Tips for Managing Summertime Hot Flashes (tips, plus HRT)

Are you sweating up a storm this summer while also dealing with menopause-related woes? Hot flashes during the steamiest part of summer can make you feel miserable and alone. 

But you’re not alone. Up to 80% of women experience hot flashes during their transition into menopause.

Gordon Hart, PA-C, our primary practitioner at Balance Hormone Center, helps our patients develop a comprehensive and holistic approach to all of life’s changes. 

At our office in Norman, Oklahoma, we specialize in hormone replacement therapy and other age management techniques to help men and women look and feel their best.

Hot flashes in a heatwave

As beach temperatures rise, so do body temperatures, and hot flashes tend to increase with the arrival of summer heat. 

The hot flash typically begins as a sudden, hot sensation in your chest and face. It spreads throughout your body and is usually accompanied by heart palpitations and sweating.

Fortunately, there are ways to find relief while still enjoying your summer vacation.

Eliminate alcohol

While hot flashes are most common at night, they can be prompted by the consumption of alcohol or caffeine. If you’re on vacation, you might find it challenging to avoid a cocktail or two, but it’s one of the best ways to prevent frequent hot flashes. 

Examine your diet

Some foods may also trigger a hot flash. Steer clear of spicy foods, and focus more on getting adequate nutrition from each meal. Maintaining a healthy weight as your body shifts into menopause will ease the transition and limit hot flashes.

Exercise daily

Maintaining your weight with proper nutrition is a great complement to a regular exercise routine. The Cleveland Clinic suggests that women who are mostly sedentary experience more hot flashes than active women.

More cool-down solutions

In addition to the tips above, here are some other ways to avoid overheating this summer. 

• Wear lightweight cotton clothing
• Always have a cool drink with you
• Keep long hair up
• Use a fan at night
• Keep the bedroom 65 degrees or cooler
• Use a drop of lavender oil on your pillow

Hormone replacement therapy for hot spells

One of the best ways to relieve distressing and uncomfortable hot flashes this summer is hormone replacement therapy (HRT.) At Balance Hormone Center, we use HRT as an effective treatment for hormone imbalance issues, including hot flashes. 

As menopause nears, your estrogen levels decrease, causing hormone imbalances. Along with hot flashes, you may experience fatigue, weight gain, loss of libido, mood swings, and more. 

After HRT, you should notice a reduction of hot flashes. It’s likely that you’ll also feel more energized and focused because HRT is tailored to your specific needs. We work with you to develop a comprehensive plan to help you feel like yourself again.

If you’re experiencing hot flashes, consider scheduling a consultation with us at Balance Hormone Center. We’ll check your hormone levels and come up with a program specifically for your needs. 

Call our Norman, Oklahoma, office today at 405-247-0289, or use our convenient online scheduling tool to request an appointment.