Although other hormonal changes can lead a woman to experience hot flashes, menopause is often the root cause. When a woman has a hot flash, a warm feeling can spread over her body and the skin appears red and splotchy. Sweating and an increased heart rate can also occur. You can do several things to find relief from the hot flashes until the symptoms subside. Hormone therapy may be prescribed by a doctor if the hot flashes become severe.
Step 1
Dress in layered clothing. If you experience hot flashes, you can find relief by removing layers of your clothing. Dress in lightweight fabrics like cotton, and steer clear of heavy synthetics, wool and silk. If you are lying in bed when you start to feel a hot flash, remove any blankets. Use only a cotton sheet to cover your body.
Step 2
Reduce the temperature in the room that you are in when the hot flash comes on. Open a window, turn on a fan or crank up the air conditioner.
Step 3
Drink a cold glass of water. Keep cold water or ice water handy if you are having hot flashes; drinking it will help you cool down.
Step 4
Avoid hot flash triggers. Steer clear of smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming caffeinated beverages and eating spicy foods. Do not bathe in hot water or take a dip in a hot tub.
Step 5
Make time to exercise. Exercise can relieve stress that might be bringing on your hot flashes. Try to participate in some form of mild exercise for at least 30 minutes per day. Exercise can also help you drop excess weight that might be aggravating your hot flash symptoms.
