Hot flashes: What women need to know

Feeling hotter than a hot tamale? You may be suffering from hot flashes. You don’t have to be menopausal to get them, as some women feel symptoms as early as their 40’s when starting their change of life transition called perimenopause. Every woman’s menopause, or last period, comes at a different age, but on the average the full transition comes at age 51, according to the National Institute of Health. Hot spells can happen to much younger women if they have gone through a hysterectomy, where their female organs have been removed surgically due to a health issue or cancer.

Menopause is a natural part of life for all women and hot flashes are a part of this transition when your estrogen level starts depleting. Lack of this hormone cause women to feel caliente (a flush of heat) in their upper body, followed by perspiration, and then a chilled feeling when the flush subsides. Having flashes of heat usually subsides within two to five years after a woman’s last period, but some ladies continue to have hot flashes even 8 to 15 years down the road. Everyone’s body is different, so menopausal symptoms vary too. You may not be able to stop this sense of heat, but there are lifestyle changes that can help.

Drink plenty of cool water to lessen the symptoms of a flash and as a rule drinking six to eight glasses a day is good for general health. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol, which can make flashes worse. As a rule, limit red wine, chocolate, and aged cheese that have a chemical that can trigger a flash by affecting the hypothalamus, the gland that regulates body temperature.

Wear loose, comfortable, and cool clothing. It’s better to wear a tank top and layer a blouse and/or sweater if the weather is cooler. Taking off clothing is easy when you feel a flush coming on. Lower your thermostat to a comfortable temperature at home and keep a small portable fan or hand fan in your purse to use when you are out and about.

Bedtime is troublesome for some women. Make your bed in cotton sheets and a lightweight blanket so you won’t overheat. There are even pajamas made of a fabric made especially to whisk away perspiration. Keep your bedroom at a cool temperature and a pleasant place to spend time.

If you can’t control hot flashes with lifestyle changes, visit your doctor who can prescribe hormone replacement therapy until you can get over this rough period. Estrogen is the hormone that is widely replaced and can be administered via pills or skin patches.

Remember that going through menopause is a natural transition for women and hot flashes are not permanent. Ride with the flash when it happens as they are short lived and before you know it, hot flashes will only be a memory of your past.