Ask Dr. Gott » hot flashes

On entering perimenopause

Dr. Gott — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:01:29 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m 48 years old and just had what appeared to be a hot flash. Does this mean I’m going through menopause? My menstrual cycle has been sort of regular, but I’m not sure that I’m ready for this next phase in my life.

DEAR READER: Menopause occurs only after a woman stops menstruating completely for 12 months. My guess is you have perimenopause, a stage that precedes menopause. This occurs because your body is not producing hormones as it did before. It generally consists of irregular cycles. They may be more frequent, shorter in length, lighter, or you may skip a month or two only to return to a normal monthly pattern. You may experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes or periods of poor concentration. Your hair may thin, and you may experience insomnia. Things won’t be as bad as they sound. Speak with your physician or gynecologist if you have specific questions.

The key is to take care of your body, eat well, exercise often, don’t smoke, and take life a day at a time.

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 made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44091-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

Bee pollen helps reader with night sweats

Dr. Gott — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:01:00 +0000

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.

Daily Column

Dr. Gott — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:00:07 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I read your letter from the 57-year-old lady with hot flashes. I also was bothered with the problem until someone told me to take bee pollen. I took 550 mg twice daily and haven’t had any flashes for years. I hope you can pass this on.

DEAR READER:
Hot flashes occur when a portion of the brain known as the hypothalamus gets mixed signals and cannot determine if the body is hot or cold. The action causes blood vessels to expand and contract in an irregular pattern. An increased flow of blood triggers a feeling of heat, with flushing of the face, neck and chest. This is often followed by chills, or a cooling down as the blood vessels contract.

Flashes can last from as few as 15 seconds to up to an hour. They can be mild to severe in intensity. During a flash a woman might experience weakness, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, loss of sleep, or headache.

Hot flashes can be triggered by white sugar, stress, hot weather, spicy foods, drinks containing alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use, and more. A woman experiencing hot flashes often knows what is likely to trigger an attack and should avoid the stimulation.

Flashes deplete the body of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. Supplements to counteract those depletions and deter flashes are available in the form of vitamin E in dosages between 400 and 800 IU daily; bioflavonoids in dosages of 250 mg five to six times daily; evening primrose oil, chickweed tincture, ginseng, bee pollen in doses of 500 mg taken three times a day, and more. Progesterone creams are absorbed directly through the skin. Some women even obtain relief through acupuncture.

If the bee pollen works for you, I suggest you stick with it. For others who wish to try supplements, you might give the supplement a try. Please let me know of your success or failure so I can report back.