Hot Flashes: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention

Hot flashes during menopause (related to hormonal changes) are very common and can be managed with various natural approaches, although effectiveness varies greatly from person to person. These symptoms are typical of the early stages and early years of menopause, but according to Ministry of Health statistics, they persist in 15 percent of women over 60 and 8 percent of women over 70. Are there natural remedies for them? And how are they taken?

Index of topics

Damage to health

Hot flashes can:

Stop the sonno
Cause irritability, tiredness and decreased concentration
Cause embarrassment and discomfort
Increase the psycho-physical stress
Bring to states of anxiety e trough
Increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, if very frequent.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hot flashes are very obvious:

Sudden sensation of heat in the face, neck, and chest
Redness of the skin
Sweating
Palpitations
Dizziness
Cold or chills after a hot flash
Insomnia
Fatigue
Craving and depressione

Diseases associated with hot flashes

Aside from the physiological consequence of menopause, hot flashes can sometimes be a symptom of more serious medical conditions. Among the most well-known is hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid produces too many hormones, which can trigger episodes of heat and sweating. Similarly, some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, can cause hot flashes due to the treatments used, such as hormone therapy.

This condition may be linked to certain cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, some research suggests that women who experience intense and frequent hot flashes may be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The reason is simple.

When you experience severe hot flashes, you produce up to four times the normal amount of the stress hormone cortisol. Each hot flash can have a long-lasting effect, leaving cortisol levels lingering for up to 2-3 hours after the episode. So, if a woman had about 7 or 8 hot flashes a day, her blood cortisol levels would triple throughout the day.

Natural remedies

And here we are with the natural remedies, among which soy and its derivatives, red clover and sage stand out.

– Phytoestrogens (soy and derivatives)

Foods rich in isoflavones may help some people because they have an “estrogen-like” effect, although weaker.

soy and derivatives (tofu, soy milk, edamame)
Effect: Mild-moderate reduction of hot flashes in some women
It takes consistency (weeks/months).

Red clover

It has always been considered one of the most effective natural remedies for hot flashes.

Contains isoflavones similar to soy
Studies with mixed results: some women notice improvement, others don't.

– Sage

Sage should be used in decoctions and infusions.

salvia officinalis
Traditionally used against sweating and hot flashes
One of the most used “natural” options for excessive sweating

– Cimicifuga (black cohosh)

Another natural remedy that has shown good effectiveness against hot flashes.

Often used as a supplement for menopausal symptoms
It may reduce hot flashes in some women
Important: it should be used with caution and for limited periods (possible effects on the liver in rare cases)

Lifestyle Tips

Some good habits are often more effective than any natural remedy. For example:

Avoid alcohol, coffee and spicy foods (frequent triggers)
Dress in layers and use breathable fabrics
Sleep in a cool environment
Regular physical activity (even brisk walking)
Slow breathing or mindfulness techniques (may reduce the frequency of hot flashes in some people).

Manage stress

Finally, hot flashes are often worsened by stress. In this case, you can protect yourself with:

Yoga
Autogenic training
Mindfulness

Hot flashes during menopause: the best natural solutions