Clements WT, Lee SR, Bloomer RJ. Nitrate ingestion: a review of the health and physical performance effects. Nutrients. 2014;6(11):5224-5264. doi:10.3390/nu6115224 Hot flashes may seem like an inevitable symptom of menopause that you just need to deal with. But there are treatment options to improve your hot flashes. If you have hot flashes, particularly hot flashes that disrupt your daily life, reach out to your healthcare provider to learn more about your treatment options. In general, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement. Sometimes, a product might seem safe on the surface, but it might not be a good option for you when you factor in other medications you take or other medical conditions you might have. Your provider will discuss each of these factors with you and make sure it’s a safe product for you. Sauer T, Tottenham LS, Ethier A, Gorden JL. Perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms and the cortisol awakening response. Menopause. 2020 Nov;27(11):1322-1327. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001588

Non-prescription, herbal and over-the-counter therapies are another treatment option for hot flashes. These therapies can include:There are also a few ways you can cope with mood swings, depression and fear during menopause at home. These things include:

Vitamin E: One study showed that this treatment option was effective. However, the improvement seen in this was only one less hot flash per day compared to placebo. Side effects include a 13% increased risk of heart failure. It might also increase the death rate in those who use high doses for a long time. A higher risk of prostate cancer has also been shown, but this applies only to people designated male at birth (DMAB). Avoiding things that trigger your hot flashes can often mean watching what you eat. Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol are just a few things that can cause you to experience hot flashes. Acupuncture: Individual trials have reported some benefits of acupuncture, but larger studies haven’t shown any improvement over placebo procedures. Some people do report benefits with acupuncture, so it’s possible that more well-designed studies are needed to determine just how effective this treatment option is. This option is uncomfortable for some and often costly. It’s generally well-tolerated, but it can require multiple appointments. A trigger is something that can set off a hot flash. There are actually a lot of things in your normal life that could trigger a hot flash. Triggers of hot flashes can include:Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®): This is a newer medication than venlafaxine, so there are fewer studies available. Common side effects include nausea, changes in bowel habits, headache (temporary side effect for most people) and elevated blood pressure (at high doses). Paroxetine (Paxil®, Brisdelle®): This medication has been FDA-approved to treat hot flashes. Common side effects include nausea, changes in bowel habits, decreased sex drive, dry mouth and weight gain (not common). You should avoid taking this medication if you’re taking tamoxifen. Gabapentin (Neurontin®): This medication tends to be effective for sleep in people with hot flashes who also have insomnia. Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, swelling and weight gain. Escitalopram (Lexapro®): If you’re also experiencing insomnia with hot flashes, this medication tends to be more effective for sleep. Common side effects can include nausea, changes in bowel habits, decreased sex drive and an abnormal EKG (this is not common). Also, when you’re trying to determine whether or not a product is what it says it is, consider how it’s being promoted. Advertising can give you clues about the product. Be cautious of products that are promoted through:

In response to viewers' requests, Jill posted a second video a few days later, this time showing a view of the bathroom window during the daytime. Alarmingly, the view inside the frosted glass window is somehow even more visible during the day. "That's really clear," said the TikToker.

What not to wear to prom

Another symptom of menopause that you might experience is painful intercourse. If you find that sex is uncomfortable or painful, there are things you can do to make it better. Try using a vaginal water-based moisturizing lotion or lubricant during intercourse. These are sold without a prescription. Common names include Astroglide® and KY liquid®. It’s recommended that you avoid Vaseline® as a lubricant because it could lead to yeast infections. Can I prevent hot flashes at night (night sweats)? Rubin de Celis Ferrari AC, Glasberg J, Riechelmann RP. Carcinoid syndrome: update on the pathophysiology and treatment. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2018;73(Suppl 1):e490s. doi:10.6061/clinics/2018/e490s The best and safest thing to do is talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new product for your hot flashes. Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to help with hot flashes?