Managing Menopause Hot Flashes in the Summer

A woman is said to have reached menopause when she has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause. They are marked by a sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body.

Hot flashes can affect your quality of life in several ways. Nighttime hot flashes can keep you awake at night. If left unaddressed, they can increase your risk of heart disease. Women with hot flashes experience greater bone loss than women who do not have them. Nighttime hot flashes or night sweats can negatively impact your sleep quality, mood and energy levels, and ultimately, your quality of life.

Managing Hot Flashes

Hot flashes can cause discomfort throughout the year, but warm temperatures and high humidity levels can worsen their symptoms during the summer. Whether you are experiencing mild or severe hot flashes, make these key changes to your lifestyle to manage them.

• Avoid hot drinks and hot or spicy foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine.
• Stress can trigger the flight-or-fight response, leading to an adrenaline rush, which can cause hot flashes. To manage stress, practice self-soothing techniques such as deep breathing.
• Add exercise to your routine, but avoid exercising in the heat or a warm room. Thermoregulatory dysfunction may cause hot flashes. Exercise can help improve thermoregulatory function.
• Wear clothing made from light, breathable fabrics. Use cooling products such as cooling sprays, gels, and pillows. When you feel hot, cool off with a frozen washcloth.
• When a hot flash starts, try to relax. Slowly breathe in and breathe out.
• Before stepping outdoors on a hot, humid day, drape a neck cooler around your neck.
• If possible, air-dry your hair instead of using a hair dryer.
• If you wake up in the middle of the night feeling hot, drink water or take slow, deep breaths.
• To stay cool at night, make sure the room temperature never exceeds 65 degrees F, keep a bag of frozen vegetables under your pillow, and run a table fan at your bedside.

Acupuncture Can Relieve the Symptoms of Hot Flashes

Many women navigating menopause use acupuncture to manage hot flashes. Studies show that acupuncture for menopause in Santa Rosa may help reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.

Hormonal imbalances can increase body temperature. Acupuncture can help treat hormonal imbalance. Stress and anxiety can also cause hot flashes. Acupuncture can reduce stress by stimulating the body to secrete more feel-good hormones such as endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin.

If you are experiencing hot flashes, your acupuncturist will assess the relationship of yin and yang in your kidneys and come up with a treatment plan that focuses on nourishing your kidneys.

Acupuncture Mama is a trusted acupuncture clinic in Santa Rosa. We use acupuncture to relieve pain and discomfort associated with various diseases and health conditions. To learn more, call (707) 303-7200.