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Select treatment area Bladder & Kidneys Blood Brain & nervous system Cancer Children's health Diabetes Digestive system Ear, nose & throat Eating & weight Eyes Fertility Heart and circulation Hormones Infections Lungs & breathing Men's health Mental health Mouth Muscles & bones Pregnancy & childbirth Sexual health Skin Sleep Staying healthy Travel health Women's health

Here are some things that you can try to help yourself feel better. But keep in mind that there isn't any scientific evidence to show for sure that these things will work.¹

• Breathe deeply and relax when you have a hot flash.
• Avoid things that trigger your hot flashes. Common triggers are spicy food, alcohol, hot drinks and caffeine.
• Keep cool. Dress in layers that you can remove easily. Run your wrists under cold water. Keep a jug of iced water handy. When you feel very hot, take a cool shower.
• Sleep in a cool room. Have a fan, a cold drink and wet wipes by your bed. Use cotton sheets.
• You may need to sleep on your own sometimes to give you and your partner a better night's sleep.

• Check with your doctor to make sure that you don't have an infection.
• Try an over-the-counter lubricant or moisturizer, but make sure it's one for use in the vagina.
• Some experts say that having sex regularly can help keep your vagina healthy.
• Talk to your partner to find ways around any discomfort you feel during sex.

• If you have lost interest in sex and it bothers you, try talking to your sexual partner about this. Sometimes, going to a counselor can help.

• Try pelvic floor muscle or Kegel exercises. These involve repeatedly tightening and relaxing the muscles that control the flow of urine. Your doctor should have information on how to do these.
• If you have incontinence (you can't control when urine comes out of your bladder), ask your doctor about treatments that can help.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water, even though you may not feel like it. This helps to keep your urinary system healthy and can help keep infections away.

• Do things that you enjoy. Make sure you see your friends.
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Learn some stress-reduction techniques like yoga or relaxation exercises.
• Try to get plenty of sleep. Relaxation techniques and exercise may help if you have problems sleeping.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.