Hot Flash Relief

Hot flashes are a defining symptom of menopause and perimenopause. It isn't known why hot flashes occur, but it's believed that they correlate to fluctuations in the brain's thermoregulatory center. The thermoregulatory center is responsible for heat production and loss, and it is affected by your hormones. Progesterone and estrogen hormone levels begin to fluctuate dramatically during perimenopause and continue through menopause.

Hot flashes are typically defined as quick bursts of heat, sweating, and flushed skin. Sometimes the heart can start to beat faster. In some instances of a hot flash, a cold chill can follow. A hot flash episode might be only about 30 seconds and could last up to 5 minutes. The length and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may experience severe symptoms that disrupt day-to-day life, while other women may not even notice a hot flash coming on. Hot flashes can occur during the day or the night. You may experience hot flashes for only a couple of years or for 10 years or more.

Hot flashes can be relieved in a variety of ways. They can never be fully prevented, but the symptoms can be treated. Some simple ways to start include: dressing in layers to make it simple for you to adjust your temperature; using cold washcloths and wipes to cool down as needed; avoiding triggers; quitting smoking; eating healthy foods; utilizing relaxation methods. Acupuncture may also help to relieve the symptoms associated with hot flashes.

There are other ways to help with hot flashes, including prescription hormone therapies and non-hormonal medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Speak with your gynecologist or health provider to learn more about what options are best for you.

CVS has a range of products to help you relieve the symptoms associated with hot flashes, including:

Estroven is a caplet that helps reduce symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, low energy, and mood swings. It's derived from a plant-based extract and is free of drugs, estrogen, and soy. You only need to take one caplet a day.

Amberen offers capsules that target both menopause and perimenopause relief. The capsules are drug, estrogen, soy, and herb free. They are designed to help restore hormonal balance and combat symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, low energy, and night sweats.

Boiron Cyclease is a homeopathic meltaway tablet that's free from hormones and is formulated to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and occasional sleeplessness. It may temporarily reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.

Most women experience hot flashes during menopause, but the frequency and severity can vary greatly. You might only experience the condition a few times a week or feel hot flashes occurring several times a day.  

While hot flashes can be bothersome, they're not typically harmful, even if they occur many times an hour. However, you may prefer to take medication or supplements to ease the symptoms. Products such as Amberen menopause relief capsules can work quickly to help decrease the number of hot flashes you experience and reduce their severity. 

Hot flashes can occur a few years before menopause and persist for up to a decade or longer for some women. While the condition can last for a long time, some women only experience the symptoms for a few years. You'll likely notice them gradually becoming milder and less frequent throughout this period. 

It's not known precisely why hormone fluctuations during menopause cause hot flashes. Still, many women identify triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, stress and smoking, that can contribute to the condition.  

Smoking cessation programs and other lifestyle changes may help you manage symptoms and keep you comfortable throughout the initial period until hot flashes cease. Menopause support supplements are also often helpful and can help treat other common symptoms, such as low libido, joint aches and irritability. 

Hot flashes are linked to changes in estrogen levels during menopause, and many over-the-counter hot flash-relief products contain herbal ingredients, such as soy or black cohosh. These ingredients support the effects of estrogen and may help reduce the severity of common symptoms. 

One of the best menopause hot flash-relief products to try is Estroven Complete Care. The rhubarb root extract in this supplement helps replace the effects of estrogen, easing hot flashes, muscle aches, anxiety and other symptoms. With its once-daily formula, it's easy and convenient to take. 

Another excellent hot flash-relief supplement is CVS Health Multi-Symptom Menopause Relief. The ashwagandha in this supplement helps reduce symptom severity and frequency and supports mental health. Ashwagandha doesn't replace estrogen, so it may be an ideal alternative if you're sensitive to estrogenic supplements or prefer to avoid them.