“If you have hot flashes, it just means you need more estrogen!”

I see this quoted almost every day on social media (especially in certain Facebook groups that are supposedly led by experts in hormone therapy) and every time, it makes me want to scream.

No, hot flashes do not automatically mean that you need more estrogen and here’s why:

Some women with high estrogen levels have hot flashes, most likely because they have down-regulated (decreased) their estrogen receptors because they are making or using too much estrogen. (This is especially common in women who are using blood testing to follow hormone levels.)

Some women with estrogen dominance (low progesterone in relationship to estrogen) will have hot flashes, even if estrogen levels are within normal range.

Up to 50% of hot flashes in menopausal women may be caused by high cortisol levels from too much stress.

Certain foods (especially sugary foods) and alcohol intake can cause hot flashes.

Vitamin D deficiency may cause hot flashes, especially a hot, sweaty head.

Infections and inflammation can cause hot flashes.

Lymphomas, leukemia and other types of cancer can cause hot flashes

Many medications can cause hot flashes- including prednisone, ovulation inducers (Clomid), estrogen receptor modulators (tamoxifen), SSRIs and several other anti-depressants, and some blood pressure meds.

Hyperthyroidism can cause hot flashes, whether it’s from someone making too much thyroid hormone, or from using too much or unnecessary thyroid replacement, frequently on the recommendations of “thyroid experts” who have little to no actual medical training.

Niacin supplements frequently cause hot flashes.

So jumping to conclusions that all hot flashes are caused by low estrogen levels can be extremely dangerous. Firstly, by giving women estrogen they don’t need, which could be a risk factor for migraines, gallbladder problems, and breast issues, including cancer. Secondly, by potentially missing other diagnoses that could cause damage if they are not identified. Thirdly, by not getting relief of symptoms and continuing to suffer. Especially if those hot flashes are causing poor sleep-which is another factor contributing to disease in the future.

And very importantly, the above facts show that the only way to know if your estrogen level is high, low, or normal and in balance with everything else is to test and find out what your levels really are. Going strictly by symptoms just is not enough.

If you would like to order a saliva test to figure out what your levels are, you can use this link to order one.

ZRT Female Profile #3

This link will allow you to order a saliva test and receive results, but it does not include interpretation. If you would like information on how to work with me to explain your results or if you would like to work with me so that I can teach you how to interpret your own results, send me an email.