DEAR DR. GOTT: I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your column. Two years ago, I had been suffering from night sweats owing to perimenopause, and your column advised taking bee pollen. I tried it, and within just a few days, my night sweats all but disappeared. I kept taking the bee pollen (1,000 milligrams daily) for a few months and then stopped, thinking I didn’t need it anymore. Several months passed with no sweats, but recently they began again, as well as periodic daytime hot flashes. I went back on the bee pollen and, again, after just a few days, I don’t have any more sweating, day or night! I just wanted to pass this on to you and your readers, and to thank you, again, for your wonderful advice.
DEAR READER: Thank you for your kind comments. I am happy to have helped.
Bee pollen has been used for years. It is touted to cure certain health problems and to be an exceptionally nutritious food. It has undergone years of research, but so far, nothing can be confirmed. However, there is a plethora of anecdotal information about its use and benefits, especially online.
Bee pollen is simply pollen that is collected from the bodies of bees. It has vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and carbohydrates and may even contain some bee saliva.
Available in many health-food stores, it can be found as a supplement or in skin-softening products. Some even claim that it can be beneficial in treating or even curing, asthma, allergies, alcoholism, stomach upset and more, but remember that none of this has been proven scientifically.
If you suffer from allergies to pollen, this supplement may cause a serious or even life-threatening reaction, so it is important to talk to your physician before using it. It shouldn’t be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women but otherwise appears to be safe for short-term use.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Menopause.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
