Hot flashes

[Stacy]

I've been having horrible hot flashes lately. I bought menopause essentials from Swanson vitamins, and have been using them for just a few days. I'm hoping they kick in quickly.

In the meantime, does anyone have any really good home remedies?

And no, I'm NOT giving up my coffee!!! Since I gave up soft drinks, coffee is my drink of choice, other than water. (And yes, Lucy, lots and lots of water!) :-)

[kd2]

I was told that eating chocolate would ease the symptoms. I don't know whether it's true or not--but its a fairly cheap trial.

[Barbara]

Whatever remedy you chose, it will take a couple of months to determine if it is working or not. I myself use black cohosh and wild yam. I have never had a hot flash. I started taking this when menopause hit so that I wouldn't. I have more trouble with my moodiness than anything else. It took a while to find the right balance.

[vicki]

I've heard there are "chillows" which are cold pillows. They help at night, I imagine.

[Jean]

Avoiding dairy helped me.

Reducing salt and caffeine helps. (Can you gradually switch to de-caf?)

Stay very well hydrated.

Wear clothing in natural fiber fabrics.

Plenty of exercise also makes a huge difference!

[Stacy]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Jean, I won't switch to decaf. I need the caffeine in the morning to clear that foggy feeling in my head. I have quit drinking my afternoon coffee at work because it only makes it worse. If I drink any coffee in the afternoon, it is after I get off work.

I am still exercising quite a bit, so that ought to help.

Since I posted this thread, it does appear that the hot flashes are lessening. Woohoo!

Oh, and I just got the Brazilian B*ttlift work outs dvds yesterday. That ought to give me an even more intense workout!