Tackling Summer Hot Flushes

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

Of all the perimenopause and menopause symptoms, hot flushes can be the most bothersome, affecting up to 80% of women. It’s described as a sudden feeling of intense heat and sweating that unfurls from inside-out – Pow! The head and chest may flush visibly, the heart can beat very rapidly, and it can be difficult to focus on the task at hand. After-chills are common. Hot flushes and night sweats greatly impact sleep quality with many women reporting ongoing symptoms of nighttime-waking and fatigue.

Menopausal hot flushes are primarily associated with falling oestrogen levels which has a dysregulating effect on the body’s thermostat - a tiny part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It also plays a role in appetite regulation, the sleep wake cycle and fluid balance in the body!

A.Vogel’s Menoforce Sage tablets are a popular traditional herbal remedy used to treat hot flushes and excessive sweating in menopause. It’s a simple one-a-day tablet that can be used for as long as is needed. My top tip is to take it at the time of the day when hot flushes are bothering you the most so, take it with dinner if hot flushes disturb your sleep, or at breakfast, if your daytime hot flushes is what you most want to target. Because changing hormones in perimenopause and menopause affects the whole body, a combined mind and body strategy is best. Lots of small DIY actions can add up! Even when (or especially when!) advising on hot flushes, herbalists will always ask - where are you congested? Are your bowels moving every day? Are you moving about enough? Do you eat enough fibre and drink enough water? If your digestion is sluggish, you get indigestion or feel unpleasantly bloating after eating –bitter digestive herbs, such as Milk Thistle Complex, can be a useful preparation.

Here are some other simple tips for keeping cool in menopause:

Wear natural fabrics such as cotton and in layers that can be taken on and off easily.

Tackle stress with a few deep breaths, a minute with your eyes closed or a short walk. Feeling calmer with make a hot flush more manageable. If you would like a calming supplement; magnesium, Passiflora or ValerianHops are options.

Stay hydrated with plenty of plain water, dehydration will ramp up fatigue, brain fog and feelings of stress. Identify and try to cut back on trigger foods - this may be spicy foods, alcohol, coffee or even sugar. Keep bed clothing light and layered.