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 “Don’t tell a woman she’s pretty; tell her there’s no other woman like her,
and all roads will open to you”

Jules Renard

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From the aftermath of the Women's Health Initiative Study, where it was reported that "hormone therapy" is not the magic pill we once thought, many women have stopped taking their hormones, only to discover that their hot flashes have returned with a vengeance!

To relieve mild hot flashes, you can:

• Dress in layers
• Practice deep breathing
• Avoid hot flash triggers (alcohol and spicy foods)
• For severe hot flashes that are disruptive to your body and soul, I would like to recommend Vitamin C with bioflavonoids.

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps to destroy unstable molecules than can damage cells and make them more susceptible to cancer. Vitamin C boosts your immune system. In addition, studies have shown it also helps to lower blood pressure, which can protect your arteries and heart.

Bioflavonoids are compounds found in citrus fruits that have been shown to protect capillaries and other small blood vessels. Research has found that by strengthening and stabilizing capillaries and other small blood vessels, these supplements in combination can prevent hot flashes from occurring.

You can find supplements that combine vitamin C with bioflavonoids at most health food stores, and over the counter at many pharmacies. Look for a supplement that contains 500 to 1000 milligrams of vitamin C, and 200 to 500 milligrams of bioflavonoids per capsule. Peridin C is one supplement that meets these requirements. Bioflavonoids are also widely available in supplements as quercitin, rutin, or hesperidin.

As with any supplement you choose to take, always discuss this with your health care practitioner and report any side effects or concerns with them as well.

For a more in depth discussion of complementary and alternative medicine, the benefits and choices, please refer to chapter six in my book Feelin’ Hot?, entitled "Every Woman Loves a Compliment." There I discuss the difference between alternative medicine and traditional medical practices.

Rebecca J. Hulem has 28 years experience in the medical community and is the author of Feelin’ Hot and contributing author to two additional books. To sign up for her free menopause newsletter or for further information, please refer to her website at http://themenopauseexpert.com.