Although many middle aged women who have completed their families look forward to the cessation of menstruation in order to be hassle free from the monthly tension; little do they realize that menopause brings along additional trauma.

The menopausal phase of a woman’s life is characterized with several disturbing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, temperamental changes, dryness of vagina and decreased sexual libido. Out of all these symptoms, hot flashes are the most common and immensely disturbing. A hot flash signifies a sudden gush of heat sweeping the body resulting in redness of the face and perspiration. For many women, the occurrence is relatively more common at nights, which in turn causes sleep discomfort. While conventional form of medicine offers a solution to this problem in the form of hormone replacement therapy, it would be advisable to explore alternative remedies of treatment in light of the side effects triggered by this therapy.

Each individual’s body varies in its chemical composition. Therefore, it is not possible to list standard foods that could initiate hot flashes. It would be prudent to maintain a food diary so that you are able to identify specific food items that trigger hot flashes in your system. Nevertheless, certain things like alcohol, caffeine and nicotine are well known triggers, which can certainly be avoided by one and all. While alcohol elevates the body temperature and dilates the blood vessels thereby adding to the intensity of the hot flash; caffeine and nicotine exert pressure on the heart to pump blood at a faster pace leading to redness of the skin and further warmth. Even though this step of diet regulation may help you in the long run, it would offer little help towards immediate relief.

For quick relief, wear light and loose fitting clothes that allow convenient evaporation of sweat, thereby cooling the skin. A cold water bath can do wonders in obtaining respite from hot flashes during daytime. However, for night relief, have a warm bath, as it decreases the body temperature aiding in minimizing the effect of the hot flash.

Certain supplements and foods are also known to aid in reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms. Capsules of evening primrose oil are regarded as an excellent natural solution for such symptoms and have provided relief to many women. Owing to the high content of phytoestrogens or 'plant oestrogens' in soy beans, its intake is highly recommended for women combating menopausal symptoms. Red clover, being another source of isoflavones like soy bean is also believed to work well in these circumstances.

Some of other natural remedies for hot flashes include intake of black cohosh, ginseng, chasteberry and wild yam; drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and regular exercising for better body temperature regulation.

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