Navigating Menopause with Danyale Thomas and Useful Strategies for Tackling Hot Flashes
Photos by Jordan Somers
Watch Full Interview below
This week on The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed guest Menopause Mentor Danyale Thomas for another segment. In this segment, the two dive into practical strategies for managing the more challenging symptoms of menopause, spotlighting one of the more prominent and disruptive symptoms, hot flashes.
"It's one of those symptoms that when it hits, a woman truly feels like she's hit perimenopause, menopause," Thomas said. "One of the things that we don't realize is that there are other contributing factors to hot flashes."
Continuing the conversation, Thomas shared her journey, recounting her battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 35, where night sweats were a notable symptom. Drawing parallels between this experience and the challenges of menopause, Thomas emphasized the importance of distinguishing between benign symptoms and potentially severe underlying causes.
"Don't always think that hot flashes are specifically related to menopause," Thomas said. "That's one of the things that I wanted to make sure women understand."
Thomas stressed the role of openness and proactive health management in combating symptoms like hot flashes.
"Talk about them; don't try and hide them," Thomas said. "Things that trigger are caffeine, alcohol, smoking. There are things that you can refrain from that'll keep you from having as many hot flashes."
Furthermore, Thomas underscored the significance of practical strategies like dressing in layers.
"Anyone who's had a hot flash knows that that's a different type of heat. It's not like it's warm in the room. You can start taking these off because it's that internal type of heat that causes you to start to sweat," Thomas said. "There isn't really any way for you to cool off until your body comes back down to temperature."
Thomas recounted various strategies both she and other women have done over the years, mentioning that she had previously tried hormone replacement therapy. She also mentioned others using prescribed antidepressants to inhibit serotonin to curb the frequency and reaction to hot flashes. However, Thomas revealed that her current approach involves forgoing any interventions.
"I don't take anything. I try to dress in those layers. I try to keep all the rooms as cool as possible, which isn't always good for everybody. I refrain from caffeine, I've never smoked, and I stopped drinking," Thomas said. "I noticed that my level of sugar intake can increase my hot flashes, too. I don't feel like I have found anything that truly takes them totally away, but I am being vocal and not trying to hide them, and I keep in some way to cool off right at hand."
Thomas advocated the use of meditation as a tool for alleviating the more pronounced effects of hot flashes.
"Putting yourself at a state when you're able to calm down your system is really good. I have found benefits of of meditation. Ways to control your body in certain ways," Thomas said. "Because it's coming from your brain. It comes from the hypothalamus. So if that's what's triggering, if you can somehow tap into that, you can alleviate some of the symptoms."
Looking ahead, Thomas is gearing up for an exciting event alongside Dreams Manifest LLC's Teya Williams titled "I am Worthy." This event is focused on prioritizing the health and wellness of Black and BIPOC women. At the forefront of the gathering will be naturopathic physician Dr. Lisa Price, who will guide an insightful discussion aimed at empowering attendees to manage menopausal symptoms effectively.
Attendees can also look forward to a transformative meditative workshop featuring a sound bath experience. Additionally, Thomas will lead a session on womb centering, delving into the manifestation of harnessing the power of one's womb, identifying personal needs, and integrating these insights into daily practice. This holistic approach promises to provide attendees invaluable tools for self-discovery and empowerment.
This event will be held at Byrd Barr Place on March 24 from 12 to 4 pm. Tickets are available for purchase here.
"It's going to be catered; you can come in and enjoy Jerk Shack and Intentions Juice Bar. It's all-inclusive," Thomas said. "Come, hang out; we're going to have swag; we're going to have a good time, a good girl time."
To reach out to Danyale for more information regarding menopause, you can contact her here.
For the latest updates on community news, join us live with Trae every weekday at 11 am on Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
