Does anyone else have cold chills as well as hot flushes?

I'm going through menopause been on cancer meds and yes I get hot and cold too joys of being a women 

Oh I’m relieved to find this thread by chance. Three weeks on letrozole and I have shivers more than the hot flushes. I asked one of the oncs and she said some people do just feel rubbish on letrozole and it could be this includes feeling a bit fluey. She is being very thorough in trying to exclude other causes and so far has been repeatedly testing me for low cortisol levels. Adrenal insufficiency might not be helping but don’t know yet whether it’s a thing or not.

Hi Historywoman, It's hard isn't it, to differentiate between menopausal symptoms and medication side effects! I personally think that because these meds block our oestrogen, then alot of the symptoms are to do with being thrown into a state of deep menopause and not being able to regulate our thermostat. However the side effects of meds also brings its own array of side effects too. Its hard at times to know what is causing what. Glad to hear that your oncolgist is being thorough though and glad this thread has helped you, me too : )

Totally agree lucylocket, i was struggling enough with the menopause and the meds made me feel awful thought i was going mad had a complete sobbing period in november came off meds for xmas felt so much better, also i get so frustrated about the media focusing on the menopause and how great HRT is yet us who have or had breast cancer cant take it and everyone i know who does feels amazing i wish there was an answer for us so we dont have to struggle in life .

Hi Huntsmoor,

Aw sorry to hear that about your meds and feeling so emotional. Have you stayed off them or gone back on? I think this whole process of cancer treatment makes us emotional , it's very draining, I've been crying at the drop of a hat too.

I've had to explain to so many friends that I can't have HRT anymore, or any of the 'natural' things that boost hormones ,that they kindly suggest to me...they mean well but I know what you mean it feels like it's being rubbed in. It really is a case of diet and exercise for those of us who can't take HRT now, which is what my doc and surgeon have both said. I've bought a fold up exercise bike and the days I've managed to do it, I do generally feel better with less fatigue and flushes.

A gynaecologist also put me on a medication called oxybutunin , it's had trials on women with hot flushes and it does reduce the frequency and intensity, it's definitely helped at night which is when I take a slow release tablet. Might be worth asking your doctor about them , if you can take them?

Here's hoping we continue to find ways to help ourselves and at the same time accept that what were going through is just shitty and its ok to have all the range of emotions.

All the best to you X

Hi Historywoman.

I am 6 weeks on with letrozole and also have the odd combination of hot flushes with cold fingers and feet. Both seem to be subsiding, especially the hot flushes.

Possibly as you get used to the meds, the side effects may subside. Although if they are persistent or causing discomfort you are quite right to get advice.

Hope things settle down for you.

Hi I had already been through the menopause when I received my breast cancer diagnosis so  was put on Letrazole. So far I only have the feeling of beinh extremely hot on the tablets but when I was going through the menopause I had more cold shivery chills than I did the hot flushes. I remember at the time feeling really surprised as people only ever talk about hot flushes in relation to the menopause. I was warned the Letrazole could bring back those menopausal symptoms.

Hi Mag123,

 Yes it was such a surprise to hear about the cold chills, i'd never heard it talked about before and I did alot of research when I was perimenopausal 7 years ago ! I really hope they don't bring those symptoms back for you.

Thankyou LuckyLocket. I work from home so at least feeling so warm I am saving on these exhorbitant heating bills now!

haha I know the feeling , my heating is on and off constantly. We have to look for the silver linings  : ))