Why do menopausal women get hot flushes?

Why do menopausal women get hot flushes?

It’s still not completely clear why women suffer from hot flushes with the menopausal transition and afterwards. However, researchers are gaining a better understanding of why these symptoms occur. It seems we all have an internal “thermostat”. Our bodies like to stay within a certain 

Hypnosis for hot flushes

Hypnosis for hot flushes

I read a fascinating article today about a clinical trial on hypnosis for hot flushes. After five sessions, hot flushes decreased by almost 70% in the group that received clinical hypnosis. This is amazing! Wouldn’t you love a 70% decrease in your flushes? The control 

What’s this perimenopause about anyway?

What’s this perimenopause about anyway?

You’re feeling extra premenstrual, your cycle is all over the place and you’re starting to get those hot flushes your girlfriends have been talking about. Is it the perimenopause and what does this mean? The term perimenopause is often used to describe the years leading 

If you’re having hot flushes, you’re not alone

If you’re having hot flushes, you’re not alone

Feeling hot? Can’t sleep at night from tossing the blankets on and off? Sweating during meetings? Cardigan going on and off all day? You’re not alone – a whopping three-quarters of women experience hot flushes during the menopausal transition (the years leading up to the 

Could High Intensity Interval Training be the answer for menopausal weight gain?

Could High Intensity Interval Training be the answer for menopausal weight gain?

I have many patients complain to me about an increase in weight during and after the menopause. I still don’t know if this is due to the menopause itself, or due to a gradual lowering of the metabolic rate over the years (mostly due to 

Some good news for post-menopausal women – drink wine for healthy bones

Some good news for post-menopausal women – drink wine for healthy bones

It’s not always that post-menopausal women get a break. I lie, they are prone to breaks. Broken bones, that is, from osteoporosis, or thin bones. However, a recent review has produced some fabulous conclusions. Drinking wine reduces the risk of hip fracture. Yes, that means 

Beat those hot flushes with this pearl of an idea

Beat those hot flushes with this pearl of an idea

You gotta love something that is endorsed by Oprah, no? Imagine cooling yourself down in the heat of a hot flush, with a set of classy pearls. That’s right, pearls! Or something that looks a lot like pearls anyway – these babies contain cooling gel. 

Alternatives to HRT for treatment of menopausal hot flushes

Alternatives to HRT for treatment of menopausal hot flushes

I speak to many women who do not wish to start HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) for various reasons – some have a family history of breast cancer, or risk factors for stroke/heart disease, or simply want something non-pharmacological. Unfortunately there are few good alternatives, although 

Smoking leads to earlier menopause (along with the other problems)

Smoking leads to earlier menopause (along with the other problems)

It’s been long recognised that smokers go through the menopause earlier than non-smokers, and a recent large study confirms this. The lead author is quoted as saying “‘General consensus is that earlier menopause is likely to be associated with the larger number and higher risk 

Some great sites on menopause

Some great sites on menopause

Not all websites are created equal… but here are some reliable ones by independent (read: non-commercial) organisations. http://www.managingmenopause.org.au – maintained by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, a national not-for-profit women’s health foundation (and a close collaborator on our acupuncture for hot flushes study – we