His and Her Health

I was slammed into the menopause brick wall almost seven years ago when I had chemo for breast cancer, and I've been sweating ever since. Just last night, even with the a/c and ceiling fan, I woke up soaking wet. I can't bear any temperature to be over 70, I don't drink hot beverages between April and October. I need windows open all winter long. Does this sweatfest ever end? This is pure unadulterated misery. No cure for b.c.,no cure for hot flashes, and yet they have a dozen pills for erectile disfunction. Is there something wrong with this picture?

If your hot flashes are so bad, you may want to speak with your doctor about prescribed medications which may help severe hot flashes, like Effexor, Prozac or Paxil. There is also Neurontin an anticonvulsant which can help with hot flashes. And even in some cases hormone therapy may be recommended. You may also get other relief by exercise (regular exercise decreases the severity and frequency of hot flashes;try yoga, massage, meditation; dress in layers; wear clothing that has wicking properties to keep you dry; learn deep breathing exercises; watch your diet (spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine can bring on hot flashes; keep your house cool (especially the bedroom); and avoid smoking. Hope this helps.

Thanks, Karen. Obviously, I already adhere to your common sense advise re light clothing, exercise, keeping house cool, etc. I refuse to take anti-depressants and anti-convulsants. I refuse to take drugs which may have side effects more unpleasant than the condition, or drugs which might create more health issues. So, no, it doesn't really provide any new information. I had hoped that after seven years, something new may have come along to help us all. Alas, this is simply not a priority.

I completely understand what you're going through. I had breast cancer four years ago and crashed into menopause after my first chemo treatment. The hot flashes and night sweats are somewhat better, but still very bothersome.

I agree with you completely about not taking antidepressants. I am very active in the breast cancer survivor community and I can tell you that so many women are given antidepressants routinely for hot flashes and they cause more problems than they correct. I have two good friends who are struggling with trying to get off Effexor ( the drug of choice for hot flashes) right now. These drugs have terrible side effects, including sexual (like we really need that right now!) and can really diminish your quality of life.

If you are on an aromatase inhibitor, like Arimidex, you might want to talk to your doctor to see what your risk would be if you discontinue it. These drugs cause terrible hot flashes. With my doctors approval, I discontinued taking Tamoxifen after 1 1/2 years because my risk is low for a recurrence and my quality of life was so negatively impacted by the side effects of the drug. It was good decision for me.

My experience has been that all you can do is apply the practical solutions like exercise and sleeping in a cool room until medical science comes up with something better. You'll find lots of great information and support on this topic on breastcancer.org

Good luck to you. I'm hoping for a solution, too.

In the latest edition of The Menopause Minute, we explore this very topic. Everyone wants to know "Menopause: How Long Does It Last".

Red Hot Mamas expert, Dr. Mache Seibel says, "For most women, the symptoms of menopause last from 1-3 years. But for some the symptoms can last for up to a decade or even longer. That's why it's so important for women to work with their doctor to help them select treatments that are well suited to their specific concerns and take into account their individual potential benefits and risks."

A decade or more?!

Check out the article and the rest of this month's newsletter for more information: http://www.redhotmamas.org/newsletters/newsletter_200711.htm