From fanning myself with a Chick-fil-A napkin to building a hot-flash survival kit on Amazon

I really appreciate you checking out my blog! Just so you know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you buy something through them, I might earn a little bit of money, at no extra cost to you. There’s absolutely no pressure to buy anything, but if you do, it genuinely helps support the time and love I put into writing these posts.
I’ll be honest—no one warned me how dramatic hot flashes could be. I thought it would be a mild, “Oh, I’m a little warm, let me dab my forehead.” Nope. Instead, picture me in the middle of a Zoom call suddenly sweating like I’d just run a marathon in Texas. My cheeks flushed red, my shirt stuck to my back, and all I could think about was how fast I could get to the nearest fan.
For a while, I just tried to laugh it off. I’d wave my hand like I was hailing a cab in New York, mutter something about “bad Wi-Fi heat,” and pretend everything was fine. But the truth is, it wasn’t just embarrassing—it was exhausting. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and build my very own “Hot Flash Survival Kit” with some Amazon treasures.
Let me walk you through what’s worked for me (and might just save you, too).
1. Cooling Tools That Saved My Sanity
The very first thing I bought was a portable handheld fan—and I don’t mean the weak paper kind you get at a church picnic. I grabbed the JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan because it’s rechargeable, small enough to toss in my purse, and powerful enough to keep me from looking like I just stepped out of a sauna. I use it everywhere—grocery store checkout line, carpool pickup.
Next, I discovered cooling pillows. I bought the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow with Cooling Gel, and wow—game changer. No more flipping my pillow 18 times a night to find the “cold side.” Now, I just sink into that cool bliss and actually stay asleep.
2. Hydration (But Make It Easy)
One thing I noticed was that hot flashes hit harder when I was dehydrated. So I made drinking water basically foolproof. I ordered the Stanley Quencher Tumbler—yes, the viral one everyone’s obsessed with—and I carry it around like it’s my third child. Because it holds so much water and actually keeps it cold, I’m way more likely to sip all day.
On nights when water just feels boring, I add electrolyte packets. My favorite is Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier. It’s like giving my body a little “reset button,” and honestly, it helps keep the sweats from getting as wild.
3. Food Swaps That Made a Difference
Here’s something funny—I realized my flashes were worse on pizza and wine nights. I thought it was coincidence until I read that spicy foods, alcohol, and even too much sugar can trigger them. So now I experiment with swaps:
• Instead of red wine, I’ll sip LaCroix sparkling water (also on Amazon, bless).
• For late-night snacks, I keep a stash of Biena Chickpea Snacks instead of chips. They’re crunchy, satisfying, and don’t leave me overheating.
• And I started adding flaxseed to my morning smoothies. I grabbed Bob’s Red Mill Ground Flaxseed, and not only does it help with hormones, but it also makes me feel full longer.
4. Supplements That Helped (After Talking to My Doctor)
I’m a doctor, but I always recommend chatting with yours first. But after mine gave me the green light, I tried a few things that actually took the edge off:
• Black Cohosh – I use Nature’s Way Black Cohosh Root. It’s been a long-time favorite for supporting women during menopause.
• Magnesium Glycinate – My doctor recommended this for sleep, but I noticed it also helped calm down the late-night sweats. I like Doctor’s Best High Absorption Magnesium.
• Omega-3s – I started with Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Soft Gels. They support overall balance, and bonus: my skin feels less dry.
5. Clothes That Don’t Betray Me
Can we talk about how cruel hot flashes are when you’re wearing anything tight or synthetic? I finally admitted defeat and updated my wardrobe. My secret weapon: moisture-wicking PJs. I found Ekouaer Women’s Pajama Set and I swear, it feels like they were invented for people like us.
During the day, I stick to loose cotton tops. I bought a couple of Hanes Women’s V-Neck Tees, and they’re not fancy, but they don’t stick to me when the flash hits.
6. The Mind-Body Connection
Here’s the part I didn’t want to admit at first: my stress was making everything worse. When I was rushing around, multitasking, or arguing with my teenager about his dirty socks, the flashes hit harder.
So, I started a bedtime ritual with Headspace meditation app and a lavender-scented Essential Oil Diffuser. I don’t always stick to it perfectly, but on the nights I do? I wake up less sweaty, less cranky, and more human.
Wrapping It Up (And Cooling It Down)
Hot flashes used to feel like this wild rollercoaster I had no control over. Now, thanks to some trial and error—and let’s be real, a lot of Amazon Prime deliveries—I finally feel like I have a toolkit.
I still have the occasional “Hot Mess Express” moment, like fanning myself with a Chick-fil-A napkin in the car while my kids laugh at me. But now it’s less about surviving the storm and more about managing it with a little humor, a lot of water, and the right tools.
Your Turn
Okay, now I want to hear from you. If you’ve had hot flashes, what’s been your lifesaver? Do you swear by a certain pillow, a magic herbal tea, or maybe a trick I haven’t tried yet? Drop your tips below—I’m always looking to upgrade my survival kit.
Because let’s be honest: none of us should have to go through this alone, sweating through our favorite Target t-shirts and pretending we’re “fine.”
📌 Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor—just a woman trying to keep her cool. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements or major changes.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.

Leave a comment