Help...horrible, horrible hot flashes...

[one_voice]

it seems like they're non stop. Seems like I'm always in the shower cuz I feel yucky.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[RebelOne]

1. I have been through the change and never experienced hot flashes.

But I have heard that black cohosh is effective.

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/blackcohosh/a/blackcohosh.htm

[one_voice]

2. Thank you...

I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago ( age 40) and they've been getting worse since that. I really don't wanna do the hormone patch thing....so your link is great! Thanks a lot!!

[RebelOne]

4. Hope it helps. I went through menopause with no symptoms,

but I have heard some real horror stories from other women that have gone through it. I guess I was just fortunate. Good luck.

[cynatnite]

5. There are a lot more options available these days...

You can go the natural route or other hormones, but I do strongly recommend that you pay a visit to the gynecologist. They are usually very knowledgeable about all the options, including natural remedies.

[one_voice]

7. Yeah I plan on making an appointment ASAP...

they were hit and miss for a long time, but within the last couple of months, it's been ridiculous. I think I need to talk to my doc.

[emilyg]

15. I don't blame you on

the hormone patch.

[siligut]

3. Your adrenal glands will produce some of the hormones for you

Maca is a Peruvian root and acts to help your adrenal glands. It helps with mood too and is available at health food stores.

[one_voice]

6. Thank you...

I will look into it.

[Sanity Claws]

8. Dietary changes can help

Coffee, chocolate, and alcohol can contribute to hot flashes. Eliminate them and see if you get relief.

Meat, particularly lamb, can contribute to hot flashes.

I suggest you google for further information on dietary changes for relief from menopausal symptoms.

[one_voice]

10. Thank you..

I will look into dietary changes. Not sure about giving up coffee though...that would just be another hell.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. My dear one_voice...

I used the hormone patches, and they really helped. Talk to your doctor ASAP!

I'm sorry you're melting.....and that graphic is perfect!

[one_voice]

11. Thank you Mrs. Peggy...

I am going to call next week. It seems they've taken on a life of their own and it's interfering with my life. I probably will end up with some sort of hormone therapy.

[gkhouston]

16. If you find you don't tolerate the patches well, a compounding pharmacy may

be able to make a cream that is easier to tolerate. Sorry you're inundated with so many "personal summers".

[applegrove]

12. I sold one of those tiny hand help battery operated fans to a lady in the middle of a hot flash one

time. She was thrilled we had them. Seemed to really help.

[DearAbby]

13. Lots of water

Feed the fever...liquids, more liquids and them some liquids. Then getcha some of them hormones. (quote from Mrs. Threadgoode to Evelyn Couch - Fried Green Tomatoes)

[irisblue]

14. i took ert for 5 yrs

a mix of estrogen and testosterone, i was soooo happy that my periods had finally stopped! then i had 2 episodes of post menopausal bleeding....way not happy, so i tapered off the ert. your diagram is accurate, i had awful awful hot flashes. i'd sweat everywhere, behind the knee sweat? while standing? i put fans everywhere.i think my flashes were mother natures way of evening up the score b/c as a smart ass teen, i found my mom, one december in upper mid michigan in her nightgown on the back porch eating ice cream...and laughed.
i started using black cohosh at the beginning of this year, the hot flashes are down 95%. PM if you'd like more info....good luck

[crunch60]

17. Make some ice coffee, evening primrose oil, black cohash ,exercise to keep the hormones moving and

be good to yourself, maybe a massage and spa once in a while. I had the world's worse menopause. Take it from me, please stay away from synthetic hormones. OK to do some Scream Therapy, that really helps. lol You can check out the following link for info about Brevail, to balance your hormones. Remember, It's not a hot flash, it's a Power Surge! I still get the flashes. I take two Tsp of Bragg's Apple cider Vinegar in a 24 oz bottle of water, twice a day, really helps. You can add honey if you like it sweet.

http://www.brevail.com/content/how-brevail-works.html:

[LASlibinSC]

18. Sorry! I didn't want hormones

either, so I tried black cohosh. It didn't seem to work for me. But I cut out a lot of caff. Still had tea though. After 2-3wks they were all but gone. I still have one every now and then. We're all unique, so check with your Dr. Oh yeah meditation or whatever you like to do for stress. Be good to you! I sorta look at it like a signal for more me time. Hope it helps. Good vibes coming your way!