Hot Flashes Made Easy

As I round the corner into my mid-40s I find that body is doing things without my knowledge, involvement or consent. I still have very few gray hairs, minimal wrinkling, and don’t quite need reading glasses; however, I often find myself explaining to complete strangers that I am not sick or in need of emergency services — I am simply having a “nuclear-reactor-meltdown type” hot flash.

I am the woman in line at the grocery store who suddenly turned purple and began to sweat profusely. And I merely exerted myself by taking out a bank card. Aside from the embarrassment, inconvenience, and annoyance, it’s just another reminder that I’m getting older, and I can do without that.

So have I learned to cope with this? Well, truthfully, no. I have however learned several ways to reduce the symptoms. Try one or several, they just may work for you.

• Reduce caffeine, spicy food, nicotine, alcohol, sugar and hot beverages
• Layer your clothing and wear natural fibers
• Herbal supplements: Black Cohosh, Oil of Primrose, Flaxseed Oil, and Fish Oil
• Stay hydrated
• Reduce stress
• Lose weight (excess fat acts as additional hormones)
• Accept that this is a normal natural process and it will eventually pass

Your attitude alone will make a huge difference in this matter. Be kind, gentle and gracious (with yourself) about what you are going through. Know that you are not alone in this. Your body has always been changing from the moment the first cell split and began the process of creating you. Accept this change as part of your natural process and you can perhaps pass some of this wisdom on to the next woman you see in line at a grocery store having a meltdown.