Hot flashes and night sweats are some of the most recognizable symptoms of perimenopause, but they can also be some of the most frustrating. These sudden waves of heat and excessive sweating often strike at the most inconvenient times—whether during a meeting or in the middle of the night. The culprit? Fluctuating estrogen levels that interfere with your body’s temperature regulation. While these symptoms are common, you don’t have to suffer through them without solutions.

I remember a patient, Karen, who told me how her night sweats were disrupting her sleep and leaving her exhausted during the day. We started by identifying potential triggers, such as caffeine and spicy foods, which were aggravating her symptoms. I recommended a personalized approach, including dietary changes, phytoestrogen-rich foods like flaxseeds, and a supplement with black cohosh to help balance her hormones naturally. Karen also incorporated cooling strategies, such as using a fan at night and wearing moistur...

Hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by many middle-aged women, particularly during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden feelings of warmth, sweating, and discomfort, hot flashes can significantly impact daily life and quality of sleep. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help manage hot flashes through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are sudden sensations of heat that typically affect the face, neck, and chest. They can vary in frequency and intensity and are often accompanied by sweating and sometimes chills. Hot flashes are primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in estrogen levels during menopause.

Common Triggers of Hot Flashes

1. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause are the primary cause of hot flashes.
2. Lifestyle Factors: Stress, diet, and certain lifestyle habits can trigger or exa
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