What triggers hot flushes and how to avoid them?
Common triggers of hot flushes include spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, stress, and warm environments. Avoiding these triggers can help manage symptoms.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Hot flushes are often precipitated by factors that cause vasodilation or stimulate the nervous system. Typical triggers include consuming hot or spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and exposure to high temperatures. Emotional stress, anxiety, and sudden changes in environment can also prompt symptoms. Identifying and tracking personal triggers can help tailor avoidance strategies. For more information, see the NHS guide.
Clinical Context
Women experiencing frequent hot flushes should consider keeping a symptom diary to identify patterns and potential triggers. In clinical practice, individualised lifestyle advice and stress management techniques are effective in reducing the severity and frequency of hot flushes.
Evidence-Based Approaches
Practical approaches to minimise triggers include wearing light clothing, using fans or air conditioning, reducing intake of known dietary triggers, and practising relaxation or mindfulness. NICE guidelines recommend a holistic, evidence-based approach to symptom management. See NICE Menopause Guidance for more advice.