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From: MaryW
Date: 10-03-2005, 09:25 AM (1 of 33)
I've had hot flashes for almost three yrs. now. I had them totally under control until about the last month. Now they have come back with a vengence. This is really the pits. It's very hard to get things done like this. Amnesia is another biggie. I haven't slept thru one night for quite a while. I will be sooooooooooooo glad when this is over. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: debsews
Date: 10-03-2005, 01:29 PM (2 of 33)
| Mary: What are you taking if anything? I had the worse time with hot flashes about 10 years ago at the age of 45 and started on a course of different vitamins and herbs. I WILL NOT do the HRT routine. I got it totally under control and haven't really had much trouble since. I haven't slept well for years but I guess I have gotten used to that part. So if you're interested in trying a herbal route you can start with Evening Primrose oil, & Black Cohosh. There are lots of other things you can try but you will have to stick with what you start with for at least 6 weeks to see if it's going to work. Some people see an immediate relief and others have to give it more time. It took some effort to see progress but I wouldn't have done anything differently. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: Longblades
Date: 10-03-2005, 05:37 PM (3 of 33)
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I'm into the hot flashes and night sweats now too. I always had night sweats but now they are worse. Sometimes I wonder why I bother bathing because I just get all sweaty and stinky again so soon and my hair looks ratty from all the sweat. And my doctor, and research on the web, say this can go on for years and years. A friend who is 79 says she still gets them. I'm trying the black cohosh but think stopping the caffeine might have more effect, based on the few times I've managed to go without. I can't go without it because I'm pretty sure my synthroid, for Hypothyroidism, needs to be upped. I'm forgetting things, like people's names, words, stuff I have to do, and that is a symptom of low thyroid function. Just had the blood work done today so will have to wait for the results. I'm not afraid of HRT. I was on it for seven years and still had the night sweats so want to try something else first. Mary, have you had a thyroid test? The memory part could be thyroid and not just fatigue. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 10-03-2005, 10:41 PM (4 of 33)
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Mary, I am like you. Can go months without anything then bam it is all back. I have tried to watch what I eat and drink, and that doesn't seem to play to much on it. One thing I know is stress causes me to have these hot flashes more. The doctor said yep that can do it lol. I am not into meds at all, only take when it is the last resort. Herbs I like, but they can be just as dangerous if you can't take them. If you can and do take them, when they ask you what meds are you taking-you must tell them the herbs too-for they interact with your system. I have never been much of a sleeper, but now when I do sleep it is broken up even more. I forge things all the time, but we have decided it is due to stress more than naything. Taking care of mom and being the store manager closing the store is a lot of stress. The liguidator (who is from Canada) always says a cherry hello- sunshine to me, and I tell him I am not your sunshine if it has been a hot flash day. He is old enough to understand what these do to women  I think it is something that each and every one of us has to find our way of dealing with. I have lavender with me all the time, smelling it relaxes me. It comes in a bottle with a roller on top, and I spread it on my hand and it smells so wonderful I can breathe deep and relax. I drink coffee all the time, it is my retalin, for I am and ADHD adult. It keeps me from wanting to crawl out of my skin, and helps me to concentrate on the thing I am suppose to be doing. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: bren
Date: 10-04-2005, 05:08 AM (5 of 33)
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I'm in the same boat Mary...I am on Evening Primrose oil, it's not working ...I will try the Black Colosh with it ... I sure hope it works...try it Mary ...you have nothing to lose...Good Luck
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
|
From: MaryW
Date: 10-04-2005, 08:55 AM (6 of 33)
I'm taking a natural HRT alternative. It has Black cohosh, red clover, soy, chaste tree berry, wild yam root, burdock root. Smells terrible in capsule form but usually works for me. I am going to have to go off coffee completely.  That is not easy for me. I think that and more exercise might help. I'll try for a week and see. Not sleeping is something I can cope with, it's the combination that makes me crazy. When I get the flashes, sometimes my back is prickly like when your hand falls asleep. It is drenched in sweat and feels all prickly. GROSS!!! MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: debsews
Date: 10-04-2005, 09:25 AM (7 of 33)
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There's a book by Linda Page called Healthy Healing that is wonderful for anyone wanting to do herbs. She gives side effects and what goes with what. Also there are web sites to check on the effect everything you take has on everything else you take. I always check when taking a new drug even from the doctor as they don't know everything! Case in point is when you are on cholestrol medication you must take CoQ10 because your body stops making it when you take medication. Even though it says so in the PDA they don't tell you about it. Anyway back to hot flashes, you will have to change out what you're taking because if you've been on one therapy for a while your body becomes resistant to it. There are many things to try, evening primrose oil and black cohosh being a starting point for many people. Also you have to take enough of whatever you're taking, evening primrose oil is 1300 mg x 3 daily. I recommend the book because she give specific therapies for every symptom and there are always at least three to try. I believe God put all this stuff here for a reason and it usually works better than what man can come up with. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: misstwoshoes
Date: 10-04-2005, 03:01 PM (8 of 33)
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I am past the hot flashes, etc. but I never had much trouble. When I first started into premenopause I started using a product call Pro Gest Fromula by Emerita. It is a creme you rub on your belly or inner arms or inner thighs, wherever the skin is thin. It is a natural plant estrogen and your body absorbs it through your skin. I used it for 21 days then off for 7 then on again. It did not seem to have any relationship to my menstrual cycle it's just how I did it. It didn't take but a month for me to see results but a few friends have had to use it a couple of months before they noticed a big change. My doctor was big on Premarin and thought I was off my rocker for trying some herbal remedy. But it worked wonders for me. I found out about it in a book called "The Estrogen Alternative" which has a lot of good info in it. You can purchase this creme in Natural Food stores or do as I did to begin with...I ordered it from the address in the back of the book from a pharmacy that followed the US pharmcopeia guidelines. I have since been vindicated in my doctor's eyes after the news about premarin was published two yrs. ago. As far as the mental part....stay totally away from artificial sweetners, preservatives and food dyes. That really helps. Do crossword puzzles and play games like Scrabble and card games. This helps to keep your mind sharp and the braincells healthy and active. Artie Ann |
User: misstwoshoes
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 17 |
From: tiedyejudy
Date: 10-04-2005, 05:20 PM (9 of 33)
I did not want HRT when I went into menopause because of a family history of breast cancer. I used Soy Care, an OTC supplement for the hot flashes, and that did the trick. I have used Melatonin for several years to help my sleeping problems. If I go to sleep, then wake up to go to the bathroom, it helps me to resume sleeping. Memory? I have had bouts with forgetfulness for years, but use every mental tool I can think of, such as making lists, doing puzzles, etc. My forgetfulness takes the form of forgetting names, wanting to tell someone something and forgetting what it was, etc. But if I work at it, I can remember! I've used going through the alphabet to remember things for years, and it usually helps. Above all, I just figure whatever I'm going through will change soon enough! 
Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78 
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From: Magot
Date: 10-05-2005, 01:02 AM (10 of 33)
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Recent resarch in the news yesterday said that being physically active (ie sporty a bit more than just living) in middle age helped to prevent Altzheimers - the excercise increased blood flow to the brain thereby promoting brain health. So Mary, running after Jordan may have had it's uses after all! I'm of to run up and down the stair 10 times .... 
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 10-06-2005, 09:46 AM (11 of 33)
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My doc told me at my last appt that exercise is good for hot flashes. Since I've become more active-working in my garden, mowing the grass, walk for 30 mins every evening I have noticed a decrease in number but not severity.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: Rea
Date: 12-21-2005, 10:12 PM (12 of 33)
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I had a hysterectomy when i was 24, and the doc put me on hormones, i stayed on them until 2 years ago. Took me off in July, lol. I still have hot flashes sometimes, but mostly at work, when I am in a real rush and worried that some one's order might not get done. So, I think stress has a lot to do with itl Hven't had night sweats since i was 23, thank God. I am lucky, I haven't had that much trouble with it.
A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather with a certain set of attitudes. Hugh Downs
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User: Rea
Member since: 12-19-2005 Total posts: 47 
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From: MaryW
Date: 12-22-2005, 05:50 PM (13 of 33)
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I agree with the idea of stress, my grandson can set them off. So does too much caffeine. It has been 3+ yrs. now and I am getting weary.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: DorothyL
Date: 12-22-2005, 06:06 PM (14 of 33)
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Mine aren't too bad and I think it is stress. I'm known to tell my husband he is giving me a hot flash when he is being a pain. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-22-2005, 06:38 PM (15 of 33)
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I've narrowed mine down to stress, chocolate, pasta, sweets and fried foods...not much left to enjoy!!! Hate to disappoint you Mary, but I've been having mine for the past 6 years...the intensity has been diminishing and not getting them quite as often but I still have them...especially when I eat the foods mentioned. Stress is the one thing that I have trouble eliminating. 
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 12-22-2005, 08:25 PM (16 of 33)
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This time of year they are not so bad. Saves on heating bills. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-23-2005, 05:22 PM (17 of 33)
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Spoken by one who has never had one I bet.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: DorothyL
Date: 12-23-2005, 07:14 PM (18 of 33)
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Oh yeah, I get 'em. Rolling down the car window in below freezing weather. But I figure if you have to suffer you might as well get some mileage out of them. I don't think I get them as bad as some people but I just turned the heat down to 64 and my husband is going to gripe when he gets home from work. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Magot
Date: 12-24-2005, 12:07 AM (19 of 33)
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Lucy is wearing her jumper then Dorothy.. hang in there Mary, it is the only way to keep control of the thermostat. All other remotes appear to be glued to Tony's hands. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 12-24-2005, 12:38 AM (20 of 33)
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Mary, we shall get through this as everyone else did/does. One thing I have a problem with is at work it is hot, and I am always overheated, then I come home and it is even hotter. Mom needs it much warmer than I and little sis is always freezing. So I walk around in my summer pj's and little sis walks around in sweats. At night I close my door, put on my fan and crack my window so I can sleep. Sometimes I get chilled, but all in all I sleep better than being overheated.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-24-2005, 08:18 AM (21 of 33)
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I keep the heat at about 66 when I am home alone all day. I have an old wool shawl I put on and off depending on my mood of the moment. The problem is when I go anywhere else it always seems too warm because I am used to it being cool. And I keep the fan blowing on me all night. As for Lucy, Jan, her English jumper is her favorite in-the-house-wear. It keeps her warm but is loose and doesn't itch like the old sweater she wears outside. When it is in the laundry she comes up to me and shivers as if to say "Hey, I'm naked here!" Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: emorrow
Date: 12-25-2005, 12:57 PM (22 of 33)
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In my experience the flashes were worse at the beginning of the process, but have mellowed since. Mine started at age 46 and I still have them at 57. However, they aren't as frequent, they aren't as intense and they aren't as wet! Perhaps it is best to wear (or not wear) whatever is comfortable, amaze the family by walking barefoot in the snow, and in general not worry about what is a natural process. Do you know that, until recently, most women didn't live long enough to reach menopause? We've come a long way in that regard. Ellen |
User: emorrow
Member since: 02-26-2005 Total posts: 13 |
From: Magot
Date: 12-25-2005, 01:25 PM (23 of 33)
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I woke up last night absolutely soaking all down one side, the pillow was wet, the sheet was dripping - event the mattress was sodden. I remember thinking "that is one hell of a night sweat" until I had realised that my hot water bottle had sprung a leak. I ended sleeping upside down on top of the covers as the bed was so wet. Tony woke up to my feet in his face. Why me?! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: SnufflesMama
Date: 12-25-2005, 08:17 PM (24 of 33)
| Night sweats are the pits! I have those and the hot flashes after my hysterectomy. I have to sleep on a towel sometimes. I've found that yoga in the morning and before bed-before a very HOT bath, really helps me. I also try to ride my bike 4 times a week...not all that easy if I'm having a flare, (I have Rhumatoid Arthritis) But I think the yoga is what helps the most. I cannot do alot of the exotic poses you see so often, but I CAN do makes me feel pretty good. Maybe it could help you too. Hope so |
User: SnufflesMama
Member since: 11-25-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: ninifav
Date: 12-25-2005, 08:20 PM (25 of 33)
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Oh, Jan...that is too funny...I'll bet you didn't know whether to be annoyed or relieved!!! I started on HRT when I was 42 yrs old..Have gradually decreased amounts to a very low dose...Am now 58 yrs old...no history of breast cancer, thrombosis, etc...Do my yearly paps and mammograms... Told the Dr that when I die at age 96, that the pills were coming with me in case there weren't any in heaven... Oldest daugher is MD in family practice and concurred as long as I am healthy..(Maybe I am more likable on HRT...he he he...) Anyway, good luck ... Sincerely wish all of my sewing friends here a very holy and Merry Christmas and to all others a very Happy Holiday....Very thankful that Mother-in-law has landed on her feet; wish the best for all the others that hurricanes impacted...I hope our sewing time brings us more serenity than frustration in 2006... Much love to you all, Paula |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-27-2005, 06:06 AM (26 of 33)
Mine are still quite severe. Everything drenched.  However, I am determined to view it as an annoyance, not a major catastrophe. But sometimes, hoy!!
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: plrlegal
Date: 12-27-2005, 02:13 PM (27 of 33)
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Ladies my dh walks around the house in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. He says he'd rather do that than have me whining all the time about how hot it is in the house. The good thing is that we both like our bedroom rather cold at night and, on the plus side, it really saves on our heating bills although so far here in Oklahoma it has been more like winter in Florida than winter in Oklahoma. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-27-2005, 09:46 PM (28 of 33)
I donno...my neighbor across the street is 44 and having hot flashes...I'm 51 and still having 'on time' periods. (of course they didn't start that way till I was -40-). She keeps asking me whats wrong with ME...I keep saying I'm special.   I'm waiting for the day (if it ever comes....the Dr's have quit speculating.) that I actually feel hotter than I do normally. (my normal temp has been 100 for 7-8 yrs now and no one can explain why....it went from 97.3, to 100 in the space of 3 mnths..and no it's not my thyroid..I have that checked very 6 mnths)... So if any of you have a crystal ball, scrying mirror, a favorite 'medium', or 'special knowledge', please tell me...I would REALLY like an answer... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Shellymoon
Date: 12-30-2005, 08:51 PM (29 of 33)
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Hey Chrys... I'm glad to hear about someone else who has an unusual "normal" temp. My hubby's temp runs almost a degree below normal all the time. His mom says it was because he had german measles when he was about four. He nearly died from it. What's so odd is that he is constantly hot. He keeps the house like a meat locker. I'm sure I'll appreciate that when the hot flashes start in on me in a few years. Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 12-30-2005, 08:58 PM (30 of 33)
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DH and I have switched body temps the last couple of years. He used to complain all the time that I kept the house to hot and now he complains that he's freezing and the house is too cold. I just make him put on more clothes and take off clothes or go outside and stand on the patio in freezing weather to cool off. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-30-2005, 10:08 PM (31 of 33)
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Shelly... I had the german measles AND scarlett fever when I was about 4 or 5 yrs old. One after the other...maybe THAT is the cause for unusual temps. I used to know someone online whos normal temp is 104. He keeps his house like a meat locker too. ( I don't know if he had the german measles though). I wonder if anyone has ever done a study on people with unusual temps and the 'childhood diseases' they've had...might be interesting. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Magot
Date: 12-31-2005, 09:42 AM (32 of 33)
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I caught german measles in Germany Chrys (typical I hear you say). I am a mortally cold individual - Tony is a hot body. I am concvinced he has a greater degree of broen fat to white fat compared to me (brown fat burns energy to produce heat white fat stores and insulates) It is typically placed on the back near the kidneys and this part of his body is often roasting hot. Unfair. People who excercise more have a lower metabolic rate as well which may be why he is warmer than my more sedentary self. Rats.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-31-2005, 10:10 PM (33 of 33)
No fair getting them from the named country Jan....  I donno...I've always been warm...sedentary or not. It has to 30 or below for me to wear a coat. My husband (the exercise freak), is a freezer. Wears at coat when it gets below 60. (makes me insane...THATS WHAT DID IT....)  My sister is a freezer. (she's not athletic at all, but walks her dog 4-5 times a day)(she's over weight too). Maybe it goes along with a high pain threshold too..warm body less reaction to pain...I might look all this up...now I'm curious...(and NO don't call me George )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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