“I Feel Like I Am In a Furnace”

Many women who suffer from what is termed a “hot flash” will describe it more like “being in a furnace.” This intense heat feeling often associated with Menopause can impact about 75% of women. The intense heat can spread across the upper body and face. There may be flushing and red blotching. It also can involve not only intense heat but also profuse sweating (perspiration), increased heart beats, nausea, headaches, dizziness and anxiety. Some can experience this up to 10-12 times a day.

Unfortunately, many women desperately resort to prescribed drugs and synthetic hormones and will gladly take them, thinking they are the only options available. But there are some safer choices that in my experience have proven more effective. 

A study that appears in the Archives of Internal Medicine ( Arch Inten Med, 2010 Jul 12; 170(13):1161-7 doi:10.1001/archinternmed 2010.162) indicates one remedy for those experiencing hot flashes, who are also overweight, is to lose about 9% of the extra weight to relieve this symptom.

Some simple solutions can include:

1. Acupuncture: Found to be an effective choice for many aspects of this problem. Usually you will need several treatments because one will build on the next. In my experience the average is 6-10 to get the best results.

2. Herbal Therapy: A custom formula made specifically to address your individual needs.

3. Nutritional Changes: There are foods that should be avoided and others that should be incorporated into your diet. Especially the ones that effect hormone levels. Avoiding processed foods and foods that contain hormones usually helps to decrease hot flashes. Also avoiding excess caffeine, alcohol, sugar, spicy and dairy products. Fresh is best. And don’t forget to stay hydrated.

4. Exercise: choose it carefully, not all exercise will be beneficial. I recommend walking, swimming, biking.

It is always best to first use less invasive procedures and treatments when dealing with symptoms. 

In addition: Bio Identical hormones may be needed to eventually get relief. Get your hormone levels checked first. I have found that for stubborn cases acupuncture results in the highest benefit.

Choose selectively, there are natural, simple and safe methods to reduce and relieve the severity of hot flashes without damaging your health with substances and procedures that have side effects.