The classic symptoms of menopause are hot flashes and night sweats, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), which strike anywhere from 75% to 80% of women.
One of the most effective remedies for hot flashes, experts agree, is hormone therapy, although the treatment is controversial and certainly not right for all women.
The infamous Women’s Health Initiative study found it increased the risk of breast cancer and did not protect against heart disease, but scientists say short-term use is safe for non-high-risk women.
Quite naturally, more and more women are curious about the effectiveness of home remedies to help provide some hot flash relief.
What Are Hot Flashes?
Though scientists don’t know the exact cause, they suspect a drop in estrogen may disrupt the body’s natural thermostat, resulting in a hot flash.
Symptoms of VMS can vary dramatically from woman to woman. A single occurrence can be a few seconds or several minutes. Some women experience merely a flushed face, while others may sweat severely and even suffer from heart palpitations and chills.
Hot flashes generally last for about 3 to 5 years, before finally tapering off.
What Are The Most Effective Natural Remedies For Hot Flashes?
A Healthy Lifestyle. Lifestyle measures can make a big difference too: Regular exercise and a healthy weight have been shown to reduce flashes, as can avoiding triggers like heat, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.