The exact cause of hot flashes is unknown. They may be caused by decreased estrogen or even a change in other hormone levels. During a hot flash, the part of your brain that controls body temperature is affected.
Triggers
Certain things sometimes trigger the onset of hot flashes, including:
being in a hot room, or out in hot weathereating hot or spicy foodsdrinking alcoholconsuming products that contain caffeinefeeling stressed or anxiouswearing tight, constricting clothingsmoking, or even being exposed to cigarette smokefoods and drinks containing high amounts of sugarsugar and insulin imbalance
Avoiding things that trigger your hot flashes can significantly lower the intensity of your hot flashes, as well as the number of hot flashes you experience during menopause and perimenopause. If you experience frequent hot flashes, start to take note of what may have triggered them. If you begin to notice a pattern, you can make an attempt to avoid the most common culprits.
How to Avoid Hot Flashes
Dressing in light, loose layers can help. You’ll feel less constricted and, even if you do experience a hot flash, you can peel off a few layers. You can also learn some deep breathing techniques so as to relax the body and help regular your interior temperature. Avoid overheating your house. If you’re suffering through hot flashes, you should always automatically win the thermostat wars in your home. Drink lots of water. This is a healthy habit to take up at any time. Consider hormone therapy. Though this isn’t the right option for everyone, your doctor will be able to give you a better idea of whether or not you’re a good candidate for this treatment.
Other suggestions have been passed around, including certain medication and herbal supplements, but not enough research has been conducted in order to determine whether these treatments are any more effective than a placebo. Do your homework if you’re considering these alternative means of hot flash self-treatment.
