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Warning: Hot Flashes Ahead
It used to be that a hot guy could turn my body upside down, filling me with anxiety and making it hard to think straight. As the adrenaline rushed through my veins, my heart would pump loudly and I'd forget what I was trying to say, mumble something incoherent and hope that my smile was getting to him the same way he was getting to me.
Nowadays, I still have anxious moments where my adrenaline pumps quickly and my heart pounds loudly. I quite frequently lose my train of thought, not to mention a particular word. And I often mumble incoherently, causing those around me to think I've entered early Alzheimer's.
Unfortunately, this time around, it's not because of a hot guy, but the result of a hot flash - one of the symptoms of out-of-whack hormones. And I can no more control these raging hormones than I could tame the ones that raged when I was a teenager.
Back then I was taking my clothes off for something fun. Now I'm shedding layer by layer for survival.
For those of you who have not yet reached the hot flash zone, let me tell you how it is:
The heat starts from deep inside your body, and begins slowly to creep out of your pores, drenching your neck and forehead. It can be subtle at first. You might think it's just an extremely warm day, although no one else seems to be experiencing this ‘summer effect.' You may attribute it to having just eaten hot, spicy food or to walking too fast on the treadmill.
Once it passes, you're left with a slight chill and several seconds of reorientation as your body returns to normal. And with the hope that it won't happen again.
But there is no fooling yourself once they arrive. No turning back. You're merging into a new lane on this highway of life and you've got to keep going forward.
There are a few remedies you can apply, but as of yet, I haven't found any real cure, only temporary solutions.
First, and most important, always dress in layers. Whether you're going walking along the beach, sitting in an air-conditioned restaurant or skiing down a black diamond mountain: think layers.
Second, there are pretty fans made from wood or plastic. You can purchase these to match your outfits or buy one for each day of the week, much like those little girl underpanties that we used to wear. Or if you're so inclined, you can buy one of the electrical fans. But here's a warning: the whirring noise will attract attention and it does often sound like a mini vibrator.
Third, you can take hormone pills of one variety or another. But the verdict still hasn't come in on the benefits of these.
And lastly, you could give up those activies known to trigger hot flashes.
In my case this would be all of my favorite things: coffee, my work-out sessions, fine wine and those extra-dry, extra-cold martinis. But these are also the things I share with my best friends. Women who relate completely to what I'm going through. Things I do not want to give up.
So, pass the fan and that bottle of wine...oh, here it comes...off with my sweater...
Comments (27)
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Report Thu Feb 10, 2011 - 11:29 pmThe doctor should have known better. I told my doctor and he sent me straight away to get a blood test. The results were clear my girly hormone level had plummeted to almost "0". I was so lucky to have my third child first and I had just finished breast feeding when those night sweats started. I was 43 at the time.Reply -
Report Thu Jun 3, 2010 - 3:49 pmI am experiencing the hot flashes and when I told my doctor he looked at me like I had 3 heads and said that I was too youngReply
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Thu Apr 29, 2010 - 9:08 pm
Janie, lovely article! I can completely relate. You know what I hate most about menopause? That I will have to go through it twice in my life. Once already at age 29 as a result of chemo/tamoxifen and the second time in the next 10-ish years or so. It ain't fair!!!! :)Reply -
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Thu Apr 1, 2010 - 7:36 pm
I know exactly what you're talking about what fun would it be if we gave up all the good things that affect our hormonal state. "The business I'm in, the coffee I drink" has helped me tremendously with night sweats and hot flashes. You see the difference is that my coffee taste as good as any other and it has a remarkable organic component known as "Ganoderma Lucidum". May I suggest, check it out, google it but just find out all you can and then get back to me for your FREE sample.Reply -
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Sun Oct 25, 2009 - 4:21 pm
Last night, it was on and off with the covers, more times than I can count. With my husband letting me know that my skin was very warm...as if I didn't know! I think I may have to try that patch.Reply -
Report Sun Oct 25, 2009 - 5:39 amVivelle dot LOL .The tiny lil dot hormone patch has saved my life from just what your describing .. The Hot Flash !!Reply
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Thu Aug 13, 2009 - 12:32 pm
Hot flashes are not fun. Unfortunately when I told my doctor about this (she looks like she is 12 years old), she thought I was too young. Sometimes they just need to listen and not speak.Reply -
Report Wed Aug 12, 2009 - 1:11 amHisterical!!!!!!!! So funny, so true.Reply
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Report Tue Aug 11, 2009 - 1:03 amYou are spot on, Janie! I can testify to everything you said - right down to giving up the things that trigger those little power surges. I have an added dimension - visit my blog at www.womanofwisdom.wordpress.com to see how it can go to the next level! Blessings and Coolness!Reply
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Mon Aug 10, 2009 - 5:25 pm
Sky, Caraolo & msmac, Thanks for your comments. We aren't alone in this!Reply
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Sun Aug 9, 2009 - 6:17 pm
I think they may just be starting - thought it was an air conditioning problem. I have spent my life freezing so it is strange to feel the heat coming from me!Reply -
Report Sun Aug 9, 2009 - 3:33 amI understand completely!Reply
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Report Fri Aug 7, 2009 - 8:18 pmNot did I love this blog, I loved reading the comments as well!! I have not laughed this hard in a long time! My partner whom I have nicknamed "Flash" has been goin though these hot flashes for six years, and since we have been together I have seen everthing you have mentioned in your blog, and more!! I am now experiencing hot flashes as well, two people in one household, with this sitution, sounds like the next tv reality show!!! I would call "Ice Wanted" thanks for sharing!Reply
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Report Fri Aug 7, 2009 - 1:41 pmI am so with you on this - while my hot flashes have only just begun I know I'm in for the long haul - my mother and my sister had them for about 4 years when they went through menopause - Yipee let the cool breezes blow!!Reply
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Fri Aug 7, 2009 - 2:47 am
I love that Joan of Arc reference that Joy made! And yes, I have put my head in the refrigerator. I admit it!Reply
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Report Fri Aug 7, 2009 - 2:08 amOh Janie -- you knocked that one right out of the ballpark - Bravo for getting it down excactly!!!! I love the parts especially of the fans and dressing in layers - good ones!!! Luckily I'm through most of that now but .. every once in a while, those nasty warm flashes will sneak up on me unexpectedly. I used to call my worst ones "The Joan of Arc" - this is where the blasting heat comes from your feet and flashes quickly up to your neck - just like burning at the stake I'm sure. Did anyone used to stick their neck and head in the freezer to cool them down sometimes too? Come on - be honest - my freezer saw my red face in there more than my food did in those days. Good luck ladies.Reply
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Report Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 10:30 pmyes, my body goes on its own tropical vacation alot these days, and as it was mentioned, at the worst possible times!Reply
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Report Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 9:26 pmTo bad that knowing you are not alone doesn't help much. The good thing is we're still hot, we just come in hot flashes.Reply
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Report Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 8:39 pmSinging to the choir here! I have found that focusing on what I call the "basic five" and using a natural progesterone cream (Prolief by Arbonne) has helped me through this journey. BASIC FIVE: 1) Get sufficient sleep; 2) Eat healthy and in moderation; 3) Get sufficient fluids--mainly water, herbal tea @ 50% of my body weight in ounces; 4) Get regular exercise; and 5) Spiritual balance/inner peace. And, by the way, I love the comment of one poster who mentions harnessing the power of hot flashes... HA! Crazy brilliant? :-)Reply
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Report Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 8:37 pmI'm not to the point of hot flashes yet, but thank you for the heads up! I'm thinking of starting a collection of little fans, so I'll be ready when the time comes!Reply
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Report Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 8:22 pmI could use a few ice cubes right about now.Reply
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Report Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 8:19 pmI just love your article-hot flashes-I can relate and hear you on that. I am dealing with mines the natural way. I have got them under control. But what you say is so true-and funny at the same time. I am hear to tell you that there are stuff that works. I know who wants to give up some of the things they do that are fun to halt a hot flash. Check me hot: http://www.thehotflashcoach.comReply
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Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 4:11 pm
Toni- Talk about unkempt hair, you should see mine. Well, maybe you shouldn't.Reply
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Report Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 3:14 pmAnd why do hot flashes always come at the most inconvenient times???Reply
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Report Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 2:45 pmI have a friend who calls hot flashes "her own personal summer," which I think is amusing. I loved your candidness, and advice!Reply
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Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 2:41 pm
SO not looking forward to this! All my hair needs is another excuse to look unkempt!Reply -
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Thu Aug 6, 2009 - 7:56 am
It's a shame we can't harness the energy of these hot flashes - they sound pretty powerful! Have another extra cold martini.Reply
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