It can feel like summertime all year round for millions of women who suffer from hot flashes/night sweats. Even those who experience hot flashes only seasonally may dread summer heat. But you can keep your cool by controlling outside influences that trigger hot flashes. Wear light, breathable fabrics; lower the thermostat; use relaxation techniques; and avoid any known personal food or stress triggers—which you can identify by keeping a daily hot flash journal.

Some more “cool” tips:
Break a sweat. Exercise increases endorphins—your “feel good” hormones that also influence activities related to your internal thermostat. Just 30 minutes 3 times weekly can reduce hot flashes, and improve other menopausal symptoms such as depression, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.

Drop some weight. Overweight women have more frequent and severe hot flashes, as well as increased risk to diseases associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease.

Try natural relief. A special botanical extract of rhapontic rhubarb root called ERr 731®, prescribed in Europe since 1993, is now available as a dietary supplement in the U.S. It offers similar hot flash relief to hormone therapies, but is safer and can even be used in perimenopause—when hot flashes may be most severe. ERr 731 also offers demonstrated relief for 10 other menopausal symptoms, including mood, sleep, and physical/mental exhaustion. Some women report noticeable improvements in less than 30 days.

Rebecca Hunton, M.D. of Wellspring Medical Center is located at 21 Suntree Place Suite 101 in Melbourne. For more information on natural, effective relief for menopausal symptoms call 321-254-6803 or visit www.Dr.Hunton.com.