How To Cope With Hot Flashes
Aside from basically crawling into the stand up freezer while grocery shopping…
Salesperson: “Can I help you find something?”
Me: “I’m just looking for a certain type of ice cream. I think I see it at the veeeeery back of the freezer. Somewhere around here…ah maybe…ah no, that’s not it. Maybe here? Nope. Never mind. I’m good. Thanks!”
I’m sharing some practical tips on how to cope with hot flashes that don’t involve sticking your head in a freezer.
Cotton Underwear
Yeah I’m saying it. Underwear made out of synthetic materials is like wrapping yourself in pizza pockets straight out of the microwave.
Same goes for bras, especially padded bras.
This summer I’ve resorted to relying on some of my cotton workout bras to help me through the worst of it.
One of my girlfriends jokes about keeping her underwear in the freezer. I’m not there yet.
Wear Cotton
I haven’t worn any polyester this summer.
It is akin to wearing a plastic bag pumped full of hot air.
Remember those plastic suits for sweating off pounds that were so popular in the 70’s and 80’s?
The sauna exercise suit is exactly what polyester feels like on me lately. It is totally off limits.
Sadly almost all of my vintage 60’s and 70’s dresses are made out of polyester or thick bark cloth and impractical for my hot flashes and the insane heat we’ve been enduring this summer.
I was pumped when I stumbled across this 1960’s lightweight Hawaiian cotton maxi dress at Siberia Vintage when shopping secondhand with Patti and Ally recently.
Don’t Wear A Belt
Belts trap heat, especially when worn at the real waist which is above the belly button and just below the ribs.
Although going beltless can be challenging for women with curvy figures I’ve been slowly learning to surrender the idea of always having a defined waist.
Wear Linen
I’ve long been a fan of wearing linen in the summer months to keep cool. Yes it wrinkles but I’d rather have a few wrinkles and remain calm and collected than turn purple, while rivers of sweat pour down my face and I run screaming, throwing anything within arms reach while simultaneously ripping off my clothes. (Not that I’ve ever done that …lately…ha ha!)
Use A Cooling Bandana
This is a trick I used when we would hike in the heat. Take your favorite cotton bandana and run it under some cold water. Wring it out, roll it and tie the bandana around your neck.
I discovered they now have cooling neck scarfs made with special polymer gel balls that retain the coolness longer and can be stored in the fridge or freezer. You can also make your own if you are so inclined.
Silk
I’ve worn some silk this summer but was reading recently how it actually isn’t the best choice to wear in the heat. I had no idea that silk doesn’t breathe. Did you know that? Linen or cotton are better choices for keeping cool when in the throes of a hot flash.
Wear Layers
This is more for winter, fall or spring when one can actually tolerate wearing an extra layer. If you layer up you can just as easily layer down when needed.
Fanning Myself
I now carry a little handheld paper fan that I’ll whip out and furiously operate when a hot flash strikes. Do I look like a classic menopausal trope? Yep. Do I care? I think I dealt with that adequately above when I discussed ripping off my clothes.
Evening Primrose Oil
I take Evening Primrose Oil as suggested by my doctor. I’m not sure how much it has helped but it hasn’t hurt.
Keep Hydrated
I drink water, only water and lots of it daily. I don’t drink anything with caffeine or alcohol which they say can increase hot flashes.
Avoid Heat
Sometimes it isn’t easy if you plan on walking when it’s 35 C outside. I try to get out early or later in the day when possible and I always wear a hat. Hats can also trap heat but wearing bamboo or straw sun hats with ventilation holes will protect you from the sun without overheating.
I can and do avoid saunas and taking hot showers in the summer. Not only does it help reduce the amount of hot flashes but it is also healthier for my hair and skin.
Avoid Spicy Foods & Chocolate
I don’t completely avoid spicy foods but I don’t binge on them either.
As far as the chocolate goes well I’ll give that up when I’m good and dead. I already avoid dairy, bread, fat, alcohol, meat, fish and I limit my consumption of sugar. I’m unwilling to part with my one square of dark chocolate daily indulgence. Seriously, I’ve got to draw the line somewhere. A gal’s gotta live right?
What about you? Do you have any tips how to cope with hot flashes that you’d like to share?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday , Hat Attack
I think you snuck into my thoughts and pulled every single one out without me noticing! I have been having a near-identical conversation with myself for the last year or so. No more synthetics–only cotton, linen, and silk. (And in the winter it’ll be wool because at least that wicks away moisture and doesn’t get smelly quickly). I carry around my hot flash fan everywhere I go and I need to get another one to keep in the bathroom for post-shower, post-hair dry. I melt without it.
So…I hate that you’re experiencing these things too, but I’m glad I’m in this boat with someone who understands when my face starts to melt and I pull out a fan.
– Sherry
I’m sorry you’re in the same situation as of late. You and I will be twinsies at our next meet-up when we whip out our matching fans ; P
We need to create a video of it!
Never give up the chocolate! Life is short!
These are great tips, I love the bandana idea. And the ice cream freezer, also good. You look gorgeous in that Hawaiian print dress – great print and great lines.
I try to move very little when outdoors, like if I had manservants, they would carry me on a litter. xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Manservants…I wondered how everyone got around in that Florida heat! LOL
very good tips!
thankfully i have my ot flashes only at night – but waking up in a wet mess of a bed is not nice too…..
love my loose fitting, old cotton & linen frocks in the summer – silk i do wear in winter – its an protein fiber like wool so it keeps one warm.
fabulous hawaiian dress! cool and in your colors – and pretty shoes too!
stay cool! xxxxx
That is so interesting to learn about silk keeping a person warm. All these years I thought the opposite!
Good tips for cooling. Many women I know experience terrible discomfort during this stage of life. Hope it passes for you. Hugs.
Thanks Ally : )
These are great tips – thank you for sharing! I’m sure you have helped out so many women! 🙂
https://colorandgrace.com/
Thanks for popping by Grace : )
I was having a conversation recently with a friend who’s a couple of years younger than me and in full perimenopause mode. Then it hit me that my hot flushes have become less, and that I hadn’t had one of those pesky night sweats in months! I hope I haven’t jinxed it by mentioning it here, but what I wanted to say is 1) this is all very recognizable and, most importantly, b) it will pass! I never foresake wearing my beloved vintage polyester (unless during hot weather), nor belts, but I’ve become a dab hand at layering, and have quite a collection of fans, which have been very handy during our recent heatwave! xxx
I wondered if you had this issue or not Ann. You are the one person I know that owns more polyester frocks than myself and like me you prefer a belt to define you waist.
I hope your hot flashes have truly passed. How long did you have them for? I’ve heard some people have them for many years. I’m hoping I’m not like that.
I do not want to discourage you, but I did have them for many years. But I did have more problems with night sweats than hot flushes. It seems that both have diminished greatly since my periods have finally stopped, which is now almost two years ago. xxx
Argh! I have my fingers crossed they won’t bother me that long. I’m glad yours have eased up some.
That Hawaiian dress is fabulous – it inspired me to dig out one of mine I haven’t worn all year and pack it for the weekend.
No hot flushes for me – I’m hoping I’m one of the few who aren’t troubled by the menopause. xxx
I think you’re still on the pill Vix if I remember correctly. You won’t have any issues if you keep taking it. I only got mine once I went off about 10 months ago.
Apparently 2 in 10 women will never experience hot flashes. I was not at all happy when I read that for most women they last for an average of seven years and for others they can last over eleven years!!! : (
I looked at my dress again and it’s more likely a 50s/60s piece. The zipper is metal and original. I can’t wait to see the one you dug out to wear this weekend.
Ha ha, the handpaper fan is something that I said I’d never would use…….. But I want to! It’s too bad, so these hot flashes. And now bad sleeping is joining it!!
These are great tips and really useful!, I’ve been having some hot flashes even if I’m still perimenopausal (my doctor loves this word!). Last heatwaves made me feel particularly uncomfortable!
Totally agree that a wet bandana provides some relief, I use it as a headband sometimes. Actually I’ve been spraying cold water on my face and neck every few minutes, using a spray bottle that I keep in the freezer.
Also agree that wearing breathable clothes makes a difference!. Vintage linen is such a fabulous fabric, but more modern pieces have not that great quality which I miss!. And I do love viscose, it feels fresh and cool and it’s breathable too!
You look particularly gorgeous in your Hawaiian print dress, it’s such a joyful piece, summery and cool!
Thanks for this post, it makes me feel better indeed!
besos
I didn’t have too many hot flashes. Only for a year, about 5, 6 times a day. I sat very still for a minute until the heat went away. I was lucky.
Greetje
I find it fascinating how we use similar but different terms. We say “hot flushes”. Why?
I had them mildly for a year or so. My worst symptom was mental, sensory and emotional overload. I was in tears in public all the time!
But that too has passed!
I wonder if the weave of silk makes a difference? I have worn silk in Summer and been fine. I find it difficult to wear in Winter. It feels cold on the skin, at least at first.
I never wear polyester even without hot flushes. I must be a very sweaty person.
Fancy those plastic exercise suits! Que? As Manuel would say 🙂
You have nailed the no belt look.
Glad you’ve found some survival tactics! I am dreading heading into Summer heat.
Will have to hang around the freezer department.
xo Jazzy Jack
It’s certainly a challenge. I don’t know what I’ve done so differently, but mine have subsided quite a bit. I have tried some different supplements, so that could be the ticket for me.
I have been loving linen. I just try to tell myself that I’m embracing the wrinkles…on my clothes and on my face!!
XOOX
Jodie
I’m sorry you’re having to deal with hot flashes. I was one of those lucky 2 out of 10 who hasn’t experienced a hot flash (don’t hate me). I had a few months where I would have the occasional night sweats. I did have other negative effects on my body from menopause so I didn’t get off Scott Free.
I’ve been taking Evening Primrose oil for years and did notice a difference in how I felt mentally when I wasn’t taking it, so it remains part of my daily supplement intake. All of your suggestions are perfectly relevant for the insane heat we’ve had this summer. All the things I’ve worn this summer have been loose-fitting and cotton.
Oh yeah, menopause is most definitely a challenge. I had most of my hot flashes in the form of night sweats. There were many sleepless nights and mood swings as well. Even now (at almost 68) I’ll have the occasional hot flash but they’re far less intense.
You look beautiful Suzanne. Keeping a stiff, sweaty, upper lip and having girlfriends to commiserate with are great survival tactics.
It’s a matter of survival. Natural fibres. Ice packs wrapped in tea towels off to the side of my feet a night for emergencies, which are also good just for hot weather. Hand fans. And I have my eye on a dollar store hand battery fan with attached spritzer for water with ice cubes in it. Genius!
Mine started in my late 40s. And living in Florida sure did not help. But the good thing about being able to work from a home office is I was able to work on the computer in my undies if I had to. I kept a big electric fan blowing right on me most of the day. And I turned the Ac waaaay down.
When I woke up sweating in the middle of the night I got up, went outside and sat in my pool. My husband and I also swing dance, so that created a special challenge, to keep from getting overheated and fainting when at a dance. I graduated from a regular hand held fan to a battery operated one, which helped immensely. It’s amazing how much power those little things put out. I highly recommend. They fit right in your purse.
The most unpleasant thing about hot flashes, for me, is they made me feel anxious when they happened. Even had a few panic attacks during these incidents. Not fun at all. Glad it’s over. Lasted about 5 years.
Hope you get through yours quickly and as comfortably as possible. And definitely do not give up the chocolate!
I had to read this to see if you had any secrets or great tips. I appreciate it! I think I have had and continue to have the gamut of menopausal symptoms! Not fun. Hot flashes are a misnomer, as they are not a “flash” but more like a day of sweating and feeling uncomfotable. I also have had night sweates where I had to change my nightgown several times a night. I just bought “Evening Primrose Oil” like you mentioned, but didnt start taking it. You think it is good, though?
I used to hate linen becuase of the wrinkles, now I love it as it does keep me cooler
great post!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I honestly don’t know if it has made a difference or not Jess. My symptoms seem to fluctuate.
It was my doctor that recommended them so I figure she must know better than I do.