Help with Menopausal Symptoms

Updated on January 23, 2009
J.A. asks from North Reading, MA
13 answers

Hi Ladies,

Well, I hate to admit it but I have begun to feel the symptoms of menopause in a big way. Truly the one thing that is really bothering me is the hot flashes. I missed my period in December and around New Years the hot flashes began. I am having one at least every half hour night and day. Some are definately worse than others. During the day they are mostly distracting. (although I'm not sure how to dress my temperature changes so fast!) It is the night hot flashes that are really getting to me though.

I have not had a good nights sleep since the beginning of the month. I work part time on the evening shift so I do not get to bed until at least 2AM three nights a week and generally fall asleep around midnight on other nights.

Here's the problem. I wake at least two to three times between midnight and 6AM. HOT HOT HOT. A little sweaty. I kick off the blankets and wait and it frequently takes 45 minutes to fall back to sleep only to...well, you know heat up again. Between the heating up, the trips to the bathroom, the evening work shift and two little girls ages 7 and 9 whom I get up at 7AM to take to school, I'm living in catnaps. Frankly, it's starting to wear on me and I have no idea how long it will last.

Hormones are out of the question. Family history of blood clots. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless You All.

J.

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So What Happened?

Wow ladies!,

You really came through for me. I was worried that this forum would be more utilized by younger women and was not expecting such a response. Thank you for the great advice. I will most definately be trying several. Either way the support alone is so helpful. Anyone know approximately how long these symptoms go on for and if they will stay this severe or will I have periods were I am symptom free?

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J.H.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.
I too had hot flashes and the beginnings of menopause. I now take a nutritional (food) supplement that is safe and effective and no more hot flashes, PMS, cramps or interrupted sleep. No side effects either since it's just food. It is my husband's favorite!!!
Would love to share info with you.
J. H

More Answers

D.B.

answers from Boston on

You are so exhausted, aren't you? What a tough time!

How about a nutritional supplement? You don't want drugs, which I think is a great idea to avoid, but you could go with a vegetarian supplement with a specialize formula designed just for menopause. Reliv's Soy Sentials is fantastic - I have so many friends who've used it for menopausal symptoms, and it also builds bone strength which is so important for women our age. I'd be happy to share more info and connect you with other women, nurses, etc. to give you the relief you need.

D.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.A.

answers from Boston on

Have you tried soy or vitamin b-50?

1 mom found this helpful
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D.F.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.,

welcome to 48!!! I am in the same age bracket. I have night sweats real bad now. I take a shower before bed time and I have to take one when I get up!! My emotions are everywhere, I had hysterectomy at 40, still have ovaries. I am on thyroid medication because I have fallen apart now. I feel irritated most of time. I have gained 60 pounds. My husband I sleep in the same room and bed, he might as well be in china. He really doesnt even acknowledge I am still here.

So I have decided to make things better, its really because I am unhappy with myself that I need to pick myself up and snap out of this menopause fog I have been in! I Just today signed up to work out at the gym, I have been told it makes you feel great, lose weight, and I guess it really helps with all the symptoms both you and I are having. Even night sweats! So here I go .......I will plan healthy meals for myself. And just take care of myself. Maybe my husband will turn over and notice me again!
You cannot take certain meds because of blood clots run in your family, can you work out? If you can, it will also help out with sleeping. I feel for you, I am in the same boat! Hoped I help a little.

1 mom found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.,
Pick up the book from Belly Fat to Belly Flat by C W Randolph Jr, MD it's an excellent resource to help you out. Also, in the book he mentions Arbonne's Phyto Prolief and Prolief which are Natural Balancing creams that he reviewed for quality and truth in advertising.

Many people (men included) have had fantastic results with these creams. You can hear more testimonials at my website
http://www.kellymcinnis.myarbonne.com

Let me know if you have any questions and Good Luck!
K.
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____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
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J.D.

answers from Hartford on

Soy, evening primrose and Estroven, all over the counter natural tablets, is what I take. You have to take them everyday in order for them to work. It cuts down the severity of the hot flashes, but they do not entirely go away. Good luck.

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K.M.

answers from Boston on

Have you considered acupuncture? I had symptoms from hormone inbalances (from medicine for fertility but it is still similar in some ways) and it helped a ton with hot flashes, mood swings and anxiety http://www.acufamily.com/index.php?q=womens-health.html

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L.C.

answers from Bangor on

You sound like me! I found out the progesterone cream is what aleiviates hot flashes and lots of other things. When I turned 45 I started peri menopause. I am happy to say I use Arbonne's phyto prolief and I am symptom free! Yeah!!
Let me know if I can help you get this product. L.
p.s It worked with in the first month for me and they have a 45 day guarantee!

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M.D.

answers from Burlington on

Hi J.,

This topic was repeated on Oprah yesterday. You can go to her website to read. A healthy diet of foods loaded with nutrition (fresh fruits and vegetables, lean cuts of meat, nuts and seeds) and exercise will help you feel a bit better. If you're already doing that, I don't know what to say.

Two books suggested on Oprah's show:
The Wisdon of Menopause by Dr. Christiane Northrop
What's Age Got To Do With It? by Robyn McGraw

I think I heard that in some cultures perimenopausal symptoms do not exist. So I am of the opinion that it is our American lifestyle (junk food and lack of exercise) that lead to this and other health problems.

Good luck,
: ) Maureen

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L.B.

answers from Barnstable on

Hi J.,
I'm now 57 yrs old, and am officially into menopause. I had about one year of on and off hot flashes. Night time was bad for me too, kicking off blankets and tossing around the bed til I cooled off. I always kept sugar free popcicles in the freezer, and it helped to have one or two to cool down. I would also wet down a face cloth and do a quick cool wipe on my legs, arms, face, neck. I didn't seek help because I could still get thru the day. It ended when I was really done with my periods.
Hope it helps. I also am a Pure Romance Consultant and some of my products helped me with vaginal dryness and libido..but your story notes you are not intimate right now. Sorry about that. Our lives certainly take turns we don't expect. Let me know if I can help.
Always,
L. Bavota
www.lenorebavota.pureromance.com
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B.A.

answers from Boston on

Hi J.,

I found a web-site recenty called www.womentowomen.com. I also have night sweats on and off and all of a sudden my moods have been erratic. I also get insomnia. All signs of perimenopause/menopause.

The web-site is about a health clinic in Maine that focuses on all natural remedies. I found it very helpful.

I hope it helps.
B.

I am a 40 year old Mom of a 5 year old and 2 year old.

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N.D.

answers from Springfield on

Hey, I have a friend going through the same thing. Try Tylenol PM on weekend nights to get you to sleep and to make it a bit easier to stay that way. Also during the day have some cold water handy to drink in public and put on your face and neck in private.

Good luck, nat

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T.S.

answers from New London on

SOY - I buy them at the drug store - works like a charm. When I forget to take them on a fairly regular basis - night sweats come right back!

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