Is it Hot in Here, or is it ME?! Help for hot flashes

 You are a "woman of certain age" and one morning you wake up with a nightgown soaked with sweat... you know it has begun: the hot flashes and night sweats!! In the past, menopause was simply called "the change", usually spoken in a whisper. But, as with other health issues faced by women, recent years have brought more information to the forefront and this stage of life is being de-mystified. Once treated as a passage of life that was to be endured silently, women are now sharing their knowledge and experiences to the great benefit of us all.

This is the first of a series of hubs on the symptoms, changes, ups and downs of women in transition, women who are, whether they know it or not, embarking on a new and wonderful journey of self-discovery.

 The underlying bioligical cause of hot flashes and night sweats is a decrease in extrogen production as we age...ahem...mature. But other environmental and emotional stimuli can bring them on, such as:

• Spicy food (cayenne, ginger, pepper)
• Acidic foods (pickles, citrus, tomatoes)
• Hot drinks
• Caffeine (coffee, black tea, cola, chocolate)
• Alcoholic drinks, including wine and beer
• White sugar
• Hydrogenated or saturated fats (meat, margarine)
• Stress
• Hot weather
• Hot tubs and saunas
• Tobacco or marijuana
• Intense exercise, especially lovemaking
• Anger, especially if you can’t express it

As you can see, it is wise to address several areas of our lives to deal with these "power surges". As science discovers more about the mind/body/spirit connection, we are learning that not only do the things we put into our mouth affect our health, but also the thoughts we think and how we deal with negative emotions.

Probably the most practical and inexpensive way to deal with hot flashes is to dress in layers. Since we never know when a flash will come, it is wise to be prepared by being able to partially disrobe to give yourself some relief. If you have an ensemble of a lightweight tee shirt, vest, light sweater or perhaps a blazer, you can quickly and discreetly remove one or more layers when the heat begins. It can also help to wear a thin undershirt or tank top made of cotton or other light, natural fibers so your skin can "breathe" and cool off faster.

It can be inconvenient to have to plan ahead for different, versatile layered styles, but it will be worth it when you are at work or shopping and need to be able to strip down to get some relief!

You could spend many hours researching and a lot of money buying all the supplements recommended for hot flash relief. But since God made all of us individually, it may take some trial and error to find the combination that works best for you.

Soy-based products are probably the most widely known supplements for menopausal symptoms. But since it does affect the estrogen levels in our bodies, women with thyroid or other endocrine system issues may need to stay clear of soy.

Probably the safest place to start is to supplement your healthy diet with vitamins shown to help reduce the incidence of hot flashes. You may have to be patient for a couple of weeks to start feeling their effects, but recommended doses of vitamins are free of the side effects that occur with hormone replacement therapy, commonly prescribed to menopausal women.

According to Powersurge.com, 400 to 800 IUs daily of vitamin E can help an estimated 50 percent to 66 percent of women with night sweats. However, it can take up to six weeks before the effects are felt. Vitamin E can be found naturally in cold-pressed oils, green leafy vegetables, almonds and nuts. Combined with Vitamins C, D, and calcium, a lot of women see a marked reduction in symptoms.

As we transition into a new and sometimes frightening stage of life, I find that the best way to approach my fears is with humor! None of us is alone in this, all women will go through some of the challenges connected to aging, so we might as well use it as a bonding experience and laugh a little about it! Talk to friends your age and consider forming a support group or just get together a talk. Be sure to bring iced tea and fans!!