Does menopause always come with hot flashes? - Menopause Message Board

KerryT · 05-10-2008, 05:15 PM

I haven't my period since January, and I was always regular. Before that I had skipped a couple months. So I figure its that time they start tapering off. But when do the hot flashes start? I've never experienced any. Is anyone lucky enough to go through menopause without HFs?? I wasn't sure if they are a sure thing or if it differs with other women. Thanks!

liverpool sue · 05-11-2008, 12:56 AM

hello kerry. from what i know, most women seem to get hot flashes to some degree, but for some women none of the symptoms start until the periods actually stop. and then there are those other very lucky ladies who don't get any symptoms at all and breeze through it - and that could be you! good luck.

Mel52 · 05-12-2008, 10:24 PM

None of my friends had the hot flashes. Once in awhile my best friend would fan her hand in front of her face for a minute and said she was having a hot flash. She went through it at 42. So 10 years later, when I went through menopause I expected the same thing. Heck no. I don't have to tell anyone I am having a hot flash. People are more inclined to have their eyes bulge in fear when they ask me if I am ok. My face and neck get bright red. I don't glisten, I flood with sweat.
When it first started, I was still having periods every other month. Long gone now, but the hot flashes remain. Sometimes, I will go for a few weeks with almost being "normal?" but the sweats return with a vengence.
And what is with those days where I walk into walls and just feel so off bubble?

cmpgirl · 05-13-2008, 12:30 AM

I am in peri still and have a pretty regular cycle, so far. I do get occasional hot flashes, but I don't really sweat. I get really bright red, like Mel was saying. If you are looking at me, you can see it rise up my neck to my face. Sometimes the heat is so intense, it makes me a little nauseous.

I know of one friend, who didn't really have any of the symptoms, ever. She went through peri and meno in about 5 years and was done! I know that will not be my future. I just saw my GYN last week for my annual and he said it is so unpredictable from woman to woman. Even though the symptoms are the same, the time frames and the number and intensity of symptoms is usually an individual thing.

I learned something interesting though. I started puberty really young. I was 9 years old. So I figured I'd go through meno early too. My GYN said it's just the opposite. The earlier you start, the later you stop and vice versa. If I didn't adore the guy, I'd have punched him!

Hang in there ladies. At least there are places like this to vent and get support.

Mel52 · 05-13-2008, 10:44 PM

I was 9 years old also. I think I was 52 when I went through menopause. I can't remember exactly....ah another benefit of menopause, the memory goes too. And what is with the fat waist? I could wear a bikini 3 years ago. I don't even want to wear a bathing suit. Thank goodness the style are those large flowing tops that resemble maternity tops. I have a gut now I never had!