I'm 65 years old. Why am I still having hot flushes day and night?

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 then 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 multivit with extra magnesium.

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.

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

Eileen Durward