Hot flushes are those sneaky, sweat-inducing ambushes that strike at the most inconvenient moments—like in the middle of a work presentation or right before a romantic dinner. You think you’re in control, but oh no, your body has other plans!. While you might blame the usual suspects—menopause, spicy food, or the sheer audacity of summer—there are a few unexpected triggers lurking in the shadows, waiting to turn you into a human furnace. And the worst part? They know you intimately—your habits, your weaknesses, and your deepest, sweatiest secrets. Let’s uncover these undercover culprits before they strike again!
- Your Morning Cup of Coffee
I know, I know—this one hurts. But caffeine is a stimulant, and stimulants can rev up your nervous system, making hot flushes more intense. And let’s be real, that double-shot latte isn’t just waking you up—it’s waking up your inner dragon, too.
Try This Instead: If you really can’t part with your morning ritual (understandable!), change to decaf or herbal tea a few days a week and see if it helps.
- That “One Glass” of Wine
We all love a little wine with dinner, but did you know alcohol dilates blood vessels, making your body temperature rise? Suddenly, that innocent glass of red turns into a five-alarm fire under your skin.
Try This Instead: Switch to mocktails or save wine for special occasions. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with cooling herbal drinks like hibiscus tea.
- Stress, the Silent Sweat-Starter
Have you ever had a hot flush right in the middle of a stressful moment? That’s because stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can mess with your temperature regulation. Next thing you know, you’re in a meeting, fanning yourself with a notebook while pretending everything is fine.
Try This Instead: Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga aren’t just for wellness influencers. A few minutes of relaxation techniques each day can work wonders!
- Your Favourite Cozy Sweater
We love a good cardigan moment, but layers can trap heat and make hot flushes worse. If you’ve ever gone from “comfy and cute” to “ripping off your scarf in a blind panic,” you know exactly what I mean.
Try This Instead: Dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. And always have an “emergency outfit escape plan” for those unexpected heat waves.
- That Midnight Snack
Late-night eating—especially sugary or carb-heavy snacks—can spike your blood sugar, which in turn triggers heat surges while you sleep. This is why you might wake up drenched after that innocent bedtime cookie.
Try This Instead: Choose protein-rich snacks like nuts or yogurt before bed to keep your blood sugar steady.
So, What’s a Hot-Flush Warrior to Do?
Now that you know some of the sneaky triggers behind your sudden heat waves, the next step is learning how to take control of them—naturally! That’s exactly what I cover in my mini-course, Hot Flushes, Cool Solutions—your go-to guide for managing menopause without losing your cool.
Curious? Stay tuned for more tips, and a sneak peek at the course details, COMING SOON TO AN INBOX NEAR YOU!