Yes, I do dress in layers, “for the occasion:”, yet when that fire inside you starts growing, and growing, and growing, not even a thin tank top will do. I feel as if I am about to burn, and I would remove my skin, if I could, hoping for a cool down.  I could not identify any triggers, they come and go as they please. Sometimes they happen during a conversation with someone, but my solution to that is simple: I tell the person in front of me that I am approaching menopause, and so far, all of them have been very understanding. I will touch here on another group of thoughts: never feel shy, embarrassed, or ashamed to discuss these matters with those around you. You might be surprised at how supportive they can be. And if they are not, you will always have me.

I do not have any memory of me sweating while sleeping, but hey, memory is fragile in these times. I love cold temperatures at night (my window is a little open even when 3 degrees outside). That used to send me in this profound, undisturbed sleep, and I would wake up in the morning full of energy…oh, the good times. I started noticing in the morning my pajamas were wet, wet  – but only in the abdominal and pelvic areas, or to be more specific: stomach, tummy, groin. Although unpleasant, I cannot say this bothered me much. And the solution is simple: you just do laundry.

Stories that I heard from other women were different. One of them had been having hot flashes for 10 years, and they were bothering her very much. Another one was having them at night, and they were so bad, she could not sleep properly for more than 15 years. So I know this also can be a huge problem for some of you. Please share.