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...