Took the patch off today. It has kicked my lupus up and my hot flashes are actually a little worse. No sleep at all last night - I was up every hour totally drenched. My hands are swollen (lupus) and my joints ache. I can't take any more lupus med, I'm at my limit. My rheumatologist says it's very common for hormones to crank up lupus.

Oh well, at least I don't have to obsess about the breast cancer link. I've had my period for 44 years & that's a lot of estrogen.

Coyote, I don't drink a lot of caffeine. I mix decaf/caf 50/50 & have maybe two cups a day. I think the hot liquid kicks up the hot flash too. What a great way to start a day - sweat dripping down your back.

I can go from normal to sweating in under a minute. I don't think my stove gets hot that fast. Maybe I'll start cooking eggs on my forehead & save electricity.