Menapause

I have been in menapause 11 years.  It did not come on gradually.  In November, 11 years ago,  my period stopped instantaniously and the hot flashes started. They were 5 to 10 minutes apart and very bad.  I have grown accustomed to take 2 baths daily. After nine years on maximum Prempro and using the Yam cream, plus herbal remedies I decided  my body would become accustomed to getting these drugs and I would never be able to get off them. With the cancer scare caused by using Prempro I decided I didn't know what was worse, dying of cancer or dealing with menapause.  The hot flashes had lessened over the years so I thought I could deal with it.  That was 2 years ago. I still have hot flashes, about one every hour and they aren't as severe.  I have came to realize there were some things I could do.  I do not eat white stuff (White flour, white bread, sugar, etc.). I avoid sweet stuff.  I do not eat chocolate because that would set off hot flashes for several hours after eating.  I was careful not to overeat. In fact, being hungry is a state of being for me.  I either stay somewhat hungry and have to be careful of what and how much I eat.  I also do aqua-aerobics 4 times a week which helps. I take Soy, Flax, Calcium, a multiple vitamin, Vitex and Magnesium. I think these all help, but the hot flashes are still there every hour.

Now and finally, my first question:  How long does this last?  I am sick and tired of it. It's been 11 years.  My second question: It there some kind of medical test that can be done to tell me where I am at in menapause? How much longer do I have to put up with this. With all the medical advances in the world today, I would think there would be something that could tell me how much longer I have to deal with this. I see plenty of ads for medication. I need a medical test, or something to tell me when it will end.  Help

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Exercise is a wonderful aid to reducing hot flashes. Stress reduction and yoga and drinking lots of water can also help. So can avoiding spicy foods and caffeine. However, the fact that you have allergies to foods that set off hot flashes, it might be a good idea to speak with an allergist to see if there are other foods that affect you as well. You might find a condition such as celiac disease or allergy to gluten.

Although there is a risk of breast cancer with Prempro according to the Women's Health Initiative, the increased risk was 8 people per 10,000 users which is a risk of less than 1/10th of one percent. While it is an increase, it is a decision you must make with your doctor as to whether the benefits outweigh the risks for you. The same studies also showed a reduction for colon cancer and hip fracture of 6 to 7 people per 10,000 users.

There is no medical test that can tell when menopause will end. In the United States, the mean age is 51 and the range is 45 to 55 years.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD