TESTING
Beyond the Heat
Let's clear up a common misconception about hot flashes and estrogen levels. Having hot flashes doesn't always mean you have low estrogen overall. Surprising, right? Research doesn't consistently show a link between how much estrogen you have in your body and how often or severe your hot flashes are. What causes a hot flash is when a part of your brain called the hypothalamus gets triggered. It releases heat in response to stress hormones like norepinephrine and epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Even if a woman has a lot of estrogen, a sudden drop in estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes. But it's not that simple—other things like high or low cortisol, low progesterone, or low serotonin can also bring on hot flashes. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for hot flashes.
For women going through late perimenopause dealing with hot flashes, a mix of the following seems to work well:
2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed every day (start with a small amount and build up to 2 tablespoons (if tolerated)
Vitex twice daily (like Gaia Herbs Vitex Berry)
Cutting back on caffeine, especially strong doses like in coffee
Reducing alcohol, and avoiding wine, especially red wine
Focusing on stress relief and developing habits for managing stress
Taking daily maca root powder, starting with a small amount
If you need more help, consider black cohosh too
Chronic stress can mess with your hormones and lead to low progesterone, causing an imbalance. Many women with tough hot flashes find they have low progesterone when tested. Ovaries start making less progesterone about five years before menopause, and it drops faster than estrogen. When the ovaries slow down, the adrenal gland has to step in, but it might struggle, especially with other stress factors.
For those who wake up with nighttime hot flashes, usually between 2-4 am, it might be due to a surge in cortisol. Taking calming herbs before bedtime, like holy basil or ashwagandha, and extracts that soothe adrenaline, like magnolia or l-theanine, can help. One remedy I like is Xymogen's CortiSolv.
In navigating the complexities of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes, a personalized and holistic approach is key. What works for one person may not work for another, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and understanding the unique factors contributing to each woman's experience.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
It is essential to consult with your physician or healthcare professional before incorporating any supplements or making significant changes to your health regimen.
