A woman's life is a complex tapestry of physical and emotional change, literally entwined with the complexities of her bodily functions. From puberty all the way to pregnancy and finally to menopause, a woman's body goes through one lifetime of changes.
While it is a very transformative time in a woman's life, menopause can sometimes usher in a train of unsettling symptoms. The most disruptive of the many challenges a menopausal woman faces, however, are the hot flashes. Believe us when we tell you that you are not alone on this sweaty, flushed boat ride. As we go through the ups and downs of menopause, many of us are figuring out how to cool off and reclaim our bodies.
A lot of women tend to look for natural ways of cooling down and feeling normal and comfortable as they sail through the journey of menopause. That is why we're discussing these natural supplements for hot flashes today.
Understanding Hot Flashes: The Menopausal Inferno
Before we get to the solution, let's take a closer look at what is happening when you have a hot flash. If you are in the menopausal stage, you are probably all too familiar with that nasty feeling. But really, what is going on in your body when a hot flash strikes?
Hot flashes are basically when your body's air conditioning system suddenly decides to just turn itself up a few notches. As a woman enters menopause, the ovaries actually decrease their output of estrogen. Interestingly, it may seem counterintuitive, but a decline in estrogen can disrupt communication between your brain and the hypothalamus, the center responsible for temperature regulation.
Well, the central thermostat in your body gets a little mixed up because of this changing hormonal balance. It is like the air conditioning inside that decided it wanted to leave on summer break when you most need it to cool off.
Normally, your body temperature is kept relatively stable. But with decreased estrogen levels, your internal thermostat gets a bit confused. It may suddenly think you're too hot when you're actually not. So what happens in a hot flash?
- Your blood vessels near the surface of your skin open up (get wider).
- This allows more blood to be brought down to your skin and you feel hot and look flushed.
- And then your sweat glands spring into action, trying to cool you down.
- Your heart might even be racing.
All of this can happen within seconds, leaving you wondering as if you've walked into a sauna. And just when you think it is unbearable, it subsides, sometimes making you shiver as it returns your body back to normal temperature.
Hot flashes are very different among women. For some women, hot flashes can be just a mild nuisance, while for others they are powerful enough to intrude upon daily life as well as sleep. They can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may occur a few times a week or many times each day.
Hot flashes can last for a long time: some have them for months, while others are burdened with them for years. For the fortunate few, they will only come up rarely-if ever (and if that's you, we're all a little jealous!).
This is why natural supplements for hot flashes during menopause may become useful. They serve to try and ease the body into this shift more comfortably in the hopes that the frequency and intensity of these heat flashes will decrease.
Ready to beat the heat? Try natural supplements for hot flashes today!Why Natural?
Now, you are asking yourself, "Why should I consider natural supplements versus hormone replacement therapy?" Okay, while the therapy can be an effective treatment, it's certainly not for every woman. Some opt out of natural treatments first, more due to personal preference or medical reasons. Besides, natural supplements for hot flashes have fewer side effects and are supportive of overall health when one is in menopause.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, Hormone replacement therapy is linked to several types of cancer, including breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
You can also opt for medications for treating your menopause symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Veozah (fezolinetant), an oral medication for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, or hot flashes, caused by menopause.
For those who would like to opt for medications, FDA has provided a list of FDA-approved Medications for menopause. But, the FDA also suggests that hormone medicines have side effects. Serious health problems can happen in women who take menopause hormone therapy.
However, the FDA also does not approve any type of supplement for anything including menopause. But with guidance from your doctor, you can use the Natural Menopause Supplements to find relief.
Top Picks: Best Supplements for Hot Flashes During Menopause
Let's get to the good stuff – the top menopause supplements for reducing hot flashes. These natural remedies are research-backed for their effectiveness in relieving Hot Flashes during menopause:
Black Cohosh: The Hot Flash Hero
Supplements to reduce hot flashes naturally
Black cohosh has been the for hot flashes brought on by menopause for a long now. It's like that one good friend who knows exactly what to say or do to cool things down when it all starts heating up.
In a 2007 study of 120 women with menopausal symptoms, black cohosh was more effective in relieving hot flashes and night sweats than the antidepressant fluxetine (Prozac).
There have been a number of studies done, and it has been shown that women experience a lesser and less frequent incidence of hot flashes, though no one is any closer to understanding its method of magic, and how exactly it helps with menopause symptoms.
How to take it: Most studies used 20-40 mg twice a day. But remember, always coordinate with your healthcare provider for instructions.
Who to avoid: This shouldn't be taken by women with liver conditions or a diagnosed hormone-sensitive cancer. If you're on blood pressure medications, check with your doctor as well.
Red Clover: Mother Nature's Estrogen Impersonator
Isoflavones are the abundant constituents of red clover that exert effects somewhat like estrogen in the body. It's a substitute for the estrogen that your body begins to produce less of.
Red clover may reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes in women, according to a study published in 2015. It might even benefit the bones, which is good news during menopause!
How to use it: Standard dosages range from 40-80 mg per day, taken in two divided doses.
Who to Avoid: Women with a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions should steer clear of red clover, just as they do black cohosh. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, avoid this remedy.
Discover the power of natural solutions for menopause symptoms – shop now!Evening Primrose Oil: The Cooling Oil
Evening primrose oil is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an important omega-6 fatty acid that might balance hormones. Think of it as giving the body a little oil change to get things running a little bit more smoothly.
Research from 2013 shows that evening primrose oil diminished the severity of hot flashes in women compared to placebo.
How to use: Typically studies have utilized a dosage of 500mg per day.
Who Should Avoid: Those who suffer from epilepsy or schizophrenia should steer clear of evening primrose oil. It may interact even with blood-thinning drugs; consult your doctor if you're on that.
Dong Quai: The Oriental Wonder
Dong Quai is the herb traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for age-old concerns related to women's health. It is like the wise elder of the herbal world when it comes to women's health.
Further studies may be needed, but many women believe that dong quai actually helps the hot flashes. One research shows Dong Quai can work for hot flashes while another suggests it can work with a combination of other herbs such as black cohosh, red clover, and milk thistle.
How to use: The dosage can range from 100 to 200 mg per day. Three times a day is how to take dong quai.
Who Should Avoid: Dong quai should be avoided by women with heavy menstruation and fibroids. Those on blood thinners and cases of some type of bleeding disorder should avoid this herb.
Lifestyle Tweaks to Boost Supplement Effectiveness
These best herbal supplements for hot flash relief are very effective, but much more so with some lifestyle changes. Here are a few tips to keep you cool:
- Dress in layers: This way, you can easily peel off a layer when a hot flash strikes.
- Keep a fan handy: A small, handy fan can be a lifesaver during a hot moment.
- Hydrate: Having enough fluids can help regulate your body temperature.
- Avoid hot flash triggers: The most common triggers of hot flashes are spicy foods and drinks, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Stress makes hot flashes worse. Take some deep breaths or take a few moments to meditate.
Selecting a Supplement
There are hundreds of best supplements for hot flashes during menopause. But which ones should you opt for? Here are some tips:
- Quality Counts: Look for supplements from companies whose products have third-party testing conducted.
- Start Low, Go Slow: Begin at the lowest recommended dose and level up if needed.
- Be Patient: Natural supplements take weeks to show full effects.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel, the changes you're seeing, or perhaps even what you're missing.
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to help you select the most effective supplements, check out our Guide to Choosing the Best Menopause Supplements to find the right option tailored to your needs.
While these natural supplements for hot flashes can be very beneficial, they have risks associated with their intake. For example, some interfere with other medicines that you may be consuming. Others may not be prescribed to women suffering from specific disorders. Therefore, there is a need to put the supplements into discussion with the healthcare provider before consuming them directly.
Don't let hot flashes take control – find the perfect supplement for your needs!Conclusion
Hot flashes may be a natural part of going through menopause, but that doesn't mean we have to suffer from them. By using some of the top menopause supplements for reducing hot flashes and making lifestyle adjustments, you can really help turn down the heat.
Remember, just as every woman has her own story regarding menstruation, so too each woman's story in crossing over into menopause will be another edition altogether. But now you know some natural ways of handling your menopausal situation. So go ahead and do a little experiment, while keeping your doctor posted, and conquer this phase of your life.
Here's to cooler, more comfortable days ahead! You've got this, ladies!