To all women and people assigned female (AFAB) at birth sweating through nice tops in air conditioning — we see you. To everyone throwing off the sheets and sticking your head in the freezer at midnight — we feel you. To anyone looking at the bright red coil inside a toaster oven thinking, “That’s my insides!” — we hear you.
Most women in perimenopause and menopause experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes, flushing and night sweats. In fact, more than 3 out of 4 women and people AFAB in North America will experience VMS associated with menopause.
Read: From Hot Flashes to Night Sweats, a Rundown of Vasomotor Symptoms During Menopause >>
If you’re wondering what you’ve done in a previous life to prompt such a fiery backlash — it’s nothing personal. Everyone who menstruates goes through menopause. Although researchers are not 100% sure what causes hot flashes, the idea is that nerve cells in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls temperature and hormone production, change because of hormonal shifts, like the decline of estrogen.
The intensity of VMS can vary from person to person and symptoms can last for more than 10 years. And studies show VMS can last longer for women of color compared to white women.
Read: How the Stigma of Menopause and Aging Affect Women’s Experiences >>
Beyond the fact that the symptoms are annoying and literally no one wants to sweat through their clothes during brunch, VMS can have a serious negative impact on your health overall. Research shows VMS are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease. And the disruption in sleep can cause insomnia and brain fog.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for VMS, including hormone therapy, medication and lifestyle changes that can help with your symptoms.
But, if you’re looking for a cool go-to product that can help you chill when things get heated while you’re sorting that out, here are a few options to consider.
Clothing
Is it hot in here or is that outfit? You can look and feel cool thanks to innovative fabrics with technology that may help reduce body temperature and the chill that can happen after a hot flash among other perks. Channel your inner astronaut and Mae Jemison vibes in a casual look from Fifty One Apparel — they use Certified Space Technology that was developed for NASA in their hot-flash-friendly clothing. The brand Become Clothing features a patent-pending cooling Anti-Flush Technology said to provide relief from VMS. For sleepwear, consider brands that use breathable materials, including Lusome, Cool-Jams and Cozy Earth.
Jewelry
Add some ice to your jewelry collection with an accessory that has cooling properties. The Embr Wave 2 ($299) looks like a rose-gold smartwatch, but it’s so much more. Wear it on the inside of your wrist and send yourself cooling sensation waves when you need them via the app. The chunky Discreet Cooling bracelets ($67.99) and necklaces ($87.99) from Sharper Image are filled with cooling gel — just chill the accessory in the freezer and go. But don’t go too far — the cooling sensation only lasts about 30 minutes.
Neck fans
People who are prone to flushing and redness because of VMS can benefit from one of these portable bladeless options that hang around your neck like a pair of chic headphones. The AlphaCool Wearable Bladeless Neck Fan ($19.95) is adjustable and provides 360-degrees of cool air around the head and neck. For a similar lightweight option, the Jisulife Portable Neck Fan ($35.99) has three speeds and comes in a fun pink color. Or embrace the colorful LED lights on the GULAKI Bladeless Portable Neck Fan ($29.99) and turn your hot flashes into a party.
Cooling systems for your bed
For night sweats and hot sleepers, these options can change the temperature in your bed fast. The BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System (around $429) uses a periscope-looking extension to circulate fresh air between your sheets to remove heat, humidity and moisture. Side note: Astronauts must get sleep that’s out of this world because it was created by an engineer on the NASA spacesuit program. The Chilipad Cube Bed Cooling System (starting around $574) was not invented by NASA, but it does use a control unit to help communicate what temp you want in the bed. For sleepers who want it super cold — and have plenty of cold, hard cash to get there — the Pod 4 ($2,500) cooling system can bring down the temperature of your bed by 20 degrees.
Sheets
If adopting a new climate for your bedroom seems like a bit much, try some cooling sheets. The silky Accuratex (from $49.99) sheets are made with 100% bamboo viscose, which is moisture-wicking and cooler than cotton sheets. Evercool+ sheets (from $149) feature a quick-dry technology that helps whisk away sweat and heat. For a more affordable wicking option, consider Degrees of Comfort Coolmax Cooling Sheets ($27.99).
Blankets
A cooling blanket may seem ironic, but it can be your superhero cape against hot flashes during the day and the night. Look for breathable fabrics like bamboo that wick moisture away from skin. The lightweight Bamboo Quilt (from $99.90) from Quince is all viscose from organic bamboo and has a sateen weave and temperature regulating properties. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the double-sided Elegear Revolutionary Cooling Blankets (around $24.99) with cooling fabric on one side and cotton on the other. A weighted blanket will be heavier, but that can be a good thing. Consider the Weighted Blanket (from $105) from Luxome made of lyocell from bamboo and the Zonli Weighted Blanket (from $69.99) filled with high-density glass beads that are cooler and more environmentally friendly than plastic beads.
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