DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a lady who has been living in a rest home. I am 95 years old.
I am very confused about why I am having hot flashes at my age. I have told my primary doctor and he gave me some medication. It does not work. I am still having hot flashes which are very disgusting at my age.
Is this common for us elderly women?
I wake up in bed at night with my gown and hair all wet. I am very frustrated about why this is happening to me.
DEAR READER: Hot flashes are caused by the body’s reaction to lessening hormone levels. Although such a reaction would be extraordinarily unusual in a 95-year-old woman, it can happen. I suggest that you be examined by a gynecologist who will probably check your hormone levels and suggest therapy to make you more comfortable.
Another possibility, although incredibly rare, is cancer. Night sweats are an unusual presentation. Just to be safe, your gynecologist can check out this possibility. I would like to emphasize that it is very unlikely your sweats are caused by cancer; they are most likely due to waning hormone levels.
Good luck and let me know how this turns out.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Menopause”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
