For immediate relief from the relentless heat, try Alison Hammond’s five cooling hacks, which have gained a cult following thanks to their simplicity and effectiveness.
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How does hot weather affect menopausal women?
Body temperature is controlled by an area of your brain called the hypothalamus, explains menopause specialist and author of The Definitive Guide To The Perimenopause & Menopause Dr Louise Newson. “When your hormone levels start to fluctuate and fall, it can cause disruption in this area, which leads to hot flushes and night sweats,” says Dr Newson.
“Hot weather causes further ‘glitches’ in your hypothalamus, which means you are likely to have more night sweats and hot flushes – just when you least want them.”
She recommends avoiding the midday heat, wearing loose and cool clothes, staying hydrated, keeping your bedroom cool and cutting down alcohol and caffeine.
For immediate relief from the heat, try Alison Hammond’s five cooling hacks, which have gained a cult following thanks to their simplicity and effectiveness.
The self-proclaimed “genius in keeping people cool” shared a series of game-changing heatwave hacks whilst speaking to Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford back in July 2019.
1. Freeze a Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle isn’t just for winter. Fill it with cold water, place it in the freezer, and let it chill thoroughly. Once frozen, wrap it in a light towel and place it near your feet, behind your neck, under your armpits before bedtime. It can help lower your body temperature and make sleeping in hot weather much more comfortable.
2. Make a DIY Cooling Pack with a sock and rice
Simply fill a clean sock with uncooked rice, tie the end securely and pop it in the freezer for one to three hours. The rice stays cold for longer than you might think, creating a flexible cooling pack that’s perfect for placing on the nape of your neck. This area is home to major blood vessels that run close to the skin’s surface, so cooling it can help your body feel cooler more quickly, ease discomfort and provide instant relief on a sweltering day. – bliss! Alison said the great thing about the rice sock is that “it moulds to your body” and can be placed anywhere, day or night.
3. Create a Refreshing Ice-Water Spray
A simple spritzer bottle can become your best friend during a heatwave. Fill it with cold water and a handful of ice cubes, then spray lightly onto your face, arms, and legs whenever you need to cool down. The fine mist helps lower your skin temperature and provides an immediate refreshing sensation.
4. Put a Bowl of Ice in Front of Your Fan
One of the most effective low-cost cooling tricks is to place a bowl filled with ice directly in front of a fan. As the fan blows air over the ice, it circulates cooler air around the room, creating a simple DIY air-conditioning effect. This can make living spaces feel noticeably cooler during particularly hot days.
5. Make Healthy Banana Ice Cream
One of Alison’s tastiest cooling tricks is to turn a frozen banana into instant ice cream. Simply pop a frozen banana into a blender and whizz until smooth and creamy. The result is a naturally sweet, cooling treat that’s perfect for hot summer days.
With weight gain a common concern during menopause, it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. For extra flavour, add a handful of berries, a spoonful of cocoa powder or a drizzle of honey before blending.
Remember never put ice directly onto your skin because that can cause ice burns.
