Some women undergo menopause without any climacteric complaints. Most women, however, do experience symptoms which range from weak to very severe. Sudden, unexpected sweating, heat flushes and palpitations are just one sign of the hormonal changes that occur around the age of fifty. Heat flashes and associated profuse sweating can be particularly bothersome and can even cause women to refrain from maintaining a normal social life. The following recommendations will help you to effectively deal with climacteric symptoms:
Wear clothes made of thermoregulatory fibers
Modern textiles absorb less fluid and therefore feel more comfortable during sweat bouts than cotton and other natural fibers
Follow the »Onion Principle«
Wear several layers of light clothing rather than one warm piece of cloth. During heat flushes you can remove one layer after the other until you feel comfortable
Carry a fan or small hand ventilator with you
A light draught can offer pleasant cooling during sudden heat flushes
Cool instead of freeze
If a heat flush happens to surprise you in public, hold both lower arms under running cold water. Avoid ice cold water - because this often triggers another heat flush
Kneipp footbaths
Fill a bucket with hot (38°C) and another one with cold (10°C) water, and submerse both feet into the hot water for 5 minutes. Now immediately switch to cold water for 10 seconds. Repeat both steps for at least five times
Avoid coffee, cigarettes and heavy food
They all lead to considerable changes in blood glucose concentrations - which is another common cause of heat flushes
Drink lots of tea
Green tea is an excellent alternative to coffee and contains a number of ingredients that protect from cancer. Ladies mantle and sage teas have both been shown to be helpful especially during nightly heat flushes. Balm tea is both spasmolytic and soothing
Always carry an »emergency set« on you
If you fear that heat flashes might surprise you at work, you should always have an »emergency package« at hand, which contains:
- A package of moist towels to refresh after an attack
- A fresh bra and a T-shirt that you can wear under your clothes
- A small flaçon of parfume to freshen up after you have changed
- A small plastic bag to carry sweaty clothes
Pamper yourself
Reward yourself with a relaxing bath or massage. Ethereal oils containing lavender, rose or rosemary work particularly well as bath essence or for aromatherapy
Note occurrence of heat flushes
Sometimes a temporal association can be found with specific situations or foods. This will help to avoid the respective trigger in the future, or to at least be better prepared for upcoming complaints