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Hot flashes can be uncomfortable and downright painful for people experiencing them. Certain home remedies have been shown effective for dealing with the symptoms of hot flashes in women.
This article will explore some of these home remedies that have been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
How to Manage Hot Flashes at Home
Here are some remedies that can lessen the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
1. Consume soy isoflavones
Phytoestrogens are a category of chemicals obtained from plants, and they include soy isoflavones. Some of the actions of estrogen can be mimicked by soy isoflavones, which can bind to estrogen receptors in the body.
According to a 2012 research, soy isoflavones significantly decreased the frequency and intensity of hot flashes by 20% when compared to a placebo. (1) Moreover, soy isoflavones may lessen the risk of heart disease and protect against osteoporosis.
2. Try using flaxseeds
Flaxseed is an excellent home remedy for hot flashes in women. It is rich in lignans, which are natural phytoestrogens that can help balance hormone levels and reduce hot flashes. (2)
You can add flaxseed to your diet by eating flaxseeds whole, grinding them into a powder, or using them in recipes.
3. Use sage
Sage is a common home remedy for hot flashes. It is thought to work by decreasing the production of estrogen in the body.
There are many ways to take sage, including capsules, tinctures, and teas. Some women prefer to apply it directly to their skin in the form of an oil or cream.
A randomized controlled trial showed that sage was effective in controlling the severity of hot flashes. (3)
If you’re interested in trying sage for hot flashes, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first. While it is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of, such as an upset stomach.
4. Try using evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is a popular home remedy for hot flashes in women. It is thought to work by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the body, which can help to relieve hot flashes and night sweats. (4)
Evening primrose oil is available in capsules or liquid form and can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.
5. Licorice root can help
Licorice root contains phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. This makes licorice root an effective treatment for hot flashes, as shown by randomized controlled trials. (5)
In addition, licorice root is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, so it can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
To use licorice root as a treatment for hot flashes, steep 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink this tea three times per day.
Lifestyle Changes to Ease Discomfort of Hot Flashes
There are many different ways to find relief from hot flashes and night sweats. Some women find that over-the-counter or prescription medications help, while others prefer natural home remedies.
There are a few things you can do at home to help cool your body and relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Try these simple tips:
- Dress in layers so you can peel them off when you start to feel too warm.
- Carry a portable fan with you to use when needed.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day.
- Avoid trigger foods and beverages that make your hot flashes worse. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, and hot drinks. (6)
- Exercise regularly to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. (7) Yoga or Tai chi may be especially helpful in managing hot flashes. (8) Yoga helps to calm the nervous system and can be very helpful in reducing hot flashes. Some yoga poses that can help include the supported shoulder stand, corpse pose, and child’s pose. (8)
- Low mood and anxiety can be treated with other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). (9) When you have anxiety or depression, medication, and counseling typically help. Your gynecologist may be able to refer you for CBT, or you are welcome to go on your own.
Most-Asked Questions About Hot Flashes in Women
How do I know if my hot flashes are due to menopause?
If you are currently undergoing menopause or are between the ages of 40 and 50 years, it might be a good idea to visit your doctor to determine the exact cause of your hot flashes.
Since there are high chances that your flashes are caused by hormonal imbalances at this age, it can help you receive a definitive diagnosis. (10)
I do not want to take hormonal replacement therapy because of the side effects. What are my other treatment options?
The best person to answer your queries would be your doctor, after a proper diagnosis. Many women choose not to take hormonal replacement therapy and choose symptomatic management instead.
Will these home remedies really help in relieving my hot flashes?
No home remedy is guaranteed to work for everybody. However, you may try these remedies with your doctor’s knowledge and approval to see which ones work best for you. You may need to keep changing the remedy according to your symptoms.
Which home remedy is guaranteed to relieve my hot flashes?
If you are experiencing severe hot flashes, it is recommended to visit a doctor as soon as possible as there may be an undiagnosed cause.
All home remedies mentioned above have varying effects on different people. Simple remedies such as exercising and practicing yoga or breath work can benefit everybody as they are part of a healthy lifestyle.
Can men get hot flashes?
Certain prostate cancer therapies reduce the body’s level of sex hormones. Hot flashes might result from these reduced hormone levels.
Over several months, hot flashes progressively improve for many men. Some have flashes for the duration of their medical care. With time, they do seem to occur less frequently. (11)
Which vitamins help in dealing with hot flashes?
Many vitamins can aid in the reduction of hot flashes in women. Antioxidant vitamin E aids in defending the body against harm from free radicals. Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory, while vitamin B6 is believed to help control hormone levels.
What about black cohosh for hot flashes?
A perennial plant native to North America, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa) is a member of the buttercup family. Alternative names for this herb include macrotys, snakeroot, black bugbane, rattleweed, and rheumatic weed.
It is believed to function by improving overall hormone balance. Some teas, tinctures, and supplements contain black cohosh. Before using black cohosh, it’s crucial to see your doctor because it may interfere with certain drugs. (12)
Final Word
Other lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes include avoiding tobacco smoke, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress levels, and avoiding triggering foods and beverages.
Certain foods and beverages can trigger hot flashes, so it is important to be aware of your triggers and avoid them if possible. Common triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and menopause supplements such as black cohosh. If you are unsure what your triggers are, keeping a food diary can be helpful in identifying them.
The outlook for hot flashes is favorable. After 5 years, most women’s hot flashes will be resolved. (12) Making these changes can be difficult, but they can make a big difference in your quality of life if you are struggling with hot flashes.
Continue ReadingHot Flashes in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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