Hi Cyber-ladies.

I would like to hear from everyone who has had this experience. I need some reassurance!

I have been having what I believe to be hot flashes for well over two-three years now. They started out as just sweating--I'd be at my computer or standing talking to someone, and I'd feel a little warm and then I'd sweat (rolling down my ribcage kind of sweat). They would always happen in the a.m., around 9. Nearly every day.

I am still fairly regular with my periods, though just lately I've noticed a little bit of change. My last cycle was maybe one day shorter? and I stopped completely for about 2-3 days and then spotted for about 7. BTW, I'll be 48 this year. I started my period when I was 11, and I was told that women who start earlier make menopause later.

This past year these episodes have gotten worse. My heart pounds, I get anxious because of that, I feel like I'm some big red GLOWING object, and I swear I can feel the steam rising from me. Everyone else in the room is bundled up and I'm dying of heat. I want to tear my clothes off, I feel like the walls are closing in on me,I want to find the nearest exit to get fresh cool air or find a fan asap and when I can't, I sweat even more. They last, from beginning to end (from when I first feel it to when I am nearly dry), about 45". Mostly from the waist up, although sometimes my knees sweat. I have fans all over my house now--including one on my dresser to use at night although I've never had a night sweat yet--just get warm sometimes.

I just got my annual pap done this week and after complaining to my nurse practitioner about how debilitating they are now, she just didn't seem to care or to even suggest I might be headed towards the big M. I described my symptoms--they seemed pretty classic after reading on this site and doing my own research--and she brought up the same idea she had when I complained about them last year--that she just couldn't believe I wasn't hyperthyroid. Last year I did get my thyroid checked after she blew off the hot flash consideration. I found out I was HYPO thyroid and am on synthroid now. This past week, after I told her I was hypothyroid and I mentioned flashing, she said "I still can't believe you aren't hyperthyroid!" I finally had my GP send her the results of my last thyroid test to shut her up. I am probably not going back to my nurse practioner, anyway. She also didn't listen to me when I told her I had white coat syndrome when she took my blood pressure and that I monitor it at home and it's normal (my GP and naturopath have confirmed the white coat syndrome). She exclaimed over my high BP like there was something wrong with me, which of course caused anxiety and then I had a full blown flash right in her little, tiny, hot, windowless claustrophobic exam room

She (my NP) gave me orders to get a blood test to check my FSH. I had this done about 10 months ago and was told it was "normal" whatever normal means. I heard that this test is inconclusive and that your hormones can vary widely from week to week, so I wonder what will happen if I get the test done and I show "normal" again.

I'm also rather emotional at times, and my PMS has gotten worse over the past few years. I take prometrium 12 days before my cycle for that.

So the question is: What do you all think of this? Could I be having hot flashes, or should I see an endocrinologist because maybe there is something horribly wrong with my adrenal glands? I read that tumors can cause this kind of reaction, too, and since for some reason my NP wouldn't even say "you probably are having hot flashes", I am wondering if there is something seriously wrong with me.

Thanks everyone, for getting through this looonnnnng post. It seemed important to supply all the details, but I hope I didn't bore anyone..!!!!

Rivcelt

Rivcelt,

I'm certainly not a doctor, or nurse practitioner, but what you're describing sounds very much like what I've been experiencing. I believe they ARE hot flashes.

Had my first one at about 39, while having a period. So, yes, I think you can have them with periods.

sometimes I get them before periods, or instead of.

I too was checked for thyroid twice, becasue I also had/have palpitations.
I think anxiety adds to the hot flashes, and may even produce them, not sure.

I really identify with your confusion and frustration with doctors. I wish they would ALL get a clue and figure out what to do with us.

I do realize, however that we are all different with different hormones levels and at different places in our journey thru menopause.

Hope this helps....hang in there. Talk to your GP a little more, sounds like he/she is more on the ball.

And above all, read ALL OVER this wonderful Power Surge site. It has been a life-saver, worry-buster for me. All these women are just wonderful, and kind and intelligent and supportive.

Hugs,
Lynsi

Thanks, Lynsi, for your kind response. I do believe that anxiety and stress flip the "on" switch for hot flashes. My girlfriend confirmed it on the phone yesterday--anxiety, even a little bit, provokes one for her, and it seems to set the flash in motion for me.

It's hard not to be worried though, when your medical care giver (and a woman to boot!) seems to blow off your concerns and will only look at numbers on a blood test print out. What will she do if my hormone levels are normal? Tell me I'm making it all up? And she's on HRT herself.

I guess I need to remember that believing that just because a medical practitioner is a woman, she'll be more understanding. That's kind of reverse sexism, I guess...people are people, regardless of gender.

Thanks again. Hopefully I'll hear from some more folks about this. I'm stressing about it, a lot.

Riv

I will be 39 in a few days and started getting hot flashes and more recently cold flashes( just episodes where i get chilled to the bone when there has been no change in outside temp.) about a yr. ago. My cycles are still right to the day, however when it does arrive what it will do has been up in the air for a couple of yrs. now. I went from bleeding really heavy for 4-5 days and spotting for another 5 to bleeding heavy for 1 day it will stop for 2 days , start again for a couple of hrs. stop agin for a day or so and spot for another 2 or 3. I wasn't sure that is what they were, I thought I was running a fever sporadically more towards 4or 5 pm and on. almost never in the morning. I felt like my face had been in a wind storm and it just burned and my ears would get beet red. After research i figured this is what it was and after beginning night sweats I knew that is what it had to be. I thought the same thing could I get this while still have a regular period, but after thought my period is far from regular as your's sound also. My DR. said my age alone without tests says something for what is happening and how I feel. Hugs Mikki

Rivcelt,
I just tuned 46, and am having very similar symptoms as you; even down to the time of day you flash. I went to see an Endocrinologist - everything was "normal." (I mean EVERYTHING! He ran many, many tests.) Of course I can't diagnose you, only a doc can.
I've started the "phantom period" thing too. (Not fun!)
Hang in there - I'm trying!!
suse3349

Hello ,

I am going to be 40 in Sept. I have skipped as many as 3 periods at a time but still have them. I have been having hot flashes and they are driving me batty! I hate to wash dishes and lately when I go to wash them the hot water brings on a hot flash . They have just lately gotten terrible and I have them serveral times every day. If I get nervous about something I immediately have one. Any kind of stress brings one on. I certainly hope it dosen't last for years! I will be trying to find something non-prescription for a little help!

Tammy

I am 39 and I have been having hot flashes/flushes for almost 6 years now, and my period is more regular now than it was before all this menopausal crap started! The only difference is that it lasts about 1-2 days now, instead of 7. Yes, you are describing hot flashes. No, I am not a doctor. However, I would see an endo. I did. It is smart to verify what is causing your symptoms, and get everything checked out. I am severely estrogen deficient, which has been confirmed by at least 6-8 tests. I am slated to try the Vivelle dot patch this summer. I am leary, as I have not had positive experiences with the pill or with Estrace (major understatement!), but I am also tired of living like a crazy lady, and apparently, this could go on for another 10+ years---who knows???? I wish you well!

Hi, I just came across this posting (5 months later) haha. I was wondering if the vivelle dot helped you? I am on the climara estradiol patch and I feel like I've been worse than ever. I started it in August, so I think if it was going to help it would have done so by now. I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks
Faith