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How Women Over 60 Can Manage Their Hot Flashes

Elder Care in The Energy Corridor TX: Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, but these tips can help lessen their severity.

Elder Care in The Energy Corridor TX

Elder Care in The Energy Corridor TXHot flashes are a common symptom of menopause and are caused by hormonal fluctuations in the body. Hot flash symptoms can last anywhere from one to ten years and is usually found in women between the ages of 40 and 50. But what about women over 60? How do these hot flashes affect them?

There are four levels of hot flashes to be aware of:

  1. Rapid hot flashes. They are so quick that they do not interfere with daily activities.
  2. Mild hot flashes. Very mild symptoms that are almost unnoticeable.
  3. Moderate hot flashes. They become more intense and easier to detect, usually causing the female to sweat.
  4. Severe hot flashes. These are severely hot flashes that make it difficult for the elder to complete her usual tasks. An elder care provider may be necessary to help with these tasks.

One possible cause for hot flashes is due to decreased levels of estrogen, which is known as hypothalamus. The hypothalamus causes the body to attempt to cool down quickly when it detects an increase in internal temperature. Hot flashes can cause a great deal of discomfort to the elderly women that has to endure it, but there are ways to manage it.

Management Tips for Hot Flashes

  • Watch your weight. What the senior eats and drinks could have a lot to do with the intensity of their hot flashes. Encourage your loved one to eat more whole grains and less caffeine and sugar.
  • Exercise more. With a doctor’s permission, encourage them to exercise more. Working out can help by helping the blood flow evenly throughout the body and helps to balance out the hormone levels.
  • Sleep in a cool location. Another way to help cool the body down is by keeping the bedroom at a cooler temperature and wearing lightweight pajamas.
  • Drink cold water. Water in general is great for the body, but cold water is especially helpful at warding off hot flashes.
  • Stay away from spices. This does not mean the elder should completely refrain from using spices, but the hotter the food is, the more intense the hot flashes may become.
  • Keep a journal. The senior should keep a journal, recording all of the times they have hot flashes. After a while of doing this, they may be able to notice a pattern as to what may be causing them.

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, but these tips can help lessen their severity.

Source:
http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/hot-flashes/articles/hot-flashes-after-age-60.htm

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in The Energy Corridor, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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