I'm 46 and have been in menopause since I was 41. I also have high-bloodpressure so I take a dieretic and beta blockers to manage my bloodpressure. I've just cut my beta blocker dose in half (with doctor's approval).

I noticed right away that my hot flashes have decreased in intensity and in frequency. I've only had 2 today - and I'm used to having at least 1 every hour (AM and PM). This is a huge change for me, and I was wondering if there is anyone else who has had a similar experience?

I've asked my doctor if he has any other women my age who are in menopause, and who are taking beta blockers - and he doesn't.

KittyKatty

I'm a little confused. Are you experiencing peri for the past 5 years or has it been 5 years since your last period? Is that why doc doesn't have any women on bb's? Anyway, I was on bb's about 9 years ago (for off label usage - not high bp) and it is a known endocrine disruptor. It did affect my periods during that time. Once I came off my periods went back to normal time and amount of flow. I also experienced a weight gain while on them and couldn't lose despite best efforts. Again, once of the bb the weight came off too. Seems very possible to me that the bb does correlate in some way to hormones and impact them in some way (whether pre, peri or post meno). I think Vliets, in one of her books mentions, bb's, ad's and some other meds as being known endocrine disrupters. Glad that the flashes have been reduced. Will keep my fingers crossed that your bp stays at a good level. Regards, JZZ

Ok, saw your other post and that in meno for 5 years. Either way the bb's can have an impact. Good news for you on the reduction of hot flashes!!!

Sorry for the confusion ... my last period was somewhere between 5 and 6 years ago ... and I'm now 46!!! I experienced peri-menopausal symptoms for about 10 years before that (30 years old - 40 years old). I've been experiencing hot flashes for 16 years now. Usually about once an hour. They last for months at a time, and then they stop for a few months.

I'm not sure if the decrease in my medication is the reason for the decrease in hot flashes this time - or if it just happens to be one of those times where they stop on their own!!!

I'm looking forward to the possibility of sleeping longer than an hour tonight, without waking up.

KittyKatty

Hi KK,

No need to apologize. I just read too quickly. I'm just guessing that the bb's somehow suppressed our hormone levels. Yes, even in post (meno) your ovaries put out minute amount of hormones. (As do the adrenals.) My periods were much lighter when I was on the bb for that 1 1/2 year. Once off of the bb's the periods become, heavier/normal, again. So, maybe it also suppressed your circulating (estrone) which caused more hot flashes? In my case (during pre/peri meno) it suppressed more of the ovarian produced estradiol? Hmmm, now that I think about it....I was always a little "warm". No hot flashes, but chalked the "always hot" feeling to the added weight gain. Typically hotflashes are relieved by the addition of estrogen (ht). So, it is just my guess that the bb's somehow suppressed our levels. Glad that you are getting some relief. May it continue for you. JZZ

I have also been on bb for 6 years and have cut dose in half recently. My experience is the opposite ,my hot flashes are coming back. I had very rare hot flashes over the past several years, but now everyday with decreasing bb. I am sure that there is a link between hormones and bb. I do still feel much better with my dose halved and can endure a few hot flashes.

Sorry you flashes increased. Once again, another example how we are all so different. Hang in there. JZZ

Well its been 4 days since my BB medication was cut in half - and my hot flashes are now back to the same frequency and intensity as they were before.

Darn!!!

KittyKatty

KittyKatty

Sorry i know just how you feel. hoping it will get better soon.

Dear KittyKatty
This is very annoying but obviously the good news is that your B.P has gone down sufficiently to only need half the dosage.
Try a warm bath at night,stay away from caffeine and chocolate-so mean- and give Primrose Oil a try.

All the Best
Elizabeth