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Menopause Moments: Help for Hot Flashes

Jun 05, 2016
Menopause Moments: Help for Hot Flashes
The natural drop in estrogen that happens during perimenopause and menopause often triggers a response from the hypothalamus section of the brain; the place that regulates body temperature.

The natural drop in estrogen that happens during perimenopause and menopause often triggers a response from the hypothalamus section of the brain; the place that regulates body temperature. That response is a hot flash. If heating up is taking a toll on you, your physician may prescribe estrogen or progesterone therapy, but here are some others things you can do to cool that fire within:

5 Tips for Combatting Hot Flashes

  1. Wear cotton and other breathable fabrics that allow airflow and avoid thicker material, like wool.
  2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they increase body heat
  3. Eat soy-based foods because soy is filled with natural estrogen
  4. Use a cooling towel – a synthetic, evaporative cooling aid that is significantly colder than a typical towel (these can be found at Target, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond and other stores).
  5. Take a cool shower to restore your body to a natural temperature