“Everything started melting.” That’s the way former First Lady Michelle Obama described a hot flash that occurred on Marine One moments before she was scheduled to make an appearance at a public event. “Literally, it was like someone put a furnace in my core and turned it on high,” she said in a conversation with Dr. Sharon Malone on her “Michelle Obama Podcast.”
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause, and they don’t care if you are in the middle of a presentation, having lunch with your friends, or even if you are the First Lady of the United States of America. They will strike whenever and wherever, leaving you flushed, flustered, and feeling like a hot mess.
While you may feel the additional heat of embarrassment as the sweat starts to pour, remember that menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life. There is no reason to feel ashamed of the changes your body is going through. In fact, acknowledging and addressing the issue head-on with family, friends, and coworkers can go a long way in removing some of the stigma around aging and menopause and make you feel more at ease.
To help you feel more comfortable, let’s look at how to get rid of hot flashes fast, and some tricks to tone down the heat.
If you'd rather check out a quick video from our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, on how to handle hot flashes, fast - see below:
Tips for Quick Relief for Hot Flashes
So, what exactly can you do to help yourself feel more comfortable physically, especially when you’re experiencing a hot flash? Before you resort to locking yourself in the house and cranking the air conditioner on high, try these four tips for stopping hot flashes fast.
How to Dress for Hot Flashes
Dealing with your fluctuating body temperatures, and stopping hot flashes is easier when you dress the part. Consider wearing light, cool clothing in breathable fabrics, and layer pieces that can be easily removed, such as blazers, jackets, or cardigans. That way, when things heat up, you can strip down for quick relief from a hot flash.
Skip the Spice
This is, unfortunately, not the best time to say “yes” to the zest on your favorite dishes. Hot or spicy foods can raise your body temperature, which can fan the flames of a hot flash. Stick to cold sandwiches, salads, or noodle and pasta dishes. Keep seasonings mild. Try a chilled gazpacho rather than a steaming soup or swap your favorite hot latte for one served over ice. Above all, don’t forget to hydrate! Nothing stops a hot flash fast like a glass of ice-cold water. Keep an insulated water bottle close by and sip it all day long to keep hot menopausal flashes at bay.
Emotional Stress and Hot Flashes
Have you ever noticed how hot you get when you feel stressed, rushed, or anxious? Like spicy foods, stress can raise your core temperature and trigger a hot flash. We know you can’t avoid all stresses, but do your best to identify the things you can control in order to make your day easier.
Lay your work clothes out the night before a big meeting. Don’t wait until the last minute to finish a project or assignment. Map out your route and give yourself plenty of time to make it to your destinations. Anything you can do to create a calming environment can help you keep a cool head—and body––and help prevent hot flashes!
Handle Hot Flashes with Humor
Even if you take all of our suggestions on how to stop hot flashes fast, there is still a chance that your inner furnace will turn on when you least expect it. Relax, roll with it, and remember that you are not the first, nor will you be the last woman who has had to deal with menopausal hot flashes. Trying to hide it or pretend it isn’t happening will only add to your discomfort and make it worse. Instead, acknowledge it, laugh it off, and move on.
The more at ease you are in the situation, the more at ease the people around you will be, too and, hopefully, we can start to remove the stigma associated with women, menopause, and aging altogether.
Comments
Post commentdoes any body else get a brain fog type of experience at the onset of a bad hot flash episode?
Having a hard time turning the furnace in my body off. I am constantly hot and sweaty that you can literly ring me out
Really appreciated your tips on diet. Along with stress all heat makes me have a hot flash what can I do cooking ironing room temperature etc
Every information about menopause and hot flashes helps me. Thank you for all the excitement information. Yes it is true that the heat comes on suddenly and I feel as though I am about to pass out. I welcome the day when I don’t have to strip to feel a little more comfortable. Once again thanks for the help so we women can deal with the situation at present and still live a comfortable life.
Excellent help! Quite resourceful!!