How long do I have to put up with having hot flushes?

You are considered through the menopause after not having had any periods for 2 years, and by then your symptoms should be tailing off.

If you are still experiencing menopause-like symptoms after all this time, then they may be due to other factors such as low iron, low thyroid or low vitamin D. It may be a good idea to ask your doctor to test for these just to rule them out.

If it is not any of these menopause-like symptoms after all this time, it may be an indication that your nervous system is overwhelmed, (also known as Adrenal Stress).

In this situation, it is very important to do supportive work for the adrenals such as taking a high strength multivitamin with extra magnesium.

Liquorice tea can be helpful as well. I would also suggest acupuncture as it can be very effective for adrenal stress.Studies have shown that daily relaxation can reduce symptoms quickly so make having 30 minutes of relaxation a day a priority.

Check your diet too; avoid caffeine, and high salt and sugar foods, as these can all trigger the adrenals contributing to symptoms.

In the meantime, you may find sage tablets helpful. These are traditionally used for hot flushes and night sweats.

Eileen Durward