5 Things You Need to Know About Non-Hormonal Therapies For Hot Flashes

1. Try Alternate Therapies

Many women going through menopause, either naturally or surgical, suffer from hot flashes. It is due to a change in hormone levels. Some women choose the option of hormone replacement. However, there are alternate methods to overcome hot flashes that do not involve hormones. Women for centuries have used methods such as herbs, diet changes and even acupuncture to overcome hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

2. Hot Flash Triggers

Some women find that they may have triggers for their hot flashes. Learning to identify these triggers and then avoiding them may be a way to handle this menopause symptom more efficiently than hormone replacement therapy. Triggers may be spicy food, caffeine, smoking, stress, acidic food or anger. Learning your body's rhythm and coping methods gives you an alternate way to deal with hot flashes.

3. Acupuncture and Massage

Massage and acupuncture may sound a bit strange for a non-hormonal therapy for hot flashes, but these two therapies help you body maintain their balance. Massage, for example, helps a woman deal with stress, which can help you better handle hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. While these therapies may not be for everyone, they may work for some.

4. Herbs for Hot Flashes

Numerous women seek herbal remedies for help with hot flashes. Many have found relief with this natural therapy. There are a variety of herbs that can help reduce hot flashes. Black Cohosh is a very popular herb for many menopausal symptoms. Soy, evening primrose oil, ginseng and red clover also are of help. Herbal blends are available on the market for menopausal women. They contain combinations of these herbs that some women find to be of great assistance.

5. Lifestyle Changes

Health care providers suggest different therapies and activities for menopausal women to lessen their symptoms, including hot flashes. Exercise is one way to deal with hot flashes. Something as simple as walking daily can help. Diet is also important. Those with poor diets tend to have worse symptoms. Eating a well-balanced diet helps you better deal with the distressful symptoms of menopause. Speak to your health care provider about how to improve your general health and handle your hot flashes.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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