I have been suffering from hormone disruption that I believe was caused by exposure to environmental toxins. I started having hot flashes 2 1/2 years ago. It took me a while to make the connection between toxins and my body because of my age (in 40's). Anyway, always an advocate of natural remedies, I tried maca. It worked like a dream and my hot flashes disappeared for a few months. Then they returned and the maca no longer worked. To make a long story short, I've tried many different herbs and natural formulas, nothing has worked. I found this site and eagerly tried drinking organic ACV twice daily. I can't remember the amount, I think 1 or 2 tablespoons in water. It worked for one day. What's worse is that it had a HORRIBLE effect on my teeth. Plaque and sensitivity increased. (I have now started oil pulling organic unrefined coconut oil and even after the first time, the plaque on the my teeth that I used to feel with my tongue, has disappeared. What a God-send! I thought that it was downhill all the way, concerning my teeth).
Anyway, after a week of still having hot flashes and feeling my teeth degrade (even after brushing my teeth after drinking the ACV AND also using a straw), I gave up on it. Maybe because the root of my issue is toxins and not a natural reproductive process, the ACV and other remedies are not working. What I have found is that some things work for one day. It's like my body would be curious about the new substance and take a break from producing hot flashes to spend time dealing with the new substance, then, once it figured it out, go back to making the hot flashes. In doing research, I've discovered that my liver has probably been overworked. I now eat a very plain cleaning diet of veggies, fruits, nuts and beans. I think I am overly yang and need to become more yin. I also plan to renew my yoga practice because I know that yoga is SUPER for the liver (especially any forward bend). I can't do a stronger cleanse because it over works my liver causes a greater hormonal imbalance. I also started drinking a quart of sage and milk thistle tea a day. After 2 months of this diet and tea, my hot flashes have been reduced. Now it just seems like I have "heat sensitivity" where if it's hot (and it's been over 90) I get a flash. But if I feel cool, I'm fine. Lastly, along with the hot flashes, the sweating odor was a nightmare. I learned here about using 1/2 of a fresh organic lime to rub over my body (where it was sweating), wait 10 minutes and shower. This has been FANTASTIC! I also use an all natural organic lemongrass soap or the popular peppermint castille soap. But even if I run out of the soap and use another, the lime has performed a miracle. Limes have antibacterial properties that prep my body so that the sweating doesn't create funk.
