The heat wave might be over, hot flashes remain on the horizon

As I prepare for the night, I felt something I hadn’t experienced for some time; cold. Being perimenopausal typically means my nights will be filled with uncomfortable hot flashes, waking me up multiple times. My restlessness has a negative impact on my husband’s rest; I sleep downstairs, at times, to give him a needed break.

When I was younger, what seems a mere 5 years ago, I thought married adults, sleeping apart, was a sign emotional separation.

I hadn’t realized 50 came with added enlightenment about the separate bedrooms; it was out of love and respect actually.

After a bit of a mental debate on how to handle being cold, I got up and found a pair of socks, assuming they’d be crumpled on the floor by morning. Lately, I’ve prepared for sleep by removing as much as I can in an effort to remain cool. Having to put on socks felt good, almost normal.

In my previous life, I was the cold one,

sleeping fully dressed with copious blanketry..
My how life has changed..

For twenty years plus, my sleep requirements were: turn off the fan, shut the window, and stop stealing the covers dear; skills which mastery are always improving.

The poor chap is dazed and confused at this..

Now my night song is: why is the fan off, open that damn window, and get that sheet off of me.. Oh and yes I’m (almost in my birthday suit, more like this) nude; don’t touch me either I’m too hot.. Not hot in the old fun way either.. ha..

The change is almost comical actually.. he’d always wanted me to sleep in the nude, now that I do, he can only be a casual observer.. oh the suffering..

So what is a girl to do?

How do I approach this, organically, with dignity, so dearest hubby can sleep through the night?

I search Google and asked friends..

First off, I’d like to say that I’m going to attempt this naturally, just as I did with childbirth; like, back in the olden days.

Of course, I understand there might be more work involved, along with more inconvenience; big woop right!

First stop on the Google train and find the “North American Menopause Society,” I am not shocked and enjoyed their take on natural remedies.  They mention:

• Black cohosh,
• Red clover,
• Don quai,
• Ginsing,
• Kava,
• Evening primrose oil (currently taking), with a big “use with caution” warning.
  I’ve always done well with evening prime rose oil and have recently added magnesium; both seem to give positive results.

More research, of course, is needed; please share your experiences and suggestions!!

Next on to Global Magazine, has a very similar natural remedies list as Menopause.org. They don’t specialize in menopause specifically, but have a solid list worthy of perusal..

Google searching anything is rife with risk of course, anything can, and will, be said, caution  is advised and always consult your doctor (not just your bestie) before n=1 trials..

Also, I’ve recently discovered Ellen Dolgen‘s site, which has a “Menopause Monday” section. Just this past Monday, she discussed how the heat of summer can melt “women who flash” into a puddle.  In Ellen’s  “Hot Flashes in the Summertime” post she points out stats from the North American Menopause Society and gives excellent tips and pointers worth checking out. I’m heading over to read more about her studies and experiences now, you should too.

Social media is great for support groups, finding like-minded souls, it is but a google search away and brings up infinite lists. I’ve been reading the stories of others who have gone into battle before me, bringing back tales of experience and woe; plus much insight into the perimenopausal process..

I’m sharing this particular post because I like lists, Midlife Boulevard’s “15 Hot Flash Solutions”  doesn’t disappoint with a list that spans from gadgets, to perhaps talking with your physician regarding treatment, a source for natural remedies, plus so much more.. I love her gadget list, I can assure you that you’ll soon find me prattling on about giving a few items a running shot.. If you like gadgets, I know you do, head over to her post and see what she has to say and offer..

Personal Mister via Amazon.com; you will be mine someday..

There are so many blogs to mention and so little time before I have another mental pause situation and completely forget where I was going with this..

Well for now I’m flashing again and heading over to dance with the refrigerator door.. Don’t laugh, it could be the spin-off of another popular dancing show..

I’ll be back with more later on, when I figure out why I got up to visit the kitchen..