Please seek out another medical opinion. There are several medical conditions that can cause the symptoms (hot flashes) that you are having. It may be menopause. This is easily confirmed by some simple blood work. It could also be related to some other underlying condition that needs some medical attention. Please ask friends/family for a recommendation for a family doctor, one who will listen to you and to what your concerns are. If it is indeed menopause, there are treatments for the hot flashes. You need to become educated regarding what really works. They call this "evidence based medicine". In other words, treatments that have been scientifically tested and are known to work. Not just some company that is anxious to take your money. Bu finding a good, caring MD or NP who will listen to what you have to say, run some tests to further evaluate, I'm certain you will get the help you need.

S&T ... this is all new to me, so I can't comment on what you are taking. I just came to this forum to learn about what my body is doing these days. But I thought someone should respond to your post ... looks like this forum isn't very active? I could only imagine what you were feeling during your interview ... I'm just staring to get hot flashes. Hope you find a job soon. Pam

Kathijo, yep, sounds like you're in "perimenopause"...premeno. I've been going through this for 2-3 years; I'm 43 but early menopause runs in my family. My periods have been erratic for over two years, very irregular and often heavier than they used to be. I sometimes feel like I'm in PMS mode all month long, yuck. Can't sleep (its 3:30 am & I've been up for two hours), feel like a puffy baby whale, and oh yeah, get those crying jags too. I'm not feeling hot, but I do get night sweats at times...geez the list goes on! I haven't had any tests, but I did go on the pill (Loestrin) a few months ago and it has helped somewhat. I'm looking more towards herbal & dietary/lifestyle changes rather than HRT as symptoms warrant, though. There are a ton of books, just go browse your local bookstore. And the link below is very informative too. I'm not scared of doctors (I'm married to one!) but I have to be practically at death's door before I'll go. I don't have a regular doctor; I just go to Planned Parenthood for my annual pap. If you're anxious about it, perhaps PP or a "well woman" type clinic would make you more relaxed? As Joan says, reschedule your pap; they can't get a good reading if you are bleeding. Take care of yourself! Carina Here is a link that might be useful: Power-surge

Hello ladies, I am 48 and have had been on this roller coaster ride of peri menopause for over 13 years.. Yes, you heard me, 13 years. No one could tell me what was wrong with me, first Dr. thought a celiac, so I stopped eating Gluten, my digestion issues did not stop! I think I was 35 at the time and had just stopped nursing my second child, a year prior. Then at 37 I started having panic attacks, heart flutters.... etc... Testing, still no answers.... I could go on, just know, that I have had all 66 symptoms thru out these 13 years. I have eaten healthy for over 25 years, well before it became a fade to do so, I have always worked out and danced. I have chosen not to take HRT or Bio's. I too, at times thought I was dying, before I realized it was peri, and just waited to die.... I can tell you that I talk about it all the time with my family and friends. My husband is going thru the men version of his change, too. Men go thru it, too, they just do not talk about it. Laughing is the best medicine. It (Peri Menopause), in many ways has saved my life... I never knew that I was in fact an incest survivor, until the panic attacks set in and I had to go on a quest to find out what was happening ( sparked by the hormone change). If you are having intense symptoms, it is often a sign that some trauma from childhood is coming forward from you unconscious trying to find resolution. I found my life's work thru my early peri menopause, as it made me go into therapy and heal my past, and now I do that for others. So, on my worst days, I feel blessed to have transformed some very deep emotional pain, that was hidden in the recesses of my mind, and body, that peri menopause brought to my being. Good luck ladies and know, I feel for you especially if you are just starting your transition, you can get thru it, make sure you have a supportive home life and take time for your own need, regardless of what anyone else thinks.......