Hot flashes strike fast and sometimes strike often. Is there any relief for hot flashes? Fortunately they are not life threatening but they are very uncomfortable. You can’t stop them entirely, but there are some steps you can take for hot flash relief.

Take a look at your wardrobe and notice the clothes you prefer to wear. If you live in heavy sweaters and slacks, it might help to switch to lighter fabrics that are better at wicking off sweat. Trade in those big heavy turtlenecks for cotton, rayon and similar options. You might need to avoid wearing silks and wool as they will keep you feeling very uncomfortable when a hot flash strikes. It’s also a good idea to dress in layers to fend off those office chills and deal with your up and down body temperatures.

Love having the heat cranked up? Give your body and your wallet some relief and turn down the thermostat a few degrees. Your body will feel better in a cooler environment and you can always put on a layer or two to keep warm.

If you find your room hot at night, consider getting a small fan to place by your bed, or a ceiling fan, to help keep the air circulated and keep you cooler at night. Some women find keeping a cool damp wash cloth and a glass of water close by helpful when a night sweat occurs.

If you love snuggling up under layers of blankets and wearing your flannel pyjamas but wake up from those night sweats, less is more. Remove a blanket or that heavy duvet and switch to cotton night wear.

Tempted to stand in front of the open refrigerator? Try keeping a few cool wet cloths in a plastic bag in your fridge. Take one out at the next hot flash for a quick refreshing cool down.

Know any triggers you might have that bring on your hot flashes or make them worse. You might notice a tendency to hot flashes after a hot cup of tea, a soak in the hot tub or a number of other triggers. You can help relieve your hot flashes or even decrease their frequency if you discover any personal triggers.

When your stress levels are rising, so are the chances of hot flashes. Finding ways to deal with stress is not always easy, but a few simple breathing techniques or a couple of yoga stretches can help calm you down and lessen the severity of hot flashes. Try a few before your next meeting or when you first get home from work and need to switch gears into family mode.

Hot flashes can be mild and annoying or severe enough to impact your day. Knowing a few quick techniques to lessen their severity can provide much needed relief when they strike.


Menopause, Your Doctor, and You