Vaginal Cramping with Hot Flashes

Body: 

When I get a hot flash, it begins with a cramping in my vagina (not uterus), which sometimes is severe enough to be really uncomfortable. It wakes me up (of course). After the cramping, the overheated feeling sweeps over me, like a traditional hot flash.

I can't find any mention of this kind of cramping anywhere, and I'm wondering if it's somehow connected to the cystocele, rectocele, and prolapse of the vaginal vault that I have.

Any thoughts, folks? Thanks.

well I have no idea but I am sure that Louise will be along shortly to talk this one out with you. I have had stabbing pains in the vagina before though that were no fun at all- but only during pregnancy. So maybe they were brought on by hormones and if that is true than maybe it is not outside of normal to have them during hot flashes (hormone surges).
Also with my rectocele I sometimes have stabbing pains in my rectum- so that makes me think that possibly the pain is prolapse related-
argh it is all related......anyway I hope you figure it out.

Hi NeedAdvice

Yeah, it's me. Fresh from a night of hots 'n colds, as usual! I just went back and looked at your original post. You still getting the painful intercourse? With the surgery you have had, there is probably scar tissue and pulling, which may account for the pain you are now experiencing (different from before?). I haven't menstruated since April and my whole reproductives went quite quiet and dryish for many weeks. Over the last few days I have experienced some old familiar sensations, though not as intensely as previously. Breast tingling, cramps in the pelvic area, ovary-type stabs, lower back pain, erratic libido and a plump vagina too. I guess my reproductives are attempting to do what they have done for the last forty years, and still get those hormonal signals, but sometimes they make little sense timing-wise.

I am finding that my old Natural Family Planning (Billings) knowledge is helpful in detecting and affirming the hormonal ups and downs. As far as I can see any sensation or sign that appeared during my child-bearing years can pop up now at the oddest of times, and mean little, other than indicate the bleeding obvious, that I am experiencing menopause. There are a few extra ones as well!

These symptoms are a bit like old friends. They are familiar but a bit different, and the new ones are are becoming more familiar. The ones that used to be a pain in the butt are still a pain in the butt, and the nice ones are still nice. They will all eventually die. ;-)

One lesson I did learn earlier this year is that drugs like Ponstan (mefanimic acid, an anti-prostiglandin used to treat period pain) will make hot flushes worse. I had some body pain that I thought might respond to it but all it did was keep me awake tossing and turning hot and cold all night. I did eventually find something on the Net about not using it during menopause. I guess that's why. Silly me.

That's about all I can add. I hope your discomfort eases with time. You may not *need* to do anything about them. They may resolve spontaneously once menopause is over. The problem is trying to sort out what is caused by what, and whether any of these wierd symptoms are cause for alarm. In my experience, they usually are not cause for alarm.

Just keep up your posture work as much as you can. It certainly won't hurt, and may help a lot.

Cheers

Louise

Thanks for the reply. I am, thankfully, managing pretty well with things. I went to a physical therapist who gave me some additional exercises (besides the Whole Woman ones I was doing) that have helped a lot also. As long as I do them daily, don't wear tight clothes, and sit up straight, I'm good! Except, of course, for the problems with the hot flashes...but it always helps to know I'm not alone in my suffering...
Linda

Hi Linda

Glad you are managing OK. Flax seed meal, black cohosh, red clover for the hot flashes? You can probably find some natural remedies to help you through these (I think these are the ones).

Well, you know the other odd symptoms I told you about? Guess who's bleeding today (I think)? :-P

Here we go again on the merry-go-round of menopause, the carousel of cascading hormones, the ferris wheel of firey flashes, the tent of the bearded lady, the hall of mirrors, the laughing crones! Win a fluffy toy, forget where you are going, but not where you have come from, but above all, remember to laugh loud and long every day. :-)

Cheers

Louise

Love the analogy, Louise! - I threw my hands up a while ago, but I might as well put 'em up with a loud and long rollercoasting "Weeeee!" over the begrudging surrender I thought myself under - Life on the midway, anyway, hey. = : D You're right and I love your light.

Make your's a great one!

~♥Blue