As you get older, you start to feel certain changes in your body that will make you go ballistic even when there is really no reason for it. When you reach late 40s or early 50s, you will start to experience mood swings, sleep problems, weight gain due to fluid retentions and the much- talked-about hot flashes. These changes are actually due to the decrease in the levels of your sex hormones, progesterone and estrogen. You see, at this age, your body prepares for menopause or the cessation of you monthly period.

Host flash is one of the most common menopausal symptoms experienced by American women. In fact, figures show that about 85% of women aged late 40s to early 50s complain about this problem. Women describe hot flash as a sudden burst of heat emanating from inside of the body going out towards the arms and legs. Some episodes last for a few seconds, while others can be as long as thirty minutes to an hour. The problem with hot flashes is that you can never say when you will have it.

Many women feel embarrassed because they experience this symptom while they are in a meeting, on a date or even when sleeping. One effect of hot flashes is profuse sweating, followed by a chill. Of course, after you have soaked your clothes, it is but natural to feel cold and a bit chilly.

If you are one of the many women who are annoyed by hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause but are not inclined to getting hormone replacement therapy, then you do not have to fret. There is hope for you because you can actually deal with this problem naturally. Below are some tips that will help you manage your hot flashes well.

Break A Sweat

Studies have shown that increased exercise or physical activity can substantially reduce this symptom, and even other menopausal signs. It is also important to note that increasing your physical fitness can also help give you a healthy heart. You see, women become more susceptible to heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases after menopause. Thus, as early as now, you have to make sure that your heart is A-OK.

Be More Picky With Your Clothes

Sometimes, the types of clothes or fabric you choose can make you feel less vulnerable to bouts of hot flashes. Choosing cotton, linen and rayon fabrics are better choices than

wool, silk and fabric made of synthetic materials. It is also wise to avoid wearing turtleneck tops. Just imagine how warm and uncomfortable you will feel if you had a sudden episode of hot flash in a turtleneck shirt? Instead, opt for clothes and tops that are open. During cold season, it would be a good idea to wear several layers of clothing. This way, if you experience a hot flash, you can just take your clothes off one at a time, depending on the intensity of your hot flash attack.

Be Cool

Aside from keeping your cool and living stress-free, you can always prevent sudden heat wave by choosing seats or places that are cooler and well-ventilated. If you have a meeting, be sure to show up early so that you can get the seat where it is coolest. If you are at home, you may want to lower the thermostat a little bit so you won't feel the heat.

Try Some Supplements

Another natural way of dealing with menopause and its symptoms is by taking vitamins, minerals and other supplements. One vitamin that you should never forget is Vitamin E because it contains antioxidants that will help beat aging and it also provides an ample amount of phytoestrogen, a plant-based substance that mimics estrogen in your body. Aside from vitamins and minerals, there are also herbal supplement formulations that are specifically designed to address menopause. One such product is Menersa. Visit for more details.