Hot Flash Relief: Weight Loss Works, What Doesn't?

Reader Comments
Back to article

My hot flashes ended when I took Lorazepam for a few months. I have no idea why, and I didn't have hot flashes very bad to begin with. Getting enough sleep definitely seemed to help (Lorazepam works for me) and I took 1 m.g. at night about an hour before bed. Also cut down on the sugar, caffeine and wine. Though I'd still drink a glass of wine a few times a week and coffee every a.m. Did noticed that cappuccinos in the afternoon gave me a "flash" during time I got them. Seriously though, I only had them about 3-4 months and even my doctor (who I tried ERT with for a month and quit) says "hey, if Lorazepam worked for you, it worked!"

laura of CA 12:53AM July 19, 2010

What about a whole foods diet? I am trying to eat mostly whole foods, drinking lots of water and taking my Vidazorb chewable probiotics to help my body properly digest and process these foods. It is working well for me anyway :)

smilinggreenmom of IN 10:50AM July 18, 2010

Losing weight is always a challenge, but one easier solution is to use a moisture-wicking bed linen. Keeps you cooler at night and creates a better environment for a good night's rest. http://www.facebook.com/pristinefabrics

Pristine of NC 11:18AM July 16, 2010

I have always been underweight and physically active. I exercise on a daily bases at least 30 minutes. What I do and what I eat doesn't seem to make much difference. I have taken soy and black cohash as well as vitiamin E. The 1/2 tsp of baking soda and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar seemed to help at the beginning but two years later, not as much. Although the hot flashes are minimal compared to the beginning. I think excersizing just helps the mood not the hot flashes. Good luck ladies and sleep with as few blankets as you can!

Linda of FL 4:25PM July 15, 2010

Managing cravings can be the hidden key for many to sustainable weight loss--particularly those who have been unsuccessful with other diets, pills, or approaches. This may help manage the frequency or severity of the flashes that can be experienced by overweight individuals. Some may find this helpful: http://weightcontrol.myhealthtrends.com

Lee of NJ 11:17AM July 15, 2010

I've gone from 200 lbs to 142 lbs over the last two years with no appreciable difference in my hot flashes.

sweetpea of GA 5:54PM July 14, 2010

I'm of average weight and when I started getting hot flashes-at night, sometimes with restless leg syndrome-I cut caffeine out and reduced any alcohol to 2 drinks per day, if at all. No more flashes. Staying active and hydrated seems to help. My sister-obese-tried a no caffeine, low alcohol approach, no relief. Oh, and bruce, hot flashes don't make women irrational, angry or lose their good judgment-it just makes them sweat.

maria of MA 9:48AM July 14, 2010

The only thing which worked to stop my hot flashes, 12 years ago, was DHEA 5 mg..........It's cheap and very effective and it also produces a sense of well being. Try it and you will be amazed at how your hot flashes will diminish after only 3 days of taking DHEA 5mg. I have been taking DHEA for 12 years now and I feel energetic and happy!

Rachel of CT 7:42PM July 13, 2010