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Post by Admin on Jun 12, 2012 6:54:05 GMT
Probably the most "well known" of the symptoms, but by no means the only symptom, as we all know only too well.
Tell us how you cope or what experiences you've had with these symptoms.
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Jun 12, 2012 11:03:25 GMT
Those nocturnal sweats are disgusting and made my skin feel sun burned. Beats me how anyone could laugh at that awful play menopause the musical.I agree with Blane Crandall
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Post by Admin on Jun 13, 2012 8:41:04 GMT
Those nocturnal sweats are disgusting and made my skin feel sun burned. Beats me how anyone could laugh at that awful play menopause the musical.I agree with Blane Crandall I never did see "Menopause the Musical", but it's been getting advertised a bit here lately because it must be doing another round of the theatres. Having now been through my very own "Menopause the Musical" I have no interest in seeing it at all. I think those who can sit back and laugh at meno symptoms are those who are either men, women who are too young to be meno (boy are they in for a shock), or meno women who never suffered. |
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Post by Gelis on Jul 22, 2012 17:18:59 GMT
Don't think there is anything funny about hot flushes & sweats at all! Living in a hot country, night times are particularly unpleasant, and mean that I don't get much sleep at all. In the "worst" of the hot weather I keep the bath full of cold water & jump into it at various times during the night to cool off!
Years ago we had a holiday in Cyprus, and I remember falling asleep in just such a bath of cool water - I was only in my 30s then; it was just horrendously hot!
Gxx
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Post by gillypanda on Aug 22, 2012 18:49:16 GMT
I'm finding the hot flushes the worst part to deal with. I describe it as someone lighting a fire inside the middle of my head, which then spreads outwards. I sweat on my top lip, forehead, and it pours down the back of my neck. The rest of the top half of my body then follows suit. I get these at least 15 times a day, and 6 times in the night.
I've permanently got a fan blowing on me, and before this I was the coldest person in the world! I've tried black cohosh, which helped for a while and then started giving me headaches. And then Mexican Wild Yam cream at nights, which helps on and off but gives me vivid dreams! I'm going to talk to my GP again in the morning about HRT.
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susan
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Post by susan on Aug 22, 2012 19:17:23 GMT
Hot flushes were one major menopause symptom for me. At one point they were so bad that I used to feel like I would collapse.
I used to sit on my kitchen floor if I had one whilst in there as it had freezing cold ceramic tiles on it - didn't make much difference though. I still find it hard to believe that I put up with them for so many years and it wasn't until the vaginal atrophy kicked in that I finally went on HRT. Especially as flushes are one of the thing that are more of less guaranteed to go with the right dose of oestrogen.
xxxx
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Post by Countrycottage on Aug 22, 2012 19:22:07 GMT
my first one was 10 days post removal of ovaries..i have never been so hot in my life and thought i was going to combust! My husband looked really scared as my face went from pale to bright purple in 5 minutes.. It was a really cold january and i had all windows in the house open and my fan and was lying on the cold bathroom floor, whilst throwing up and having an anxiety attack...3 hours later i asked my husband to take me to the out of hours gp for valium, where i was told it was nothing to do with the op...i now know it was a vicious hot flush...i still get paniky and feelings of doom with my flushes and either feel sick or throw up but oestrogen (sandrena 3 sachets a day) controls them well x
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Post by gillypanda on Aug 22, 2012 20:20:42 GMT
I rarely have a flush now and when one happens occasionally it is so mild I doubt anyone would notice and certainly don't have to take any clothes off  Do keep us posted gillypanda! Bellaciao x I just had to quote this bit. My hubby is now used to me suddenly ripping off my clothes and sitting close to the fan! As I said, I was the coldest person in the world before this, always wearing huge jumpers even in the summer. Now, I only buy clothes that are quickly removable ;D I will let you know how I go on tomorrow x |
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susan
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Post by susan on Aug 22, 2012 20:21:50 GMT
I must admitt I have never been able to get my head round the idea that black cohosh is a natural  product. It's not like as human beings we have ever had black cohosh coursing about round our blood stream at any point in our natural history  whereas it is perfectly natural for us to have oestrogen. Confuzzled I am. On that kind of basis deadly nightshade is a natural product and so are rowan berries. good luck tomorrow Gillypanda I hope it goes well. xxxx |
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Post by Robyn on Aug 23, 2012 5:54:01 GMT
I hope everything goes well for you too Gilly. The goods news is that for a lot of women the hot flushes disappear pretty quickly after starting HRT. I really hope your doctor prescribes it for you, because I think it will make the world of difference for you.
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Post by Gelis on Aug 23, 2012 7:15:47 GMT
I really hope you get help from your GP, Gilly. You need to stand your ground, though, as too many of them try to fob women off with ADs. Getting the right HRT can be a bit hit & miss, but it is worth it to find the right one and feel better.
Gxx
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Aug 23, 2012 9:36:19 GMT
You need to emphasise vaso motor symptoms for NHS to advise HRT as first line protocol. When a doctor starts doing the prescription a huge warning flashes up on the screen as I saw when I cajoled my NHS GP into giving me the stuff I wanted.
Jacks
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susan
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Post by susan on Aug 23, 2012 10:44:00 GMT
That was exactly what I did Jacks. I was clued up having read a load of stuff on the Internet. I went in and talked about severe hot flushes, dripping night sweats and crippling VA and how they were ruining my quality of life and affecting my relationship. I never mentioned anxiety even though I had it. She then said 'well really if you have got the bad hot flushes the only thing that will help that is HRT. ![]() i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa394/Cybe2005/smiley-happy065.gif [/IMG] nothing else will do it. She even had the sense to start me off on a 2mg tablet instead of the normal 'we will give you a low dose and see how you get on' approach. xxxx |
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Post by gillypanda on Aug 23, 2012 17:22:36 GMT
Just a quick update from me. My GP is fab! My blood results were all normal; thyroid, liver, kidneys, inflammation, CA125, but he thinks my bloating and weight gain etc is caused by Irritable Bowel as well as the menopause. So I've got pills for that. Then we moved onto my ever-increasing sweating and insomnia. I told him that I'd been speaking to friends, both in real life and on here, and that I thought HRT patches might be the way to go. He got his "pills book" out to read up, and wrote me a script for Estrodot patches  I've got 4 weeks worth and then I'm going back to see him. I can't find any chemists who stock them, so now they're on order for tomorrow Unfortunately the dentist wasn't such good news. I'm going back next Friday to have a top wisdom tooth removed with IV sedation, because I was a wreck just being examined. I'm terrified, and hoping that the HRT is kicking in by then and making me feel a bit less anxious! |
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susan
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Post by susan on Aug 23, 2012 17:36:52 GMT
So pleased to read this Gillypanda. Estradot are supposed to be small and discreet and good stickers. You can't ask for much better than than never managed to get my hands on any I take ones called FemSeven. Great you have a good GP and the appointment went well in general. Don't worry about your chemist not having them in stock, I have been on HRT for over two years and whatever I need always has to be ordered in. I think it is because there are so many brands and strengths, particularly of patches that if they kept all in stock it would all go out of date. Good luck and it would be great to hear a progress report at some point. Jacks is so right if you want HRT you just have to go in and talk about hot flushes and night sweats and sort of ignore all the other menopause symptoms you have going on (even though eventually HRT should address them). Otherwise you will come out with all sort of strange concoctions, but no HRT ! Good luck at the dentist, I am a regular at mine. xxxx |
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Aug 23, 2012 19:01:15 GMT
Just a quick update from me. My GP is fab! My blood results were all normal; thyroid, liver, kidneys, inflammation, CA125, but he thinks my bloating and weight gain etc is caused by Irritable Bowel as well as the menopause. So I've got pills for that. Then we moved onto my ever-increasing sweating and insomnia. I told him that I'd been speaking to friends, both in real life and on here, and that I thought HRT patches might be the way to go. He got his "pills book" out to read up, and wrote me a script for Estrodot patches I've got 4 weeks worth and then I'm going back to see him. I can't find any chemists who stock them, so now they're on order for tomorrow Unfortunately the dentist wasn't such good news. I'm going back next Friday to have a top wisdom tooth removed with IV sedation, because I was a wreck just being examined. I'm terrified, and hoping that the HRT is kicking in by then and making me feel a bit less anxious! Excellent result. Regarding the wisdom tooth I had one removed with sedation about six years ago. It had been crowned and one morning I sneezed and the crown fell off. Anyhow I was petrified but in the end it was easy. Be sure and have some parecetamol to hand rather then aspirin because aspirin can cause further bleeding Jacks |
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Post by gillypanda on Aug 23, 2012 19:08:37 GMT
Just a quick update from me. My GP is fab! My blood results were all normal; thyroid, liver, kidneys, inflammation, CA125, but he thinks my bloating and weight gain etc is caused by Irritable Bowel as well as the menopause. So I've got pills for that. Then we moved onto my ever-increasing sweating and insomnia. I told him that I'd been speaking to friends, both in real life and on here, and that I thought HRT patches might be the way to go. He got his "pills book" out to read up, and wrote me a script for Estrodot patches I've got 4 weeks worth and then I'm going back to see him. I can't find any chemists who stock them, so now they're on order for tomorrow Unfortunately the dentist wasn't such good news. I'm going back next Friday to have a top wisdom tooth removed with IV sedation, because I was a wreck just being examined. I'm terrified, and hoping that the HRT is kicking in by then and making me feel a bit less anxious! Excellent result. Regarding the wisdom tooth I had one removed with sedation about six years ago. It had been crowned and one morning I sneezed and the crown fell off. Anyhow I was petrified but in the end it was easy. Be sure and have some parecetamol to hand rather then aspirin because aspirin can cause further bleeding Jacks Thank you for that! I normally take ibuprofen, but I think that's similar to aspirin with the bleeding. I'll get some paracetamol ready instead |
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Post by Robyn on Aug 24, 2012 7:35:14 GMT
That's really good news Gilly (the HRT I mean, not the dentist - eeek  ). Hopefully you'll be starting to feel a bit better over the next couple of weeks. |
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shimmy
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Post by shimmy on Aug 24, 2012 8:17:04 GMT
My hot flushes were awful, in the first few years. Not helped by working in a pub kitchen. There were two of us ladies who were forever dashing outside for some air.
Night sweats didn't start until my periods became really scarce. Waking up several times a night, flinging back the duvet became a nightly ritual. Between the duvet waft and husbands snoring, I didn't get much sleep.
Thankfully, since starting hrt(6wks femseven conti, now femoston conti day 8), things are starting to improve. No more hot flushes/sweats( the odd warm moment) and beginning to sleep much better.
Great news Gilly - Good luck x
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Post by Poppy on Aug 24, 2012 12:19:58 GMT
Great to hear about your GP Gilly.
I've been on estradot 75 since last September & I really like them.
They're much smaller than the evorel ones I'd tried previously & also stick well, even if I lounge around reading in a hot bath!
Think it's quite normal to have to order them in at the chemists.
Hope they begin to work for you really soon.
Good Luck at the dentist next week.
xx
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susan
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Post by susan on Aug 24, 2012 12:44:23 GMT
I must admitt to a pang of envy when I read women talking about Estradot Patches. Especially in respect of laying in a hot bath in them for hours.  Unfortunately you just can't do that with FemSeven Patches. I now shower most of the week and get the luxury of a long soak once a week on the day I change the FemSeven. Infact I soak it off in the bath. In fairness to it I have never had irritation or rashes as some have had. The trouble is the convenience of having both the oestrogen and the progesterone in the one product is the deal clincher for me at present (lazy moi ? You bet when it comes to some things ). If I didn't need progesterone I would be on either estradot 50 mcgs or even give 75 mcgs a go or oestrogel two or three pumps a day like a shot. xxxx |
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Post by Poppy on Aug 24, 2012 14:10:22 GMT
Susan have you tried utrogestan at all?
Mine's been prescribed orally for 12 days per month, but after reading about others' experiences with it, I'm now using it vaginally.
The only thing I'm slightly concerned about, is whether I could be absorbing too much this way.
xx
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susan
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Post by susan on Aug 24, 2012 14:44:56 GMT
Hi Poppy No I haven't (yet). Because I seem to be one of the lucky ones that can get on with synthetic progesterone i.e. the 7mcgs of levonorgestrel per day that is released from the FemSeven Conti patch so I haven't bothered. If I was on estrodot, 100 mcg's of utrogestan per day and vagifem it would be three items to contend with rather than just one patch a week and two vagifem a week - it really is the simplist of simple regimes at present. In my case knowing my nature I am far more likely to stick with it for 5 or 10 years even life if it is simple and easy. Ironically I did think of going on utrogestan but not for it's benefits as a bio-identical progesterone, it's was because of the side effects of it making folk drowsy and I am a lifelong bad sleeper, so that would be an attraction for me. But was not sure if it was the kind of drowsy I wanted if that makes sense. I want to sleep at night and be alert during the day and wasn't sure daily utrogestan would give me that. LOL. I don't want a bleed as am post-meno so need daily progesterone. xxxx |
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Aug 24, 2012 15:14:53 GMT
Susan
I take my Utrogestan daily and I'm alert throughout the day
Jacks
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susan
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Post by susan on Aug 24, 2012 15:53:26 GMT
Susan I take my Utrogestan daily and I'm alert throughout the day Jacks It is on my reserves list Jacks for if anything goes wrong with the FemSeven Cont like them being withdrawn.  I read somewhere else that FemSeven are considered old fashioned no idea why and I am not sure if the source was that reputable. They are expensive so GP's don't prescribe unless you specifically ask. I was trying to steer clear of northisterone although I have no hard evidence that it wouldn't suit me. That's why I'm on these. xxxx |
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Post by gillypanda on Aug 24, 2012 16:36:32 GMT
Well, I have collected my patches, and they are so much smaller than I expected! I've now got one stuck on my lower belly I swim every morning before work, so hope they are right that the patches don't come off in water! I'll let you know how I go on. I've already got a Mirena coil fitted, so that is taking care of my progesterone. I do hope it stops these awful sweats, I'm dripping at the moment. |
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Aug 24, 2012 16:41:50 GMT
Gilly Those sweats and flushes are going to die quickly  Jacks xxx |
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Post by Poppy on Aug 24, 2012 16:47:07 GMT
I'll second that! This might be personal preference Gilly, but I find the patches stick better if I put them on my bottom or hips. (but that might be due to the size of my belly ) xx |
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susan
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Post by susan on Aug 24, 2012 16:59:37 GMT
Well, I have collected my patches, and they are so much smaller than I expected! I've now got one stuck on my lower belly I swim every morning before work, so hope they are right that the patches don't come off in water! I'll let you know how I go on. I've already got a Mirena coil fitted, so that is taking care of my progesterone. I do hope it stops these awful sweats, I'm dripping at the moment. brilliant news and so simple if you have already got an established mirena in place. I am confident they should do the trick. My GP once said that basically a Hot flush is the body's cry for oestrogen. That's why HRT tends to work when not much else will. It made sense to me. xxxx |
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Post by gillypanda on Aug 24, 2012 19:17:34 GMT
I'll second that! This might be personal preference Gilly, but I find the patches stick better if I put them on my bottom or hips. (but that might be due to the size of my belly ) xx Thank you everyone, you're all so nice I was going to stick the patch to my leg, Poppy, but the instructions say it must be the lower abdomen. I had a good look at my rolls of fat and stuck it where it hopefully won't peel off when I sit down |
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whereas it is perfectly natural for us to have oestrogen.
I've got 4 weeks worth and then I'm going back to see him. I can't find any chemists who stock them, so now they're on order for tomorrow 
). Hopefully you'll be starting to feel a bit better over the next couple of weeks.
I read somewhere else that FemSeven are considered old fashioned no idea why and I am not sure if the source was that reputable. They are expensive so GP's don't prescribe unless you specifically ask. I was trying to steer clear of northisterone although I have no hard evidence that it wouldn't suit me. That's why I'm on these.