Hot Flush Hell - How long do they go on for and what to do?

[Losingmyreligion]

I'd always thought I'd go through the menopause without going on HRT but these hot flushes are getting really debilitating.

How long do these go on for? Should I go on HRT? If I do will I get 'periods' again? I can't remember when my last one was but probably less than a year ago. I'm 52.

Any thoughts?

I'm nearly 55, pink. I feel better than I did and I don't get the bad nights now, and only the occasional flush. I'm still tired though but I'm not sure that's the menopause. Could be anything: iron deficiency or thyroid or something. Maybe not too late for hrt? I'd be happier confronting that doc, now!

Many women must suffer in silence, but these days we are expected to carry on: with childcare for our own kids, with working longer-not to mention a hot sex life. No taking it easy for us!

Hope hrt is working for you, pink.

You have been relatively lucky IF it's all over by 55. I didn't start the meno until I was 53+. I was absolutely fine with no peri symptoms at all and I poo-pooed meno as something that wasn't going to affect me- until I missed some periods.

There is a theory about a 'window of opportunity' with HRT where the benefits are highest and the risks lowest if it is started within 10 years of the final period. This gives the best protection against heart disease which is the No 1 killer of women ( not cancer.)

Some of my friends who are not using HRT do feel very tired, have joint pains and generally don't feel great. I'm not for a moment saying HRT is for everyone. But it's there if you want to try it.

pink I think you may have convinced me. I've been relatively lucky in that I've only been working part time whilst dd was small. So able to take it relatively easy. But I"ve got ti get back to "proper" work soon and I"m dreading it, partly because I know I"ll be permanently knackered.

There is something here that you may find useful.

BMS

bugger if you look at the News section of the BMs site there is a lot of helpful information.

Gee, thanks, pink. That's really helpful.

I was in hot flush hell with sleep a distant memory. My estrogen levels were not low enough for HRT though. I thought if this is what it's like when my levels are not low yet, what the hell am I in for when they are??

My gynae recommended Menopace plus. I grudgingly started on them not believing anything that wasn't hrt would work. For first few weeks.. same old. But now WOW!! Night sweats gone, I'm sleeping better and can function normally again. Please, please try

Glad something works, marmite. As a matter of interest, how do you know if your levels are low? Is there some sort of test?

as far as I know there is no threshold of oestrogen levels for HRT.
It's more a case of suck it and see (if it works.)
Testing has to be done several times ( at least twice) in a month because levels can be different from 1 day to the next. In these days of cash-strapped NHS most NHS drs aren't even going to bother.

My dr is very much in favour of natural and alternative remedies if that is what women want to try. Some will work for some women, and some won't.

It's worth remembering that during peri hormones are all over the place, so something herbal etc might seem to work but in fact it could be that your hormones are having a surge for a few weeks or months and during that time your symptoms lessen.

My levels were tested twice at different times. Bugger not sure what test is called but definitely gave me my eatrogen levels and another did my fsh levels.

Your Change Your Choice- Dooley- on Amazon. 50-50 complementary and conventional ways of dealing with it.

I think I've started the menopause - hot flushes and breaking into a sweat and totally knackered, also weight gain over the last 9-10 months.

What do I do - assume it is menopause and just get on with it, or see GP to have it confirmed by blood tests?

Had an ablation years ago, so no periods to judge by.

I can't answer your question. I'm just kind of getting on with it. I think there's some kind of menopause test kit you can buy. Thinking of seeing the gp re my options but I suspect they won't be as knowledgeable as the woman on here and will just offer their standard prescription. Only one way to find out I suppose

dwell there isn't really any point seeing your GP unless you are either very young and would need treatment such as HRT, or you want to try HRT.

Blood tests are not accurate. I had 1 when I first saw my gynae ( over something else) and it said I was post meno- ha ha. went on to have periods for 2 more years, mostly regular.

The NHS is bust so no dr will do blood tests just to 'prove' you are menopausal unless as I said you might be suffering from a premature menopause or the symptoms might be something else.

If you want to get rid of your symptoms then HRT is available but it's a personal choice.

sadly im not premature, (just shy of 50) so will suck it up for now and take some herbal supplements. sigh. The indignity of getting older!