Here are some things that will help you to get rid of this uncomfortable condition during menopause. At any time of the day, hot flushes come on, making your face flush and leaving you sweating. This happens to three out of four women during the transition to menopause. In fact, if it doesn’t bother you, hot flashes don’t need to be treated. You may even feel relieved if you think it will go away with time. However, if it affects your life, there are treatment options. You can decide on treatment based on their benefit and harm ratio.
What are Hot Flashes?
– You will feel an increase in heat in your upper body and face, ranging in intensity from a slight warmth to intense heat.
– Rashes in the form of red spots appear on the face, neck and upper chest.
– There is sweating, especially in the upper body.
– Hot flashes can also cause chills.
– The frequency of hot flashes varies from person to person. They can occur several times a day or one or two days a week. You may sweat enough to soak all your clothes or it may be a slight feeling of warmth. It lasts between a few minutes and 30 minutes. Hot flashes at night during sleep can even wake you up.
– Hot flashes occur during perimenopause, the period leading up to menopause. In some women it lasts for a few years, in others it can last for years.
For Mild Hot Flashes
If hot flashes do not bother you too much, you should pay attention to the following.
– Try to stay cool: A rise in your body temperature can trigger hot flashes. Choose clothes that you can take off when it is hot. Open a window or turn on the air conditioner. For cold drinks.
– Be active. Daily exercise is very important during menopause. If you are already doing it, keep it up. If not, there is now a good reason to start. 30 minutes of exercise almost every day of the week should be enough.
– Watch what you eat: Hot and spicy foods and alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can trigger hot flashes. You should also avoid foods that you have identified as triggering hot flashes.
– Don’t overexert yourself: Yoga and meditation techniques have a relaxing effect on most women. It will also help you sleep.
– Breathe slowly and deeply: This way of breathing can reduce hot flashes. First sit in a comfortable place. Breathe in deeply for five seconds, pushing your stomach out. Then breathe out for five seconds and draw your stomach in. Continue in this way twice a day for 15 minutes.
– Don’t smoke: Smoking has been linked to hot flashes. By not smoking, you can reduce hot flashes and prevent other diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Do not use herbal products indiscriminately: Although the manufacturers say they are natural products, each product has possible side effects. They may also interact with other medicines you are taking. Therefore, do not use herbal products without consulting your doctor.
Moderate or Severe Hot Flashes
If you pay attention to the above, but your symptoms persist, your doctor may start hormone therapy or treatment with other medicines. If you do not have blood clotting problems or diseases such as breast or ovarian cancer, you can take hormone therapy. Of course, you and your doctor will decide on the benefit and harm ratio. Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for hot flushes. If you do not have a uterus, giving it alone is enough. However, if you have a uterus, progesterone should be added. The lowest dose that will reduce your symptoms will be preferred. Apart from hormone therapy, antidepressant medication is one of the medicines that can be given to reduce your symptoms. Although not as effective as hormone therapy, they have also been found to be effective in hot flushes. But remember that menopause is a natural transition period in women. Normally you do not need treatment. Most women’s symptoms gradually subside. However, there are treatments that can help if you experience a lot of distress.