Q
Dear Auntie Pearl, I need some of your amazing wisdom. Please be so kind and help us with these horrible “hot flushes” we are suffering from due to this awful menopause we’re enduring!
Our hormones are all over the place and we need your help!
Your assistance in this regard will be so greatly appreciated.
From one of your loyal fans
Anita.
A
Anita, nou praat jy mos!
With the summer hitting us, many middle-aged women are struggling sommer even more with the hot flushes, or “flashes”!
Generally, women start getting hot flashes before actual menopause sets in, in a period called “menopause transition”.
While the flashes usually stop after actual menopause sets in, some women may continue having them for a good few months after.
The thing is, we are not entirely sure what causes hot flashes!
Obviously, it’s due to hormonal changes in the body, but the slimkoppe are not clear on everything.
There is some new research that links flashes to inflammation in the body, likely triggered by the decline of hormones such as oestrogen.
So what can you do?
Hartjie, sorry to say, but there is no way to completely get rid of hot flashes.
But you can try and minimise the frequency, as well as get some relief when they do strike.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Eat and drink smart –
stay away from hot and spicy foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
- Don’t smoke –
tobacco use is linked to an increase in hot flashes.
-
when you feel a flash coming, don’t panic and steady your breathing; anxiety over a flash can worsen it!
- Cool down –
keep your house and office cool; also keep a facecloth in the freezer and place it on your face or neck to cool you off quickly.
- Get healthy –
overweight women suffer more from hot flashes; also, exercise helps to stabilise hormones and insulin levels.
- Dress smart –
wear layers of loose clothing so that you can take some off when you feel a flash coming, this will help you cool down.
Now Auntie knows there is the medication you can take as well, it’s called menopause hormonal therapy, but this is only if you have severe flashes.
You’ll have to talk to your doctor.