How to Deal with Dating and Hot Flashes

OMG . . . I remember having huge hot flashes when I was dating in my 50’s.

It was so embarrassing when I’d have to grab a menu or anything on the table that could serve as a fan to cool myself down.

Men would ask if I was ok and I’d have to tell them I was having a hot flash.

Not that they’d never dealt with this before but I just didn’t like that I was sweating profusely and feeling like a wet noodle when I was meeting a man for a first date.

Fast forward to today where recently, I did a podcast with a lovely Aussie named Jennifer Harrington.

She’s the Clinical Director of Menopause Natural Solutions and we started talking about menopause and dating.

I told her my embarrassing stories and she had a ton of suggestions I wish I’d had in my 50’s.

That’s when I thought about you or the friends you know who might be dealing with this and I asked if she’d be willing to write her suggestions in a blog.

She was happy to share so that’s what today’s blog is all about…dealing with dating and hot flashes.

So let’s get started . . .

How to Deal with Dating and Hot Flashes

You’ve met an interesting man, the phone calls and text messages are going well.

The next step is that first date.

The idea itself is enough to get you feeling hot and sweaty, right?

Dating is hard enough but dating while transitioning into menopause is a whole new challenge.

When preparing for the date, make sure to choose an outfit that can be layered up or down to help you regulate your temperature.

Are you wearing make-up?

Make sure you use a primer to help keep your foundation on if you do sweat and use waterproof eyeliner or mascara to avoid these nasty black smudges down your face.

Perfume or essential oil?

Many reputable essential oil companies sell hot flash or menopause blends that have the added benefit of smelling nice and reducing your symptoms of menopause at the same time.

Get ready well before time.

Hot showers and heating hair appliances have been known to set some women off.

Try a cooler shower or leave time to get ready and cool down afterward.

Stress is one of the most common triggers for a flash, make sure you know where you are going, and have plenty of parking options if driving.

The stress from being late or heat from running to get there sooner can be a game-breaker.

There are many benefits to getting there first.

You can inspect the venue to find a well ventilated, less stuffy table.

Have you heard of paced respiration?

In short, it is a breathing technique found to reduce the incidents of hot flashes, and its something you can do while waiting at your table or if you prefer you can go to the bathroom and take a few deep breaths.

Simply put its a long deep breath to the count of 5 on the inhalation and a count to 5 on the exhalation.

Click here to check out a YouTube video Jennifer about breathing.

What to order?

Let’s start with Drinks

The 2 most common drinks ordered on a date, coffee or alcohol are both known to promote the sensation of flashing.

Every woman responds differently to both and triggers may vary from woman to woman.

For me, I can drink a coffee but I can’t when it’s very hot.

Maybe tea is a better option for you?

Certain teas are beneficial during menopause and these include Sage, Chamomile, Green tea, and Fennel.

For some women, this will have to be the iced tea version as all hot drinks may trigger them.

Water is always a great option.

You may want to dress it up as sparkling water with lemon.

Let’s look at alcohol.

Have you noticed you can tolerate some forms of alcohol better than others?

Or are you best to avoid it altogether?

The most common form of alcohol to promote flashes is red wine.

Some women find they tolerate the white spirits better e.g. vodka or gin.

This drinks section wouldn’t be complete without mentioning sugary drinks like soda or juice.

Sorry ladies, sugar is also in the top hot flash triggers list.

Food

Is there something on the menu that contains protein like chicken, fish, eggs, quinoa, or nuts?

Protein helps balance out blood sugar levels.

Imbalanced blood sugar levels not only promote hot flashes but they can also increase anxiety levels at an already potentially nervous time.

Sorry, you might want to avoid desserts due to the high sugar content.

If you are eating a meal together consider something like a chicken salad or steak and vegetables.

Specific food triggers vary with each woman and its best to avoid all food sensitives at the same time as you don’t want to trigger a digestive emergency or additional wind at this point!

Common triggers to consider include:

Spicy foods
Gluten
Dairy

So to sum this up . . . Congratulations on your date.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.

Worst-case scenario, you do flash.

Just remember to breathe and relax.

You’ve got this! I hope you have a wonderful time.

Hope you enjoyed this guest blog by Jennifer Harrington ND, author of “From Invisible to Invincible, The Natural Menopause Revolution” and Clinical Director of Menopause Natural Solutions.

Web www.menopausenaturalsolutions.com

Podcast Menopause Natural Solutions

Facebook facebook.com/menopausenaturalsolutions

Instagram instagram.com/menopausenaturalsolutions/

YouTube youtube.com/menopausenaturalsolutions

Would love to hear your comments about how hot flashes affected you with dating.

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