My suspicion is perimenopausal changes, but don't hold me to it :) I took soy supplements for about 3-4 years, but stopped for a couple of reasons. #1 they didn't really seem to help with any of my symptoms, and #2, after reading and reading about soy, it occured to me that assuming I still had some ovarian function and my own natural estrogen, I didn't want to take something that could compete with estrogen at the estrogen receptor site level. In other words, I would rather have my own estrogen binding to receptors, than an imitation that is not estrogen, but rather mimics it. Does this make any sense? My line of reasoning may be in error, but my symptoms did not worsen when I stopped the soy, so I can see no harm done. If I was going to try and supplement, I would go the bio-identical hormone route, or try some of the herbal supplements. Just my two cents, and probably worth about that much, lol. Mrs H

I'll resuscitate this thread to report on my experience with flax seed. To start, my flashes are minor compared to some of the stories I've seen. I'd have them anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours apart during the day, and maybe three or four times per night. They only last about a minute, and for the most part are no more uncomfortable than being quite overdressed in a warm room. But, the waking up several times at night was beginning to wear on me. I decided to try flax, since DH already takes it for his digestive system. The recommended 40 grams is an awful lot, and I started slow to make sure how my digestive system would respond. I started with about three teaspoons per day. In the morning, I usually eat toast with something on it. So after I toast my bread, I sprinkle the flax on, then spread on the peanut butter or cream cheese or whatever. The flax disappears. At night, I often eat a banana before bed. With each bite, I dip the end of the banana into the ground flax. Or I mix a teaspoon into a tablespoon of peanut butter. Or I just mix it into some juice and drink it really fast. It's not bad, it mostly just sticks to my teeth. And the result is, my flashes have diminished greatly with just the three teaspoons per day. Sometimes I go for hours and realize I haven't had one. Or if I feel it starting, it will die out before I get too warm. I am only waking up maybe once per night due to flashes, sometimes not at all. (Weird dreams are a whole different issue!) It is inexpensive, good for me anyway, and easy to take. I am sold on flax.

I am having better sleep with "Modal Jersey sheets" from JC Penney. They are made from the Modal fabric that has a wick a way moisture capacity. They are online but look like discontinued as only twin and king available but I was able to get a queen set in a store at 60% off. I was sleeping on Percale sheets which felt cool but when those night sweats occur it is like laying on plastic. I have also been reading about sheets and blankets made of Bamboo, sold at Bed, Bath and Beyond and Target and I will try them as well.

Im 49 yrs old I exercise daily to the tune of 8 miles running weights eat healthy do like sugar and coffee but don't drink alcohol do drugs etc. I started to gain weight maybe 4 pounds and noticed I couldn't hold my stomach in i felt discomfort, felt like I wanted to smack people- then Thanksgiving 2015 my period didn't come Xmas still missing-Janurary no period so I figured great Im in menopause. Truthfully the weight gain and fatigue has bothered me during my normal cycle. but now it would go down cause I wasn't getting my period. S while we were at Costco my husband pointed it out. I didn't get it then but went back with my grand baby and we picked it up started taking it the next day and with in 2 days was he first time in 30 years I went without napping, seriously I have spent my adult life so exhausted that I really would have to nap even at 6pm at nite to make it to 10 pm terrible- I always figured it was hormonal. I started taking the Estrogen CHANGED my LIFE no more napping I can stay up its a freaking miracle. Gave it to a few girlfriends anyone I could tell and its totally changed their lives. It fabulous try it . no more hot flashed no tiredness and Im happier. First month in i got a period for like a day now in March 2016 had my period 2 weeks so its back really heavy and not sure if the estrovan started it however I don't want menopause yet cause its hard on the youthful appearance. Im still taking the estrovan.. GOD SENT!