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

[ajanta362]

HRT is Hormone Replacement Therapy

[katnip777]

Isn't it strange how so many women are saying it lasts for years. I am wondering if it has to do with diet now because whenever I cut out as much sugar from my diet as possible my menopause symptoms including hot flashes diminish and have even disappeared. But I am also a sugar junkie so this is really tough for me. I am willing to try the flax seeds and more exercise. But I suspect that if I am vigilant about no-sugar it may disappear. Trying **** Quay too right now but not long enough to confirm it's success.    

[jasmine76]

I haven't had hot flashes for at least 6 mths and now they have come back worse than ever!! Has anyone else experienced this?

[sjde]

I am 58 and started with hot flashes at 47. My periods stopped at 51 or 52 and I'm still having them and night sweats too. In fact they are gettiung worse again. At least 5 times a day. I've never been on HRT and have to watch how much soy I eat because I am hypothyroid and have a family history of breast cancer. Really getting tired of this.

[ActingANGELA]

My hot flashes and night sweats are frequent and daily. Not fun, for sure. I hit the year anniversary of no cycle and like clockwork . . . I fell into Depression and Anxiety, so bad, I had to go back on anti-depressant's (Paxil). And with the anti-depressant's came hot flashes/night sweats and severe insomnia (or menopause). Now, I'm a freaking pharmacy -- I have to take Ambien to get four hours sleep each night; developed a sleep issue with gulping, gasping waking me up every five minutes. Someone tell me these things pass . . . I know the hot flashes can last years; but the Anxiety/Depression and Insomnia? Anyone have those and have it pass/ease with medication? Is there hope? I'm 49-years-old with one ovary (since age 20).

[Sandief]

If you have only just started menopause, and by only missing one period I would say you are probably only just peri-menopause, hot flashes are probably not yet a problem. When you get 5 years down the track, with hot flashes that cause the sweat to actually drip off you face and run down your body, and this happens up to 30 times a day, then you can honestly comment on what you have done to try and eleviate the problems. I hope you are one of the lucky ones who is able to just "sail through menopause "but until you are well and truly into it, please do not mak e rash suggestions. Heredity does go a long way in determining how much or not you will have to endure during this challenging time of your life. To those suffering like me.. hang in there.