Managing Hot Flashes in Summer

It hardly seems fair that hot weather is a trigger for one of the most common symptoms of menopause: hot flashes. About three-quarters of all menopausal women in the country experience hot flashes, particularly in the first two years.

As leaders in menopause care, the team at Women’s Specialists of North Georgia, led by Dr. Daniel Esteves, can help you with medical treatment for your hot flash symptoms. There’s also plenty you can do to ease the burden created by your own erratic central heating.

Here are our top tips for managing hot flashes through the scorching Georgia summers.

Signs and symptoms of hot flashes

Hot flashes result from the fluctuating hormones that are typical for women going through menopause. Symptoms include:

Sudden sensations of heat in your head, face, and chest
Chills following the heat
Dizziness
Flushed skin
Racing heartbeat
Sudden perspiration that can be profuse
Nausea

While different for every woman, hot flashes can be triggered by certain conditions. Common triggers include:

Alcohol
Hot baths
Spicy foods
Hot drinks
Saunas
Smoking

As the summer months are upon us, the heat of July and August are another trigger, and it’s one that’s difficult to avoid. Try these tips to stop nature in its tracks when it comes to starting your next hot flash.

Consume cold food and drink

Chances are, you already use this strategy, even if you haven’t thought of it in terms of menopause management. There’s a reason we like our iced tea in the South.

A great way to cool off before or during a hot flash, turn to popsicles, ice cream, and cool iced beverages.

Try controlled breathing

Mindful breathing exercises that slow your heartbeat can also reduce your body temperature. Sit still for a few minutes while taking deep breaths. That’s it! It’s also great for reducing stress, another hot flash trigger for many.

Shed pounds

Hot flashes are more common in women with elevated body mass. If you’re obese, hot flashes are sometimes more frequent and more severe.

Losing weight offers a number of benefits for summer enjoyment beyond fewer hot flashes. You can be more active with less joint pain, and you’ll gain a boost of confidence through your slimmer profile.

Use cold compresses

Use consumer ice packs or improvise your own. Keeping your head and neck cool this way fast-tracks hot flash relief, and may even prevent an episode.

Up the A/C

It’s your house, your haven, so it shouldn’t be triggering your discomfort. Keep it cool to ward off hot flashes or to make the next one easier to take. Stand in front of your open refrigerator when you need a sudden burst of cool.

With these hot flash management tips and menopause care from Women’s Specialists of North Georgia, summer will be that much easier. Call or click to book an appointment with our Lawrenceville, Georgia, office today.