Managing Hot Flushes During Peri/menopause

There you are, just going about your day. 

You might be mid-conversation, or in a grocery shop. Or simply working away at the computer, with no change in any external conditions. 

Then boom. Out of nowhere. It’s like fire ravaging your body. 

Your chest and face turn red. Sweat is beading across your skin as you rush to take off every layer of clothing. Desperate to find a way to cool down. 

Then as quickly as the heat took over, chills spread across your body. Like you’re on day two of a nasty flu. 

Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. 

More than 80% of women experience hot flushes during perimenopause and menopause. 

And frankly, it’s an extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient symptom. 

So what can be done about it? 

Well, I’m glad you asked. Because the answer is: plenty. 

But first, it helps to understand what’s actually happening inside your body when you experience a hot flush. 

The rollercoaster that is perimenopause.

From around the age of 35, estrogen goes on a roller coaster ride, while progesterone quietly leaves the scene.

To get a simple understanding of what this does to you, here’s a basic guide: 

• Symptoms of high estrogen include breast pain, heavy periods, fluid retention, irritable mood, and (in some cases) a histamine or mast cell reaction (ie. allergic reactions).
• Symptoms of dropping estrogen include depression, weight gain, hot flushes, and night sweats.
• Symptoms of low progesterone include insomnia, heavy periods, and hormonal migraines.

While all of this might make you feel like you’re riding an emotional rollercoaster, there are ways in which we can help manage any symptoms that you’re experiencing.

So what can I do to stop the flushes?

Well the good news is, there are options. 

You may not be aware, but one of the best ways to support your perimenopausal journey – and all its related symptoms – is to start with your gut health. 

Specifically with an anti-inflammatory diet. 

By establishing the right anti-inflammatory diet you will support the health of your gut microbiome. Most importantly, your estrobolome, which is a collection of bacteria in the gut that can metabolise and modulate estrogen. 

And as the symptoms outlined above would suggest, it’s a bacteria we really want to support.  

So now you’re thinking, ok – this all sounds great. But how do you go about creating and following the right anti-inflammatory diet? 

Our Nourish and Flourish 5-Day Meal Plan (with recipes) will assist with reducing inflammation in your body to minimise hot flushes and other symptoms related to peri/menopause. Click the image below to download your copy now for free.