Managing Hot Flashes

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - As many as 75% of all American women experience hot flashes.

A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat in your body, especially on your face and neck. It can happen at night and may wake you from sleep.

There are some strategies that may help to control hot flashes - I am careful to say may help because there are no guarantees.

Choose bedding and sleepwear in fabrics that breathe, such as cotton. Dress in layers, and remove them as you start to feel a flash. Keep your bedroom cool. Drink cold water when a flash begins.

Perhaps most important: pay attention to what causes your hot flashes and try to avoid those triggers. Common culprits include alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, stress or warm rooms.

Once again, there is no simple answer but these can help.