HOT FLUSHES OR FLASHES

About Hot Flushes

Some women go through menopause with few or no noticeable symptoms, whilst other women experience short-term or acute symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, depression, poor libido, bladder problems, vaginal dryness and itching, burning and discomfort during sexual intercourse, breast tenderness, dryness and ageing of the skin, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, poor memory and insomnia.  All of these symptoms are due to oestrogen and progesterone deficiency and other hormonal imbalances.  

Osteoporosis is a major problem for women after menopause.  

Menopause is not a disease.  It is the next natural phase of life, and with proper diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized, and often eliminated.

Nutrition facts & Diet Advice for hot flushes

Consider the following nutrition guidelines:

• Eat a diet high in raw and lightly steamed vegetables, particularly green leafy varieties.

• If you have a tendency for hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), always mix some protein with your carbohydrate intake.

• Eat oily fish, and if you use tin fish eat the bones also.

• Eat phytoestrogens as found in miso, soybeans and tofu.

• Substitute garlic or onion powder for salt in cooking, as salt increases urinary excretion of calcium.

• Drink at least 2 litres of filtered or bottled water per day to help prevent drying of skin and mucous membranes.

• Avoid dairy and excessive meat, which can cause hot flashes and excrete calcium.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar, which can cause hot flashes and mood swings.

• Avoid spicy foods.

• Avoid stress when possible.

• Get regular exercise.

Health Supplements  

Often, a combination of supplements may help in alleviating this condition. You may wish to consult a nutritional therapist for personal advice. Supplements that may be helpful in alleviating symptoms are shown below:

(please also read this important notice concerning supplement medical claims)

• 1 Vitamin E mixed softgels 400iu. (Solgar)  (The multivitamin and mineral above contains 400iu per 3 tablets.  Take this for a week, then add 400iu daily of the Vitamin E 400iu softgell, and slowly increase the dosage until hot flashes are relieved, up to a total of 1600iu daily (that is, 3 x Multivitamin and mineral + 3 x 400iu Vitamin E.)  If reducing, also reduce slowly.

• 2-3 x Black Cohosh (Standardized Full Potency, from Solgar)

• 2 x Osteoplex (Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, plus) (BioCare)

• 3-9 Essential Balance capsules, or 1-3 teaspoons Essential Balance Oil (omega 3 and 6) (Higher Nature)

Also consider: Natural Progesterone Cream

Recommended Books

health book - Is It Me, or Is It Hot in Here?
health book - Strong Women, Strong Bones
health book - What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause
health book - What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause