Easy ways to cool off
FROM sleepless nights and low mood to hormonal skin breakouts, the menopause is well known for its irritating and at times debilitating side effects. However, for many women it is hot flushes that cause the most distress.
Typically, a hot flush begins with a sudden feeling of heat that quickly spreads throughout the body and can lead to excessive sweating, palpitations and blotchy red skin. They can occur day or night and as often as several times an hour.
Loose Women presenter Andrea McLean, 48, had her first hot flush almost a decade ago and is still battling them today after going through the menopause after a hysterectomy in 2016.
“Sweat would be running down my back. My whole body, my scalp, were absolutely soaked,” she says.
Last week the TV host suggested that women could wear badges marked “M” or “hot flush” on public transport to encourage fellow passengers to be sympathetic if they needed to sit near an open window. Yet despite being one of the most common menopause symptoms, affecting almost 75 per cent of women, the causes are still not well understood.
One theory is that hormonal changes, especially falling levels of oestrogen, disrupt the body’s temperature regulation system, leading to overheating.
Hot flushes can also be made worse by a whole range of factors including stress, spicy foods and alcohol.
Hormone replacement therapy is often prescribed to tackle hot flushes and research is ongoing into other drugs that can treat the menopause.
However, there are also lots of tips and tricks that you can try at home to ease symptoms, so read our guide below.
BEAT THE HEAT
As soon as you feel a hot flush coming on, drink a glass of cold water. This will help you keep cool and reduce symptoms.
Cut down on red wine, chocolate and mature cheese as they contain a chemical that can trigger hot flushes by affecting the brain’s temperature control centre. It’s also wise to avoid spicy foods as these will make you feel warmer.
To cool down quickly, hold a cold gel pack on the back of your neck or carry a mini fan in your handbag that you can use as needed when out and about.
Try this homemade facial spritz that has natural cooling properties. Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in water and pour into a small spray bottle. Keep in the fridge and mist on to your neck and chest when you feel a flush coming on.
Brew a cup of red clover herbal tea, which is believed to help ease menopausal symptoms. Try Ideal Health Red Clover Tee, £2.29 (hollandandbarrett.com).
Turn down the heating and keep your home ventilated. Avoid wearing too many layers of clothing that don’t allow the skin to breathe.
REFRESH YOUR FACE
As well as the sweating and heat, hot flushes can leave skin looking red and blotchy. While applying a cold compress will help in the short term there are steps you can take that will minimise the effects and keep your complexion cool and calm. Avoid using a thick moisturiser as this can clog pores. Instead opt for