HOT FLASHES

[Kaye Kaye]

I have been having hot flashes for the last month or so.. Driving me crazy--my primary doctor says--"its my body fighting off infections etc??" He is not prescribing anything for hot flashes and was wondering--could this be part of my cycles being haywire??? Although cycles have been messed up since IC began? Any ideas of what i can do??? Take care all.. Kaye Kaye

------------------

[BrendaD]

I've heard lots of women say that Evening Primrose Oil works wonders for hot flashes.

[Dianne]

I've been at this 2 years with flashes up to 25 times/day. To complicate things, if I'm lying down, I have a bladder spasm during hot flashes. No idea why. I cannot tolerate any type of ERT nor any alternatives, tried them all. There is something else non-estrogen for hot flashes-Clonidine Patch. It does work. It's actually a blood pressure med but side effect is controlling hot flashes. I wasn't able to tolerate it after 5 days-caused quite a flare but I know other IC'ers who had no trouble at all so I'd say try one of lowest dose and take it off if any sign of flare. It's pretty much out of system in 8 hours. What I'm using is an insertable pill caused Vagifem. It's supposed to be twice/week but I can't tolerate it that often so I insert one and leave it in til bladder starts to hurt at 1-2 days and then remove what's left of it. I do another in 4-5 days dep. on bladder condition. It restored vag. tissue and although not supposed to help hot flashes, it does some and is safe for people at risk of breast cancer. I also use 3T of flax seed a day. Good luck!

[violethillfarm]

Kaye,Kaye: How are old are you? You could be perimenopausal (sp?). You have to understand that not everyone with IC has a problem with HRT. I take Prempro because of the incredible hot flashes and night sweats I was having. Nothing natural was working, so I decided to opt for HRT. I've been on it for a little more than a month and I haven't
noticed any change in my IC for good or bad.
I do however feel better in general, hot flashes under control and that dry itchy all over feeling is gone. Everyone is different,
you have to find out what works for you.

------------------
GardenLady

[sapp]

my dr. wanted me to try the patch the esclim0.025 which is the lowest and then take the provera last 15 days in cyle. i have tried this patch three times and every time it has caused a major flare. this last time i tried the patch i have been in a flare for 7 days. i don't think i am going to try again. he said i was borderline perimenopause but i really don't think so. i have very regular periods to the exact day and i can always tell when i ovaulate it is always day 14thru16. i think my gyno was trying to do anything to bring me some relief. i know the patch caused the flare because i didn't eat or drink anything different.

[NancyB]

You don't say how old you are. However, if you are having hot flashes, you probably are in perimenopause. If your doctor you have now won't deal with this with you, go and see one that will. A good gyno is worth their weight in gold.

A word of caution. Estrogen with added progesterone is usually prescribed for women with an intact uterus. Progesterone will usually make ICERS flare. It is also true that some ICERS flare with any type of hormones. However, you can take estrogen unopposed (without progesterone) and see how that works for you. Your gyno might not like that, but if you explain that you have IC and that you want to take the increased risk that comes with being on estrogen without progesterone with it, they will usually allow this with more screening with ultrasounds, etc. to monitor the buildup of endometrial tissue in your uterus. It is an easy thing to try to see if it not only helps your IC, but also takes care of your hot flashes. It may do both. I would advise the use of something like Climera patch or Estrace pills. You can titrate the dose of the patch by cutting and pasting it and you can cut the Estrace pills easily to accomplish the same thing. I find they were both IC friendly for me, where Premarin was not. Although, I know other ICers who do fine on Premarin. You just have to find out for yourself.

Hope this has been helpful.

NancyB

[redstonebef]

I just wanted to say I'm nearly 55 and I had my uturus removed at 24 and an ovary at 25 and the last ovary at 30. I have been on Premarin all these years and I have no trouble with it bothering my IC which I have had for over 30 years. Infact I feel I've had it all my life. Everyone's body responds differently. I have so much trouble with most meds. Right now I'm trying Elmiron and am having lots of trouble with stomach. I can't tolerate the Atarax because it makes me feel depressed and crazy the next day. I just am sorry that some of you are having such trouble with harmones. At least I have that to be thankful for. Hugs
redstonebef

[Kaye Kaye]

Hi everyone, thanks for your replys... I am 28 yrs old.. And i do have a good gynecologist--actually 2 of them.. Both feel that they are not trained enough with all the problems health wise--to treat me any longer--they all including primary doc and urologist want me to be seen at Oregon Health Science University---Ive been waiting over 9 months between referral process and waiting list... I did just switch primary doc though--so thats good thing--hopefully I can get proper treatment now.. I have had ultrasounds-cervical and regular--and an IVP and Laproscopy-Cystoscopy--twice both and a hysteroscopy... Ive had a million blood work ups--the only thing found was the IC and cysts on ovaries--i also had a DandC.. They have mentioned doing a hysterectomy--but doctors feel here that they want me to get 3-4-5-6 opinions because of my age--and because it could worsens my problems---so thats what im waiting for.. I have had unusual periods since about 1 month before IC flared for good---and still continues--so dont know what there going to do? But heat flashes only began couple months ago--but drive me nuts.. Ill talk to my doctor about these ideas everyone has given me. Maybe it will help? I hope so? Im due for a break in treatment somewhere... Well take care everyone and have a pain free evening.. Kaye Kaye

------------------

[Sandy]

Hi I started having those about three years ago and that was the same time my IC reared its ugly head. Had very few bladder infections prior to that. My periods went all over the place and had hot flashes at night. I am 47 and now full menopause(I hope all men come back as women gr gr grrrr) Evening of Primrose has helped wth that and also what I thought at times was bladder burn around my menstrual time. Black Cohosh is apparently another good one. My family Dr recommended the Evening of Primrose. It worked for me and I still take it every day, and can tell if I miss for a couple ofdays. Hope this will be of some help to you