If you're a woman who experiences hot flushes, you're not alone. In fact, hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms that women experience as they go through menopause. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of hot flushes, how you can get relief from them and some preventative measures you can take.
Hot Flushes: What Causes Them In The First Place?
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.
1. Identify your triggers.
Both coffee and spicy food can act as stimulants, increasing our heart rate and metabolism and making us feel warm. In addition, spicy food can cause vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which also contributes to the feeling of a hot flush.
So if you're trying to avoid hot flushes, it might be best to steer clear of that second cup of coffee or that plate of curry. But if you just can't resist, at least now you know why those hot flushes might be happening!
2. Don't Sweat It! Ashwagandha Can Help With Hot Flushes.
Ashwagandha is a herbal treatment for hot flushes that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
The active ingredient in ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, is a protein that helps to regulate the body's temperature. When taken as a supplement, it can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flushes.
In one study, women who took ashwagandha for eight weeks reported a significant reduction in the number of hot flushes they experienced!
3. The Best Ways To Stay Cool At Night.
If hot flushes tend to strike at night, make sure your bedroom is cool and well-ventilated. Start by making sure your pillow is made of a breathable material like cotton or bamboo. Avoid using synthetic pillow forms, which can trap heat and make you sweat during the night.
Loose, comfortable clothing made from natural fabrics can also help you keep your cool and if you need something a bit stronger, a bedroom fan can work wonders.
4. How To Deal With Hot Flushes Naturally.
Although many women opt for HRT, there are still natural ways to get menopause support. Here are some natural remedies that can provide relief from hot flushes:
Lemon Balm: A member of the mint family, lemon balm is helpful in preventing your sleep from being disturbed by hot flushes. Additionally, lemon balm is known for its calming properties, which can help to ease anxiety and stress - both of which can trigger hot flushes.
Evening Primrose Oil: This supplement is created by extracting oil from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. A study in 2013 gave EPO to women with hot flashes for six weeks to compare the efficacy of the pill against a placebo. The results found that hot flashes were reduced in intensity, as well as their frequency and duration!
Chamomile: This daisy-like flower contains phytoestrogens, estrogen-like compounds that have similar effects to estrogen and progesterone. This supported a 2019 clinical trials's findings that chamomile alleviates hot flashes.
Whether it's cutting down your caffeine intake, cooling your bedroom or taking some natural supplements, there are plenty of ways to find relief from hot flushes.
And if you want all of your hot flush support in one place then the Menopause Relief Kit is just what you need! It contains Ashwagandha, Evening Primrose Oil, Natural Calm (which is formulated with lemon Balm) and our bestselling magnesium spray - everything you need to combat hot flushes and support your menopause journey.
Get 15% Off this bundle with code: HOC15 and start managing your menopause symptoms today!
