Are these Hot flashes? Options

[hothead]

I chose my screen name "hothead" because that is what is driving me crazy. I don't sweat, my scalp is just burning up and feels like my brains are frying.It makes sort of a heavy , tingly feeling in the back of my head and also makes me feel fogged out.

I have had the usual night sweats , so I do know what they are--but I have never heard anyone describe hot flashes  as a "hot head".Has anyone here had this type of thing with meno?

I am on HRT ( presently Ogen and Crinone) and most other symptoms are gone, but this still hits me usually late afternoon and evening. I find myself filing little baggies with ice chips and holding it on my head, face, cheeks--ahhh that is temprorary relief anyway.

I am new here and have been reading for a while , so thought it was time I jumped in and joined you.I can relate to so much of what you are all going through. I also get the internal shaking thing--usually at night just before I drop off to sleep. Will write about that at the other board.

Nice to meet you all and thanks for any info about this "hot head stuff".

[Snowbird]

Hothead, Hi'ya!!

Welcome aboard:)I'm so glad you have joined us!! You'll find this a great place you can come, to learn and grow, in what's happening in the menopausal body!! Plus you'll make friends along the way;)As for the Hothead, (love that name)....the only thing I can say to identify, is, when I'm feeling a hormonal surge, I get a tingly feeling all over my head!! That becomes a BURNING sensation, on the scalp and face!! It's almost like someone poured gasoline on me and through a match!:(Sometimes, I'll have a headache with it....sometimes not!!

I use an ice pack!! I put it on my head....it seems to be the only thing that works!! It's not as bad as it use to be, as my meno trip is winding down, (I hope)...but I do know they are associated with the hormone fluctuations that occur at the time!!  I use to take HRT.....strangely enough, it only made this particular symptom worse!I've gone off all HRT, 2 years ago and the hotheads are very few and far between now!! *Phew*

It's interesting you described it that way, cuz, it's quite accurate!! If others experience this too, I'm sure they will come on line and share their fun stuff with hotheads:biggrin:

Again, Welcome and keep posting.....................

(((((((Hugs from a Canadian Gal))))))))            Nancy (a.k.a. Snowy)

[SylvryMoon]

Hiya Snowy and Hothead!Yep, I get all flushed in the face, and sweaty too.  But the hot face, scalp, ears, and neck are what really drive me nuts.  People comment sometimes that I'm "red" in the face.  I say, Yes, I'm having a Power Surge!  Sometimes at work, I'll go into the bathroom and put cold paper towels on my neck, and that helps too, like your ice chips.

The Revival has helped somewhat.  I've been on it for 3 months, and am going to take a month off, just to see what happens.  But it's no fun.  Especially in this hot, humid summer we've had.

Oh well.  It's always something, I guess.  :biggrin:Hugs!

[hothead]

Thanks Nancy and Slvrymoon !

Actually I don't get this hot head thing as long lasting as I used to--I really think HRT has helped a lot ( long story--have been on different types a long the way).

I just didn't know whether to blame this one on hormones or not. I also have recently been diagnosed with SLE, but really don't seem to have a lot of lupus symptoms--more hormonal stuff.I wasn't sure with no "sweat" involved if this was to blame on the estrogen fluctutations.

But...... last night I think I got some confirmation that this is indeed hormonal. I'm on cyclical HRT and have been doing well in that regard with Crinone--period comes right on time with this method  for me. But this month I continued to have brown spotting, and yesterday was day 14--started eating like a pig yesterday afternoon, and last night was up with cramps and bleeding that picked up just like a typical period. Also woke up a few times with that hot flash feeling coming over me. This definitely an extra period thrown into the middle of my cycle. I am really sick of this!

So, putting it all together, I think the bad "hot head thing" yesterday was part of this hormonal mess.I think I may need to up my Ogen dose and see if that evens things out a bit.

Thanks again and I will be sticking around and hope I can help some others having a rough time also!

X0

Kate (AKA hothead)

[Aunt B]

Quote: from hothead on 11:42 am on Sep. 8, 2001[br]Thanks Nancy and Slvrymoon !

Actually I don't get this hot head thing as long lasting as I used to--I really think HRT has helped a lot ( long story--have been on different types a long the way).

I just didn't know whether to blame this one on hormones or not. I also have recently been diagnosed with SLE, but really don't seem to have a lot of lupus symptoms--more hormonal stuff.I wasn't sure with no "sweat" involved if this was to blame on the estrogen fluctutations.

But...... last night I think I got some confirmation that this is indeed hormonal. I'm on cyclical HRT and have been doing well in that regard with Crinone--period comes right on time with this method  for me. But this month I continued to have brown spotting, and yesterday was day 14--started eating like a pig yesterday afternoon, and last night was up with cramps and bleeding that picked up just like a typical period. Also woke up a few times with that hot flash feeling coming over me. This definitely an extra period thrown into the middle of my cycle. I am really sick of this!

So, putting it all together, I think the bad "hot head thing" yesterday was part of this hormonal mess.I think I may need to up my Ogen dose and see if that evens things out a bit.

Thanks again and I will be sticking around and hope I can help some others having a rough time also!

X0

Kate (AKA hothead)

Hello Hothead and welcome,

Well I am 50 also, have had almost all of the symptoms, but the hot head nooooo.  I missed that one.  Thank God.  My hot flashes begin from the waist up, but my face does not turn red.  I just sweat.  Ugggghhh this is awful.

Like our meno buds say it does get better with time.

Welcome and there is alot of info on these boards.  These gals have helped me tremendously.

Huggssss

[hothead]

Hi Aunt B,

Isn't 50 fun??? I DID mean that sarcastically.As if it isn't hard enough to swallow that number.....we have to deal with all this other nonsense.

If I make it up to heaven--well, let me tell you I am scheduling a looong talk with our Maker----he did a big booboo here.

Glad you haven't had this hot head stuff--I can handle a flahs and a sweat better than these--makes your head feel as thought it will blow up--not pain, just explosive and HOT.

thanks for the welcome !!!

XO

Kate ( aka hothead)

[Yankeegal]

Hi - Sounds like we've got a "50 yr. old club" here!  I'm also 50, and I've got a question about the hot flashes.  I've been with my friend, who's already gone through meno, when her face would suddenly flush, and turn red and sweaty.  I haven't had that, but I always seem to feel degrees hotter than everyone else!  I am constantly saying, "Is it hot in here?" LOL  And it didn't seem to always be this way......  I just wondered if this is part of it, or just that my internal thermostat is out of whack!   Thanks for any input, and good luck to all!

[Snowbird]

Yangeegal, G'morning to ya;)

I use ta....turn red, (face and neck), everytime I had a flash!! Looked like a tomato:o:o  I always hated it, when the OLDER woman would notice, and say, "Hey, Nancy....why are you SO red??" Grrr! As if they didn't know:angry:Now.....that I'm 50 something *ahem* I just get~~~HOT~~~ I'm always sweating.....I shouldn't say always....cuz, this year it's finally starting to ease!! Yippee!!But I'd feel like the air temp went up several degrees.....and stayed there:angry:  However, I wasn't getting red in the face anymore!!  I was just sweating!! *Sigh*So, I think it can change as we do...or it's just different for different gals!! Hopefully all this ~~Heat~~ will soon be over!!

Take care,((((Hugs from a Canadian Chick)))            Nancy (a.k.a.Snowy)

[Yankeegal]

Hi there, Snowbird!Thanks for the input on "heating up"!  I've just always heard about the flushes and flashes, and wasn't sure if the Power Surge could be so steady!  LOL  I just came inside and turned on the A.C., because I'm roasting!  Glad yours is starting to ease up a bit anyway...

[jeanne]

Hi ladies,I also had the hothead stuff and assumed it was from hot flashes. I would wet a towel and put it on my head or neck. Also wiping my arms and chest and face with cool water helped me some too. Hugs, jeanne

[sherl]

Hi ,There    I have the hot head at the start of my hot flash, then I sweat so bad it rolls down my face and drips of my nose before I can get somthing to wipe my face.I sure hope this gets better.I just found this site yesterday, It has help me so much. thank you all!  sherl

[Snowbird]

sherl, Hi!!

Aren't those hot heads awful??!!  I hated them!!  Thank God they're pretty well over...........I hope!! *Sigh*

Just call us,             **HOT STUFF**             (((((Hugs y'all)))))   from a HOT Snowy-One, trying to be :cool:

[sherl]

Hi, SnowbirdThanks for answering my e-mail...I hope your's is about over too! It sounds like you have been through it all.

((cool day to all))

[Cmi]

Hi ladies,I'm new to this..but lately I wake up in the middle of the night and feel hot flushed all over my body..I'm 38 and my doc thinks I could be starting peri-menopausal yet my periods are normal and regular..I'm kind of scared about this.  I'm getting blood work done to check all my hormone levels..thanks for listening

[jeanne]

Hi Cmi,Don't be scared sweetie , this is just the next phase we women go through. And learning about it at the beginning is great. There are many symptoms that a woman can get and hot flashes is one of them.Sounds like you have a good doctor there,a lot of them won't even think of perimenopause with a woman your age. Don't be scared though it will be fine. In the mean time learn all you can about it on the homepage of Power surge there is so much information. And be sure to come here with any problems or questions. No question is taboo , if it bothers you chances are someone here will have the same concern. There is so much caring for each other here that you will get plenty of support.  Remember to ask anything . No question is too small or embarassing. You will do fine hope to talk to you again soon, hugs jeanne

[Snowbird]

Cmi, (((Hugs)))

What you're feeling is perfectly normal!! I can certainly relate to it!! Changes going on and not knowing, can cause emotions to run amuck!!I'm glad you found us!! It's a good place to learn all about what's happening!!  Educating ourselves, is the best thing one can do!!  Menopause is normal....and learning all you can....plus having an understanding doctor, will help tremendously!!

The main thing is you're not alone here....we all know what you're going through!!  Feel free to come and ask questions anytime or just vent when you need too;)

Feeling hot and flushed, is so normal.....once you understand that....it's easier to deal with!!

Take care....chin up....you'll be fine;)

((((((Hugs))))) ~*Snowy*~

[Cmi]

Hi!

Thank you for your support and love. I'm glad to have you all to help me through this..it's so new to me.  I'll start reading more on this especially if their are alternative treatments that would help.  Lots of love,Caroline

[pinkpetals]

Hi, I am 41 and will be 42 next month.  I have been sweating alot and never knew for sure if hot flashes were sweating.  I do something that doesn't require a lot of activity like, mopping or vacumming, really anything and I look like I just ran a race!  My face all sweaty and hair wet like I'd taken a shower.  It's embarrasing too.  Just standing talking to someone could bring on a sweat or my glasses will fog up.  I just got my period two weeks later than the last. years ago I had a lot of brown before and after period and could have 2 periods in one month.  Does this all sound like perimenapause.  What's good to take for the sweating?  Mary Kay

[Linda F]

Hey ladies - sounds just like me! It is so embarrassing to be hot all the time and sweating like a pig after vacuuming! I'm almost 40 and this started for me  when I turned 38.  Hang in. Knowing what it is takes a lot of the fear away. (I always think I've burst into fever and have beri-beri or something) Love, Linda F

[SylvryMoon]

Hi my normal peri- and meno- friends!

Just an update!  On Sept 8th I said I'd be going off the Revival for a month to see what happens and changes.  Well, today it's been 2 weeks off the Revival.  And guess what . . . The red nose, red face, red everything is back with the hot flashes.  I guess that sold it for me.  I'll be ordering Revival tomorrow.  It's well worth the $50 or so per month -- just so I don't look like I've been drinking at 10 a.m. !!!

Meanwhile, I'm also waking up in the wee hours of the a.m. with sweaty head and sweaty bed.  And it's just not worth it.  I see my doc in about 3 weeks, and can't wait to tell her all the symptoms.  Meanwhile, I'm going to deal with them myself.  

Maybe I should have posted this on the Revival board, as a testimonial.  But meanwhile, I think it applies here too.

[Snowbird]

Sylvry, Hi'ya!!Looks like you found your savior or at least the next best thing:biggrin:That's good news...wish I could take it!!  I've heard good things about it...but alas...I broke out in hives!! Grrrr!You go girl...always love that good news;)(((Hugs)))~*Snowy*~

[raeh]

well i have been taking my zoloft, black cohosh and valerian root for about a month and i see changes. i had my last period 18 days ago. my next one came just 2 days ago. (earlier). i have no hotflashes and no mood swings. i have been sleeping so much better. i noticed i sleep more when period comes but thats about all. wow what a change. and i had no fatigue this month. oh man i hope this lasts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cmi]

Hi everyone,This past week I haven't had the "hot flash"  feeling in the early a.m.  I'm wondering since I'm at the age (38) of perimenopause..do the hot flashes come and go in the peri stage and get worse as I go through menopause?? I'm sure glad I can chat with you ladies about this because sometimes you feel like you're on your own.  Love, Caroline

[Kalanie]

Hi Mary Kay...

It sure sounds like hot flashes to me, and similar to what I used to experience quite regularly.  Hot flashes and night sweats usually occur from the chest up.  I would wake up in the morning just drenching, and my hair would be totally wet.  I am 53 and peri... mine began about 4 years or so ago at age 48 or 49, but we are all different with the symptoms as well as age of onset.  

I have found relief with bio-identical hormones, but there are many suggestions about other forms of relief here at PowerSurge.  Check the "Recommendations" page, it has alot of great information!  

I do not know about the periods you are having, as I am still having fairly regular ones... just minor spotting in the beginning and after making it drag out longer.  I have not had experience with a brown discharge, although I have seen many posts by other women here similar to yours. I am sure someone might have some input on that for you.

[jeanne]

Hi Cmi,I have hot flashes even now after being postmeno for about 2 years. I only get them rarely now, but does answer your question about whether they come and go. As for getting worse-well that is an individual thing also. I had a period of about a year when they were just non-stop it seemed. And then they started to taper off. There is help out there for them , but I never took anything . Some of the other ladies will be able to help you there, or as Kalanie said, please check out the recommendation page. take care , hugs, jeanne

[MARSBAR]

LAST NIGHT MY FACE AND NECK GOT ALL RED  AND HOT AND MY BLOOD PRESSURE WENT UP TO 201/113.  IT LASTED FOR ALMOST 2 HOURS.  I TOOK  A XANEX AND A COOL SHOWER AND FINALLY IT WENT AWAY AND MY BLOOD PRESSURE WENT TO NORMAL.  I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE THAT IS MOSTLY CONTROLLED WITH A BETA BLOCKER.  I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ONCE IN AWHILE BUT NEVER THIS LONG.  WAS IT A HOT FLASH OR A THYROID PROBLEM.  I ALSO HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF FLUSHING AT 4 OR 5 A.M. AFTER I LET THE DOG OUT.  I WAS READING SOME OF THE OLDER POSTS AND HAD COPIED ONE ABOUT CORTISOL BEING THE HIGHEST THEN.  I AM 53 AND HAD SURGICAL MENOPAUSE AT 31.  IT SEEMS THE REST OF MY BODY IS GOING THROUGH MENOPAUSE NOW.  BOY JUST WHEN THINGS ARE GOING ALONG OK.......OUT OF THE BLUE SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS.  ITS SCARY HAVING YOUR BLOOD PRESURE (IS THERE ONE S OR 2? CANT REMEMBER??!!) LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU ALL THINK.  IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS SO MUCH TO COMPLAIN ABOUT, BUT WHAT A GOOD PLACE TO DO IT.

[jeanne]

Hi Mars, That must have been pretty scary. I would have been at the ER if it were me. Since I have had a stroke and heart attack I can't afford to let that happen.Since you already know you have high blood pressure, I would definitely tell the doc what happened. It may be that you need a better control for highblood pressure. Wven with a hot flash , that reading is way too high and I'm a little concerned. So after the weekend I would give doctor a call,just to see what he/she recommends. In my opinion only , but readings should not go that high if you have meds to control it.Take care and let me know what happens :)hugs, jeanne

[Snowbird]

Mars, hi!!I know the feeling, hon!! That's happened to me a couple or so times:o I immediately dashed to ER....(I too have hypertention, controlled by a beta blocker)!!  ER, each time....layed me down for a few hours...monitored me...'till the B/P was back to norm, and sent me home!! After the third time....with no answers....I decided to have a chat with my doc!!  He, said...as long as it (B/P), comes down in a reasonable time, there's nothing to worry about...."it could be a severe hot flash!!"  I asked him what a reasonable time was....he said, within a few hours!!  Aaaargh!!  Talk about a ballpark figure....I mean...I was sure I was about to have a heart attack in ER!! Told him that....he laughed....said, "Nah...they wouldn't let that happen!"My last episode was almost a year ago!

The doc, is probably right tho'....it's nothing to worry about as long as the B/P comes done, (in a reasonable time) and is meno related!!Just the same I'm going to keep an eye on the situation....like you, I have high blood pressure....and it's nothing to poohoo about;)

BTW....my pressure has gone up to 200/115!! The norm for me is 135 or 140/85!!

Take good care;)

((((Hugs)))))~*Snowy*~

[Callie]

This is for raeh:  I  was on Zoloft for a year or so.  I noticed that , after the initial increased anxiety wore off, I slept a lot better.  And for awhile, the hot flashes and night sweats were better.  But later on, even with the Zoloft, I again had flashes and sweats. ( Of course, one of the side effects of Zoloft is increased sweating, so I'm not sure exactly what was going on.)  All I know is that sometimes I had flashes and sweating, and sometimes not.  If  your flashes and sweats increase, it might just be the Zoloft.  Sometimes our bodies can change after being on medications awhile, I guess.

[MARSBAR]

DEAR SNOWBIRD AND JEANNE.  THANKS FOR YOUR REPLIES.  I HAVE BEEN READING THESE BOARDS  FOR QUITE SOMETIME AND YOU ARE BOTH SO HELPFUL.  I HAVE BEEN OUT OF TOWN AND LAST NIGHT IT HAPPENED AGAIN --IT WAS 208/115---SCARY!!!  AND THEN THIS A.M IT WAS 135/75--WEIRD.  I TOO HAVE HAD A DOCTOR TELL ME NOT TO WORRY AS MUCH IF IT GOES  DOWN IN A COUPLE OF HOURS.  DO EITHER OF YOU KNOW ABOUT ADRENALIN?  SOMETIMES I FEEL I HAVE AN ADRENALIN PROBLEM. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR INPUT. YOU GUYS ARE GREAT.