The Menopause At Work Series – Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Symptoms

Sensation of heat creeping over the face, neck, and upper chest which quickly progresses to a generalized feeling of being overheated.

Typically preceded by the feeling that a hot flash is about to start.

Other symptoms may include, cold sweats, formication, pins and needles sensation, light headed, dizzy or faint feelings.

How to deal with hot flashes and night sweats

• Regular consumption of whole foods rich in phytoestrogens.  Try a Tofu-Shiitake Stir-Fry with ginger, soy sauce, tofu, peppers, shiitake mushrooms and peas.
• Using adaptogens to help with insomnia, irritability, or depression, thereby reducing stress as a hot flash trigger, and improving the stress response. Schisandra (wu wei zi) is an adaptogen, and is used for excessive spontaneous sweating.
• Take a warm bath with lavender oil before sleep.
• Use a small pillow filled with hops and lavender.
• Take 3 mL black cohosh (or equivalent) bid with the tincture.
• Hot flashes and night sweats are associated with Kidney deficiency, and may be treated with a formula such as Mai Wei Di Huang Wan (Eight Immortals), a Kidney Yin Tonic.
• Sip cool water with lemon or lime throughout the day; stay well hydrated.
• Spritz the face or neck now with sage and lavender teas or lavender aromatherapy spray to which is added 3-4 drops of sage essential oil or mint water.
• Use deep, slow breathing techniques when the heat starts to rise.
• Wear light clothing in natural fiber and use layering to control heat and warmth
• Keep an extra dry shirt on hand at work.
• Wear cotton or very light woollen knits — silk, thick woollens, and synthetic fibers retain heat.
• Use cotton sheets, quilts and other bedlinen.
• Avoid spicy foods.
• Avoid caffeine and keep alcohol to a minimum.
• Take a cool shower before bed.
• Keep a small fan near the bed and run on a low breeze to keep the air above the bed cool and circulating.