Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 4/6/2006

Question
 hi..my girlfriend is age 49 and having hot flashes and night sweats. i tried doing a search for herbs, et., that would help, but they all want to sell something. is there any health food you can recommend for this condition? thank you!

Answer
James,
There are many natural options that may help your girlfriend with her symptoms.  Areas to consider working on:  
1.  restoring adrenal, thyroid, and liver health for easier menopausal transition
2.  organic, whole foods diet high in vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes; moderate in natural soy foods (like tofu, tempeh, edamame, and miso),fats, meats and dairy; low in sugars, refined/ processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine  
3.  moderate exercise, restorative sleep and stress reduction
4.  Completing a cleanse or detoxifcation program to minimize the effects of a lifetime of toxic exposure and revitalize the whole system.
5.  Tonic herbs that can be used in foods, teas, and supplements:  Trifolium pratense (red clover) For detoxification and phytoestrogen; alfalfa for phytoestrogen and mineral content; sage for temperature regulation (hot flashes)
6.  Other herbs for symptoms:  Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), dong quai
7.  Supplements:  Vitamin E, Essential fatty acids (fish and flax oils), and bone builders like calcium, magnesium, boron, manganese, silica, zinc, copper, vitamins B, D, and K.
Two excellent books on the subject are Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Tori Hudson, ND and Creating and Maintaining Balance:  A Woman's Guide to Safe Natural Hormone Health by Holly Lucille, ND