Hot flashes are a known symptom of menopause. Almost all women of this age or premature menopause complain of them, and they occur in two-thirds of them in perimenopause – the period immediately before menopause. Their frequency varies with each woman, some experience discomfort from them until the last menstrual cycle, others – only for a certain period of menopause. A “hot flush” is a rush of heat that floods the body suddenly. The sensation may be accompanied by redness, sweating. Hot flashes occur both during the day and at night, when they are accompanied by more profuse sweating and sleep problems associated with this discomfort. The causes of heat waves are still not fully understood. They are thought to be related to the drop in estrogen and the dilation of blood vessels close to the skin. Their expansion, as well as sweating, is due to the need to cool the body and the activation of natural thermoregulatory mechanisms. There is no pill that can prevent hot flashes altogether – it is better to accept them as an “annoying” phenomenon during this period of life. However, there are remedies that can partially reduce their strength and frequency and improve self-esteem. According to experts, stress, caffeine, cigarette smoke, alcohol, spicy spices predispose to the occurrence of hot flashes and it is recommended to avoid them. An essential point is taking care of cooling the body. In this regard, it is desirable to avoid tight clothing and higher ambient temperatures. The power of the heating devices should be regulated, and in the summer the appropriate ones should be used to cool the rooms and avoid the strong sun outside. The temperature of the sleeping room is particularly important, maintaining a temperature of 19-21 oC remains the healthiest option in all cases. NEWS_MORE_BOX Some report good results against hot flashes also from practicing deep (abdominal) breathing for 15 minutes in the morning and evening and doing regular exercise. A good solution can also be found in yogic practices. In the event that menopause is accompanied by other strong unpleasant symptoms such as vaginal dryness, mood problems, headaches, especially in the presence of severe loss of bone density, hormone replacement therapy can be undertaken. However, taking these hormonal tablets is recommended for no more than 5 years, as they carry their side effects – risk of increased blood clot formation, inflammation of the bladder, breast cancer, etc. Hormone replacement therapy is not the only drug therapy that a doctor may recommend. Depending on the woman’s condition, other medications can be prescribed to reduce her complaints, such as low-dose antidepressants, medications to control blood pressure, etc.The intake of vitamin B complex and vitamin E also works to reduce the effect of hot flashes. It is recommended to build a new diet that emphasizes foods that are rich in phytochemicals similar to estrogen. These are found in soybeans, as well as in some herbs such as black cohosh.