I'm 62 years old, and I've had hot flushes for 12 years. I'm really at the end of my tether, and they seem to be getting more severe. What can I do?

You are considered through the menopause after not having had any periods for 2 years.

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, then menopause-like symptoms after all this time 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 very 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.

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

Eileen Durward