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Summer Heat & Hot Flashes
Andie_WebMD_Staff posted:
Hi Everyone,
Here is the question of the season: How are you dealing with the rising temperatures of summer and the ongoing menopausal hot flashes?
It's a double-whammy that you may not be able to escape! Summer brings the warmth of the sun, but when hot flashes kick in we start dreaming of winter snow!
Have hot flashes made summer unbearable? Feel free to whine here. We understand. Then share some "cool" tips to help cope!
~Andie
Here is the question of the season: How are you dealing with the rising temperatures of summer and the ongoing menopausal hot flashes?
It's a double-whammy that you may not be able to escape! Summer brings the warmth of the sun, but when hot flashes kick in we start dreaming of winter snow!
Have hot flashes made summer unbearable? Feel free to whine here. We understand. Then share some "cool" tips to help cope!
~Andie
25 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesHi Everyone,<br /><br />Here is the question of the season: How are you dealing with the rising temperatures of summer and the ongoing menopausal hot flashes?<br /><br />It's a double-whammy that you may not be able to escape! Summer brings the warmth of the sun, but when hot flashes kick in we start dreaming of winter snow!<br /><br />Have hot flashes made summer unbearable? Feel free to whine here. We understand. Then share some "cool" tips to help cope!<br /><br /><img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /><br />~Andie
Dixie_1 responded:
Well as (YALL) can tell I'm from the South, Tennessee to be exact, and as far as my hot flashes and the heat and humidity of the south I am camping out in front of the AC vent lol. I am a true redneck now because along with the hot flashes my face and neck get so red grrrrrr,,,,not sure why that happens, but I say welcome to the wonderful world of menopause. Oh and by the way a big ole glass of sweet iced tea helps lol
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesWell as (YALL) can tell I'm from the South, Tennessee to be exact, and as far as my hot flashes and the heat and humidity of the south I am camping out in front of the AC vent lol. I am a true redneck now because along with the hot flashes my face and neck get so red grrrrrr,,,,not sure why that happens, but I say welcome to the wonderful world of menopause. Oh and by the way a big ole glass of sweet iced tea helps lol
butterflygarden responded:
Hey there, everybody!
I am joining your group. I just turned 47 last month, and about two weeks later missed my period. It had been really heavy and painful for about the past year, and suddenly it was gone.
Then the hot flashes started. Since I live in Florida (shout out to you, Dixie, as a fellow Southern lady!), just being outside and getting hit by one of these things is awful!
And, I actually think the worst is when I am in my car driving around. Ugh. Suddenly my whole body is on fire and I am pouring sweat. Not sure WHAT I can do about that besides jack up the AC and freeze my kids out of the car.
One of the things I did immediately was buy a second fan to blow on me while I sleep. The ceiling fan just wasn't cutting it. On some nights I even go to bed with a big ice pack wrapped in a couple of pillow cases.
I've also been wearing a lot more tank tops and sleeveless tops in general.
On weekends I spend as much time as I can in the pool or some sort of water. Hoping I don't become waterlogged! LOL.
I can't wait to hear what other ladies are doing to cool off these hot flashes this summer.
Butterfly
I am joining your group. I just turned 47 last month, and about two weeks later missed my period. It had been really heavy and painful for about the past year, and suddenly it was gone.
Then the hot flashes started. Since I live in Florida (shout out to you, Dixie, as a fellow Southern lady!), just being outside and getting hit by one of these things is awful!
And, I actually think the worst is when I am in my car driving around. Ugh. Suddenly my whole body is on fire and I am pouring sweat. Not sure WHAT I can do about that besides jack up the AC and freeze my kids out of the car.
One of the things I did immediately was buy a second fan to blow on me while I sleep. The ceiling fan just wasn't cutting it. On some nights I even go to bed with a big ice pack wrapped in a couple of pillow cases.
I've also been wearing a lot more tank tops and sleeveless tops in general.
On weekends I spend as much time as I can in the pool or some sort of water. Hoping I don't become waterlogged! LOL.
I can't wait to hear what other ladies are doing to cool off these hot flashes this summer.
Butterfly
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesHey there, everybody!<br /><br />I am joining your group. I just turned 47 last month, and about two weeks later missed my period. It had been really heavy and painful for about the past year, and suddenly it was gone. <br /><br />Then the hot flashes started. Since I live in Florida (shout out to you, Dixie, as a fellow Southern lady!), just being outside and getting hit by one of these things is awful!<br /><br />And, I actually think the worst is when I am in my car driving around. Ugh. Suddenly my whole body is on fire and I am pouring sweat. Not sure WHAT I can do about that besides jack up the AC and freeze my kids out of the car. <br /><br />One of the things I did immediately was buy a second fan to blow on me while I sleep. The ceiling fan just wasn't cutting it. On some nights I even go to bed with a big ice pack wrapped in a couple of pillow cases.<br /><br />I've also been wearing a lot more tank tops and sleeveless tops in general. <br /><br />On weekends I spend as much time as I can in the pool or some sort of water. Hoping I don't become waterlogged! LOL. <br /><br />I can't wait to hear what other ladies are doing to cool off these hot flashes this summer. <br /><br />Butterfly
g9rocks64 responded:
Last summer was unbearable, even here in Northern Michigan, with countless hot and humid days. Exercise in the early morning while it's still cool out - it also de-stresses which also helps hot flashes - and seriously, several cold showers a day. If I count down when I feel a hot flash coming on, reduce my breathing speed, and relax, it reduces the "heat" feeling! Good luck!
ps: I kept a cold, damp cloth for application to my back, my arms and my face handy at all times!
ps: I kept a cold, damp cloth for application to my back, my arms and my face handy at all times!
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesLast summer was unbearable, even here in Northern Michigan, with countless hot and humid days. Exercise in the early morning while it's still cool out - it also de-stresses which also helps hot flashes - and seriously, several cold showers a day. If I count down when I feel a hot flash coming on, reduce my breathing speed, and relax, it reduces the "heat" feeling! Good luck!<br /><br />ps: I kept a cold, damp cloth for application to my back, my arms and my face handy at all times!
jvlb1958 responded:
In life we all can't wait to get our periods and then we can't wait to get rid of it. My periods caused much pain and I heavy blood flow. I just turned 53 and have not had a period in a year and a half. Yeah!!!! No yeah! The worst is the night for me. I put a towel down on my side of the bed because I am tired of changing sheets. The water just pours out of me. Plus My husband hates the ceiling fan blowing above him, so I put the air down lower then our pocket can affored and I don't care. I become a differnet person........a crazed woman. Now I started getting them flashes during the day. My mother told me to suck on an icecube. This seems to work. So ladies, try it. Also, I tried hormone therapy and it did not work (I want to use natural stuff instead). The vitamin that I was taking which worked, is no longer around. My pharmacist (God Bless her) suggested using Hormone Free i-Cool. So far it has lessoned the hot flashes doing the day and at night I am staying basically dry (watch tonight I soak out again, HA!). Try this, it is over the counter, I purchased this in Florida at a Walgreens. So I am a southern girl from Brooklyn just trying to survive Menopause like all of you. Let me know if you try "i-Cool". Good luck, fellow hot flashers.J
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesIn life we all can't wait to get our periods and then we can't wait to get rid of it. My periods caused much pain and I heavy blood flow. I just turned 53 and have not had a period in a year and a half. Yeah!!!! No yeah! The worst is the night for me. I put a towel down on my side of the bed because I am tired of changing sheets. The water just pours out of me. Plus My husband hates the ceiling fan blowing above him, so I put the air down lower then our pocket can affored and I don't care. I become a differnet person........a crazed woman. Now I started getting them flashes during the day. My mother told me to suck on an icecube. This seems to work. So ladies, try it. Also, I tried hormone therapy and it did not work (I want to use natural stuff instead). The vitamin that I was taking which worked, is no longer around. My pharmacist (God Bless her) suggested using Hormone Free i-Cool. So far it has lessoned the hot flashes doing the day and at night I am staying basically dry (watch tonight I soak out again, HA!). Try this, it is over the counter, I purchased this in Florida at a Walgreens. So I am a southern girl from Brooklyn just trying to survive Menopause like all of you. Let me know if you try "i-Cool". Good luck, fellow hot flashers.J
MsHoneyBe responded:
Good Morning, When my hot flashes started it was morning, noon and night !!! I started taking my multi-vitamin and black cohosh faithfully.....that definetly helped.....I slept on top of a cool quilt, and only covered with a sheet !! Saving me laundry, cause then thats all I had to wash every other day or so .
I purchased them hand held fans, 2 to be exact... one for home and one for purse!! They really help me, as soon as you feel them coming on..... start fan!!! I also have BIG fan on at night, and a short wick type material gown !!!!! Works for me. Fans are at Walmart in by the big fans .....$2.99 and 2 double A batteries.
Hope this helps....Good Luck, Gentle Hugs, Debi
I purchased them hand held fans, 2 to be exact... one for home and one for purse!! They really help me, as soon as you feel them coming on..... start fan!!! I also have BIG fan on at night, and a short wick type material gown !!!!! Works for me. Fans are at Walmart in by the big fans .....$2.99 and 2 double A batteries.
Hope this helps....Good Luck, Gentle Hugs, Debi
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesGood Morning, When my hot flashes started it was morning, noon and night !!! I started taking my multi-vitamin and black cohosh faithfully.....that definetly helped.....I slept on top of a cool quilt, and only covered with a sheet !! Saving me laundry, cause then thats all I had to wash every other day or so .<br /><br />I purchased them hand held fans, 2 to be exact... one for home and one for purse!! They really help me, as soon as you feel them coming on..... start fan!!! I also have BIG fan on at night, and a short wick type material gown !!!!! Works for me. Fans are at Walmart in by the big fans .....$2.99 and 2 double A batteries.<br /> Hope this helps....Good Luck, Gentle Hugs, Debi
ls9198 responded:
I am handling the summer heat by regulating the air conditioner. I try to keep the temperature at the same rate but my hot flashes are really bothering me.
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesI am handling the summer heat by regulating the air conditioner. I try to keep the temperature at the same rate but my hot flashes are really bothering me.
Lorena1414 responded:
This might sound wierd but it really helps:
Stick out your tonge and roll it and then pull air through it -as if it was a straw- this will cool you down.
My ChiKung teacher gave me this tip and it works for me!
Stick out your tonge and roll it and then pull air through it -as if it was a straw- this will cool you down.
My ChiKung teacher gave me this tip and it works for me!
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesThis might sound wierd but it really helps:<br />Stick out your tonge and roll it and then pull air through it -as if it was a straw- this will cool you down.<br />My ChiKung teacher gave me this tip and it works for me!
An_205791 responded:
Hi Ladies,
I am 32 and have been menopausal for the last 2 years or so, and had perimenopausal since I was in my late 20's. I have endometriosis so I only have partial ovary function which is the answer to why I am so young and menopausal. The hot flashes are no joke-I keep a fan at my desk at work (which I have blowing on me as i type : ) . I have a ceiling fan going in my room at nite and keep a fan next to the bed along with a nice tall glass of ice water. Somethings in life we just have to bare and unfortunately along with the territory of getting older-come hot flashes, lack of sexual desire, weak bones etc. But what can you do? lol
I am 32 and have been menopausal for the last 2 years or so, and had perimenopausal since I was in my late 20's. I have endometriosis so I only have partial ovary function which is the answer to why I am so young and menopausal. The hot flashes are no joke-I keep a fan at my desk at work (which I have blowing on me as i type : ) . I have a ceiling fan going in my room at nite and keep a fan next to the bed along with a nice tall glass of ice water. Somethings in life we just have to bare and unfortunately along with the territory of getting older-come hot flashes, lack of sexual desire, weak bones etc. But what can you do? lol
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesHi Ladies, <br /> <br />I am 32 and have been menopausal for the last 2 years or so, and had perimenopausal since I was in my late 20's. I have endometriosis so I only have partial ovary function which is the answer to why I am so young and menopausal. The hot flashes are no joke-I keep a fan at my desk at work (which I have blowing on me as i type : ) . I have a ceiling fan going in my room at nite and keep a fan next to the bed along with a nice tall glass of ice water. Somethings in life we just have to bare and unfortunately along with the territory of getting older-come hot flashes, lack of sexual desire, weak bones etc. But what can you do? lol
Andie_WebMD_Staff replied to Lorena1414's response:
That is really interesting, Lorena! I am going to have to try the tongue straw trick next time I'm hot.
Butterfly, I shared your ice pack in the pillowcase trick with my neighbor the other day! She hasn't told me how it's working out for her yet, but she was sure excited about the idea!
Thanks for sharing, everyone!!
~Andie
Butterfly, I shared your ice pack in the pillowcase trick with my neighbor the other day! She hasn't told me how it's working out for her yet, but she was sure excited about the idea!
Thanks for sharing, everyone!!
~Andie
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesThat is really interesting, Lorena! I am going to have to try the tongue straw trick next time I'm hot.<br /><br />Butterfly, I shared your ice pack in the pillowcase trick with my neighbor the other day! She hasn't told me how it's working out for her yet, but she was sure excited about the idea!<br /><br />Thanks for sharing, everyone!!<br /><br />~Andie
MLaurenS replied to Andie_WebMD_Staff's response:
Layers! Layers! Layers! My entire wardrobe -- no matter where I am going -- has to be layers. Combine that with my fan next to my bed, fan in my office and fan in my purse -- that's the way I'm handling it. I'm 51 and have been going through menopause the last 4 years -- each year getting worse. My next step is medication.
Stay cool!
Stay cool!
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesLayers! Layers! Layers! My entire wardrobe -- no matter where I am going -- has to be layers. Combine that with my fan next to my bed, fan in my office and fan in my purse -- that's the way I'm handling it. I'm 51 and have been going through menopause the last 4 years -- each year getting worse. My next step is medication.<br /> <br />Stay cool!
rmoh31466 responded:
I sleep with an ice pack on the back of my neck. LOL
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesI sleep with an ice pack on the back of my neck. LOL
Fan, fans, and more fans!
I live in SW Iowa...Humid City.
I started perimenopause when I was 46. I am now 51 and haven't had a period in over 2 years. Early on, the heat flashes were nearly unbearable! I was always looking forward to winter where all I had to do was step outside for a few minutes and get relief.
My hubby couldn't stand a fan blowing across him either so I went out and purchased a mini fan. I actually purchased about half a dozen of these wonderful gadgets. I have one by my reading chair. One in the kitchen. One in the bathroom. One on my night stand. One on my desk at work...and one for traveling purposes.
These little fans were very inexpensive and have literally saved me.
By the way, someone mentioned above the benefits of exercise...I couldn't agree more. I run 3-4 miles about 5 days a week. Since I started this activity, the heat flashes have really become a lot less frequently, a lot less intensive and much, much more tolerable.
I am going to give the rolled tongue and ice-cube sucking a try though...
I live in SW Iowa...Humid City.
I started perimenopause when I was 46. I am now 51 and haven't had a period in over 2 years. Early on, the heat flashes were nearly unbearable! I was always looking forward to winter where all I had to do was step outside for a few minutes and get relief.
My hubby couldn't stand a fan blowing across him either so I went out and purchased a mini fan. I actually purchased about half a dozen of these wonderful gadgets. I have one by my reading chair. One in the kitchen. One in the bathroom. One on my night stand. One on my desk at work...and one for traveling purposes.
These little fans were very inexpensive and have literally saved me.
By the way, someone mentioned above the benefits of exercise...I couldn't agree more. I run 3-4 miles about 5 days a week. Since I started this activity, the heat flashes have really become a lot less frequently, a lot less intensive and much, much more tolerable.
I am going to give the rolled tongue and ice-cube sucking a try though...
Report This| Share this:Summer Heat & Hot FlashesFan, fans, and more fans!<br />I live in SW Iowa...Humid City.<br />I started perimenopause when I was 46. I am now 51 and haven't had a period in over 2 years. Early on, the heat flashes were nearly unbearable! I was always looking forward to winter where all I had to do was step outside for a few minutes and get relief.<br />My hubby couldn't stand a fan blowing across him either so I went out and purchased a mini fan. I actually purchased about half a dozen of these wonderful gadgets. I have one by my reading chair. One in the kitchen. One in the bathroom. One on my night stand. One on my desk at work...and one for traveling purposes. <br />These little fans were very inexpensive and have literally saved me.<br />By the way, someone mentioned above the benefits of exercise...I couldn't agree more. I run 3-4 miles about 5 days a week. Since I started this activity, the heat flashes have really become a lot less frequently, a lot less intensive and much, much more tolerable.<br />I am going to give the rolled tongue and ice-cube sucking a try though...<img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
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