Charleston Women Spring 2021

www. Char l es tonWomen . com | www. Char l es tonWomenPodcas t . com | www. ReadCW. com CW sugar and caffeine has been found to be effective in curbing flash activity. Exercise has its own benefits, and sufferers report reduced episodes with increased exercise levels. So go for a brisk walk and get your heart rate up – you can get your steps in and maybe have fewer flashes too. HOLISTIC Acupuncture and other holistic offerings have had reported success, but, as with all remedies, reviews can be mixed as to efficacy. There are so many herbal remedies on the market, you must read the labels and consult your physician or holistic practitioner. Dr. Julie Allison, Charleston’s only acupuncturist with a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, stated, “Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas, can be very effective in treating menopause and perimenopause symptoms because we focus on treating the whole body. Menopause is classified as yin deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine, however there are often other underlying patterns that contribute to the severity of a woman’s symptoms. By doing a thorough intake and prescribing the appropriate acupuncture protocol and herbal formulae, as well as implementing any necessary nutritional and/ or lifestyle changes, I’ve seen many women experience profound relief from TCM treatment.” Meditation and hypnosis might not typically be on your radar, but there is merit to their support. Quieting one’s brain and spirit can lead to a calmer outlook and reduced anxiety, thereby diminishing the physical effects hot flashes produce when the sufferer is under stress. Board Certified Hypnotist Dee Romanek shared, “The practice of hypnotherapy is most effective when customized to the individual client, making it more art than science. Science has actually studied the efficacy of hypnotherapy for menopausal hot flashes. Dr. Gary Elkins and his team are among those who have studied the use of personalized hypnotic relaxation therapy for hot flashes. Participants who received a series of individual hypnotherapy sessions, combined with instruction in self-hypnosis, reported a dramatic reduction in both the frequency and intensity of their symptoms. Broadly speaking, hypnotherapy is a gentle, natural and effective form of self-healing that beautifully complements traditional medical and mental health treatments, particularly, when pharmaceuticals are not recommended.” PHARMACOLOGICAL - HORMONES While the easy answer is always to “take a pill,” many women have no desire to begin a potentially multi-year course of hormone replacement therapy. For some, it may be their only relief, but for those who can explore other options, there are medical practices where patients can receive bioidentical hormones that are created specifically for each individual based on their own imbalances and other physical needs. This can be an excellent option for those who have dealt with extreme flashes for an extended period of time and where other remedies have failed. Should you become a member of the hot flash “tribe,” know that you are not alone. Finding the right product or methodology – or combination of both - is key, but also know that this, too, shall pass — it just may take a while. feature n Sleep in a cool room. n Dress in layers that can be removed at the start of a hot flash. n Have a drink of cold water or juice when you feel a hot flash coming on. n Use sheets and clothing that let your skin “breathe.” n Don’t smoke. n Keep a written record of what you were doing just before a hot flash started. This might reveal hot flash triggers that you can try to avoid. n Exercise. It can improve your quality of life and may help with hot flashes. Exercise will also help reduce your risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. n Lose weight. This may lower your risk of hot flashes or their intensity. n Try slow, deep breathing, known as relaxation breathing. TIPS FOR RELIEVINGHOT FLASHES Courtesy of Aurora Health Care