Hot flashes are one of the most prominent menopause symptoms and they can be particularly unbearable during summer months. Other symptoms made worse by the heat of summer include night sweats and excessive sweating. Coping with menopause symptoms can be extremely challenging, especially since symptoms can last up to 10 years.
While not every woman experiences menopause symptoms the same way, it is possible to control them and enjoy your summer.
At Caring for Women’s Health, gynecologist Lori Davidson, MD specializes in women transitioning through menopause. The good news is that making key changes in your lifestyle can help ease menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes. And when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, treatment such as hormone replacement therapy can bring relief and help you feel more like yourself again.
Menopause symptoms and summer heat
Elevated temperatures and high humidity can make you feel uncomfortable all on their own. Add in menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and excessive sweating, and you have a recipe for summertime misery.
Hot flashes cause a sudden sensation of heat. You may quickly feel flushed and overheated. Your heart rate may increase, and your face may become flushed. Whether this happens when you’re at work, home, or on the go, these symptoms can become intolerable and significantly interfere with your daily activities.
Managing hot flashes
Dr. Davidson recommends various strategies to manage hot flashes during the summer months. These include:
Avoiding hot drinks
Limiting or avoiding caffeine
Engaging in stress-busting activities such as yoga
Steering clear of spicy foods
Wearing loose fitting clothing
Wear cotton clothing
Purchase a neck cooler and portable fan
Making changes such as these is sometimes enough to cope with hot flashes during the summer. When you continue to experience discomfort despite available treatment options, call for an appointment with Dr. Davidson.
Easing night sweats
Night sweats are more than merely feeling warm at night. Menopause-related night sweats are repeated episodes of extreme perspiration that can soak through your night clothes or bedding. This may cause you to wake up occasionally during the night, interfering with a restful night of sleep. Try these tips to stay cool while you’re sleeping:
Wear cotton night clothes
Run a fan at your bedside
Create a bedtime routine
Use lightweight sheets
Sip cool water before bedtime
Buy a pillow that features cooling gel
Excessive daytime sweating
Not only can menopause cause severe sweating at night, it can cause you to sweat profusely during the day. This can not only feel incredibly uncomfortable, it can be a source of embarrassment during social situations.
Keeping yourself cool during the day and avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can help manage sweating during the day. Keep in mind that sweating is an automatic process influenced by various factors, including hormones.
You may continue to experience excess sweating despite your best efforts to avoid triggers and keep yourself cool during the summer. When this is the case hormone replacement therapy may be a good option for you.
Additionally, adopting a nutritious diet filled with mostly plant-based foods eases menopause symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy
Today, women have more choices than ever when it comes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). From pills to patches, you can choose an HRT regimen that fits your needs and lifestyle. HRT is one of the most effective ways to relieve symptoms of menopause.
Stop menopause symptoms in their tracks with effective treatment. To learn more, call Caring for Women’s Health to schedule an appointment.