Menopause Mondays: Not-so-hot- Hot Flashes - Ellen Dolgen

Menopause Mondays: Not-so-hot- Hot Flashes

menopause hot flashes

If you’re on your computer, sitting at your desk and find yourself looking like you just ran a 10K, you may be experiencing the not-so-hot – hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause. You are not alone! 85% of women approaching menopause in the U.S.A. experience hot flashes of some kind, which can be caused by hormonal fluctuations. There is no “one size fits all” for the timing, duration, frequency or pattern of menopausal hot flashes.  All women are unique.

I think hot flashes and Tampax are oddly similar.  They come in light, medium and heavy. You may experience a hot flush of warmth spreading through your upper body and face, or your face can appear red & blotchy. You can suddenly find yourself in bed at night, dripping wet, ripping off your jammies and staring at a pile of soaking wet sheets and your heart racing. Sleepless and anxiety-ridden, you may be gazing across your bed, trying to find your partner who is bundled up with extra blankets struggling to handle your thermostat selection of 65 degrees.

So what’s a gal to do?????

First, find a perimenopause and menopause specialist.  Would you go to a dentist for your yearly pap smear?  Of course, not! Likewise, be sure that you see a specialist for menopause (this might take some real effort to find, but it is critical and well worth it and may not be your current OBGYN).

There are lots of options for treating hot flashes! Since every woman is different, you will have to explore which option work best for you.

Options needing prescriptions:  

FDA approved, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is considered the most effective treatment for reducing hot flashes in menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Selective serotonin and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs).

Non prescription options:

It’s helpful to be aware of some of the typical hot flash instigators. Here’s a short list: alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, stress, hot weather, smoking, saunas, and tight clothes!  It’s okay – take a breath. Breathing is not on the list! You can try to start eliminating some of these triggers one at a time to see if that helps alleviate your symptoms. For example, reduce your alcohol intake and caffeine (especially before bed), cut back on spicy foods, and try a Mediterranean Diet.  Acupuncture, yoga, and meditation may help, too.

Exercising increases your endorphin levels, usually adding to a feeling of well-being. Exercise helps reduce stress levels and supports general wellness. Any of the typical remedies for de-stressing one’s life such as biofeedback techniques, and maybe even massage, might prove helpful.

Some women  find help with black cohosh. You can find this ingredient in Remifemin.  Others find help with red clover, dong quai, or evening primrose oil.  Remember – Herbs are not harmless. Before taking any of these non-prescription drugs, please check with your Menopause Specialist.  You can experience adverse reactions with medications you are currently taking.

Most importantly, ease your mind and chill out! You CAN find hormone happiness! I did!

Remember: Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN!

Share:

3 thoughts on “Menopause Mondays: Not-so-hot- Hot Flashes”

  1. Hi Ellen☺Love the comment about hotflash/tampons…LOL! so true!! If we are proactive about getting balanced, it helps on the challenging days. A year ago, my hot flashes were very hard to manage, but for months now i haven’t had any! I always remember those 3 very important words you have always said… DON’T GIVE UP! It does get better. It just takes time, a good menapause specialist, and this blog! Your the best Ellen!☺

    1. Linda, thank you for sharing your experience. I am soooooooooooooooo thrilled to hear you are feeling good! You are right, being your own health advocate and finding good menopause specialist is the magic ingredients to a great life during menopause and beyond!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To MENOPAUSE MONDAYS® HOT News Flash

No spam, notifications only about new products, updates.

Social Media

Categories

On Key

Related Posts

Happy Memorial Day

Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude to those who served and remember those who are no longer with us.

Menopausal Weight Gain

Hello, lovely ladies! It’s Ellen Dolgen here, your trusty companion on this wild and wonderful journey through menopause. Have you suddenly become a member of the sisterhood of the shrinking pants? Yep, I get it. Today, let’s dive into the topic of weight gain for menopausal women. Grab a cup of tea, slip into your

Hot Flash Relief Tips

Are you experiencing an internal heat wave? If so, you’re not alone. Learn about the latest options for menopausal hot flash relief.

Scroll to Top

If you want to educate your employees, colleagues, or friends about menopause, look no further!