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Hot Flashes
Hormone replacement therapy can help relieve hot flashes, but many women prefer to try a more natural approach first. Some researchers believe that a diet high in soy products can help prevent hot flashes. Alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages, tobacco, marijuana, hot baths, and stress are identified as triggers for hot flashes. A well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of B and C vitamins, calcium and magnesium is recommended. As usual, we are advised to avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods. Many women find that regular aerobic exercise can reduce or eliminate hot flashes. Breathing exercises can also be helpful. It may help to wear layered clothing that can be easily adjusted, drink plenty of cold water, take a tepid shower before bedtime, and sleeping a cool room.
Menstrual irregularities
Heavy bleeding is common during perimenopause. It can lead to other problems, such as anemia, and it may be a symptom of other ailments, such as fibroids. If you are experiencing heavy, prolonged periods, you should see your doctor to find out the cause. Sometimes a D & C (dilation and curettage) is used as a treatment for heavy bleeding. In the past, hysterectomy was often used to put an end to the bleeding, and it is still recommended by some doctors. A newer procedure, called endometrial ablation, may be helpful. (Be aware that both hysterectomy and endometrial ablation eliminate the ability to get pregnant.) Non-surgical approaches involve the use of birth control pills or hormone therapy to regulate the menstrual cycle. Women with excessive bleeding are advised to avoid medications that can promote bleeding, such as aspirin, vitamin E (in high doses), and garlic pills. Heat can also increase bleeding, so it’s a good idea to avoid hot baths and heating pads at this time.
Vaginal/Urinary tract
If you are having problems with frequent urination or incontinence, it is important to have a medical examination to determine the cause. Bladder control problems can be caused by a number of different medical conditions, such as bladder or kidney infections, nerve damage, weak muscles, and the side effects of medications. Limiting or eliminating caffeine and alcohol can help with the problem. However, do not reduce your intake of water unless your doctor advises you to do so. Reducing your water consumption can actually make bladder and kidney problems worse. Dehydration can lead to health problems that have serious consequences. Often, learning some simple exercises can strengthen the muscles and retrain the bladder. In some cases, surgery may be recommended. There are also medications that can help with some kinds of bladder control problems.
Vaginal dryness can often be treated fairly simply with lubricants and non-irritating creams or oils. Vaginal creams containing estrogen are also available, and there is now an estrogen ring that can be inserted like a diaphragm. Other forms of hormone therapy may also alleviate this condition.
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Help! I am 5o years old and and plagued by perptual hot flashes. I tried the hormones – sure, they helped but I felt bloated all the time and now again I stopped them and have hot flashes at least 4 times an hour. Does any one suffer with this, and if so do you take hormones or have a more natural remedy that actually works? I’ve tried soy and soy products to no avail. I’ m so frustrated and the doctors just want to give you hormones. Any suggestions would be great.
Peace, Marsha
Many women have told me they find the herb black cohash to be helpful. You can usually find this in the drug store along with all the other menopause products, or in a vitamin or health food store.
You might also want to talk to the doctor about adjusting the dosage of the hormones. My doctor had me try three different strengths so I could pick the one that worked best for me. I went from having 3-4 hot flashes an hour to having one a day.
I am 36 and had a hystro last year due to pco….now I am going thru hotflashes real bad the meds they put me on I stopped because the Dr. didn’t think breast cancer is in my family…….now I am looking for a way to control the hotflashes and the sweats with a natural way or if anyone has anything to help me out.
Thanks
Beth
Trisha,
I hope by now that you have gotten this figured out. I do not feel that this is normal for your age. I am beginning to wonder if Zoloft might be the cause. I am on it as well and suffer all night. I did however have a hysterectomy in May so hot flashes are to be expected, but they seem to be worse while on Zoloft. I just have to decide if I want to feel more sane or cool I guess. My hormones seem to work better without the Zoloft.
I hope you feel better
Betsy age 38
Hi,
My name is Tara. I am having hotflashes everday every hour. They are usualy mild or severe. The only problem is that I’m only 17 1/2 years old. My mom and I cant figure out why I’m having them so early in life. Do any of you have any advice or answers for me?
I would greatly appreciate it.
Tara
Tara, sometimes teenagers experience hormone imbalances. But there is no way to know whether or not this is something simple without a medical evaluation. You need to talk to a gynecologist about this.
Hey,
Thanks I will talk to my mom about it.
In ancient times, women were much smarter and much more in balance with nature when it came to hot flashes. I have chosen to practice the ancient ways and I now actually look forward to hot flashes! Here’s the drill: FIRST DO NOT take anything to alter them, stop them, or supress them. When a hot flash begins, stop what you are doing and become totally aware of the feeling. We know this is not a comfortable feeling, but embrace the sensation. Breath in and know this is energy given to you to help you enter into your wisdom years. Now (for lack of a better term) PRAY…MEDITATE…FOCUS. During the few minutes the hot flash lasts, give the energy to prayer. Send it out to loved ones or for healing a relationship or peace for the earth…anything you wish to give to the universe. This is powerful stuff, ladies. Don’t be fooled by our western world belief that hot flashes are not good. They are power! Use it for good! I LOVE hot flashes now and get excited every time one fills my body. What a shame we women have lost our power. Just think what we could do if we could learn to connect it with each other like the ancient women did? Divine Feminine is returning. Use your hot flashes for healing.
I hope you’ve either passed this phase by now or found something that works. I, too, heard black cohosh would help. Just be sure to read the labels of all herbs and make sure your doctor knows what you are taking. In the meantime, those little portable battery-operated fans might offer mild, brief relief. They make interesting conversation pieces, too!
I have hot flashes on and off for several years, and am getting a bit tired of it. I can’t take hormones due to family medical history, and supplements have not made any dent in decreasing them. What I notice is that when it is hot outside, I get more hot flashes. Is this true for any one else? And after a solid hot flash, I get very cold.
I also think Zoloft may be your problem. I take Cymbalta and have the same side effects and I am 31. I just sweat constantly. Hope this helps ease your stress level about the subject and that you’ll consider talking to your regular doc about your issue.
I read the article about the lady who uses yasmin as birth control. I too use that same birth control and have hot flashes. I am not much older than she is. Maybe she should have her OBGYN talk to the distributor or company that makes that pill.
You should see your regular doctor and have some bloodwork done. At least two other problems can cause hotflashes (diabetes and thyroid issues). It is much more likely for your hotflashes to be caused by one of these then menopause at your age.
I use to have hotflashes alot too, but it improved as I got older. I was put on a mild birth control to try to regulate my hormones, and now, I’m not on the pill anymore and I don’t get them like I use to. You should tell your gynocologist about it.
A fan is the best medicine for hot flashes. I just turn my on at the start of one and poof within 10 seconds it’s fading. Also cool compresses on the wrist or inside of elbows plus the neck work great if you do not have access to a fan.
Try sage (essential oil) To alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, and to balance nerves, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser nightly. Also I gave my friends douglas fir hydrolizers and they spray themselves with it each time they get a hot flash. One friend said it goes away in seconds. She also said she knows when to anticipate one, so she goes ahead and sprays in advance. They swear by it.
Black Cohosh has worked for many people I know, including myself. I also notice a decrease in flashes when I limit my caffeine intake. You might want to keep track of diet and see if that makes a difference, too.
I would be talking to my doctor and to the doctor that prescribes the meds you take. I would also read about the birth control and ask the doctor about getting your hormone level checked.
I’ve heard of women who have had more than one kid can end up having hot flashes at a younger age, all because you’ve put your body into alot of strain. Plus birth control pills and other birth control of any kind have been known to change a womans hormones so much that it could’ve put you into early stage of menopause.
How long are hot flashes supposed to last?
Mine started in earnest around 40 and I still have them occasionally. They aren’t as bad or as often, but it’s been 15 yrs! And unfortunately, I can’t take any of the usual medications due to other health complications.
Fifteen years may not be the most common, but it’s not unheard of. A lot of women find they continue to experience some hot flashes until the are 60 or so. It’s a strange phenomenon.
I found this website because I have been experiencing hotflashes especially at night. I am 29 years old, have no children and am on no medications. I had serious complications with birth control and have have hormone irregularities since. They are typically caused by low levels of estrogen but can worsen with certain medications.
Here is another link that I found helpful, with some tips to help reduce hotflashes- http://www.wdxcyber.com/nmood12.htm
This my story. My name is Irmarie. I live in South Africa.
I am 22 years now. I have been getting them for almost 10 years. They were not so bad in the beginning. For the past 4 /5 years I get hot flashes in my cheeks for 2 to 3 hours and the only way to cool them down is if I use an ice pack on my face. I cant sleep on any pillow then my cheeks get very hot. I just sleep with my hand under my cheek. If am drinking something hot I get hot flashes.
Hot wind or sun then I get hot flashes. My body gets very iritated when I get hot. It is mostly when it is cold It my hot flashes the worst.
I never get night sweats that they talk about when getting a hot flash. I cant talk long on a cellphone or telephone then my ear and cheek get hot.
My body will be cold that I want to wear a jacket but I cant because I get so hot in my cheeks. When it is very cold them my cheeks get hot. I once checked how hot my cheeks was it was 40c.
I must now take cold shower or baths. If take a bath or shower with hot water my body get hot. And 5 or 10 minute after my cold shower my ears start to get hot.
I get full body hot flash that starts from my upper back.
When I cry my eyes get very hot burning. And my ears get red hot burning. I have been to lots of doctor they say it will go away. But it does not. Everyday I have to sit in front of a fan blowing on me 24 hour . So that I don’t get hot. They test my hormones and it is normal. Now in 2007.
Irmarie – What you are describing does not sound like normal hot flashes. If there is some way that you can get to a better doctor in a bigger city, I would recommend that you do so.
what the best thing to take for hot flashes need help.
Hi,
You might try a natural tincture called “Vitex.”
Also, lay off of the coffee, and replace the coffeemaker with Yerba Mate herbal tea.
Also, try to keep active with exercise. It helps.
I am 52 and have had many rollercoaster harmone rides. I love coffee, so it is a real challenge to stay in balance.
Hope this helps.
Caty
I just turned 30 in March of 2005. I am 5?7 @ 190 pounds. I am taking YASMIN as my birth control pill and I am also on ZOLOFT 50mg. I have two boys ages 7 & 6. For some reason over the past two months or longer I have not been sleeping well, all I do is have hotflashes. I don’t understand at the age of 30 why my body is doing this. I have called my OBGYN for her help. I go in two days. I have no clue what to ask the doctor or what to expect. Is this normal at my age? I find myself very worried about this.
Any advice would be wonderful.
Trisha (Peoria, Illinois)