A reprieve from the hot flashes, Lots of questions... Options

[Gracie2006]

This is very strange. I have not had a hot flash since my last period which started about three weeks ago now. I have been bone chilling cold quite a lot, but no hot flashes. I half wonder if some of the new supplements to promote hormone balance are kicking in (DIM and Chaste Berry). I also wonder if the Mediterranean diet I have been on is helping in the hormone department? Those are the only two things that I am doing differently than I was before when I was having hot flashes. Has anyone here experienced a "vacation" from hot flashes only to have them return? If anyone else is eating a Mediterranean diet have you noticed any reduction in your peri symptoms? Does anyone know if the cessation of hot flashes means the end of peri is near?

[Floater]

Generally hot flashes get worse towards the end of peri and into menopause.

Maybe you supplements and diet are helping, but whatever is causing it...ENJOY IT!! I suspect they will return. During peri mine came and went, and even now, in menopause and on BHRT they come and go. Summer is always tougher with the flashes than winter.

I would say continue doing what you are doing, and enjoy the vacation from the flashes!

[RedFox]

Hi Gracie. I've been having hot flashes for four years, and yes, mine come and go. Sometimes they're mild, sometimes intense. From what I've read, I do think supplements and diet can help. I've been eating a vegetarian Mediterranean diet for about 20 years now, so I don't know if it helps me, but I would like to think so. I haven't heard of DIM (what is it?), but have tried Chasteberry. I think it's supposed to help more with moods and reducing symptoms of PMS, rather than reduce hot flashes though. I began taking black cohosh, which does help with hot flashes sometimes, and I believe it's working for me. I'm post-menopausal (since November 2008), and I'm still getting them. Everyone is so different here -- I know a woman who is 85 and complains of them! Then, there are the lucky ones who never get them. Have you read in Power Surge's library about hot flashes? I found lots of answers to my questions and some good advice there.

[Gracie2006]

Hi Gracie. I've been having hot flashes for four years, and yes, mine come and go. Sometimes they're mild, sometimes intense. From what I've read, I do think supplements and diet can help. I've been eating a vegetarian Mediterranean diet for about 20 years now, so I don't know if it helps me, but I would like to think so. I haven't heard of DIM (what is it?), but have tried Chasteberry. I think it's supposed to help more with moods and reducing symptoms of PMS, rather than reduce hot flashes though. I began taking black cohosh, which does help with hot flashes sometimes, and I believe it's working for me. I'm post-menopausal (since November 2008), and I'm still getting them. Everyone is so different here -- I know a woman who is 85 and complains of them! Then, there are the lucky ones who never get them. Have you read in Power Surge's library about hot flashes? I found lots of answers to my questions and some good advice there.

I am estrogen dominant, which is why I take the DIM. I knew the Chaste Berry is more for PMS symptoms and breast pain, I just mentioned it because it is something new I was taking.

Iherb.com explains that DIM is diindolylmethane, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale. Unlike other plant nutrients such as soy isoflavones, diindolylmethane has unique hormonal benefits. It supports the activity of enzymes that improve estrogen metabolism. Scientific research shows diindolylmethane increases the level of "favorable" estrogens (2-hydroxy-estrogen) while reducing the level of "less flavorable" estrogens (16-hydroxyestrogen).

vitamintrader.com says: A. DIM has a direct effect on the hormone estrogen and how it is metabolized.

Estrogen has many beneficial activities in the human body: regulating the growth and development of reproductive organs, controlling the growth of the uterine lining, assisting in promotion of fertilization and pregnancy, maintaining the normal structure of skin and blood vessels, maintaining bone structure, and regulating various metabolic processes. However, excessive prolonged exposure to estrogen is also associated with serious health problems. Women with higher levels of estrogen circulating in their bloodstreams have a higher incidence of breast cancer. And, certain estrogen metabolites are directly linked to the development of several types of cancer.

Scientists have discovered that 2-methoxyestrogens, one of several types of estrogen, can actually inhibit the growth of malignant tumors. Researchers have speculated that increasing production of this "good" estrogen would be very beneficial. This is where DIM enters the picture-DIM can successfully increase the ratio of "good" to "bad" estrogen. DIM supplementation specifically promotes beneficial estrogen metabolism and helps restore a healthy hormonal balance.

[RedFox]

Gracie, thanks for taking the time to explain DIM. I had heard of the good and bad estrogens before, but sure didn't know about this supplement and how it helps to increase the good estrogen. It's great to know that this nutrient is found in cruciferous veggies -- I usually eat some every day; though I assume in taking the supplement, DIM, you're getting quite a bit more.

I understand your comment about the chasteberry now, and I see why you might wonder if this herb had anything to do with the vacation from hot flashes. Hey, who knows? Maybe it does, as synergistic effects aren't often understood.

I'm surprised that the black cohosh seems to be working for me, as I've read about lots of studies saying it doesn't work. The reason I think it's working is I quit taking it for about 3 weeks, and after a couple of days, my hot flashes began to increase in frequency and intensity. I started taking it again, and in a few days, they decreased. Now, I suppose it could be coincidental -- who really knows? But... I'm thinking it's helping. If you haven't tried it, and when your hot flashes return (unless you're lucky!), you might want to consider it.

Hey, I really hope your hot flashes don't come back! Wouldn't that be grand?!

[DH59]

I'm not taking chasteberry, but I have also recently started taking DIM. I can definitely see a difference in the intensity and frequency of my hot flushes, and I've only been taking it just over a week. No other 'natural' remedy (and I've taken quite a few!) has had any effect whatsoever on any of my peri issues.

I also take Vit C, B complex, zinc, flax seed capsules, but I've been taking these for some months now, and I haven't noticed any obvious result from these - I just carry on with them because they're probably doing some good somewhere. I have also recently started Co-q10.

[LadyNRed1997]

This is all good reading. I do have one question.... can someone describe to me the differene between a hot flash and a flush?

[Gracie2006]

This is all good reading. I do have one question.... can someone describe to me the differene between a hot flash and a flush?

I always thought they were the same thing?

[Gracie2006]

I'm not taking chasteberry, but I have also recently started taking DIM. I can definitely see a difference in the intensity and frequency of my hot flushes, and I've only been taking it just over a week. No other 'natural' remedy (and I've taken quite a few!) has had any effect whatsoever on any of my peri issues.

I also take Vit C, B complex, zinc, flax seed capsules, but I've been taking these for some months now, and I haven't noticed any obvious result from these - I just carry on with them because they're probably doing some good somewhere. I have also recently started Co-q10.

I'm glad to hear about your response to the DIM. I suspect it is the thing that is helping me as well. How much do you take? I take 200mg/day.

[DH59]

This is all good reading. I do have one question.... can someone describe to me the differene between a hot flash and a flush?

I think you say flash, we say flush. I'm in the UK.

[DH59]

I'm glad to hear about your response to the DIM. I suspect it is the thing that is helping me as well. How much do you take? I take 200mg/day.

I'm taking the same amount. I'm stocking up on the stuff. I'm sure in a couple of months these hormones will be more settled. I'm going to give it a good trial, but I'm sure it's doing something.

[LadyNRed1997]

I think you say flash, we say flush. I'm in the UK.

ok, I just wanted to make sure. That does make sense. I call mine surges because that's what a few of them felt like!

thanks again!