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Feeling flush … during the day, or experiencing hot sweats at night?
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Flushes are probably one of the most common complaints associated with the menopause. A hot flush, or ‘tropical moment’ can cause embarrassment through excessive sweating or redness, especially when in work or a public place. Some women suffer from just a few, while others suffer many throughout the day … the following will help you gage how prevalent your flushes are …
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Night Sweats Excessives sweating in bed at night resulting in drenched sheets. |
After a full medical review, your GP will talk to you about your options and help you make a decision should you require Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Not all women need HRT and some are not suitable i.e. if they have suffered from breast cancer. Below are some of the key facts …
- What is HRT? HRT gives your body some extra oestrogen to keep your body’s hormone levels more constant providing welcome relief from symptoms, whilst dealing with many of the bad side effects. These include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep deprivation, vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms.
- What’s the catch? There are certain conflicting studies which have highlighted risks associated with HRT which include reports on coronary heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and blood clots. Your GP will take you through the options helping you make your own informed choice on what’s best for you. HRT is not suitable for women who have been through breast cancer.
- ·How long would I take it? Some women can need help in the form of HRT for 2/3 years, others for longer.
·Who is suitable? Your doctor will give you a thorough medical examination including blood pressure, breast exam and smear test if due, before advising you on your suitability.
Some women who decide not to opt for HRT, deal with their own flushes through non prescriptive and natural therapies which can help alleviate symptoms. There are also some simple common sense tips which can help manage hot flushes which are outlined below.
- A balanced diet is very important at this time. Stay away from refined foods such as white floor, caffeine and alcohol … and opt for foods which contain isoflavones commonly found in soya and also fruit, vegetables, flaxseed and wholegrains. Excessive alcohol ie more than 14 units per week can increase hot flushes so, be wary.
- Be prepared … Natural fabrics such as cotton and layers can help you with temperature control as well as keeping cool water sprays and cold drinks to hand for sudden flushes.
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It has been documented that societies such as the Japanese and Chinese, who have a high consumption of soya in their diet, have a lower incidence of hot flushes during menopause. Reports have suggested that this is due to the phyto oestrogen (isoflavones) content found in soya which short term studies have found to relieve hot flush symptoms in some women in the west.
Patricia Fletcher comments, "Hot flushes are a huge issue for women, especially for those who either dont want, or can't go on HRT. I'm a great believer in isoflavones found in soya and while soya doesn't work for every woman, it can substantially help some manage their hot flushes, especially those who may have 'tropical moments' in public places such as the office."
- Some menopausal women see an improvement in hot flushes and night sweats by taking a 70mg soya daily supplement such as Phyto Soya. Ask your pharmacist for more detail or click on the Phyto Soya logo at the top of the page.
- Regular gentle exercise such as walking can help with mood swings again helping you to find your inner balance.
- Relaxation through yoga or meditation can help you find your balance and manage flushes.
Night Sweats
Night sweats can be particularly uncomfortable with many women needing to change their bed linen andnight clothing during the night. A duvet with layers for all seasons can help; an additional sheet under the duvet which can be changed easily during the night; or bedding with several layers can help. Some women find that a soya supplement such as the Phyto Soya Double Potency can help reduce night sweats, while Phyto Soya's Night & Day includes lemon balm, magnesium and vitamin B6 to help with sleep.
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