4 Ways To Combat Hot Flashes
Are you, or someone you love suffering from hot flashes due to menopause or another condition? Are you looking for top-notch hot flash remedies and solutions for helping you get a great night's rest and endure the day free of high-heat episodes? Read this article to learn more about this uncomfortable symptom and discover effective treatments to stop hot flashes.
What are Hot Flashes?
A hot flash is a sudden period of intense, feverish heat, with warm skin and uncomfortable sweating. Contrary to popular belief, hot flashes can affect both men and women. There are two common types of hot flashes in women - regular hot flashes or "slow hot flashes." Regular hot flashes come on gradually and only last a few minutes, while "slow hot flashes" (also called "ember hot flashes") come on equally as fast with less intensity and may last up to a half an hour at a time. Generally speaking, a hot flash may last between two and 30 minutes.
What Causes Hot Flashes or Night Sweats?
Hot flashes are a very common symptom of menopause, but they can also be caused by certain illnesses such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, HIV/AIDS, autonomic neuropathy, leukemia and even anxiety. Also, various kinds of medications like antidepressants and hormone therapy can have the side effect of hot flashes. Hot flashes during menopause occur when the body experiences a dip in estradiol levels. Estradiol is a form of natural steroid that helps develop and maintain female reproduction cycles. Men experiencing andropause (male menopause) or men who are undergoing treatment for prostate or testicular cancer may also experience hot flashes and night sweats.
Additionally, men with low testosterone as a result of aging or medical treatments often experience hot flashes. Night sweats, also called "nocturnal hyperhidrosis" occur when a person experiences excessive sweating at night. This condition is a common side effect of menopause and andropause, but can also be experienced by those with cancer, infections, endocrine disorders, rheumatic disorders and other conditions.
What are Relief Options for Hot Flashes?
Fortunately, there are many different kinds of treatments that can reduce the severity and stop occurrences of hot flashes. These range from hormone therapy and non-hormonal medications to natural treatments and lifestyle changes.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - Before and during menopause, the levels of female hormones can fluctuate, causing symptoms such as depression and hot flashes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses estrogen and progesterone to treat these symptoms, but this type of medication can have serious side effects, especially for women who have certain pre-existing conditions.
- Non-Hormonal Medications - Antidepressants can reduce their number and severity, in addition to relieving moodiness and depression, which often accompanies menopause. Other hot flash medicine includes Gabapentin (used as an anti-seizure medicine) and Clonidine (used for high blood pressure). These may also have dangerous side effects. Those who experience stress- or anxiety-related physical symptoms may experience some relief with the use of anti-anxiety and antidepressant treatment.
- Natural Treatments for Hot Flashes - Natural ways to keep the body healthy during menopause and reduce hot flashes include a healthy diet and daily exercise. Fruits and vegetables are beneficial, and it is recommended that menopausal women consume foods that contain iron, fiber and calcium. At least eight glasses a day a day is also suggested. One should avoid foods that can "trigger" hot flashes, such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol. Smoking should also be avoided. Regular exercise can relieve stress, which is another hot flash trigger, in addition to insomnia and depression. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can also reduce stress.
- Getting Relief from Hot Flashes with Cooling Sleep Products - Keeping cool and comfortable through the night is very effective in how to stop hot flashes. Cool-jams™ carries a full line of premium moisture-wicking sleepwear and temperature regulating bedding. Our women's moisture-wicking pajamas and nightgowns wick sweat away from the body to keep it cool. Rayon from Bamboo linens naturally wick away moisture to the outside of the fabric, providing exceptional thermal regulation for a dry and comfortable sleep. Outlast by Cool-jams™ temperature regulating bedding is a "smart fabric" that manages and controls the body's heat.
You'll be able to get a good night's rest free of excessive sweating and discomfort caused by hot flashes and night sweats when you swap out your heat-emitting bedding for cooling bedding from Cool-jams™. We recommend trying out a cooling mattress pad and temperature-regulating pillows and pillow cases to help you sleep better during menopause and other episodes that may cause you to experience nighttime sweating and heat. Our complete line includes high-performing sleep-boosting products that can endure even the most intense episodes.