With the temperatures soaring across the UK, there seems to be no escape from the heatwave in Scotland and the rest of the country.
A heatwave can be uncomfortable for many at the best of times, but with those suffering from the menopause, it can be so much worse.
Wales Online reports that Dr Naomi Potter, founder of Menopause Care and co-author of bestselling book, Menopausing, with Davina McCall, has offered some advice on the subject.
The expert pointed out that eight in 10 people who go through the menopause suffer from symptoms like hot flushes, which are a sudden surge of heat, often accompanied by redness and sweating.
Night sweats and trouble sleeping are also common during perimenopause and menopause – definitely not the sort of things you want to be dealing with when a heatwave hits.
Dr Potter said: "The increasing temperatures can make hot flushes and night sweats worse, and make it harder to cool down when you do experience them."
She also noted that the lack of oestrogen associated with the menopause affects the part of the brain that helps regulate body temperature.
Naomi said: "If you’re already hot and sweaty, then having a night sweat or hot flush can just make everything worse and uncomfortable."
Read on below for Dr Naomi Potter's advice for getting through the summer heatwaves.
Travelling
Dr Potter said: "Public transport can be awful at the best of times in the heat, especially when travelling on tubes, trains and buses where you’re cramped in, so if you experience a hot flush while travelling, it can be extremely unpleasant.
"Try carrying water and a small fan, to give some comfort in these moments, if just for a short relief."
If you can, invest in a water bottle that insulates the cold inside, so you'll always have a cold drink when you need it.
Be drink savvy
Dr Potter also suggested that limiting alcohol, sugary drinks and coffee could help - especially if menopause symptoms are proving troublesome.
"During the summer, you’re more likely to be dehydrated, and alcohol, coffee and fizzy drinks worsen dehydration," she explains. "So it’s worth bearing that in mind and staying hydrated with water."
Get plenty of rest
The heat and the menopause could affect your mood and energy levels, so a sleepless night could well be the last straw.
Dr Potter said: "In the case of night sweats, you’ll often experience broken and interrupted sleep, which has a knock-on effect and impact on lifestyle and work the next day.
"Create a cool sleeping environment by wearing light breathable bed clothes and have a spare by the bed in case you wake up sweaty, so you can change without having to properly wake up to find new clothes."
Plus, a well-positioned bedroom fan will be your summer best friend.
Dress light
Clothing is something that can also affect your body temperature - so if hot flushes are bothering you, tweaking your wardrobe could certainly help.
Dr Potter suggests dressing in “lightweight, breathable fabrics” such as cotton or linen. Plus, a light pair of cycling shorts/long knickers under skirts and dresses can help massively with sweating and discomfort at this time of year.
Get the support you need
Even if there is no heatwave, menopause doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence and just getting on with things, if symptoms are impacting you.
Dr Potter said: "If somebody is having symptoms, then it is definitely worth seeing their GP because there’s lots that can be done.
"And if you have a menopause-friendly workplace, it is definitely worth talking to [managers] because with recently headlines, many workplaces are much more supportive of the menopause.
"I think it’s vital that conversations like this continue. Without speaking about experiences, then there is no way for people to realise that this is a normal life event, and there is help if it is required."
Store your HRT correctly in the heat
And finally, if you are on hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), then you need to make sure it is being stored safely as temperatures soar.
Dr Potter said: "Most HRT should be stored at room temperature. If this is the case with yours (it will say on the side of the packaging), do not refrigerate or freeze it.
"Instead, storing it in a cool dark place, away from direct light, should be fine."
You will also want to avoid excessive temperature areas, where it can be in sight of the sun. Places include inside a car, or on window ledges.
Dr Potter added: "And aircraft holds, where temperatures are unknown and can rise rapidly."
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