Ask the Nurse

I am just getting 1 or 2 hours of sleep a night as my hot flashes keep me awake all night. I have the air conditioning on as cold as I can without freezing others. After the hot flash I get cold, so all night I am pulling the covers off, then putting them back on. I can't have my husband lay close to me at all. I am a Minister and when I speak to the congregation as soon as I start to move around or get excited the hot flash will start, and I am not able to give the best sermon or concentrate like I should. I can’t take black cohosh because it hurts my stomach. My forgetfulness is horrible and it is hard to remember what I just said or what I was talking about. It is hard to function at work and I am not giving my family the attention they deserve. My baby girl is getting married and I am doing everything I can to muster up the energy to remember and give my daughter the support from her mother. Please help!


Sorry to hear you are having trouble getting your hot flashes and insomnia treated. There are hormone therapy options (like estrogen and natural progesterone) and non-hormonal options. Progesterone also helps with sleep.

Most women within 10 years of menopause are candidates for hormone therapy, which is the most effective therapy. You should see a menopause specialist if your local doctor cannot offer you treatment.

You shouldn’t suffer and untreated hot flashes and sleep disturbance can lead to trouble with work productivity and the quality of your life. Don’t delay in getting better so you can enjoy your daughter’s upcoming wedding!

All My Best,
Speaking of Women’s Health Nurse

August 28, 2018 at 9:37am