Menopause and arthritis

sharmaine
sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
edited 4. Nov 2009, 03:58 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all

I was freezing this morning and had trouble with getting my socks on. However... one of the things I loathe about being menopausal (I can't go on HRT) is these hot episodes. I feel as if sweat is literally pouring out of me. I get embarrassed if a hot episode comes on when I'm out which makes it ten times worse. I can't wear anything synthetic just cottens or linens next to my skin just in case I have to peel my outer layers off! Thank goodness it only happens once or twice a day.

Who would want to be a woman in times like this? Any tips welcome. I can't go on HRT because of the meds I'm on for OA and high blood pressure.

Regards
Sharmaine

Comments

  • debatat
    debatat Member Posts: 659
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have these hot sweats, :oops: mine is related to disease activity, I have RA and lupus. They are horrid. I have bought a cooling spray which helps a bit, someone else suggested a cold flannel. You can get little mini hand held fans as well. Other than that as you said, light layers of cotton are best.

    Deb x
  • mistywillow
    mistywillow Member Posts: 711
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I don't know if you have long hair or not but I find keeping mine off my neck helps. (eg up in a ponytail etc) Also a cold flannel at the back of your neck if you are at home or if you are out, wear loads of layers which you can strip off easily. (don't get too carried away though! :lol:)
    Gillx
  • debbierose
    debbierose Member Posts: 403
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    think of them as tropical showers
    it might help. Hahaha

    not laughing at your plight just hopeing to make you smile.
    keep your neck wrists and ankles cool will help/
    lol
    Debbie Rose.
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I know how you feel. Awful is'nt it? I was very bad with 24/7 sweats. The night ones are still with me. The best tip I can give is to have 2 small pop bottles filled with water. Keep one in the fridge to sip whenever. The other freeze then take it with you when you go to bed. Great to hold for quick cool down and ice drink first thing.
    A cotton hankie carried at all times-a boon for a discrete wipe of the forehead and neck. Some herbal rems work for some people but would have to check with your Dr. to make sure they do not effect your meds. Keep away from foundation, it's not going to stay on anyway. Wet wipes can make a quick pick me up. Chin up it does ease off.

    Love Irene
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Deb, Gill, Debbie Rose, Irene and Lynn

    Thanks for your tips. I'm always putting my hair up these days - it is shoulder length (I'm trying to grow it). Wearing layers is something I've started doing too. I will try the cold water and cold flannel ideas. I can't wait for this to go away. Thank goodness it's getting colder. One minute I'm cold then I have one of these hot flushes/sweats - you can't win!!! :lol::lol:

    The bandana idea sounds good - will look into it.

    Sharmaine

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