10 Ways to Ease Those Menopause Symptoms

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I began hot flashes & menopause at age 39. I tried HRT but found that the side effects from it was just as bad as the hot flashes. I have tried natural products available in natural health & food stores and have found no relief with any of them. I told my husband that if men had to go through this surely something would be availabe for relief. The intensity of my hot flashes sea to have subsided somewhat (I couldn't even be in front of the stove without sweating profusely) but the flashes have not disappeared completely and I too wander if they will ever disappear entirely. My most uncomfortable time is breaking out in a sweat after a shower to the point where I can't apply makeup because of perspiration. I also am constantly covering and uncovering during the night due to night sweats. I am currently using an estrogen cream for vaginal dryness but it has not helped to alleviate painful sexual intercourse which I attribute to shrinkage. I have found nothing or noone to help me with that. It really adds a lot of stress to a marriage to feel inadequate in your ability to keep your husband happy.

Joan of AZ 3:06PM February 27, 2011

i endured hot flashes since menopause began (for me at 51) several times a day. I always said,if only it would happen when i was somewhere freezing, now that would be handy! Never happened. Anyway, don't tell anyone, but i haven't had one lately, like 2 weeks now . . . shhhhhhhh keep it under your red hats! A friend told me hers stopped for several years and then came back! Oh no! Say it isn't so!
I feel for us all! As women we don't get many breaks from pain and suffering. In my case, 38 years of cramps with "the monthly's" and now the lovely menopause troubles along with a little arthritis here and there mixed in with hip and back pain since I was 34 and now add on tennis elbow! What? I don't play tennis!
Oh well, I try to remember what a friend and long time co-worker said to me, "embrace that pain, it let's you know your alive!" Yea right! Can't I just know I'm alive because I'm pain free and maybe rich to boot? Take care everyone and try to have fun anyway!

Judy of MD 8:58PM June 28, 2010

My hot-flashes seem to bother other people more than myself so I've made it a point to be aware and make sure that I'm NOT complaining, yet any time it is noticed or I remark about it, someone , (like my doctor), wants to hand me a pill, vitamin, or drug.
Honestly, the flashes don't bother me at all-I enjoy the novelty actually, the sensation, and I'm almost at the point where I feel like I can mentally control it if that is even possible.
Mine only last a minute or so, and reach a predictable & managable level of heat, then I'm a little moist-mostly my neck, hair, and forehead, really no big deal, except for the adjustment to sleep.
I've had to get tough because in my case, as soon as the flashes stop, the period returns, and I sure don't want ThAT to happen ha ha.

me too2 of AL 3:45AM March 31, 2010

I'm no expert, but riding out the chemical changes our bodies take us through is just plain life to me.
I'm only 46 years old and a very petite female who have been going
through Hot Flashes for approximately 5 years now, and haven't been placed on any meds for it, thank GOD! I simply put up with it and ride it out until that moment leaves me.
At work, night shift, I'm always fanning myself for a few brief moments; then putting on my jacket for a few minutes more; then taking it off again, and repeating this until, I'm comfortable and can work normally. Some folks are amazed at seeing me fanning and putting on and taking off my jacket,etc.. After a while, those symtptoms disappear. So, I look for clothing that keeps me feeling comfortable and not too hot. But what I find amazing: When folks at work are freezing, I'm hot and fanning! Then I'm okay. If I get cold, it's not for long. So I sort of enjoy this chemical change. But only when it works for me. ;)
Also, if you can prepare for it mentally, then you may be able to adjust to a more comfortable lifestyle.
Listen to your body, and find natural ways to restore balance.
GOD Bless.

NLilly of FL 9:24AM February 06, 2010

I have been having hot flashes for 10 years!! Do they ever stop??? I just turned 50 and they seem to be getting more INTENSE.

debi of VA 10:22AM September 16, 2009

I am sure every woman going through this has a sure fire way to keep it from taking over their lives. Even myself. I try to work out eat right go to sleep by 9:30pm every night ingest soy products do yoga. Some times it works sometimes it doesnt. I use to be a deep sleeper, not anymore. The hot flashes are my own personal heatwave. I sleep with the ceiling fan going and a floor fan and still wake up 3am in a puddle. I do not want to medicate myself through this. I pride myself on being almost 50 and meds free. Would like to keep it that way. What works for some women will not work for all. I just think with all the advancements we have this is just a processes we just have to go through. Thanks for the ideas I am sure they may help.

Mary Anne Hobbs-Fernie of NJ 3:32PM September 09, 2009

Acupuncture and venlafaxine (Effexor) proved equally effective for reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and other effects of antiestrogen therapy. However, patients randomized to acupuncture reported no adverse effects, whereas those treated with venlafaxine reported a number of side effects
International Journal of Radiation Oncology - Biology - Physics Source reference: Walker EM, et al "Acupuncture for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients receiving hormone suppression treatment" Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2008; 72(1 Suppl):S103. Abstract 228.

acupuncture practitioner of MN 2:47PM September 09, 2009

Yoga is the best way to combat.

l.klkut of LA 11:07AM September 09, 2009

You are wrong to state that HRT has been dethroned as the best way of coping with menopausal symptoms. There is no other treatment that works for problems that are due to lack of estrogen. Even the Regulatory Authorities in USA and Europe agree that for women with significant symptoms HRT is appropriate given at the lowest effective dose. Non-hormonal and dietary supplements are generally ineffective, of unknown mode of action, lacking in evidence of safety, associated with various side-effects and costly. The initial reports from the Women's Health Initiative(WHI) in 2002 have now been shown to be misleading and even the authors accept that they might have overcalled. The women in these studies were on average aged 63 years at the start of the study, so were about 68 when the first part was stopped. These are not the women who need HRT for symptome relief who are usually aged between 45-60 years. When the WHI data were reanalysed they found that there was no increased risk of heart disease in those aged 50-59 or within 10 years of menopause and even a suggestion of a reduction. Such an about turn has not received the publicity it deserves and countless women are still being denied the benefits of HRT and the improved quality of life that should be so easily and safely available. No medication is without some risk and these need to be put in to an appropriate perspective. For example, many women are taking a statin and or aspirin, both of which have significant risks associated of which most women will be unaware. HRT is the most effective treatment for women with significant disturbance of the quality of their life from menopausal symptoms. For those around the time of the menopause the risks are minimal, but as with all medication each individual should discuss her circumstances with her physician so that a joint and well-informed decision can be made on whether HRT is appropriate.

David Sturdee, MD 8:38AM September 09, 2009