Can anyone describe what a hotflash feels like, or maybe different variations of a hotflash? I always read that they make you turn red and sweat like crazy... I am 42, and for the past 3 weeks I have been having off and on sensations of extra warmth on my back and especially around my neck. I don't get sweaty, but it feels as if I am standing with my back to a heat lamp. Do hot flashes begin gradually, like this, or do they just hit you one day full force??

For me, it was slowly, as if someone had turned the heat up to where it was just uncomfortable, then *BLAM sweating, feeling like I was burning up inside, ..sometimes it feels like a hot rolling pin working its way up and down my body..like waves..ors will be, get outta my way, I need air, ice, cold water splahed on me. There are times that I have to keep a damp washrag with ice rolled in it , on the back of my neck.

There are those that just my feet and/or hands gets it.

Daleysl, the way you've described your flashes are exactly what I feel most of the time when I get them. They almost start on my neck, and I rarely break a sweat. Consequently, they are not as troublesome as some other people have described. Consider yourself lucky!

Thanks girls....and Meryl, love the dog.

DeMomma, I have been getting alot of those "sweaty feet" episodes, and I never attributed it to hormones!! I have been blaming everything on panic attacks....after all, that is what the doctors always seem to do. Chest pain? Panic attack! Stomach pain...Panic attack!! Shopaholic...Panic attack!! (ha ha)

My hot flashes - or flushes as we call them in England started like a heat coming up from inside me, kind of from my stomach up, and I remember that it made me feel all trembly and nausiated. It also made my heart pump out of my chest It doesn't always happen that way now sometimes I just feel hot - but it's definately like you're sweating from the inside out. I don't get red-faced, but I do get all sticky and then afterwards I feel cold - it's SUCH a drag! I have to say that my flashes are less now, after 5 years!! I find that they come on more frequently with eating or drinking hot fluids, soup, coffee, and also with alcohol. Anyone else like me???

That's what my doctor called them when I told her about what I was feeling...flushes. Not really a full-blown flash. They are getting more frequent now too.
I always used to sleep with socks on, winter or summer. My family always got a big kick out of it. Now it's the first thing I do when I get home...off come the shoes and socks. Seems like the only way I can cool off!
It does make a difference what I eat or drink too. I love hot tea but now I have to be careful when I drink it.
This is all such fun!....NOT!

ROFL

So, it isn't my fault after all - it's the menopause!