Menopause is a natural biological process that every woman goes through and marks the end of menstrual cycles.
The years leading up to true menopause is known as perimenopause. Perimenopause is when there are changes to your menstrual cycle and you start to get menopausal symptoms. I call this the 'Path to Menopause'.
Hot flushes and night sweats are a common symptom and can cause distress, especially when the hot flushes are severe and frequent. Night sweats are periods of heavy sweating associated with hot flushes that start at night.
There are ways to manage hot flushes and night sweats during perimenopause and menopause naturally.
What is a hot flush?
A hot flush is a sudden feeling of heat and sometimes a red, flushed face along with sweating. They can cause discomfort.
Hot flushes come on suddenly and how long they last for varies. Some hot flushes last a few seconds but sometimes they can go on for around 10 minutes.
The frequency of hot flushes also varies - from a few hot flushes per week to a few hot flushes a day.
The frequency and the length of the hot flush can depend on where you are in perimenopause or menopause. As you move towards true menopause the frequency and intensity of hot flushes increases.
How often do you get a hot flush? How intense is it?
What causes hot flushes during menopause?
Hot flushes start when blood vessels near the skin’s surface get larger to help you lose heat and cool off. This then lowers the body temperature.
Hot flushes result from hormonal changes in the body, and is likely to be from a rapid decrease in oestrogen.
Along with hot flushes there may be palpitations and anxiety.
How can I Control Hot Flushes During Menopause Naturally?
A lot of women do not want to take HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) or are unable to take HRT for medical reasons. There are ways that you can control your hot flushes naturally.
For mild symptoms, hot flushes can be kept under control by:
Use of fans
Lowering of room temperature
Avoidance of triggers such as alcohol and spices
Increasing the number of foods rich in Vitamins B and E you eat
Increasing the amount of Magnesium. This can either be through Epsom Salts baths or from Magnesium lotion or spray.
Even if the hot flushes are more severe, there are things that you can do to deal with the symptoms naturally :
Meditation - a study published in and American Menopause Journal found that meditation helped ease hot flushes
Hypnosis
Exercise regularly
Yoga - can help with the effects of menopause including hot flushes
Black Cohosh herbal remedy - can be used to reduce the severity of hot flushes.
Take homeopathic remedies for menopausal symptoms. Studies show that homeopathy is effective in treating hot flushes and night sweats in menopausal women. There are a number of remedies that may help. Commonly used homeopathic remedies for hot flushes are Sepia, Lachesis, Belladonna, and Sulphur.
Read further information on homeopathy and menopause. I have written other articles on menopause that may be of interest.
If you would like a 'Menopause Relief Naturally' guide, download here.
If you would like to take the next step and to discuss your menopausal symptoms, feel free to book a free discovery call with me or email me.
Is homeopathy for you?
Homeopathy is used all over the world for so many health issues. Homeopathy may be used to balance out your hormones and help your menopausal symptoms naturally.
Whether you have a big health issue that is stopping you from getting on with your life, or niggly health 'annoyances', feel free to contact me if you think I may be able to help.
I am always happy to hear from you.
Naziana x