The First Flush!
I remember when I was very young seeing my mother drenched with perspiration. I just used to think she was working too hard!
Sitting in my air conditioned open planned office in early summer I rejoiced at being able to wear whatever I wanted. I would often be found in a Jacket and trousers, Jacket with skirt or Jacket and dress. Rarely in short sleeves or a cardigan. This was just not my style in the office.
On this particular occasion I had moved into a new team. My team consisted of a group of mostly women, a mixed age group and mostly younger than me. The dress code remained professional, yet more relaxed than I had been used to. I continued to wear my standard Jacket plus outfits as this was my comfort zone and I was happy with the way my outfits made me feel.
Whoosh! All of a sudden I felt this slow release of heat rise from my waste to my head. I sat back in my chair as I had no idea what just happened. I continued to work and quickly forgot what happened. This occurred on and off for about a month before I decided I could NO LONGER WEAR MY JACKET! It was becoming unbearable as the flushes were becoming more frequent and intense.
The shopping trip!
I decided to rethink my wardrobe as I realised this new health condition would probably continue for some time. It was late spring moving into summer. Although the office was air conditioned It was important to maintain good personal hygiene .
It was a nightmare, for me. I had no idea how I could maintain my ‘safe’ professional image whilst going through this ‘thing!’ at work. At home there was no problem as I could strip off and put on comfortable clothing, but at work, for me this was a nightmare and was sending me in a spin of anxiety and frustration.
On the first shopping trip I looked at all sorts of dresses, blouses and more relaxed styles. Then I had to consider the material. OMG! The flushes were getting so intense that when they happened I almost stripped off right there in the office LOL :0)
Eventually I bought a silky pink and grey dress with no sleeves, a blue and white cotton flowered dress with no sleeves, a sleeveless white blouse and a few other items I cannot now remember. I do recall taking home a wardrobe of items, including a cardigan or two, that would see me through the week.
I made it!
The transition was a challenge for me as I was not used to being so, in my opinion, informal at work. A change in the type of clothes worn helped deal with the flushes and reduced the desire to strip off when those pesky hot flushes occurred, although the silky dress and blouse were not used as much. Not the right material!
My top tips for ‘Working’ with the Menopause
- Consider the type of material you are wearing. Man Made fibres just don’t cut it
- Drink plenty of water to flush your system of toxins and keep you cool
- Invest in a desk fan or hand fan. Keep a hand fan in your handbag
- Wear what makes you feel comfortable or talk to an image consultant for advice on what to wear
- Speak to your Doctor for further advice and support
- Visit your local health food shop for alternative remedies
- Invest in a nutritionist that specialises in helping women with hormonal issues
- Wear layers. You can then adjust according to the temperature and severity of flush
- Remember it is normal and that we, Women, will probably go through it at some point.
- Talk about it with the young women in your life or around you. It is not a taboo subject and help them prepare when their time comes
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