Night sweats and hot flashes - how long will they continue?

[pamzart]

I am 50 and have been in menopause for about 14 months.

Since April of last year, I have experienced periods of INTENSE hot flashes and night sweats - sometimes 30 within 24 hours!  These periods last 6-8 weeks and then the hot flashes reduce in intensity and occurance gradually over the next 10 weeks.  Then, unfortunately, they start again.  I am currently in my 3rd cycle of this pattern.

I haven't had a period since November 2005. My GYN has done blood tests - I'm definately menopausal.  I am not taking HRT.  I am taking herbs - I can't tell if they're helping or not.  I eat healthy food - no meat - lots of vegies.  I exercise a lot.

How long does menopause usually last?  Am I close to the end of this Hot Flash torture?

Pam

[Deb_Oh]

i am turning 49 in less than a week.  my periods haven't been regular for two years now.  

i was having hot flashes every morning from 3:30-5:30 and then again through out the day.

I recently tried Black Cohosh and it made a difference immediately.  i take it every day at lunch with food.  

[MsAndi06]

Scandalous, I agree with your approach as oppose to pill-popping.  I had a GYN appointment today & she suggested Paxil to help alleviate the night sweats.  After watching so many prescription medication commercials, my own list of side effects started running thru my mind immediately - just like a commercial - side effects may cause blindness, liver damage, retina failure, etc.  I couldn't turn it off, so I jumped on the Internet as soon as I got home and started researching the possible damage(s) this drug can cause which is what led me to your post.   Long story short, you're right - diet & exercise are the key.

[A.M..]

Just was wondering how you are doing with the flaxseed. I have been 7 years post menopausal and have been experiencing many hot flashes daily. They seem to go away and then bang, they are back. It has been about 3 months now with about 20-30 daily. I also experience the aura prior to the flash which consists of dizziness, an uneasy feeling with an upset stomach, and minutes later the flash comes on. It has created anxiety as well. I have been eating hemp hearts hoping they would help, but they have not. My last period was at age 52...I am now 59. It has been so bad. it is nice to hear I am not alone
Looking forward to your reply
Ellen.

[MarLow2461]

I have been having hot flashes on and off now for 5 or 6 years. They usually go away or become more infrequent in the winter when it gets really cold. I thought I was done with them but when it got hot this summer they came back. So, yeah , they come and go, just hoping for that day they're gone for good!!!

[MeMawof4]

Well said! I have been going through this now for over 12 years. The last 5 years have been the worst. I had to stop leaving my home because I would get so frustrated after changing 2-3 times " due to me clothes getting drenched and my hair literally  looking like I just stepped out of the shower from Sweat " or actually making it half way to my grandson's birthday party with the AC on Maximum only to again have sweat dripping down my body. What I have tried is the Herb Black Cohosh. They say it can take up to 6 weeks to see all the benefits. I took it for 3 1/2 months with no relief. I have girlfriends that have said it helps them though.
I keep 4 Gel Ice Packs in my freezer and wrap one in a washcloth. I sit and have one on my neck and one for each wrist!! It is the only thing that cools me down. I am going to try the Flax Seed I read here on a post.

Good luck everyone. Post anything you have tried that helps so we all can pass it along and try it ourselves. Have a great day.

[Wisconsingal]

I must say.. Hot flashes are horrible, have had them since 2009 and still going strong.  

I tried the Estroblend - regular and extra strength from Walmart and it seem to help for about 3 weeks, but it took a week for it to kick in.  But then it quit working.  Then proceeded to try Estroven, it did the same thing. ugh

I try to stay away from Sugar, Chocolate, Alcohol and spicy foods which seem to trigger or escalate them.  Sounds strange but I make sure to get a glass of ice when I have any of these, seems to help to chew on a few as well as stick a few down my shirt (crazy right? but it works!)

If I could walk barefoot, short sleeves with no collar (so nothing is touching the back of my neck) year round I believe my hot flashes would be cut in half.