Another thread on hot flashes: triggers

[Crankin]

The weird thing is, I only had a hot flash once while riding outside. I was still riding the mountain bike, with slicks, on the road when I had my last period, so I was kind of a newbie. Although the flashes continued for many years, as I said above, I really believed the outdoor activity helped them. I also lost about 10-15 lbs., which may have helped. I do remember having a couple of flashes in spin class, so I firmly believe it was being outside that helped regulate everything.

[emily_in_nc]

I don't recall ever having one while or after eating chocolate (thank the gods!) The only "food/drink" trigger I've noticed is coffee in the morning, and even then, it's certainly not every time, just occasionally. I just had one, in fact, sitting here eating nothing. Turned on the ceiling fan and grabbed my bottle of cold water out of the fridge, and all's well now. Most of mine are at night in bed rather than during the day.

[AppleTree]

I rarely "flash" now, but usually what triggered it for me was either stress or alcohol... not even bad stress necessarily, but definitely emotion could do it for me. Wine or any alcohol would trigger a serious hot flash, and sometimes still does. Thankfully not chocolate though, egads! Sipping cold water usually helped me tremendously. My mother complained so loud and long when she had hot flashes and I was determined not to be like that. I think she suffered longer because she complained about it so much and made such a big deal out of it when it happened. Of course, she lives in Florida, so probably was somewhat worse for her.

[Crankin]

I think that's true, AppleTree because my poor mom was in Scottsdale when she was having hers... The heat did make them worse for her.

[emily_in_nc]

Oh yes, stress for sure, AppleTree. Used to have a flash at work when I got really stressed out. So embarrassing! Fortunately I don't get stressed out nearly as often now that I'm retired. Alcohol doesn't seem to be a trigger for me -- thank the gods. :-)