Hot flushes are often the first sign of hormonal changes  and can start during perimenopause.  As oestrogen production declines, it changes the way the hypothalamus regulates temperature, making it more sensitive to small changes in body temperature.

Hot flushes typically come on suddenly, usually with heat in the torso, neck, head and face.  This may be accompanied by redness of skin, sweating, and sometimes elevated heart rate.  Flushes can alternate with chills, and are sometimes associated with mood changes, especially anxiety. 

As the production of oestrogen in the ovaries declines, the adrenal glands pick up production and so from menopause the adrenals become the body’s main source of oestrogen.  If our adrenals are already overburdened before menopause, due to long term stress or chronic illness, for example, symptoms will be more likely to occur.  Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and this hormone is prioritised over oestrogen.  This means that if we are experiencing stress, hot flushes may become worse.

Conventional treatment for menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, is with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  For those who wish to take a more natural approach, or are concerned about side effects, there are many natural ways of  maintaining a better hormonal balance as you move through menopause. 

Dietary changes and stress management are very helpful alongside Homeopathic Treatment. Foods that support  rather than burden the liver are recommended and this includes reduced intake of caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and pharmaceuticals. Homeopathic treatment must be individualised taking into account how you are experiencing symptoms during menopause. Below  are just a few remedies that may help however it is advisable to not self prescribe and to seek the help and guidance of a Practitioner.

Amyl nitrosum

Amyl nitrosum is a remedy used in cases where hot flushes may start in the face or stomach with deep facial reddening and a sensation of fullness and throbbing in the face and head.  Flushes are typically followed by profuse drenching sweats and then sometimes a  cold clamminess.  Women who will benefit from this remedy will have a strong desire for fresh air.  Amyl nitrosum is among the main remedies for anxiety in menopause, with a feeling that something is going to happen.  It is also one of the main remedies for palpitations in menopause.

Glonoinum

This remedy has flushes of heat that characteristically rise to the head, with throbbing and pressure in the head.  Symptoms come on suddenly, and the hot flushes are often accompanied by nausea and vertigo.  Women who will benefit from Glonoinum will sometimes experience palpitations and swelling of feet alongside the hot flushes.

Lachesis

Lachesis is one of the main remedies for many symptoms that come on at menopause.  Hot flushes often occur on falling asleep at night, or on waking in the morning.  It is one of the main remedies for hot flushes that come on at night and disturb sleep and flushes may be accompanied by a rush of blood to the head with drenching sweats.  One of the key things about Lachesis in hot flushes is a strong aversion to being around sources of heat and a dislike of anything around the neck.

Sepia

Sepia is a well known homeopathic remedy for symptoms arising during menopause.  The hot flushes typically rise upwards from the chest, come on suddenly, and are accompanied by faintness and feelings of weakness.  There may be perspiration which is either momentary or drenching.  The symptoms may also be associated with anxiety or irritability especially with family.  Sepia is one of the main remedies for irregular bleeding in perimenopause.

Sulphuric acid

This remedy is sometimes indicated in cases where hot flushes are very frequent.  There can be a feeling of being constantly rushed and hurried.  Especially characteristically, there may be a sense of vibration or tremor that accompanies the hot flushes.