In some cases, these sudden bouts of heat are manageable with simple lifestyle strategies. Being in cool environments and wearing cooling clothing, exercising regularly, and doing yoga can all help manage hot flashes, says Sherry Ross, MD, a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “Also, avoiding triggers like spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine can be successful ways to minimize mild-to-moderate hot flashes.”
But in other cases, hot flashes are less manageable and can negatively affect work, sleep, sex, relationships, exercise, and overall quality of life. “Hot flashes are also associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, sleep dysfunction, bone loss, depression, anxiety, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease,” she says.
If hot flashes are interfering with your everyday life, you may need to work with your doctor to explore treatment options beyond lifestyle changes.
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