5 ways to stop the dreaded hot flash

Is it hot in here or is it just me?  
Oh god no. 
This can’t be…
Seriously why am I the only one dying here?
CAN WE OPEN UP A WINDOW? IT’S SO FREAKIN’ HOT IN HERE!!!
{Can you relate?}
 
Yes, this has been happening a lot to me lately, and at first, I was in denial, and 
Then finally I had to come to some hard truths.  I was experiencing the beginnings
Of “the change”.  I actually laugh at that phrase “the change” because I think that is what my Grandmother would have called it; along with {clears throat and whispers} “private parts”.
 
I laugh because that is so not me.  I don’t want to be secretive about this.  I needed to know what the heck was going on!
So off to the library I went, grabbing any and every book on the topic. Googling Hot flashes, Night Sweats, Sleeplessness, Weight Gain, you name it; I’ve researched it.  And I learned a lot.  
 
You see I thought I was in Menopause. I learned that Menopause actually occurs when you have not had a period for 12 months.  I was actually in Perimenopause.  This usually occurs around the age of 45, give or take a few years. Perhaps you are reading this, and you too are in the midst of this change. 
 It can feel daunting, can it not? The mood swings, the sleepless nights…And jeez, just when we get the kids launched and can finally have wild sex again there is no interest?
 
Yep this is all happening. 
The reason? HORMONES. 
 
The way I see it, there are 2 components to this “change” that needs addressing. The first one is physical, the second is mental.  Let’s break it down.
 
Physically as stated, our hormones are shifting and changing and doing a number on our body and mind. Yaaay, it’s the teenage years all over again, only now I have a family, a job, and lots of responsibility.  I don’t have time for it…CRAP.
 
 My first recommendation as always is to see a doctor. Depending on your level of discomfort, you may decide that you need medication to help combat the physical symptoms.   Seriously, there are all kinds of available treatments from Estroven, an over the counter product, to a low dose birth control pill.  Anti-depressants are also effective in some circumstances. You must talk with your doctor.  I believe in modern medicine and I also believe in holistic approaches.  So, for me, I have eliminated some major symptom trigger. I encourage you to do the same.
ELIMINATE THE FOLLOWING:
 

1. STRESS- Okay, at this point if you don’t know that stress is bad for you, I really don’t know what to say.  Try eliminating the little stressors in your life.  Don’t let yourself run late. Don’t put too much on your plate. Meditate.  Speaking of meditation…I have a new sleep meditation.  Keep your eyes peeled because I will be sending it out next week.

 

1. CAFFEINE- Okay before you shut this window down, hear me out.  Yes, there are some antioxidant benefits to coffee, but caffeine ain’t for everybody.  Case in point, me.  I love the taste of coffee in the morning, but it keeps me up.  I can’t drink caffeine past noon or I WILL NOT SLEEP. Because I was suffering from sleeplessness, I decided to eliminate it. So just like that I went to decaf.  I know some will say the Decaf processing is bad. I’m looking to sleep so……

 

1. ALCOHOL-Again, I know red wine has some benefits for the heart, which is a good thing. But we are looking for a specific benefit here; to keep our hormone levels balanced.  Red wine is loaded with sugar, and the alcohol can create sleep disturbances, so stay away if you are looking for a better night sleep.

 

1. NO SMOKING- This is like stress, it’s no brainer.  If you smoke you need to quit. Period. The benefit to your health will be 10-fold.

 

1. HEAT- This may seem no brainer too, but for me it wasn’t…at first.  I like to feel warm.  Maybe you do to. Well, at night the thermostat should go down.  Optimally to 62-65 degrees.  We sleep better, and of course we can avoid the pajama top drenching night sweat…The Hot flashes dreaded evil cousin.

 
So, these are tangible, actionable things to try.  Let me know if you do.  It takes time so plan on at least a month before you write it off as not working.
 
I have addressed the physical side of the hot flashes and the onset of Perimenopause, but the mental side is equally as important, and harder to address.
It’s really a B@#!CH. 
It’s the side that tells you, you are getting old. I personally had to ask myself, are you ready to embrace this next phase of life in a healthy body with GRACE & EASE?
My answer was YES.
 
You will need to ask yourself the same question.
You realize that it is work, and it is not easy.
You will have to get in the fight….
You will have to put yourself first…
You will need to rework old habits….
You will have to be so consistent….
Most importantly you CAN NOT make excuses.
 
I am so passionate about this journey I have renamed my Blog, THE MIDLIFE RESCUE
 
Come along this journey. Next week my podcast drops, THE MIDLIFE RESCUE.  I hope you will join me for more tips, insights and inspiration on your wellness journey.
 
Sprinkle lots of  LOVE!