Aside from the odd hormone changes, the breaking out in zits, and the constant dread that your body is getting older and older, the hardest thing to deal with when it comes to menopause is definitely the hot flashes that accompany it. But short of wearing a tank top and carrying a coat around and changing in and out of it ever five minutes, how can you control those hot flashes and get yourself back to (approximately) normal? If you're looking for a few natural remedies to help equalize out your temperature, then here's what you need to know.

Peppermint Oil

You know that cool, refreshing feeling that you get from products with peppermint in them, such as mints, toothpaste, and peppermint patties? Peppermint oil (just a drop per area to avoid hurting your skin) dabbed onto the back of your neck, behind your ears, or on the thin skin on your wrists will help you to cool down in no time, especially if you blow on the oil for a couple seconds afterwards. If the peppermint oil stings too badly, try following this recipe for a balm that's just as effective.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most essential vitamins for humans in general to get enough of, but is even more key for women going through menopause. Vitamin E has a bit of estrogen in it, but more importantly, it aids in the production of estrogen, which you're probably a little lacking in due to menopause (and the lack of estrogen triggers hot flashes). As a bonus, Vitamin E can help relieve other uncomfortable side effects of menopause such as vaginal dryness. A starting dose of 400IU a day (slowly increased over time to 1600IU) should keep your hot flashes at bay without really interrupting your daily routine.

Ice Water

As simply as it sounds, it's super easy to forget all about ice water when you're in the throes of a hot flash. Putting sticky notes labeled "get ice water" at your frequently visited spots around your house (and carrying frozen disposable water bottles with you when you leave the house) can help you remember. Sipping ice water at the beginning of a hot flash helps you to feel cooler on both the inside and the outside—and if you run out of water, using the ice itself against your forehead, the insides of your wrists, or the back of your neck can help provide immediate relief.

Looking for more relief from hot flashes? You can find more options at vitamin stores like Corner Drugs.