(associated with perimenopause and menopause)
Menopause was intended by nature to be a gradual process of reduced estrogen output by the ovaries with few, if any, side effects. In a normal, healthy, well-nourished and active woman, the pituitary sends signals to the other glands such as the adrenals and fat tissue to increase their estrone output in order to maintain hormone homeostasis. When the adrenal glands are exhausted as a result of a poor diet, diet deficiency, hypoglycemia, excess stress and excess xeno estrogens, this system may fail and leads to the sudden and sever physiological changes often (not always) experienced in menopausal women in developed countries.

Possible Symptoms
Red flushing face, Sudden increase in body temperature with associated increased perspiration, Excessive perspiration, Night sweats.

Possible Causes
Vasomotor Instability, Hormonal Dysfunction causing excessive surges of estrogen, Genetic Predisposition to being estrogen sensitive, Hormone Dysfunction from excess xeno-estrogens in the diet and environment, Hormone Dysfunction from excess stress, Hormone Dysfunction from dietary fatty acid imbalances, Insufficient Exercise, Low liver function, Hormonal Dysfunction due to prescription medications, Surgery induced menopause, Hormonal Dysfunction from Obesity.

Foods to Avoid
Caffeine, Refined Sugar, Refined Carbohydrates, Alcohol, Spicy Foods, Excess Red Meat, Dairy, Non organic foods, Trans fatty acids (fried food, commercial foods  e.g. pasty, margarines etc)

Foods to Embrace
Organic foods, A health promoting diet rich in whole, natural unprocessed foods, especially high in plant foods; vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts. Sunflower seeds, Seaweed, Fermented organic soy (e.g.tempeh, miso), Small wild cold-water fish between 2 – 5 times per week, Chinese dried ziziphus berries, Red Clover tea, Licorice tea, Flax seeds/oil

Lifestyle To Embrace
Exercise – a minimum of 20 minutes, 3 times per week can significantly reduce hot flushes. Relaxation, Meditation, Yoga (can reduce stress, improve mood, boost metabolism and slow the heart rate). Cooling breathing techniques.Walking on early morning dew /grass. Hot and cold alternating showers/baths. Acupuncture. Massage. Elimination – dry skin brushing to stimulate lymphatic drainage and regular daily bowel movements to eliminate waste products from the body can be crucial in maintaining a balance.

And in Consultation with your Natural Medicine Practitioner consider:-

 

Botanical Medicines (specifically for Hot Flushes) – Sage, Gotu kola, Black Cohosh, Schisandra, St Marys thistle, Rosemary, Red Clover, Hops, Zizyphus

Botanical Medicines (for underlying causes of Hot Flushes) –Lady’s mantle, Dong quai, Astragalus, Calendula, False unicorn, Wild yam, Peony, Korean ginseng, Chaste tree

Homoeopathic Remedies - Lachesis, Sepia, Kali carb, Pulsatilla, Graphites

 

Supplements  - Vitamin E, Tourine or Tryptophan

 

13 Easy Steps To Help Reduce Hot Flushes
1.    Do regular exercise
2.    Maintain a healthy weight
3.    Reduce abdominal fat
4.    Practice stress management techniques daily – relaxation, breathe, yoga and meditation.
5.    Reduce carbohydrates in general and eliminate refined carbohydrates.
6.    Enjoy no more than one cup of coffee (not instant) per day.
7.    Reduce xeno-estrogen load by buying organic foods where possible.
8.    Eat 2½ tablespoons of flaxseeds (ground) daily.
9.    Reduce or eliminate sugar from diet
10.  Eat a nutrient rich, plant based diet.
11.  Reduce or eliminate dairy foods.
12.  Drink herbal teas; red clover, licorice & sage
13.  Wear organic cotton clothing where possible.

For more information about managing hot flushes, peri-menopause and menopause, contact The Bodyguard on 0421 379 615 or email christine@thebodyguard.com.au

Sources:
Thomsen, M., Gennat, H., (2010) Phytotherapy Desk Reference. Global Natural Medicine, Australia.
Sarris, J., Wardle, J. (2010) Clinical Naturopathy, An evidence-based guide to practice.  Elsevier, Chatswood, Australia.