hot flushes

[loopy lass]

can anyone help with suggestions for coping with hot flushes and night sweats, my mother in law is suffering at the moment and can't get into the doctor until the new year, any suggestions gratefully received.

[beejaybee]

Black Cohosh available from any health shop. Sage is also good.

[loopy lass]

thanks beejaybee, do you think one would be better than than the other? she is on blood pressure tablets and thyroxine do you know if they clash?

[slipnot]

Try to cut out coffee/nicotine etc and try chamomile or herbal/fruit teas. Once she can make an appt with her doctor it's also wise to get a blood test for thyroid and sugar levels as the symptoms for these can be identical to menopause and it's best to rule these out if poss.

[ethandron]

unfortunately, if they're due to menopause there's not a whole heck of a lot you can do about them, apart from hrt, and learning to live with them and adjust your clothing accordingly (light, cotton layers rather than thick sweaters, no socks or tights, dump your nightie or pyjamas and sleep naked, try not to worry about them or get embarrassed). they do pass, and you do get used to them.