Description of Hot Flashes - Menopause Message Board

charpo · 05-22-2008, 06:50 AM

Can someone explain completely about hot flashes? The past couple of days, I'm getting this sensation that I can't explain. I can't figure out if I'm really cold or hot. I'm not breaking out in any sweats, but I can't tell if I'm really really cold or really really hot. Is this part of menopause and is this what a hot flash is?

I C Hot · 05-22-2008, 08:20 AM

Actually it would be hard to completely explain a hot flash because they can be so different for each woman. Mine started out with my head getting hot and very sweaty and the rest of my body would then get sweaty. Now my head doesn't get so hot but I turn bright red on my face and neck (well chest too but most people can't see that) and I get very sweaty all over. I used to get nausea's as I was getting one but thankfully that has gotten better too. I do sometimes get very cold after a hot flash and in bed at night get very cold. Sorry not more help for you.
Julie

cmpgirl · 05-22-2008, 09:02 AM

I can only describe where mine start, as the "core" of my body. I start to feel heat or warmth in my lower abdomen and it rises from there. My husband will comment sometimes that he can see the redness rising from my chest up to my face. I don't really sweat with mine. Maybe a little "clammy" or damp feeling after, which usually makes me feel cold right after.

Like I C Hot, I also used to get nauseous, but that doesn't happen so much anymore. I will feel a little weak for a minute or two sometimes, as well.

Hope this helps a little. Take care.

charpo · 05-22-2008, 06:54 PM

Do either of you know the feeling I'm describing, not knowing if I'm actually really cold or really hot. It almost feels like I'm freezing, then I feel warm and clamy. Maybe that's the feeling I'm trying to think of clamy. Like I was working out in the sun all day and did have a chance to take a shower. Just not refreshed or something. If I don't stop dwelling on it, its only going to get worse.

Thanks for the replies

I C Hot · 05-22-2008, 07:36 PM

I guess I would have to say that for me when I am having a hf I pretty much know that I am hot, then after I sometimes feel cold because I am clammy. I think that cmpgirl described it very well, in that mine also start from the core and I feel weak sometimes right before one hits me. They are so different for everyone though. I hope this helps but you might want to go to the Dr. and talk with them about it. Take care and have a wonderful week end.
Julie