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When menopause occurs due to surgical removal of the ovaries or other trauma (including chemotherapy, Tamoxifen, radiation, and surgical mistakes), nearly 100 percent of the women experience hot flashes. In women who refuse post-operative hormones, the period of hot flashes is, as with biological menopause, almost always under two years, though the flashes are more frequent and more intense than those of women achieving menopause naturally.

Exercise affects hot flashes by decreasing the amount of circulating LH and FSH, by nourishing and tonifying the hypothalamus, and by raising endorphin levels (which plummet when you flash). As little as 20 minutes three times a week can reduce flashes significantly. exercise) help too.

Dear woman,” sighs Grandmother Growth tenderly. I see that Change has thinned the protective layers hiding your anger, your fears, your grief. Yes, I see your hidden feelings and secret desires exposed a little more with each hot flash. You may think your feelings are out of proportion, too sharp, quite irrational, possibly insane. But, I assure you, they are only raw from neglect. Receive them without judgment, nourish them, and your uncontrollable’ feelings during the menopausal years will lead you to the deepest heart of your own secrets.
Garden sage (Salvia) is an ancient ally for emotionally distressed midlife women. In some societies, only crones were allowed to drink the brew made from the nubbly leaves (at least partly because it delays menses and dries up breast milk). I make a full quart of infusion, steeping an ounce of dried sage overnight. I dilute this strong brew, mixing a few spoonfuls into hot water or warm milk and honey when I want to consume it. The undiluted infusion keeps for weeks refrigerated, unlike most infusions which spoil quickly. It’s a great hair rinse, too.

Adrenaline, made by the adrenal glands, is the fight or flight” hormone. During menopause, when the adrenals take on the extra task of contributing estrogen/estrone to the hormonal dance, they can easily become depleted. Depleted adrenals often over-react, giving rise to sudden sensations of anxiety, fear, and nervousness. For example, the need to make a minor decision can cause a surge of adrenaline, triggering a hot flash and leaving you feeling mentally blank, physically wiped out, anxious, and fearful.


Published on February 23, 2025.

Tagged: nonfiction   health   books