Do you know of a good homeopath? I took homeopathic remedies when I was going through menopause, and they helped enormously. Something else that helped was a capsule that combined Hawthorne and Motherwort. I bought that at the health food store.

Good luck!

I started out using a cream called Emerita...then switched to Estroven...it's been almost 10 years for me and they are finally subsiding...

I had surgical menopause and the worst of the hot flashes lasted for about 7 years. I still get them but only once in awhile.

I do not know of anything that will safely help you. Mine lasted about 10 years and there is still an occasional one, but not like it used to be.

Linda

I am going natural. I have those hand held fans in all kinds of places in my house, and car, and purse, and electric fans in every room.

So far, it is getting BORING. I wish it was over, but it is manageable.

Moni

I have had my hot flashes for about 5 years. And I am bored with them too. I don't take any medicine for them, as I have breast cancer in my family. There are sprays that you can get, (I think from Avon has one) that can help. I have fans everywhere too. People at work all have heaters under their desks. My fault. A/C has to be set on C O L D because I am always, always hot.

I'm 'bout over them--age creeps up on you, but I always kept a little bottle of spritzer in the refrig and sprayed myself all over w/ it. It was so refreshing. Other than that, you just have to tough it out. And it is tough!!!

I use a neck cooler during the day and also the hot flash heart that goes in the bra for my flashes... I've had them for 15 years now and never tood any drugs for it - no big deal now that I can cool off thes these two things now... I make both and am the best advertisement for them.

I've had them for about 5 years now. I won't take any type of hormones or stuff like that.

The best remedy for me is when I get one take a glass of ice cold water or an ice pack and place the glass/ice pack between your wrists. For some reason this stops the hot flash within seconds.

SamKaren
your resident DJ

A few years after having the hysterectomy, I started with the "power surges"...Way back then, of course they started you on Premarin...It was wonderful and I took those little pills for at least 25 years with no problems..Then I got to thinking, I could probably stop taking them and use the money on something else, right???? Well, the 1st time I tried to wean myself off, I thought I was going to kill someone...Then my heart doctor said to get a lesser dose, which helped...About 4 months ago, I decided that's it, I am not refilling that RX...I started every other day etc. I am back to getting the flashes but not too often and if it stays like this, I can put up with it (she says, as she is fanning herself)...At 71, this kind of stuff should be all gone..There should be an off switch after you reach a certain age..It's wonderful to be a woman!

I don't know if you consider this medication or not but Black Cohosh works wonders. I was having hot flashes and started using Black Cohosh and they went away.

Due to several medical problems, I've been told to avoid hormones. I know women who have used herbal products but I'm afraid to try them. I don't mind my hot flashes. If they come during the day, I wash my face and spray on some deodorant. If they come at night, I change my nightgown. I understand they last about ten years. If this is the price for no more periods and no more babies, I'm okay with it!

You'll sleep better with 100% cotton bedding.

Thanks everyone for all of the speedy responses!!!

Angela - I have heard that Black Cohosh works wonders. Can you tell me a little more about it (effectiveness, side effects, dosage, etc.)?

I carry a hanky with me in case it is needed to mop my brow when I am out somewhere.
I sleep in a very cool room. It helps a lot if my head is kept cool at all times.
When going out somewhere, dress in layers. Don't get stuck being comfortable, and then having to suffer from being too hot. I gave away all of my pull over sweaters, knowing they would be too warm to wear. If everyone else was comfortable, I would be sweltering.
Dress in layers.
In the winter, I keep the house quite cool and 'never' seem to have them here at home. If I go visit at a warm house I will get them.
A quick mop of the brow, and a beverage helps, and you can soon move on.

Sue

Renee - You buy Black Cohosh in the vitamin section. Target or Walmart has it. Just take the dosage on the bottle. I think two-three a day. I had no side effects and it worked quickly.

I've been dealing with horrendous flashes and night sweats for nearly 5 years. Because I've had so many adverse reactions to meds, I prefer to go the natural route.

I recently started going to acupuncture because of the positive results others are having in reducing or eliminating hot flashes and other menopausal issues. I've always been somewhat skeptical, but I've now had 6 treatments and I can honestly say that my flashes are greatly reduced, from 7 - 10 a day to now only one or two and very, very mild. I finally feel like I've got my life back again and can wear a sweater without overheating lol. It's also helped with my arthritis. Fortunately my insurance pays for 10 treatments per calender year.

Interestingly enough, my vet recommended that my 12 year old lab start acupuncture for his severe spinal arthritis and after 4 treatments he is much more limber and has stopped falling down.

I don't like drugs---so I plan to just suck it up and get through it. (Easy for me to say since mine are just starting.)
:-)

My mom made it without drugs, although she had flashes until a few years ago (she is almost 80). She lived, and so will I. It's bound to better than having periods...

I totally agree with Black Cohash!
I have been taking it for about 2 years now
and I may get a 'hot flash' every blue moon!!!
Deb

my doctor recommended soy products like soy milk and tofu
it takes time but i think it actually helps

i just today started with a patch: catapres-tts0.1/24hrdis
whatever that is
so ask me in about a month
actually it has only a 35% success rate
so i hope i am one of the lucky ones

Hugs for everyone!

I have suffered from "power surges" and night sweats since 1987. I had just had my 32nd birthday...way too young, but a hysterectomy would solve the problems I was experiencing, I was on estrogen shots, patches and every pill strength trying to level my hormones!

It wasn't until I was diagnosed with my breast cancer that I realized what that estrogen was doing to my body. My breast cancer was estrogen positive....meaning it thrived on estrogen! First medication the Oncologist took away.

I increased my Vitamin E intake, I was prescribed Paxil and now I take Lexapro. Yes, they are anti-depressants but works wonders for power surges not to mention the anxiety that comes along with being a survivor!!!

I found out after eating blanched soy beans and my tumor marker shot up.....soy is a NATURAL estrogen! Meaning soy products are off limits. If you have breast cancer history in your family you would be wise to avoid soy. Black cohosh is a natural estrogen, as are yams.

Please don't misunderstand I am all for natural and holistic healing but,I would highly recommend speaking to your Ob/Gyn before self medicating with herbs...again IF you have breast cancer in your family.

Matti - I am interested in hearing more about the acupuncture treatment you are on. How often do you go and where do they stick the needles? Did you notice a difference right away?

The black cohash worked for me but it took about three weeks to kick in. And irregardless of what the MD says, if I ate too much chocolate it would trigger a flash within a half hour of consumption. A whole candy bar would trigger one, but half of one usually would not.

I guess I'm one of the lucky few. I had a hysterectomy but have never had a hot flash, nor did my mother ever mention having one. However, my oldest daughter suffers with them. I think she gets it from my husband's side. She has a fan blowing on her most of the time when she is in the family room.

I started with the cold sweats about 16 yrs ago, then they turned into hot flashes a couple years later. I am still having hot flashes. I head you can take some herbs but it never helped me. My only suggestion is a fan & a sweater!

Mombondo is right, be careful what you take if you are estrogen dominant. I am, so I avoid all soy products because they tend to increase my problems which include fibrocystic breast lumps.

Renee - I have acupuncture treatments every two weeks and each session lasts 20 minutes. The needles are placed in several areas along certain pathways. The intent is to open blocked pathways to allow for balanced flow within the body. The needles are so fine that they really don't hurt. It took a couple of visits before I noticed an improvement.

I am new to these ... was suggested flax seed hull, its ground into a powder helps. Have not tried it yet.I am just trying to live with it.