If you're approaching menopause, decreased hormones levels may trigger short periods of intense heat, leaving you drenched in sweat. Conventional hormone replacement therapy is available from your physician or you may choose natural ways to avoid hot flashes. The Mayo Clinic staff advises that mild hot flashes may respond to lifestyle changes and alternative treatments, but consult your doctor before starting a natural program.
Life Changes
Altering your diet and your daily routine may reduce hot flashes. The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding spicy foods, hot foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol, all of which may trigger a hot flash. Smoking may also increase your risk of experiencing hot flashes.
Other strategies: Cool down and relax. Lower the temperature of the room you're in or wear layered clothing that you may remove if you feel warm. Keep iced drinks handy and sip them throughout the day. Practice taking deep, long, slow breaths for 15-minute periods to relax and de-stress. If you're naturally anxious, try meditation or take a yoga class. You can learn to relax yourself before stress can trigger a hot flash.
Herbal Treatments
Herbs used in the treatment of hot flashes may include black cohosh, red clover, dong quai, ginseng, wild yam and evening primrose oil, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians. While some of these herbs show promise, the Academy says that preliminary trials resulted in inconsistent findings, and more testing is necessary. The Food and Drug Administration does not regularly test and approve herbs for medicinal use and there is no guarantee of quality and effectiveness. Consult your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat hot flashes.
Acupuncture
The ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles into key spots of the body to treat ailments may be an effective method of controlling hot flashes, according to a 2008 study conducted by the Henry Ford Medical Group. The study followed 47 women who either took a hormone replacement drug or received acupuncture over a 12-week period to control their hot flashes. The results of the study indicated that the acupuncture treatment was just as effective in reducing hot flashes as the hormone therapy. In addition, women who underwent the acupuncture treatment did not suffer the side effects associated with the hormone therapy.
