Hot Flashes

[iqueen]

Okay everybody I need help. I am 46 years old and my doctor tells me my FSH is normal, which means I am not in menopause, however over the last two weeks I have been having raging hot flashes, especially at night. I am burning up from the waist up and freezing from the waist down, or burning up all over one minute and then freezing the next. Until my FSH indicates the need there is no Estrogen. Anybody have any "remedies" to get me through? Help!

[Gail]

I have a vague recollection of someone saying her doctor had recommended increased soy in her diet for hot flashes. We had a thread on the subject on the Great Foods board, but it keeps coming up with an error. I've put in a plea for help to Maelynn.

Maybe someone else remembers?

[Kerri]

I was put into a menapausal state a few years back and often had hot flashes. My advice would be to dress in layers and take it off/put on as needed. Same with the night sweats, throw off the covers or add extra blankets to make yourself feel comfortable. Treat the symptoms! I didn't try any supplements or changing my diet because I was afraid that would affect the treatment so I can't help you there. I also think I remember hearing from someone that some people experience the symptoms of menopause years before it actually happens. I also wonder if maybe you started some new medication that might have caused this. Is there anything else new in your life? Good luck and you have my sympathies!

[Gail]

Aha! Phoebe accessed the thread for me. As I thought, this person's doctor had suggested increasing her soy intake to help with hot flashes, so the thread is basically just some recipe ideas. If you're interested, it's: www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20001113-1-000272.html (http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20001113-1-000272.html)

[Sandy1]

I can sympathize; I started the nite sweats at age 42, followed closely by insomnia, and then by daytime encounters with extremes of cold and/or hot. When I went to my doctor, he said I was in the preview state of menopause.Yikes,if this was only the preview, I didn't want to see the entire
movie:-)
There must be some sort of genetic disposition, because both of my sisters went thru this at about the same age.
Anyway, he gave me some choices. One of which was to start HRT and kiss my symptoms and my monthly period goodbye. So I opted for the meds.
I know there are a lot of people out there/here who will disagree with starting this at such an early age; but I am the poster girl for HRT. I am 55 and in very good health. I have a full medical every year, and consistently get an A+. There's something to be said for not having PMS, not having to bother with tampons, etc.
and in particular having none of the adverse effects of menopause.
It's a personal decision I guess and I just thought I'd share mine.
Sandy.

[Sara Emily]

iqueen,

Like you, peri-menopause has been an all -too exciting adventure in this household! Soy products do help, as does the introduction of regular use of ground flax seeds in the diet. Low Estrogen birth control pills can also "up" your estrogen just enough to make a significant difference, and doctors are not as hesitant to prescribe these for the estrogen lift as they are HRT. I wish you the best!!!

[iqueen]

Thanks Sandy. I appreciate that and I am making an appointment with my doctor today.