormone levels, I guess.
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