Menopause and Flushes

One of the most common and distressing symptom of menopause is flushing.

The flush itself feels horrible and makes you self conscious can not only be a social embarrassment but interupt your sleep leading to exhaustion and irritability.

With 60% of menopausal women in Australia suffering with symptoms, and 2/3 of these having flushes, it is a big issue.

Flushing and flashing (getting hot with no sweat) start as a warm, feeling that wells up throughout your body. Often starting below the rib cage and spreading upwards. Often you will experience a reddened neck and face, some will perspire and others may have skipped heart beats.

They can leave your feeling anxious, flustered and suffocated.

They seem to have a mind of their own, with no correlation to activities, foods, or time of day.

They can be quick, wake you up, occur at inopportune moments and drive you crazy!

I have consulted many women over the years in my hormone clinic, who have had flushes as frequent as every 20 minutes. And sometime during our consultations, women can have 1-2 flushes. They are uncomfortable, intrusive and disruptive.

Flushing can make you miserable, make you anxious and make you a sleep deprived pulp that is ready to throw yourself off a cliff. ARGGGGHH.

Is there anything you can do about a menopause flush?

Understanding what drives your flashes and flushes will be your guide to managing them. Unfortunately that is easier said than done and they can have various causes.

The most common cause is a hormone changes (high or low estrogen, low progesterone, low testosterone, high cortisol).

Foods can also triggers a flush, notably red wine, chili and spicy foods.

Extreme temperature changes, deep sleep and stress can affect individuals.

Ah, the cog mire of flushing/flashing can be a treacherous ground.

Here are some home-remedies that may help.

1. Eat more greens

Green is the new pink!

Green leafy vegetables offer women so many nutrients, phyto-nutrients and more.

They contain isoflavones (which can help modulate your own hormones) and also help your liver metabolise hormones. Green leafy vegetables (kale, Chinese greens, mesclun, lettuce, sprouts, spinach, silver beet etc) alkalise your body, supply it with Vit C, B group vitamins, iron and much more!

AIM to have 2 cups of these incredible super foods a day.

2. Avoid HOT things

Red things make us hot!

I guess that’s not surprising. Red things such as chillis, red wine, even tomatoes can make us “heat up”.

Often due to the salicylate content and other naturally occurring components, these red items can heat you up! Avoid them at dinner if you want a restful sleep.

3. Exercise

Interestingly (and I haven’t read substantial data on this) but I have observed when women do a combination of “up activities – running, spin classes, PT session) and balance them with down activities (yoga, body balance, tai chi, walking etc) flush less.

This could be due to the lowering of cortisol that occurs, or simply that your body is getting to do an overall balance.

4. Lose weight

YUP easier said than done and if you have some hormone changes taking place it’s probably the most over whelming thing you need to deal with. But it will make a massive difference. Women who are leaner, healthier, fitter, seemingly have less flushing.

Start by decreasing white carbs (bread, milk, sugar, pasta, potato, rice) and see if your flushes reduce.

If you need more guidance I have an on-line 7 Day Bust Through Menopause.

It is designed specifically for women about to go through menopause or in it.

I discuss what changes occur in your body, why they occur, common symptoms experienced and how you can test for it.

I give you suggestions for food, exercise, herbals and more. To find out more click here: