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Hi ladies,

so before this new chapter I had never experienced hot flashes.  I noticed around chemo round 4 I was starting to get a few, then after my surgery it became a daily occurrence.  I did mention to my oncologist after surgery about them and hoped they would eventually go away. She mentioned referring to sexual health clinic for meds if they bother me or don't go away.  I have been trying to toughen it out and just deal with them.  I find them worse at night because I'm constantly hot or cold, sweaty and clammy.  I have windows open, fans blowing directly on me, but I toss and turn and am up and down several times a night….its starting to get a little frustrating.

what did you do for your hot flashes?  Did anything help? Did they eventually just go away? And how long till they went away?

thanks

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Hi @Meinvan Did you ever find something to help with your hot flashes? It's one the things bothering me for a while now. I am struggling with temperature regulation in general, and my night sweats even caused a yeast skin rash on my neck recently 🫠

Hi Meinvan and MissERP,

   I just noticed the Wellspring offering about managing symptoms of menopause and hot flashes, etc. that was posted by Alwayslearning recently. I imagine there will be some good information available.

(I went through a natural menopause process many years ago. My hot flashes happened mostly during the day. It was like someone turned on a furnace and I went bright red for a few minutes, burning up inside). Surgery-induced menopause symptoms might be different and surely there are suggestions out there in the universe to help! I listened to Dr. Lesa Dawson (gynaecologist/oncologist) at the Vancouver ovarian cancer conference and she talked at length about menopause symptoms, including the benefits of HRT. If you want to look her up, you will see many studies that she has been involved in related to menopause symptoms. 

@LeslieA thanks for the reminder on the session. If you are looking for my post it's titled, "New Wellspring Program - Navigating Menopause in Cancer Survivorship". I posted in 3 days ago and you can also search for it using the search bar above.

Similar to @LeslieA I went through menopause naturally well before my diagnosis. I toughed it out for almost 8 years and had almost identical symptoms to you Leslie. In addition when I was turning red (I'd say, "flame on"), I'd break into a sweat. I'd be drenched from my face through my torso within minutes. So much fun when you are facilitating a meeting!!

I did a google search for "Menopause Clinics" and quite a few things came up in the Toronto area. Just a thought. There may be others in other areas of Canada. I can't endorse any of those and I do know that via Princess Margaret in T.O. there is a Sexual Health Clinic. They've also just created an online resource area for patients. 

Here as well is a link to some information posted by OCC on this site in the library.

The mysteries of menopause explained

#Treatmentandsideeffects #Healthandwellness

@MissERP@LeslieA@Alwayslearning thanks for the info ladies.  I haven't found much helps with the hot flashes yet, they tend to be minimal some days and other days they seem be happen almost ever hour.  I do get the total top of my head to my toes of burning heat, flushed, sweating 🥵.  Sometimes it's simple just thinking about something, stress,emotions that will trigger them.  I heard try slowing your breathing to help.  I have been having kiwi in the evening as I read somewhere it may help with hot flashes and sleep…I'm willing to try anything.  I sleep with numerous fans on me as if I didn't I would be awake all night sweating. I've been trying to tough it out hoping it will stop at some point. But I heard it could be years if ever…ugh.  My GP also suggested gabapentin for the hot flashes, said it would be a low dose and doesn't affect kidneys or liver function as an option and not an hrt. 

@Meinvan while it was over a decade ago for me, I can so relate to your experience. I went through menopause earlier than most (mid 40's to mid 50's). My Mum did as well as I'm so similar to her physiologically that I guess I should have known it was coming. 

I've never heard the kiwi thing however I love kiwi and agree, if it helps, why not. Definitely a more delicious way to fight hot flashes.

I also did a google on gabapentin as I was certainly curious about that. Here's what "Dr. Google" had to say..."Gabapentin is an effective non-hormonal prescription medication used off-label to reduce hot flashes, particularly for individuals who cannot or prefer not to take estrogen therapy. It helps calm the brain's temperature control center, lowering both the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats."

Who knew? Again, that's why I'm "always learning". Thanks for sharing.

#Treatmentandsideeffects #Healthandwellness #Supportandencouragement

Very interesting! I may have to try Gabapentin again, I tried it for degenerative disc/spinal compression nerve pain about 10 years ago & didn't like the side effects; too much nausea & vomiting. But, my body may be different now & I do hate the “sweats” which are more frequent since my cancer diagnosis & treatments. They seem to be triggered by meals/food which is very weird to me: as well as night sweats! Thx for this info.
Trish Woods

Also heard of veozah I believe fairly new seen some woman in the US try this, not sure if available here but also worth looking into if wanting something that's not hrt

This drug trial sounds interesting, will be curious to see what comes of it.  https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/article/abcellera-menopause-drug-cuts-hot-flashes-in-mid-stage-trial-shares-rise/