Surviving Hot Flashes and Night Sweats!
By Nisha Jackson PhD, MS, WHCNP, HHP
The ebb and flow of female hormones during perimenopause are responsible for hot flashes and night sweats. Most women I work with experience these symptoms at two different times each month. The first time occurs during ovulation, when the estrogen level rises, then falls. The second time can occur a few days before a woman gets her period, but sometimes can last the full two weeks leading up to it. At both times hormone levels – especially progesterone – are on the decline. When progesterone is not in balance with estrogen, hot flashes and night sweats can cause the hallmark “power surges” of perimenopause.
A basic difference between a woman in perimenopause and a woman in her twenties is that the perimenopausal woman often has lowered levels of progesterone – and sometimes estrogen – at specific points in her cycle.
Plan of action
When a woman begins having hot flashes, it’s a sure sign that her hormone levels are out of sync. Having hormone levels tested is the first plan of action in banishing these annoying symptoms. A simple blood test helps identify whether progesterone or estrogen levels are low before your period or if your estrogen levels are high during ovulation. Once your levels have been tested, you can decide to treat symptoms either with supplements, or, more aggressively, with natural hormones.
Labs in a box
Next post will help you base your decisions on a few considerations. In the meantime, at Balanced Docs, did you know that one feature at our clinic is that you can get your labs tested, even if you don’t live locally? It’s called “Labs in a Box” and it’s a hormone kit to take to a local draw station with full instructions. This kit will then be sent back to our state-of-the-art hormone specialty laboratory for analysis, assessment, and and then you’ll be given a treatment plan.
I’ve included the link in case you are interested in this option!
Best of Health! Nish!