This site was recommended to me for my questions, hopefully someone might have some insight, lol. I have endometriosis first and foremost. I've had surgeries for it, etc. I was on Depo Provera for about 5 years, so during that time I didn't get my period. One year ago I switched to another BCP. In the final year I was on depo, I started getting hot flashes. I would be doing absolutely nothing... and I would feel this heat radiate from underneath my chest bone, up to my face and down my arms. My hands would swell up, rings got tight, face went beet red, and I would be stripping off whatever I could, lol. They would last for a little bit, then go away, however my fingers would stay puffy for a little while. That happened occasionally... and has gradually happened more and more often to the point that now 1 1/2 years later I get them at least once per day. Then about 6 months ago, or maybe a bit more, I started getting night sweats. I'd wake up just drenched. My chest, neck, back and arms. Sometimes I'd happen a few times a night, other times just once. And if I am lucky I don't wake up drenched... just hot. But it is happening pretty much every night. 1 year ago I'd wear flannel pjs to bed and just barely be warm... now I am in an undershirt and panties... and still too hot!! So, what is going on?? The big question for me though is this: is it even possible for this to be happenig if I am on BCPs? I thought night sweats were from hormones... if I am on BCPs wouldn't my hormones be relatively stable?? I take my pills regularly so I don't get periods. And here's the kicker: I am only 26. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, Mandy

HI, Mandy - welcome to Power Surge! You sound so young to be going through all this, but other young women have been having these same problems, too, so you're not alone. Usually night sweats, a close relative of hotflashes, occur when the hormones are fluctuating. Your hormones could be doing that, even on the pill. Perhaps another form of BCP would work better for you and keep you from having these side effects. Did you say that you didn't have any periods at all with this schedule? There's some controversy about that method, and having a period, even just occasionally, might help you. One of the guests to Power Surge, Dr. Susan Rako, held a chat based on her newest book - "No More Periods? The Risks of Menstrual Suppression and Other Cutting-Edge Issues About Hormones and Women's Health" which might be useful to you. You can read the transcript of that particular guest chat here: Susan Rako, M.D., Seventh Guest Transcript Also, you might want to ask one of the doctors on the Power Surge Ask the Experts Page. The doctors there include: Medical Doctor (Phillip O. Warner, M.D.), Revival Soy Doctor (Dr Aaron Tabor), The Pharmacist (Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.), OB-Gyn (Dr. Duane Townsend), Psychiatrist (Stuart Shipko) answers questions about Anxiety, Panic and Stress, The Relationship Expert (Steven Carter), The Intimacy Expert (Dr. Sandy Scantling), The Weight Watchers Expert (Denise Lamothe). Best of luck to you!

Well, the reason I don't get periods is because I have endometriosis. Everytime you have a period, the endo lesions bleed internally as well... and the blood can form more lesions and also form adhesions. Not to mention that my periods have always been extremely painful, quite heavy and also long (10 days). So my endo specialist has me taking the BCPs continuously so as to control my pain levels and to control the endo growth. Mandy

Hi Mandy, I would suggest that you go to the top of this page and scroll down to ask the experts and ask your question of one of the drs who help with this site. Depo Provera and BCPs are hormones which I'm assuming you are taking for BC as well as the endometriosis. There is no quick answer of what will work for you, but the experts should be able to suggest where to start with getting the medical help you need. My 20 yr old daughter had hot (and cold) flashes until the gynecologist got her periods regulated so it is possible for a young woman to have hot flashes. It must be tough being so young and dealing with all this confusion, but with patience and the proper medical treatment for you, you will be fine! ~ Helen

Ok, I'll do that, thanks. Mandy