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May 2011
8:25pm, 8 May 2011
10,570 posts
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Ultra Sparkly Bridget
Last July a blood test indicated that I was going through the menopause (GP did it as due to using Depot for contraception I don't have any periods). In recent months I've been getting real problems with hot flushes to the extent that sweat can literally drip off me. Not surprisingly this is having an adverse effect on my sleep pattern, for example last night I woke twice in 6 hours absolutely soaked.
I've not noticed any problems with training runs and hitting target paces. For races I've managed PBs at distances up to half mara this year in cooler weather but have found it impossible when it is warm to keep up my target marathon pace in a race despite averaging that pace over a 20 mile race last year.
Has anyone else noticed this? I'm wondering if it is lack of sleep which affects races more than training as I have less control about when I start the run. A couple of weeks ago I went out to do a 20 miler before 8 am and despite it being sunny ran a lot better than in the latter stages of today's race.
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May 2011
3:37pm, 17 May 2011
119 posts
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Roma
It's very hard to isolate factors which affect our performance, but I have a problem with heat which is totally unconnected to the menopause. I would say lack of sleep will have an effect though. The only way I can sleep in the summer is with a electric fan beside my bed. As for the menopause in general, I had my last period 9 years ago and my running continues to improve, so it's not all bad 
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May 2011
3:46pm, 17 May 2011
436 posts
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SarahWoo
I'm pre-menopausal and get lots of horrid night sweats, usually in 2 specific weeks of the month. The lack of sleep and generally feeling crappy does affect my running (and let me say at this point that my running is minimal in comparison with yours, USB) but I do find it more and more difficult to run when it's warm.
I have recently tried a few 6 am runs and really enjoyed them, feeling much better than I do for evening runs and I reckon that it could be because it's much cooler and fresher at that time of day.
Not sure whether any of that is conclusive but increased body temperature could well be a factor, couldn't it?
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May 2011
3:46pm, 17 May 2011
9,335 posts
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Ultracat
Hi sometimes you can just have a bad marathon and this does not mean that the menopause is slowing you down.
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May 2011
4:07pm, 17 May 2011
2,553 posts
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icemaiden
I'd just like to know when the hot flushing will stop please! And it is most tiring!
I always go slower in the hotter weather anyway so don't think it is particularly due to the hormones for me. I think I have experienced the same as you i.e. training early to avoid the heat and then getting caught out on the day by it being warmer during the event. That said, training through the summer means you fly in the winter!
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May 2011
4:14pm, 17 May 2011
438 posts
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SarahWoo
Me too, IM! Any time up to the age of 55, they say - really hope it doesn't last that long!
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May 2011
5:09pm, 17 May 2011
2,554 posts
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icemaiden
Bangs head on desk, I'm only 46!
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May 2011
5:13pm, 17 May 2011
863 posts
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Sharkie
I'm 58 and still get occasional hot flushes. Nice.
Mind you I am running faster and jumping higher and further than I ever have, so it's not all bad.
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May 2011
5:18pm, 17 May 2011
9,142 posts
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jennywren
Same as Sharkie - 60 and still improving. My hot flushes lasted about 3 years I think but lessened as time went on. Feel great these days
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May 2011
6:46pm, 17 May 2011
450 posts
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SarahWoo
Well that's encouraging, Sharkie and JW
Perhaps yours will only last 3 years, IM?
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