Hot flashes are sudden bouts of sweating, facial flushing and uncomfortable sensations of extreme body heat. While they can be caused by a few different hormone-related conditions, they are most frequently associated with menopause. Hot flashes often occur at night and can be severe enough to wake you from a sound sleep. Fortunately, there are several all-natural solutions that can help make hot flashes less frequent and intense.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a perennial herb that grows in North America, and it has been used in Native American and early American medicine to treat a variety of maladies, including malaria, hives, the common cold and rheumatism. In modern times, it has become a popular alternative treatment to hormone therapy for severe hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. It is not fully understood if or how black cohosh has any effect on hormone levels, and studies into the effectiveness of the herb for hot flash relief are mixed, but readily available over-the-counter black cohosh capsules are commonly marketed and used for this purpose. A black cohosh regimen may be effective for relieving hot flashes and other menopause symptoms for up to six months, but published studies into the herb have not investigated its long-term safety. Headaches and stomach discomfort are the most commonly reported side effects.
Dietary Adjustments
Women who live in many Asian countries have far lower rates of hot flashes and other menopause symptoms than women in North America, and this is frequently attributed to the soy-rich diet that is common in that part of the world. Soy-based foods, soybeans in particular, contain estrogenic compounds like genistein and daidzein, which may produce results similar to hormone therapy when taken regularly and in significant amounts. Several foods and beverages can also act as hot flash triggers, and should therefore be avoided if you're experiencing frequent or severe hot flashes. These triggers include caffeine, alcohol, spicy dishes, dairy, red meat and especially sugary items. Drinking at least two quarts of fresh water per day may also keep hot flashes at bay, but this is also important if hot flashes do not subside, as your body will need to replace the hydration lost while sweating.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique in which an acupuncturist inserts fine needles into the body at strategic points with the goal of promoting better natural healing and body function. It is used to treat a tremendous range of physical and psychological conditions, and a study conducted at Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital suggests that it may be just as effective at treating hot flashes as some prescription medications that are commonly prescribed for this purpose. A different configuration of needles is used for each set of symptoms, so sufferers of nighttime hot flashes may find relief in acupuncture treatments for menopause symptoms as well as for general sleeplessness. Since acupuncture does not entail ingesting any medicine or unusual foods, it can be a viable alternative treatment for women who find that they are especially prone to the side effects of hormone therapy or other menopause treatments more common to Western medicine.
References
- "The Menopause Book"; Pat Wingert, Barbara Kantrowitz; 2009
- "Menopause Sucks: What to Do When Hot Flashes and Hormones Make You and Everyone Else Miserable"; Joanne Kimes, Elaine Ambrose; 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Hot Flashes
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- NaturalNews.com: Good News for Menopausal Women---You Can Avoid Hot Flashes by Changing Your Diet
