FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK)—For women going through menopause in Southwest Florida, the summer heat can make symptoms feel even more intense.
Beverly Reed, who lives on Fort Myers Beach, says the Florida sun turns hot flashes into an all-day struggle. She says anything above 80 degrees becomes unbearable.
“Anything above like 80, and you’re having a hot flash, and you’re melting, and it’s like an inferno from the inside out,” Reed said.
Reed says staying cool has become part of her daily routine. She spends most of her time indoors or in the water to find relief.
“You just kind of stay in the air conditioning, and you know, get in the water, or stay in the pool, or try to stay someplace cool,” Reed said.
Dr. Eeka Marshall, an OBGYN, says the Florida heat can intensify common menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Even without high temperatures, women experience these symptoms, but the heat makes them worse.
“Even if we didn’t have hot weather, they’re still going to be hot, but the hot weather does exacerbate it. I think it just makes the hot flashes feel worse,” Marshall said.
Marshall recommends women talk to their doctor about treatment options before symptoms become overwhelming. Blood work and monitoring changing hormone levels can help determine the best course of action.
“The best way to do is treat it with the hormones, that way you prevent having hot flashes all together,” Marshall said.
Marshall also encourages women to stay hydrated, limit time in extreme heat and pay attention to early warning signs like night sweats and fatigue.
Dr. Marshall is continuing the conversation this Sunday at Agape Christian Fellowship in Fort Myers. She’s hosting a menopause awareness event focused on education, symptoms, and treatment options.