I just wanted to pass this along to everyone. I was having hot flashes quite frequently during the day and even more so at night. Obviously I wasn't getting much sleep. I started walking a few weeks ago to try and get rid of some of the weight I've gained since having an ovary removed last year (30 lbs!). I walk five to six times a week. I started off doing only 1 mile and found that it seemed to help. I'm up to between 1 1/2 to 2 miles a day. I do a fairly good pace, but I'm not race walking or anything. I can't believe how much it has decreased my hot flashes. I don't think it's a coincidence, because if I go a day or two without walking they seem to start to increase again. I sleep better now and even though I haven't lost any weight, my pants seem to fit better. I know a lot of you exercise and still have hot flashes and night sweats, but I just wanted to share this info with anyone who isn't exercising at all. It might help. I always had a tough time staying motivated to exercise, but putting a stop to most of my 'flashing' is incentive enough!

Kimmie

Thanks for the info kimmie...I just generally stick my head into a freezer... ...


{{{hugs}}}
Christina

Kimmie

This is great - I am so proud of you - what a positive & encouraging post

Walking is such great exercise and you have a great regime - good for you girl - you will lose weight - give it time!!! Think of all the good things it is doing to your heart - all those things you cant see - wondeful!!!

In most books I read about peri symptoms it says get out and exercise - and that walking is the best way to start - you are right - but sometimes it is hard to start off - your post shows anyone can do it and build up gradually.

I walk or cycle most days - I try to cycle every other day - and walk every day - about 2 miles - it has helped me immensely

Hugs

Mele

I too have been walking just like you. I am up to 1 1/2 to 2 miles a day and I go rain, shine or snow. The only time I don't go out is when it is icy out and then I do the treadmill. I agree, it helps with meno symptoms. My anxiety is better, I have lost weight, my blood pressure is great again and I feel really good. And like Mele said, all the benefits that we can't see that helps our hearts.

Mopsy

Hi Kimmie,

Good for you, walking! It is such good exercise. I've upped my walking just recently too, and am noticing I'm feeling more toned and stronger. My hot flashes are on and off. I'm not sure if walking has decreased them any, but hey... maybe! I'll be more aware of it now that I read about your experience. Thanks for the information AND inspiration.

RedFox

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your encouraging responses. It's so nice to have a place to come and talk about all this stuff! Your encouragement will help me to get out there even on the days I don't really feel like exercising. I hope you're all doing well.

p.s. Cristina, I still put my head in the freezer!

Kimmie

Kimmie....

I don`t get to many of the hot flashes,but when I do I just get so overwhelmed...and it is funny sometimes when I find myself opening the freezer door and just sticking my head in there.....I can imagine how goofy I must look to other people sometimes ....


The information you gave is very helpful..and I was so glad that you didn`t take my comment the wrong way...

Have a great day Kimmie ....

{{{hugs}}}
Christina

I try to walk for 50 minutes every day, but the only time I have to do it is on my lunch hour because I work full time. I've gone over every other possibility, and walking in the morning is impossible, as is walking after work. So I go to a nearby shopping mall and do four laps around the whole place. I love it because it's cool and there are good smells, like the perfume stores and coffee shops. But now they are talking at work about moving to a building far from any shopping mall. I've visited the proposed building, and it looks like I'd be able to walk through a nearby forest preserve. However, I'm spoiled from staying inside and I wonder if I can keep up the walking if I have to go outside in whatever the weather is like that day--rain, heat, snow, etc.