Hot Flashes! What can you do?

Hot flashes and night sweats are one of the biggest complaints in our community, so if you are experiencing them you are not alone! It does not change the fact that they can be uncomfortable, annoying, scary, distracting and even debilitating for some women.

The good news is: There are a number of things you can do to improve or eradicate hot flashes and night sweats.

Here is the list. As always, start with your diet first. Next, herbs and supplements can really help as well.

1. Elimination Diet

Many women who follow our Elimination Diet report that by removing gluten, dairy, corn, eggs and other inflammatory foods, their symptoms improve significantly. This is most likely due to a significant reduction in inflammation. That can be true for many but not all women. If that’s you, keep reading down this list..

2. Blood sugar balance

It is not entirely known what the biochemical process is, but we do know that for many women hot flashes happen when their blood sugar drops (which you may not even feel). This can happen at any time of the day. I’ve found that starting your day with our PFF (Protein-Fat-Fiber) rich breakfast and not exceeding 20 grams (5 teaspoons) of sugar per day will help you balance your blood sugar levels.

3. Progesterone

Bioidentical progesterone helps to oppose estrogen. The challenge with most women over 45 is that both estrogen and progesterone drop - but progesterone drops far more drastically, leaving you in a state of estrogen dominance (even though estrogen dropped, too). If your hot flashes are caused by low progesterone, try ProgestPure - our bioidentical progesterone is free of parabens, mineral oil, fragrances, phthalates and petroleum. It’s one of the most popular and life-changing products we carry. Or try an herbal remedy that helps you produce more Progesteron. Douglas Labaratories has a great product. You can get it in my office as well.

4. Borage oil (gamma linolenic acid)

Heard of evening primrose oil? Many women get a lot of relief with it from hot flashes, night sweats and PMS. The magical ingredient is gamma linolenic acid (GLA) - found in higher concentrations in borage (as compared to evening primrose). GLA has been linked to being highly anti-inflammatory, clinically shown to reduce hot flashes, mood swings and restore healthy, smooth skin. The product you can try is GLA Maximus.

5. Dong quai and black cohosh

These classic “menopausal herbs” with a special efficacy for relief of hot flashes and night sweats, work best when combined with the above dietary recommendations. Our Wise Women's Balance contains these two precious herbs and a few more, see below. This is one of the most popular herbal formulations amongst our readers - not surprising as this powerful herbal blend is helping women struggling with menopausal symptoms.

6. Vitex (chasteberry)

In German clinical trials, vitex has shown an ability to raise progesterone and regulate estrogen levels. This is why this versatile herb can be helpful for both menopausal symptoms as well as PMS. Vitex is part of our Wise Women's Balance formula.

7. Red clover

Red clover is known in the herbal circles for having a special affinity for the uterus. Herbs work in mysterious and wonderful ways - helping both cycling women with PMS as well as women sailing through menopause. You can make your own Red Clover Infusion and drink a cup a day. Its mild taste makes it easy to sip and appreciate this gentle but potent herb.

8. Magnesium

Magnesium is a true wonder mineral that can also help with hot flashes and night sweats. Other symptoms of low magnesium include cramps, tension, muscle pain, insomnia, midnight waking, anxiety, heart palpitations and constipation. Our Wise Women's Balance contains only 50mg of magnesium, I therefore recommend to add Magnesium to your protocol. Therapeutic dose starts at 300mg and some women (especially if depleted) need as much as 600mg or 900mg per day. Titrate up until your stool becomes loose - then reduce the dose.

How to pick and prioritize the herbs and supplements?

Always start with the diet first.

After that, use your intuition to guide you on which herbs and blends resonate with you. You don’t need to try them all - introduce one or two at a time. One herb may work for one person but not another, so be patient and keep trying.