I have not had a period for 3 years. When do the sweats and flushes stop? I have them day and night.

If this is your main symptom, then you can usually sort it out using an extract of sage.

It comes in tincture or tablet form.I suggest starting with the tincture form, as it often gives swifter effects than the tablet and you don't want to wait one more day than you have to!

Take 15 drops in a little water or juice at breakfast and tea time and then 30 drops before you go to bed. You don't need to eat anything with it.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to tell how long symptoms will last as it is different for each woman. Some women may have very few symptoms for a short period of time whereas others may have lots of symptoms over a number of years.

However, symptoms can also be linked to your general health, diet and stress levels so looking after yourself well at this time is really important.

Caffeine sometimes triggers flushes, so keep caffeine intake, (coffee, tea, fizzy drinks), to a minimum and ensure that you are drinking plenty of water to rehydrate yourself. Dehydration can cause feelings of anxiety, which then makes flushes worse.

It's worth checking if anything else seems to trigger the flushes - some women find that spicy foods or sugary foods will affect them.

Also, if you are stressed then flushes tend to come along more frequently, as adrenalin affects circulation. Doing simple breathing exercises, (e.g. counting to 3 on the in breath and another 3 on the out breath), several times a day can often help.

If you feel a flush coming on, taking slow, deep breaths can stop it getting worse. Drink some water and give yourself a minute.

Eileen Durward