While Hazel’s Soapery would love to have a soap for everything, this post isn’t about that. This is about Navigating Hot Flashes with Humor and a Neck Fan. A monumental life change that many of us with a uterus start to experience at a certain age.
We all know about hot flashes, but we’re rarely told about the other things that come along with this huge milestone. Think: “Ice Shoulders,” “Itchy Ears,” headaches, and brain fog. Feel free to add some in the comments!
Even the name menopause is often misused. Seriously, did you know it’s a one-time event? It’s a benchmark—the point at which you haven’t had your period in 12 months. Want to cry over a bowl of ice cream? Imagine getting to eight months, excited you’re almost there, and bam—the clock starts over. (Don’t ask me how I know; just know it was butter pecan.)
One of the things I am most excited about in today’s generation is our willingness to talk about this. So, that’s what I’m going to do. No outlandish details, no complaints, because I’m honestly looking forward to this next chapter in my life. I’m just here to share two cool gifts my mom gave me. As the old saying goes, Mother knows best.
The Gadgets That Changed the Game
One thing I absolutely hate—and probably the one symptom I denied the longest—is the hot flash. I think it’s a misnomer; they should call them “reminders to live right.” Because if these sudden bursts of heat are anything like the stoking flames of Hell, Jesus, I want to live right.
They are this indescribable, sudden rush of internal body lava that causes you to sweat like a sinner in church and completely forget what you were doing. Honestly, trying to find words to describe it doesn’t do it justice.
My cousin told me about neck fans, and then a friend at the Haymaker Farmers Market noticed me “burst into flames” and perspire during a cold winter day. Quick story: I was at the indoor market, a freezing cold Saturday morning. I was talking to a customer, then suddenly started ripping off my scarf and sweatshirt, perspiring like crazy. I had to excuse myself, head to the doors, and tear at my t-shirt like I’d been invaded by body snatchers.
A group of women standing outside giggled and said, “Oh, look! Somebody’s having a personal summer.” They proceeded to tell me about these fans. I felt like I was on a cruise ship in Aruba, just hot for no reason. I shared this with my mom, and she bestowed upon me one of the greatest gadgets ever.
I keep it next to me at all times. There are several on the market, but I love this one. It has multiple temperature settings and is fairly quiet. What I like most is that I can use it while working, driving, and especially while cooking. These flashes bring a whole new meaning to “working away over a hot stove.”
My “personal summer” survival kit. This neck fan has been a game-changer for those unexpected hot moments, but it works just as well for anyone who tends to run hot.
The second gift is an awesome cooling blanket she gave me for my birthday. It’s lightweight and specially made to help you sleep. It’s not like an ice blanket or anything. But it does help me from feeling like I’m sleeping on a bed of hot coals. It also helps mitigate those lovely night sweats. It’s the only blanket I use now.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re sleeping on a bed of hot coals, you know the struggle is real! 🔥 Night sweats are no joke, but finding the right blanket can make all the difference.
My Favorite Perimenopause Product
While this post isn’t laden with Hazel’s Soapery products, I’m concerned with your overall well-being. So, I had to share these two amazing products with you.
My mom purchased the fan at Costco. The brand is JisuLife. It is also available at Amazon and other stores.. All I can say is, if you see them somewhere, snatch them up. The blanket was purchased on Amazon. Here is the link for that.
Additionally, if you are dealing with breast/thigh sweat and irritation, here’s a previous post with cost-effective tips. Cool thing is, that you probably have them in your pantry.
I also love using our Magnesium Lotion before bed. I find that my sleep isn’t as deep or restful, and the changes to my feet are noticeable, borderline horrendous. I use it most nights on my feet and legs before I go to bed. It just gives me a little bit of calm to usher in a good night’s rest.
As I stated earlier, I am loving that we are at a place where we don’t have to feel ashamed to talk about this. So, if you have a different symptom, more information, funny story to share, leave a comment below. Many of us are in this together, so let’s support one another through sharing.
And remember, while a chuckle is not a substitute for solid medical advice, it sure helps! Go see your Doctor!
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also, if your ‘personal summer’ has you inclined to increase our t-shirt collection. Check out The Care Collective by Hazel’s Soapery. Where we Wear our Care, as long as they have short sleeves 🙂
