Menopause & Cold Sensations

Menopause occurs naturally with aging. As you age, your ovaries automatically decrease their production of progesterone and estrogen, the hormones that control your menstrual cycle. Until you stop producing eggs altogether and your period ends, you'll likely experience changes in your normal menstruation. Menopause can result in some uncomfortable symptoms, including both cold sensations and hot flashes. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor and ask her about different treatment options.

Identification

• The classic symptoms of menopause include vaginal dryness, problems sleeping, mood swings, thinning hair, changes in your breasts, an increase in the fat in your abdominal area and hot flashes. In addition to hot flashes, you may also experience "cold flashes," as well as coldness in your extremities. Along with your cold flashes, you may notice skin clamminess and sweating. You experience both hot and cold sensations because your estrogen levels have dropped, which triggers your hypothalamus to change your body's temperature.

Time Frame

• Most women experience menopause after the age of 40, and you are officially considered "menopausal" one year after the date of your last period. However, you'll likely experience symptoms before this one-year mark. Premature menopause---or peri-menopause---can also occur due to medical conditions. If you have cancer, the resulting radiation therapy or chemotherapy directed at the pelvic area may cause damage to your ovaries. Also, if you undergo a hysterectomy, you will no longer menstruate. If both of your ovaries are removed during that hysterectomy, then you have what is known as surgical menopause. This occurs instantly, and symptoms such as cold sensations may be more severe than with natural menopause.

Considerations

• In addition to hot and cold flashes, you may experience some complications from menopause. You'll be at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease, due to a drop in estrogen levels. You may also lose bone density, which puts you at risk for osteoporosis. Some women may also experience weight gain and urinary incontinence.

Treatment

• Menopause is a natural occurrence. However, its symptoms may cause discomfort. Talk to your doctor about treatment options to help relieve your symptoms. Some treatment options include hormone therapy, anti-depressants, gabapentin (Neurontin), osteoporosis medications and vaginal estrogen to treat vaginal dryness. Estrogen medications may be able to help treat your cold flashes. All medications have the potential to cause some side effects. Discuss the risks and the benefits with your doctor before taking any drugs.

Lifestyle Remedies

• Talk to your doctor about your changing nutritional needs. Some women find that they need to eat less during menopause. You should also supplement your diet with vitamin D and calcium to help prevent bone loss. If you smoke, quitting will reduce your risk for many health problems, such as cardiovascular disease. Smoking also increases your risk of uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot and cold flashes. If you experience urinary incontinence, ask your doctor about Kegel exercises, which can strengthen your pelvic region.