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  |  Women's Health  |  Menopause & HRT  |  Help with hot flushes
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Help with hot flushes

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
I am 52 and suffer from bad hot flushes and even worse night sweats. My doctor has told me that I cannot take HRT because of a history of vascular weakness in the form of migraine. Alternative remedies have done nothing to alleviate my symptoms. Any suggestions?

answer
You haven't mentioned which alternatives you have tried, but sage leaf, black cohosh, and isoflavones are all worth trying. Several studies have shown standardised extracts of black cohosh are at least as effective as HRT in relieving hot flushes, and actually outperformed diazepam and HRT in relieving low mood and anxiety. Another possibility is progesterone cream.

I would also recommend homeopathic hormones. Have you tried consulting a medical herbalist or homeopath for individual advice?

Information on dietary changes that will help can be found in my book, Menopause - what you really need to know (Robinson, £9.99).

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