Menopausal hot flashes are a natural part of the aging process, but are also one of the most unpleasant. If your mother is experiencing menopause and she is suffering through hot flashes, she is likely miserable, at least during these episodes of overheating. Though hot flashes are not a serious health concern, they are still something menopausal women want to control. The more symptoms you can ease for your mother, the more pleasant the transition into her post-menopausal years will be.
There are many menopausal hot flashes treatment methods available, so encourage your mother to speak with her doctor about her options. Here are 5 tips to help your mom's menopause hot flashes - natural, easy to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle, and are very inexpensive.
Lightweight pajamas
1. Invest in comfortable, lightweight pajamas. Hot flashes can happen any time, but they are more common at night. Your mother will be more comfortable if she is sleeping in cool clothing. It might seem crazy to wear cotton shorts and a tanktop to bed during the dead of winter, but this is often the best solution for getting a good night of sleep. Her body will begin the night cool and it will reduce the discomfort of night sweats when they do occur.Indoor Temperature
2. Keep temperatures low indoors. Your mother can set the thermostat in her home lower than usual. If she has not retired and works outside of the office, she can keep her office cool, too. As helpful as it is to dress in cool clothing during menopause, there are only so many garments your mother can remove before she runs out of options. If her indoor locations are cool and comfortable, it will reduce the effects of hot flashes.Portable Fans
3. Invest in a travel fan. As a matter of fact, invest in several fans. Your mother can keep a fan on her desk at work and next to her bed at home. If your mother likes to cook, make sure there is a fan in the kitchen for keeping her cool. Most people avoid ceiling fans in the kitchen because it cools food too quickly, but a temporary mobile fan is a great idea for keeping your mother comfortable. Working near the oven and stove is unbearable when suffering from a hot flash. Keep the kitchen area as cool as possible so she will not have to give up one of her favorite hobbies.Healthy Foods
4. Be proactive and encourage your mother to eat healthy foods that combat hot flashes. There are limited scientific studies concerning the effects of food on menopause and hot flashes, but anecdotal evidence shows certain foods reduce the discomfort of hot flashes. Eating healthy is always a good idea, so even if there is no hard and fast proof food will cure hot flashes, the foods thought to effect symptoms of menopause will do you no harm. Foods associated with reducing hot flashes include yams, flax seed and flax seed oil, soy, and whole grains. If your mother is making drastic diet changes, encourage her to speak to her doctor. However, it is unlikely a doctor would discourage someone from adding healthy foods to their diet.Natural Suplements
5. There are several hot flashes natural supplements to ease the discomfort. If your mother decides to try supplements, she needs to speak with her doctor. Though natural, supplements can interfere with other medications, so her doctor needs to be aware of what she is doing. Working with an herbalist can also be helpful because it will help her determine the proper dosages of the herbs.Hot flashes are a normal part of menopause, but that does not mean your mother has to suffer. Help her manage her menopausal symptoms and ease the unpleasantness of menopausal hot flashes.
Learn more about 7 dietary changes to prevent hot flashes.
