I've not had a period for 3 years but I am still getting hot flushes. The problem though, is the aching in my hips and the stiffness in my lower back. I'm also waking up every couple of hours during the night and I often drink about a pint of water.

Menopause-like symptoms after all this time may be an indication of adrenal stress rather than hormonal. 

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, 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