hot flashes

I could prob put this under psych meds since it has to be a side effect (although maybe of another kind of med) unless I am hitting menopause way early (in my mid-thirties), but HOLY crap, it's like someone jacks up the temp 200 degrees...it lasts for a little while and then it is gone. But in the meantime I soooo want to go do the cliche thing and stand with the freezer door open and stick most of me in it.
I can't wait til this happens "for real"...getting in plenty of practice drills now.

You have my utmost sympathy. I've been watching my mom go through hot flashes for the last 3 years. I hope you figure out very soon what med is causing this so they will stop.

get a fan, i have a hand fan in my bag when ever i go out, in the house i have an electric fan in my bedroom and in my living room. whenever i get hot i sit in front of one till i cool down again! (sit cos can't stand!) I love going in the freezer shop in summer to cool down too

I have been as close to the fan as possible and its not enough!

It is possible you can go through really early menopause! Also, I think there's a link between how early you start periods and how early you start menopause.

I've heard dressing in layers can help. That way, if you get hot, you take off a layer, but you could also get COLD after that. Somewomen go back & forth between feeling hot and cold.

Try an ice pack around your neck at home, if you're mostly hot around your neck area.

Herbal supplements like Black Cohosh helps some women, as well as soy products like milk. Of course, check with doc if taking meds.

I have a support group for such a purpose, if you want to join us?

http://forums.psychcentral.com/groups/hot-flash-formerly-women-over-40.html

I've been experiencing hot flashes as well. I'm on Prozac. Does anyone if there is a correlation?

Arethusa, I don't know if there's a connection to Prozac.

I've read caffeine can aggravate them, but giving up that is too hard. Cutting back is the best I can do.

I forgot to say that my mom used to chew crushed ice or drink ice water, when possible.

As you can see there are many reasons for hot flashes. Hormonal, dietary, and probably others...., but what I understand you are asking about some sort of relief.

In the short run you can breathe with it till it passes, especially in public places. In the long run until you know what is causing it, splash cold water on your wrist, and face, an ice cube on my neck and chest helps me, and a cold shower believe it or not because it gets even hotter in the summer months here.

Other than that, you get really creative with relief techniques.

Jade

I had hot flashes and really sweaty palms when I was on Prozac. I am sure it is coincidence but might be related. Who knows? I hope you all feel better.

Hello Everyone.
YES some meds. can make your body temp. rise. I didn't know that till I completely ready every word online about all meds. I take. That was very helpful and unexpected. Some women can hit menopause very early as I did. I started having issues when I was 25. Started full blown menopause when I was about 39-40. Many factors come into play for early menopause. Thyroid issues, female internal issues and women who have not giving birth. Just to name a few. Dr.'s try to go by when the patients mother started menopause. But if she has never had children that changes everything. Some women in early menopause don't get diagnosed correctly cause Dr.'s don't think that is the real problem. They think your too young etc. To find out for sure you need to have a full panel of hormone testing. That is what I had to do cause no one would listen to me. I knew my body was messed up. Plus my periods stopped. That is the only plus side to menopause no more periods!! The hot flashes were just awful. After many years and trying many different meds. I finally found one that seems to be working pretty good. It can be difficult to find what works for you. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Educating yourself is key and working with your Dr. As for relief I barely wore clothes and had to have a/c and fans on me all the time. Also avoiding activities that make you hot. Avoid spicy foods and hot beverages. There is also many over the counter remedies. Some work some don't. Everyone is different so it's hard to say what will work for every woman. I hope what I have said helps someone in some capacity. Thank you for listening.