Hot Flashes

I was having 10-12 a day and my doctor prescribed 1/2 of a 50mg Zoloft a day and that did the trick!

I was 42 when I started Menapause...mine was induced. What I did was cut out as much as possible, stress, sugar, alchol and caffiene. I also supplement which works for me and it has been 6 years. I don't have symptons any longer.

J.

Try Black Cohosh. You can get it in the vitamin isle. It works great for me. Have also heard that soy can help. Stress can cause early symtoms of menopause but in my family it is normal to start in late thirties
Good Luck! Debbie

This is what has helped me:
1. Increase soy intake.
2. Decrease alcohol and caffeine intake.
3. Add evening primrose oil supplement to your vitamin regimen. This stuff is amazing! I have had great success.
4. Reduce stress.
5. Increase relaxation through yoga a few times a week.
6. Sleep in a cool room.
Good luck. Hot flashes are really miserable. I hope these suggestions help.

Have you talked with your GYN about it? Maybe there's something she can do. I've had a few of them recently too. Women can start peri-menopause anytime and I heard it can last up to 10 years (when menopause finally does hit). UGH!

Sounds like "pre-menopause" to me! Some gals go through this stage as young as in their 30's, so there is no hard and fast rule. Talk with a doctor. You could try some of the holistic treatments, soy products, etc. Might help. Also, be aware of anything that might facilitate a hot flash such as coffee, wine, certain foods (chocolate), etc. Good luck!

I also went into menapause early -actually its perimenapause when you are suffering so ans manapause when you are through it. You may wnat to try some of the herbal medicines at a health food store or talk to your docctor about hormone replacement therapy - unfortunately I couldn't go that route. Make sure your bedroom is well ventilated - I kept the ceiling fan on all year round. Cotton nightgowns, not knit are your friends. Look at your caffinine consumption as it affects many women.

Unfortunately those of us who start the process early have a tough time of it. It also seems to last longer. Those who don't have a tough time really don't understand. Try to keep your sense of humor about you.

The same thing happened to me at about 42 or 43. For me, the hot flashes were more frequent and "hotter" at the beginning of my "journey". As time went on they were less frequent and less intense. I started taking Coral Calcium 1200 mg in am and pm. That helped alot. Drink alot of water and dress in layers so you can peel off when they happen at inopportune moments....personl summer. Think of it this way...you are on the way to no more periods!! I was done at 46. Hooray!

According to Women's World drink plenty of Ice Tea, even in the winter. They also say to try 4 mg. of an extract made from Rhubarb that you find at helath food stores. The last trick is to take 6-8 deep breaths per minute for a total of 15 minutes daily which should cut your hot flashes in half! Good luck J.

J.... there are so many things you can do, you do not need to suffer through this time. First of all, make sure you body is getting what it needs nutritionally. Supplements like Evening Primrose Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Black Cohosh have hormone balancing properties. Taking magnesium before bed is helpful too. I'm assuming you're already taking a good quality multivitamin. If you are doing all these things and still are dealing with hot flashes, find a doctor who will test your hormones with saliva testing. Based on saliva testing results I take bioidentical progesterone and estradial and I feel like a new woman!
Best Wishes to you,
L.
p.s. check out this website for lots of info:http://www.womentowomen.com/

take black cohosh it's all natural and helps cut down th amount of hot flashes.. Your not too young to have hot flashes. I take it and it works..

B. B.

J., Sorry I'm a little late at checking my e-mails...I had a hysterectomy last August and found a site Hystersisters.com they have lots of info ... any way I was sent a menopause checkpoint in that message was what they call ....

Hot Flash Coctail

400 IU vitamin E (mixed d-tocopherios)
500-600 mg calcium citrate with 400 IU vitamin D
200 mg magnesium citrate
500 mg vitamin C with bioflavonoids
Omaga-3 fatty acids (equivalent of 360 mg DHA & 240 mg EPA)

Take these in the AM, repeat in the PM
Always check with you Dr.

If I wasn't put on Premarin, I would most likely try it...

YOU MOST DEFINATELY ARE NOT TOO YOUNG TO START HAVING MENOPAUSAL SYSTEMS!!!!!!!!

J.,
The first thing to do is go to your doctor and have a physical. I started having terrible hot flashes and emotional changes at 43. One doctor said I was too young for it to be menopause, but a gynocologist told me that its normal to be "perimenopausal" for 10 or more years before menopause. And its the time leading up to menopause when your hormones start fluctuating - much like pregnancy and puberty. Sometimes a doctor will put you on hormone therapy, even birth control pills. I couldn't take the estrogen because of problems with migraines, but they can find other treatments that might help.

J.,
I am 43 and I have Hot Flashes, they started about 2 years ago! I started to take an over the counter herbal supplement called "Estroven", it did help, give it a couple of weeks to work. I don't take it anymore, I still have hot flashes, not so often, they seem to show up for a few days then not so much. Another thing to look into is your blood pressure. Two years ago my blood pressure was on the higher side...with exercise, lost some weight, eating healthier, my blood pressure is good, except when I'm nervous. Anyhow, high blood pressure can cause hot flashes. Worth getting it checked. Good luck and you are still young BUT not too young for hot flashes (PRE-menepause), sorry to say! P.

Hi J., I am 46 years old, for the past five years I have been haveing hot fashes, and some missed Ps. I was told I'm in early menepause. So you could be. I would check it out. Check it out just to be sure. A.

Your not to young for hot flashes. My friend started at 34. I started at 52 and now I'm 55 and still have hot flashes. I work with alot of ladys that are older than me and they say hot flashes last at least 10 years. (Yuk) But I take Extra Strength Estreven. I buy it at Costco and it seems to help. I still have some terrible times, but not like when I started. I had night sweats and I couldn't sleep just like you. I tried to go without the Estreven and it got worse so I started up on the estreven again and continue to take it. Talk to your doctor, maybe he can suggest something for you. I won't take hormones, I have to much cancer in my family already. Hope this helps some. J.

Hi J.!

I too am 42 years old and started with hot flashes over a year ago. My Mom told me about a cream called Gentle Changes with Activin by a manufacturer named EZ Health International out of Indianapolis, Indiana their phone number is (888)862-7546. This cream did the trick for me. Since the time I started using the cream I have recommended it to many of my friends who also rave about it. Try it, it really works!

Vitamin E capsules worked for me for a while and lots of water. Soy and black cohosh work for many people, you can find them in pill form under various names at the drugstores, mixed specifically for women going through this. The Wisdom of Menopause by Dr. Christiane Northrup is a wonderful book that I found very helpful. Even if you are starting menopause, your life isn't over, its just a new phase in your life. Good luck!

J., my own mother started going through menopause when she was 43. It took a couple of years for her period to completely phase out, but she was pretty young to go through it, too. I hope your family stops teasing you because it's natural and there's no right or wrong age to experience this life change. Just talk to your doctor about it and maybe seek out additional Internet or library resources on menopause. I don't know of anything to try, but if you're concerned about how medications and/or herbs can affect your health, I would definitely seek out some sound advice from someone you trust, like your gynecologist or good friend. Good luck!

Take vitamin E. Your never too young! But, Men also go through Menopause. Take a multi vitamin at night.

Have your Dr. test your TSH.

Well, I am also 42 and have been hving hot flashes and night sweats for two years. Mine are just before and during my cycle. My Dr. also says I am too young--but I say bogolna!

I have tried Estroven and it workd well. Also you can check out this site for more information on perimenopause:
http://www.womentowomen.com

They also have supplements, but they are price, this is why I opted for Estoven. I also heard it can last for 10 years:(

GL and keep cool:)

I suffered with hot flashes and night sweats for over ten years...I am 57 now...stopped my periods at 55. What worked for mewas exercise...cutting back on sugar and caffeine....vitamin E...dressing in layers so you can peeloff quickly....Keep a cold drink nearby...It's miserable, I know, and what works for one, doesn't work for another. If these things fail, sometimes a small dose of antidepressant may help....or HRT may be a remedy for you...I still have them every now and again, but they do lessen in intensity and length...I not only had the flashes but very panicky feelings...Like I could just run and SCREAM!!!

Hi J.:
I'm 48 and same thing was happening to me. Your not too young for menopause. You can start menopause even younger and go through it for 10 years. I have a solution. There is a natural balancing cream that you put on your warm parts of your body. Its helps take the hot flashes away. There is no chemicals in the product. The product is 30.00 retail but I can get for 21.00 + tax - it is a month supply. Once you control it you can even cut back on it if you want. I would recommend trying it! The black kohash that Lynn refers to is in this product.
L.

It could be peri-menopause. Check it out on the internet and then go see your doctor.

I am a 63 year old grandmother still going through hot flashes.

Hi J.. I have found that most many women benefit from balanacing out their hormones when going through things like you described. There are a few ways you can do this. One is by checking out natural progesterone creames. Here is a website that I know you will appreciate: www.johnleemd.com John Lee was a pioner with helping women balance their insides and outs the natural way. I would also be privileged to share with you more information about using more herbal and botanical products, including supplements. All of these things (which help your body) and John Lees Natural Balancing Creame, can be found on my website: www.ritaotto.myarbonne.com I would be privileged to help you. Rita Otto ____@____.com

Hi J.,

I started at 41 with peri-menopause. Check with your doctor if you have not to make sure that is what is going on. You can go on hormone pills or try soy products to reduce hot flashes. There is a homeopathic cream that some of my friends use too. This is kind of like pregnancy. Everyone gets most of the symptoms but not necessarily in the same way. When you feel your mind is going crazy because you can't remember things that came easy that is part of it too.
Good Luck,
D.

my dr recommended black cohosh root, natural whole herb,dietary supplement. it seems to be working for me and can also help with mood swings, another symptom of menopause. also i've done some research and you are not to young to start having symptoms. still should consult your dr. could be something else. best of luck to you

Hi J. No, you are definitely not too young at 42 to be going through menopause. I was only 38 when I started mine and I was over it by 40 or 41. As for the hot flashes, I personally don't recall having them or maybe I've just forgotten if I did. You should see your doctor and maybe he/she will be able to help you. Right now my sister is experiencing menopause and is/was having severe hot flashes. Her doctor put her on a low dose birth control pill and she said within 3 days of taking the pill she had no more hot flashes. At least it's something to think about. Hope you find some relief.

Grandma of 9

J.,

Welcome to the world of periomenopause!! I'm 43 and started with the hot flashes and night sweats when I was 38. Yes we're young to go through it, but hey ... looks like it's hit us between the eyes nonetheless eh? I've had night sweats so bad that I was sleeping a maximum of 3 hours per night. That just doesn't work when you have 17 and 11 year old boys, a 9 year old cat and a 2 year old dog. Oh yeah, I'm also working on a Master's Degree and there are days that the prof is the target of many mean menopausal thoughts ... LOL

I'm told it gets worse before it gets better. I was told my symptoms could last another 5 - 10 years. I may be certifiably nuts by then ... hehe. I'm on Effexor XR for the hot flashes and the night sweats. They've both eased up quite a bit. I'm also on Lunesta to help me get to sleep at night. My doctor also told me to take B Complex Vitamins for energy and to make sure I have extra calcium in my diet and in supplements. If I could take hormones, I probably would, but because there's a history of ovarian cancer in my family, hormones are out for me. I've heard soy is also good for menopausal symptoms.

I sure hope you whiz through this and it doesn't last long for you. Keep me in your prayers as I'm in it for the long haul ... LOL.

Good Luck!!

K.

If you think you are too young. Please go see your doctor. They can draw hormone levels and give you the answer. I also recommend all younger woman who experience perimenopause to have a ca125 drawn,the blood test for undetectable ovarian cancer and tumors.

Hey J. you are not too young. All of the women in my mother's family started early...around age 38 and was finished 10 years later. I didn't get that gene (smile). I am 54 and still battling with them but the one thing that I did help me was eating sweet potatoes. I do not like taking pills and I love sweet potatoes so that was a good fit for me. When it gets too unbearable the only other thing to do is PRAY, PRAY, PRAY....that always helps.

J., check with your doctor about this. Menopause is not the only thing that causes hot flashes. You could have something else going on and it could be as simple as a hormone imbalance. Don't suffer when you don't have to. There are plenty of things you will have to suffer through as a mom, this doesn't have to be one of them. :)

Hi J.,
Hot Flashes?-at least I'm saving on my heating & electric bills, as my body can generate it's own heat!! Once the temperature reaches 68 in the dead of Winter, it's covers on-covers off. Car window open, car window closed. Clothes on, clothes off! People think you're crazy.
I'm not looking forward to Spring, as last season I could barbeque on my head, neck & arms. And Summer this past year was really exciting, as my A/C compressor died, so let me tell ya, I was dying to win a trip to the Antarctica for the coldest air, ice water, & oxygen! I spent much of my time sitting on top of my sprinkler! One more thing, please, don't bother thinking about putting on makeup! It'll start leaking faster than a popsicle melting off a stick!
My Dr. said, "I'd say you're starting to go through it", I wanted to choke him. I turned 50 & was eagerly awaiting the end of my cycles, when in fact, I realized I was just starting a whole new cycle-kind of like a washing machine-hot, cold, agitated, rinse, & spin.
Holding onto your sanity is a real challenge! I wish I could help you, but I haven't found anything yet. It was a subject where I had to vent!

I've found that drinking soy milk (it's not bad tasting at all, especially the chocolate) in the morning & taking Estroven PM or it's generic before bedtime has helped me alot. I still have hot flashes occasionally, but mine are very mild compared to what other people tell me.

Hi J., I totally understand how you feel when i was goning thru chemo for cancer i weent thru menophause. there are a few things you can do.1st go to your doc and have a blood test done. that will tell you if you are truely in menopause. To help releave your symtoms use BLACK COEHESH. pronounced [COE-HEESH]you can find this at any health food store or at gnc... there are commercials on tv for black coehesh... but it goes by a different product name... this is all natural and will not hurt you. i was on a lot of meds durning cancer treatment and the doc recommended this for me... btw.. i am 44 now and was in treatment when i was 42. hope this helps
V.

As a 43 year old woman, I too had that problem. Now I take and LOVE a product called "Feminene". It is a natural alternative to prescrition drugs sold by Market America. It is useful for PMS as well as menopause symptoms. It contains all of the over-the-counter stuff and much more! For the science behind it, see www.marketamerica.com/TheVoiceOfTruth .

I hope this helps!

PS: I also take a natural stress and anxiety formula called "Bliss" that I love! You can find it at the same site!

PSS: I am the Wellness Consultant sponsoring the site. :)

Peri-menopause issues can start 8-10 years prior to menopaus! You sound like you really need to see a GYN doctor because there are treatments available for this. I have also added Soy products to my diet and it has helped.

J., There is an OTC, (meijer, wal mart..) Called Proventil, it has a great mixture of all the natural ingredients you need to help balance your system. Natural food stores offer a variety of "meds" that are expensive, have to be taken a few times a day, and you have to take 3 to 4 at a time! Proventil SAVED me! A friend of mine did a blind study of these meds for her masters, found it to be the best. TRY IT! Good luck. K.

I agree with all the responces below but have a few to add.. Its best to get your hormones checked to see which ones are low.. That way you can supplement them and balance everything out. If your low on progesterone then you can get the creme and use it 3 wks out of the month (follow the direction exactly, you only use a dime size amount on your belly).. If you need estrogen there are a number of things you can take for that.. Go to your local health food store and talk to someone.. I would recomend Vitex (chase berry), Dong Qui, Soy (in pill form) or even a multi for menopause relief. Some of the supplements are cheap. If your estrogen is just a little off you can supplement it with soy foods.. It doesnt mean you have to sit and eat tofu either..lol.. They have everything from Cho. milk to coffee to ice cream with soy in it now :) I worked in a health food store since 2000 and have helped many woman with this.. Hope it helps :) Good luck and let us know how your doing.

J. V:
You should talk with your doctor, first of all, and learn about menopause. Each person is different. I was on meds for a time, and now am off, but I still get hot flashes years later. I dress in layers, keep a fan nearby and try to keep my mind occupied.

Some people breeze thru and others have problems for years.

The teasing is uncalled for; especially since it's probably making you dwell on what is a normal body function. Don't get crazed over it.

Babs L

J.-
You're not too early to start menopause; there is a phenomenon in the medical world known as 'early onset menopause', and I went through it starting at age 40. (It is also known as being peri-menopausal). It is usually accompanied by irregularity in your menstrual cycle (skipping periods) as well as the hot flashes that you are experiencing now. One word of caution-if you are using birth control, make sure the method that you choose is followed carefully. I found this out the hard way...
I figured that since I hadn't had any periods for 18 months that I was 'done', and birth control was no longer necessary. Yep, I had our third child at age 45, a beautiful healthy baby boy named Max. Consider this a cautionary tale!
By the by, there is a herb available at the health food stores called Black Cohush that has been known to help relieve the hot flashes-check with your doctor before you start taking anything, though.
Good Luck!

Dear J.,]
I have found the most Awesome "Natural Balancing cream" it is called Phytoprolief it comes in a pre-metered pump it cost $34 It was such a great help to me within two weeks I stopped having nights swets and hot flashes.. go to Arbonne.com ... let me know if you have any questions concerning it and I will try and answer them for you. M.

Hi J....hot flashes is something i've had to deal with since 2005..@ the age of 32, i had a complete hysterectomy for medical reasons. This works for me...try to avoid sweets, too many carbs and alcohol. i think you'll notice a difference;)

Hi J.,

Have you tried natural balancing creams? They are awesome and made from plants, so they are safe. There are two my company makes, Prolief and Phytoprolief. If you'd like to chat about it, please email me. I'd be glad to get you some information.

P.

I just was having this conversation with my mom when she visited last week.
She was warning me about how she began pre-menopause early and that it could happen to me.
I have found some great info on going through menopause naturally with supplements and diet changes. Check with your health care providers to get their advice.
I found this information to be a good guide: Find these products at:
http://www.shaklee.net/cook/prodNut

MENOPAUSE:
1-a. Shaklee MENOPAUSE BALANCE COMPLEX capsules: for ongoing hormonal stability;
reduces hot flashes
1-b. Shaklee MENOPAUSE BALANCE COMPLEX COOLING LOTION for instant relief from
hot flashes and other symptoms
2. EXTRA SOY PROTEIN: helps balance hormones (Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein or
Shaklee Instant Protein Soy Mix both have biologically-complete, balanced,
clinically-tested and proven, certified non-GMO soy)
3. VITAMIN E + SELENIUM: prevents hormonal storms
4. GLA: helps balance hormones
5. VITAMIN C: promotes glandular health; assists mineral absorption
6. B-COMPLEX: minimizes water retention, hot flashes & nervous disorders;
anti-stress; increases glandular health
7. OSTEOMATRIX: maintain bone integrity
8. STRESS RELIEF COMPLEX
9. CAROTOMAX: promotes healthy mucous membranes in the vaginal area;
anti-oxidant

MENSTRUAL DIFFICULTIES: (investigate estrogen dominance/progesterone
deficiency)
1. B COMPLEX: reduces stress; helps regain hormonal imbalance; reduces water
retention
2. GLA: regains hormonal imbalance by minimizing fluctuations due to nutrient
deficiency
3. VITAMIN E + SELENIUM: prevents hormonal storms
4. EXTRA SOY PROTEIN: manufactures hormones
5. ALFALFA: reduces tissue water retention
6. CALCIUM/MAGNESIUM OR OSTEOMATRIX: reduces cramping by providing for proper muscle relaxation

J.,
The response from Aunti Char S is right on. All the responses are good. I had forgotten Primrose Oil, which is good for many things! (No wonder I've been having "power surges") I am glad you posted this, good to know you all are out there and I'm not alone. I started having symptoms in my late 20's. I have Rhuematoid Arthritis and the medications from the R/A started me early.

I hate to disappoint you, but I starting having hot flashes at 40 and they have not stopped. I am now 49 and the frequency is not as often but the intensity is worse. Soy based products really do seem to help. My problem is that I am not consistent. Also, spicy foods can really trigger them. Frequent exercise, believe it or not, seems to help me. I would NOT recommend any hormone replacement, but there are many different herbs that are supposed to help. God bless you to get through it - it really is not a trivial matter.

It is very possible that you are having hot flashes. I started having them when I was 41 not often but often enough I was bothered with them. The best advice is to go to your doctor and let him or her check you out. There are some good over the counter meds, ask the pharmicist they can tell you. Take care. J. S

J.--you (unfortunately) are not too young to be heading into menopause. My biggest advice to you is talk to your Dr. about NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT. I stress NATURAL!! Choose something natural over the drug company made pills if possible. There are better ways to deal with going thru menopause other than taking an artificially produced pill. If your Dr. won't listen, then look till you find one that will. Ask friends what they are using/used to get thru menopause. You may be suprised at what they will tell you. There's alot of great advice below and girlfriend, you are not alone! L. B

J. --
I hate to point out the obvious. Go see your doctor. I ended up having a hysterectomy at 39 and have been on Premerin (lowest dose they have) ever since (over 20 years). 42 is pretty much an "average" age in my family. Not everyone is the same. It may be as simple as a hormone pill or shot every once in a while -- OR ... SEE YOUR OB-GYN.

D.