Free Shipping On All Subscriptions. Written by Cassie Hart. Hot flashes are one of the hallmark symptoms of menopause. They sometimes even begin during perimenopause , which can last as long as 10 years before reaching menopause.

Hot flashes in hot weather. Those unfortunate moments when your body feels like someone turned the thermostat up to degrees are largely caused by hormonal changes.

This increases heart rate, dilates blood vessels, and signals sweat glands to release moisture to cool you down — all leading to the typical experience of a hot flash 3.

When you experience a hot flash in hot weather, things can get really uncomfortable. Therefore, we sweat and feel hot when our temperature swings too far out of the normal range.

While the heat and humidity of summer can exacerbate hot flashes, there are steps you can take to help reduce their severity. Lifestyle changes may be necessary to combat the intensity of menopausal hot flashes during the summer, and Dr.

Faubion recommends several actions to help manage your fluctuating body temperature:. Women can find relief from hot flashes in hot weather from certain prescription medications or dietary supplements.

Because estrogen is the primary hormone used to reduce hot flashes, hormone replacement therapy, often referred to as HRT , is sometimes prescribed. Some women may prefer more natural options to dealing with hot flashes in hot weather and find success with dietary supplements for managing their menopausal symptoms.

Common options include vitamin E, which has been shown to provide some symptom relief for mild hot flashes, 7 and B vitamins , which can potentially alleviate the severity of hot flashes due to their ability to support the nervous system. Relizen ® is a prescription-free dietary supplement designed to decrease the frequency and intensity of menopausal hot flashes and night sweats.

Your provider may also have other lifestyle tips to help you stay comfortable if summertime hot flashes are disrupting your daytime and sleep routines. I have taken Relizen for years.

I have had hot flashes for 22 years. I found a gizmo called the Embr Wave 2 which is a wearable device which sends out cold air pulses when a button is pushed. Hot flashes can make the summer seem eternal but, if you follow these tips, you can prepare to beat the heat and cool down when they happen.

Cynthia Evans, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at The Ohio State University Medical Center who specializes in treating menopausal women, recommends several strategies to manage hot flashes so they interfere less with your life.

There are several options available to treat hot flashes not relieved with lifestyle changes, and new products are being developed, she says. Ohio State is filling training gaps for Ohio health care providers with two projects designed by experts in maternal-fetal medicine and emergency medicine.

Stroke is not just a man's disease. Know the indicators and risk factors for women. A unique program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is approaching prenatal and postnatal health in a new way, integrating education, services and support directly into neighborhoods with disproportionately high rates of infant mortality.

Check out health. Managing menopause hot flashes in the summer Author: Linda Ziel Topics: Health and Wellness Women's Health. Avoid hot drinks and hot or spicy foods, especially in the summer, as well as alcohol, caffeine and cigarette smoking. Reduce your stress by practicing self-calming techniques such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, or massage.

Begin or continue with a fitness program, which will help you get more restful sleep. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in. Hi {{indy. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter.

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Becoming too hot or dehydrated can cause heat illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which at their worst can be life-threatening. Take regular breaks and drink plenty of cool fluids. Stop if you begin to feel ill and move to somewhere cooler.

Caffeine has different effects on different people. Some people also find that caffeine makes them more anxious, or at least causes physical symptoms that the brain associates with anxiety. It may feel awkward or even frightening to talk about menopause at work.

But, with the right support, your employer could make things a little easier for you. Bring a list if this helps. You might be able to discuss certain adjustments, like being provided a desk fan or taking time off for GP appointments, for example. As close as you might be with your family, it can be frustrating to navigate these changes under one roof.

Writing a letter might be easier for some people. Keep the conversation going: they may have questions later, or you might run into moments where you need another chat. Your community can be new, too!

Look for meetup groups in your area or follow some influencers on social media. But it can be a time to share new experiences and tune into your body. Shop now. Save article. Health Hub Home Conditions Womens Health Menopause How to manage menopause symptoms in the heat.

Summer menopause symptoms Menopause symptoms are different for everyone, so you might not experience some of these at all. But here are a few common ones that can be particularly difficult in summer: Hot flushes: As if you need the extra heat!

Hot flushes can make warm weather even more uncomfortable. Disturbed sleep: Anxiety, night sweats, and needing the loo can all make it difficult to drop off. Anxiety: Did you know that anxiety can come hand in hand with hot weather? Tips for managing menopause in the heat 1. You might want to choose: Light, breathable materials like cotton, linen, and silk Items you can take off without a fuss Looser fits to help your skin breathe and avoid sweat patches You might want to avoid: Long sleeves, high necks, or tight fits as your base layer Bulky jewellery Chunky boots and thick socks.

And that can lead to dehydration Take extra care when exercising Hot flushes can also make you more prone to dehydration and overheating while you exercise. A frozen washcloth can also work for a quick cool-down. When you feel a hot flash starting, try to relax.

Relaxation breathing or paced respiration, which is slow, deep, abdominal breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth, can be helpful.

Breathe only five to seven times per minute, much more slowly than usual. Summer cool-down tips Wear all cotton clothes that let your skin breathe. Walk barefoot on a cold tile floor.

Keep a cold non-alcoholic drink in one hand and a fan in the other. Turn on the air conditioning or notch down the temperature to make it more comfortable. If you have a hairstyle that can air-dry, all the better so you can avoid styling your hair under a sweat-inducing hair dryer How to stay cool at night while sleeping Keep the room temperature cool 65 degrees or colder to prevent night sweats Dress in light, breathable fabric.

Use layered bedding that can be easily removed during the night. Run a fan at your bedside. Put a drop or two of lavender essential oil on your pillow to help relax and prepare you for sleep.

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Keep a frozen cold pack or bag of frozen vegetables under your pillow, and turn the pillow often so that your head is always resting on a cool surface. If you wake up during the night, get out of bed and read until you become sleepy, sip cool water, meditate or practice relaxation breathing.

Use your bed for sleep or sex only. Learn more. What are some acute stroke symptoms in women? Research suggests Moms2B reduces adverse pregnancy outcomes A unique program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is approaching prenatal and postnatal health in a new way, integrating education, services and support directly into neighborhoods with disproportionately high rates of infant mortality.