Hey Love Bugs! So, I remember learning about hot flashes or vasomotor symptoms, when I was in my 20’s. But it’s different when you physically deal with them. I’m here to tell you the truths about hot flashes in 40’s.
I know what you’re thinking, “hot flashes in your forties isn’t really a thing,” but it can be perimenopause, which typically hits in your mid-forties and can affect you prior to and or while on your period. For me, it’s a mixture. I had a partial hysterectomy due to complications with endometriosis and fibroids. Now that my uterus is gone, menopause was all to happy to move in. Prior to having my surgery, I started getting hot flashes during my monthly cycles in my late 30’s. So, I’m veteran at this point.
Myth: You’re always in an irritable mood.
My Fact: I’m not always in an irritable mood. I’m pretty leveled most days. I have more content/chill days than aggravated/irritated nobody breathe loudly days…thankfully, I’ve learned that taking a moment to perform a 3-part breathing yoga technique helps to bring me back to sanity.
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/menopause/treating-menopause-symptoms-myths-vs-facts
Myth: Happens anywhere at anytime.
My Fact: This is true. I can be walking to the mailbox, in the freezer aisle at the grocery store and get hit with a hot flash. No really, I’ve actually put my body into one of the freezers in the freezer aisle just for some relief. Literally, they happen out of the blue. At least, I had another woman there who understood exactly what I was going through. She gave me some comforting words with a simple, “I understand.”
Myth: Immediately buckets of sweat pour off you.
My Fact: That is true and thank God that I rock my natural hair. This can be embarrassing as you’re stripping clothes off while sweat is pouring in public. My tip is to keep a handheld fan available or if you’re at home or in the office have a portable fan. Also wear layers because immediately after that flash, you’re going get freezing cold, until the next hot flash comes. This happens when your body is trying to balance hormones and some doctors solve this by putting individuals on medication, but you can also handle this natural.
A few natural remedies include black cohosh, and/or evening primrose. Changing your diet by removing spicy foods and limiting sugar intake. As always, make sure you consult your doctor first.
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/understanding-hot-flashes#causes
Myth: Hot flashes will make you gain weight.
My Fact: This is false. A cocktail of increased Cortisol also known as the “stress hormone”, low estrogen, and low progesterone are the culprits in your weight shifting. Menopause is stressful and your Cortisol levels increase, which makes metabolism unable to keep up resulting in gaining weight. Watching what you eat and staying active are important to combating this issue.
Hot flashes are a natural occurrence in womanhood. Let my words and tips help to normalize what every woman will eventually experience. For me, I’ve come to appreciate my body which has carried, given birth, and nurtured two beautiful human beings. My body is an amazing machine and I love all that it is capable of. All bodies are wonderfully different, mine is unique to me. Take some time to embrace your own temple because we only get one and if we take care of it, it will take care of us.
Do you have any tips to share? I’d love to hear from you. Go ahead and subscribe, share your experiences with perimenopause or menopause.
~Absolutely Shell
Check out the below links that have helpful information on the effects of menopause.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/menopause-weight-gain
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/menopause-weight-gain#the-bottom-line
absolutelyshell 