Things You'll Need:
- knowledge to recognize hot flash triggers
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Step 1
Hot flashes are some of the worst of the 34 menopause symptoms that a woman can have. Annoying and embarrassing to some, life altering for others, hot flashes have also been known as “hot flush” and “pinking” to some. It is where the upper part of the body around the face and neck get very warm, flush pink or red, and the body temperature raises. They can last only two to three minutes, or can last up to an hour or more in some women. While they are harmless in nature, they can be very bothersome to the point of interfering with daily life. Out of all the menopause symptoms, hot flashes are the ones that the majority of women will have and the one that seems to top their list of ones that bother them the most.
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Step 2
While there is a bit of variance to the statistics on menopause and its symptoms there are a few numbers that are concrete. 80% of women will have hot flashes in their lifetime and only half of these women will seek any type of medical intervention for this menopause symptom. The “hot flush” that is felt can occur a few times a day to a few times a week, it is all up to the woman who is experiencing the menopause symptom and her hormones. Too many hot flashes and there is a chance of experiencing other things from the excess of heat. These other items that can occur because of too many menopause hot flashes can be:
Fatigue
Weakness
Dizziness
Or headaches. -
Step 3
There are some items that have been known to trigger a hot flash in a menopausal woman. These are items that should be avoided if you are prone to hot flashes.
Caffeine (this can be coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, or even coffee ice cream)
Hot weather
Hot drinks or very warm food
Warm clothing (dress in layers so that you can add or subtract as needed)
Alcohol
Drugs
Stress (stress is a very high factor in hot flashes)
Spicy foods
Large meals (have several smaller meals to curb hot flashes)
Exercise -
Step 4
If you notice that you have a hot flash within a few hours of any of the above triggers, it is a hot spot for you and one that you may want to avoid while you are going through menopause. Everyone is different, but tracking your patterns can let you see what you are able to do and eat without having to have symptoms of hot flashes because of it.
