As women age, the female body undergoes many changes. Although the changes are natural, they can be very annoying. Almost eighty percent of menopausal women experience hot flashes due to hormonal changes. Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause.
Hot flashes can be relatively mild, a sudden flush of heat usually around the face and neck. Or, they can be extreme with profuse sweating, heart palpitations, and a flushed face. They can wake you up throughout the night and make you tired during the day. Some women wake up at night so drenched in sweat that they have to change their nightwear. Hot flashes also put pressure on the body as it first heats up and then has to cool down.
Many doctors believe that once your body adjusts to the lack of estrogen and the hormonal changes, the hot flashes will go away. This is true, but it can take your body five to ten years to adjust. If you are not willing to wait that long, try some of the following natural remedies.
Vitamin E helps regulate our body temperature. It also has a stabilizing effect on estrogen levels. Try 400 IU (mg) of vitamin E twice a day. If that doesn’t work, your dose may need to be increased to 400 IU three times a day. Vitamin E works very well to reduce hot flashes. It may not eliminate them completely, but it will significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. If you have any health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a heart condition, consult a doctor before taking vitamin E or any of the other herbal remedies.
Exercise will help hot flashes. One study showed that sedentary women were twice as likely to experience hot flashes as women who exercised. Stress is known to contribute to hot flashes. Exercise improves your sleep and helps you deal with stress. Best of all, exercise helps regulate hormones.
Evening primrose oil will also help reduce hot flashes. Many herbs are effective in minimizing hot flashes. Black cohosh, dong quai, chasteberry, and red clover can be found in various combinations in health food stores. These herbs will help you with many symptoms of menopause. Topical progesterone cream made from wild yam rubbed on the skin has been shown to relieve hot flashes.
Approximately 1 to 3 grams of vitamin C and bioflavonoids per day have been shown to be helpful.
Proper nutrition is imperative to eliminate hot flashes. Studies have shown that hypoglycemia is common in women who experience hot flashes. Eliminate all sugar, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates from your diet.
Take note, these annoying symptoms can be minimized and reduced with some natural products and dietary changes. Try them before you resort to drugs. Always check with your doctor before taking supplements.
