How can I relieve hot flashes during menopause?

Hot flashes can be minimized in some women by avoiding hot beverages, spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine and trying to minimize stressful situations. Some women find that adding soy to their diet diminishes hot flashes, but it's probably best to limit soy to only one or two servings a day, since some studies indicate that too much soy might promote some types of breast cancer. Hormones or nonhormonal medications are available if symptoms are debilitating, but most women can get by with simple lifestyle measures.