How do you treat hot flushes?

As menopause symptoms can be so wide-ranging, the best way to prepare for them is to look at all lifestyle aspects:

If you smoke, reduce the number of cigarettes you have each day or even better, stop smoking. Cigarettes are associated with a higher risk of experiencing hot flushes and it has been shown that the more you smoke, the worse your flushes get.
Eat a well-balanced, wholesome diet and don't miss meals – low blood sugar levels can cause hot flushes.
Ensure that you have regular bowel movements – constipation can trigger hot flushes.
Drink plenty of water. This will help to hydrate you and alleviate hot flushes.
Take regular exercise.
Deal with stress. Stress causes the release of chemicals that promote hot flushes.

Other things you can do to keep hot flashes at bay include:

Stay cool. Keep your bedroom cool at night. Use fans during the day. Wear light layers of clothes with natural fibers such as cotton.
Try deep, slow abdominal breathing (six to eight breaths per minute). Practice deep breathing for 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes in the evening and at the onset of hot flushes.
Try chill pillows. Cooler pillows to lay your head on at night might be helpful.