Hot Flushes During Menopause: Causes, Relief, and Prevention
If you're a woman going through menopause and experiencing hot flushes, you're not alone. Hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. In this post, we'll explore the causes of hot flushes, provide tips on how to manage them, and offer some preventative measures to make your menopause journey easier.
What Causes Hot Flushes?
No one enjoys hot flushes! That moment when suddenly your body feels like it's on fire, and you start to sweat profusely. They're common during menopause, but what actually causes them?
It's not conclusive yet but many studies indicate that hot flushes are most likely the result of your body's thermostat, the hypothalamus, becoming more sensitive to slight changes in temperature due to decreased estrogen levels. When the hypothalamus thinks your body is too warm, it starts a chain of events — a hot flash — to cool you down.
As a result, blood vessels open up to try and cool the body down, which leads to that tell-tale flush and sweating. So, if you're going through menopause and suffering from hot flashes, don't sweat it (literally). It's just your hormones doing their thing.
Hot Flush Triggers You Should Know About
Hot flushes can be triggered by various factors. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help minimise their occurrence:
- Caffeine: Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can increase your heart rate, making you feel warmer.
- Spicy Foods: Foods like curry can cause vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels, which can lead to hot flushes.
If you’re trying to avoid hot flushes, consider cutting back on your caffeine intake and avoiding overly spicy meals. If you can’t resist, now you’ll understand why hot flushes may happen afterward!
Natural Remedies for Hot Flush Relief
If you're seeking natural ways to manage hot flushes, consider these proven remedies:
Ashwagandha: A Powerful Herbal Solution
Ashwagandha, a key herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has been used for centuries to support hormonal balance and reduce hot flush symptoms. The active ingredient, Withania somnifera, helps regulate body temperature and reduces the intensity and frequency of hot flushes. In a study, women who took ashwagandha for eight weeks experienced significant relief.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil has been shown to be effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flushes. A 2013 study revealed that women who took Evening Primrose Oil for six weeks experienced a notable decrease in hot flush symptoms compared to those on a placebo.
Lemon Balm: A Natural Calming Herb
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is known for its calming properties. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which may trigger hot flushes. Additionally, it can promote better sleep, which is often disrupted by night-time hot flushes. Natural Calm (which contains lemon balm) actively works to help aid hormonal balance and harmonise the body.
How to Stay Cool During Hot Flushes at Night
Hot flushes often strike at night, making sleep challenging. Here are a few tips to keep cool:
- Pillows: Use pillows made from breathable materials like cotton or bamboo. Avoid synthetic pillows that trap heat.
- Comfortable Clothing: Loose-fitting, natural fabrics like cotton can keep you cooler.
- Bedroom Ventilation: Ensure your bedroom is well-ventilated and consider using a fan to help cool the space.
Comprehensive Menopause Relief: The Menopause Relief Kit
If you’re looking for a complete solution to manage hot flushes, the Menopause Relief Kit may be just what you need. It includes Ashwagandha, Evening Primrose Oil, Natural Calm (which contains Lemon Balm), and our best-selling Magnesium Spray—all carefully chosen to support your menopause journey.
Managing Hot Flushes Naturally
Hot flushes are a common and frustrating symptom of menopause, but there are many ways to manage them naturally. Whether through diet changes, herbal remedies, or creating a cool sleeping environment, you don’t have to suffer in silence. By understanding your triggers and exploring natural treatments like Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, and Evening Primrose Oil, you can take control of your menopause experience and find the relief you deserve.
