Hot flashes are a pain. I know, I’ve been there, done that. I’m still getting them.

Hot flashes are common symptom of menopause that often feels like a sudden flare of heat paired with sweating and flushed skin. Hot flashes typically start with menopause and can end when you’re post menopausal or last the rest of your life.

Why do hot flashes even happen? Hot flashes occur when the decreased estrogen level causes your body’s thermostat, the hippothalamus, to become more sensitive to the slight changes in body temperature. When the hippothalamus thinks your body is too warm, it starts a chain of events, a hot flash to cool you down.

So, what’s the best lifestyle changes to improve your hot flashes? Dress in layers that you can remove at the start of the hot flash. Carry a portable fan to use when a hot flash strikes. Avoid alcohol, spicy foods and even caffeine – these are all triggers. If you smoke, try quitting not only for your hot flashes but for your overall health. Try to maintain a healthy weight. Look into hormone therapy. You want to supplement that decrease in estrogen and this could help you deal with your hot flashes.

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