I have been getting severe hot flushes that can last up to 30 minutes and make me feel very sick. These have increased since I was in a bad car accident in December 2013. I have been experiencing Peri-menopausal symptoms for many years and I am 52 years old now. I also have high blood pressure so the doctors won't put me on HRT. Is there anything I can do that may help me sleep better?

Physical stress such as a car accident can weaken the adrenal system in the body, making your symptoms worse.

So in this situation it is very important to do supportive work for the adrenals such as taking a high strength multi-vitamin with extra magnesium, (aim to work up to at least 400-600mg per day).

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 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.

Low iron and low thyroid can also cause similar symptoms so it is a good idea to ask your doctor to test for these if they haven't done so already.

In the meantime, you may find sage tablets helpful for the flushes.

Eileen Durward