frozen flower © lynette sheppard
The folks at Alexander Medical sent me one of their “cool” devices to try. It’s called the Menopod. Small enough to carry in a purse and discreet to use, this little powerhouse really does stop hot flashes in their tracks.
It works by counteracting what happens during a hot flash. When we suffer menopausal vasomotor instability (hot flash), our surface blood vessels dilate causing a flush and sensation of heat. With the menopod, we can reverse the process. Press the power button when the discomfort starts and place the device on the back of your neck. It’s copper cooling plates put 41 degrees F (5 degrees C) right where your thermoreceptors are most sensitive. The brain (for reasons unknown to me, even as a registered nurse) responds by vasoconstriction of surface vessels and blessed cooling of the flash.
Here’s a little more info straight from the developers.
FYI, the Menopod was “born” when CEO Patricia Copeland went through menopause hell with hot flashes, especially as she was not a candidate for hormonal treatment. Menopause goddesses like Patricia make things happen!
I have been carrying the Menopod around with me for a couple of weeks, and it works like a charm. Sure, ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas might work too, but they are horribly inconvenient most times. And messy. And usually not instantly available.
The menopause folks have launched an Indiegogo campaign to make sure this device is available to menopausal women everywhere: here is the link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/menopod-hot-flash-relief/x/8032073.
You can buy it at a greatly reduced price during this promotion, but only until August 26. I bought mine! Too too cool. And that is a great thing to be for a menopausal woman. Just sayin’.
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I can’t see where to buy the Menopod right now in the UK – or how much it costs. It doesn’t seem to be available from Indiegogo any more. Any ideas?
Hi Stephanie,
Go to menopod.com to buy – it comes from Canada so I’m sure they ship to the UK as well as the US. You might want to contact them via the website re: shipping. Good luck!
Okay….not quite ready to shell out the $180 for this device, though it looks quite promising. Seems like the moment I turned 50, last May, the ‘pericomo’ bomb came whizzing out of the sky pointed directly at me. The first ‘series’ of hot flashes occurred over a period of two weeks (day and night, full body sweating) in June….lost LOTS of sleep, washed LOADS of sheets….insert your favorite melody to go with these words.
Anyhow, they stopped just as quickly as they started. “Done with that”, though I. “HA”, screamed the universe…just wait until October….I did and now going on five weeks of 18-30 hot flashes a day…thankfully they are NOT keeping me awake and now occur only on the upper half of my body…without the ferocity of the first ‘series’. ‘Series 2’ does, though, include heart palpitations and wildly fluctuating blood pressure. A bit concerning considering I’ve had normal BP my entire life.
Will ‘Series 2’ end or last forever? I’m a fan of sequels, especially those that add a new twist to the original story….I’m so thankful I found your blog and its wealth of information….and laughter! You’re a Blogess Goddess….thank you.
I’ll keep you posted if ‘Series 3’ makes an appearance…..just might be the trigger for me to buy a Menopod….in the meantime I’m saving up just in case I need it….blessings to all Goddesses!!!
OK, girl, you are funny! Love how you describe all this! We’ll wait to hear the latest and hope that Series 3 does not make an appearance or if it does, that it is easier on you. Hugs, Lynette
I managed to get one shipped from Canada but be warned – it doesn’t work on the uk voltage. Really disappointed .
I havent had a period in 15yrs, i still get hot flashes. Sometimes they dont happen for months, but they always seem to come back! They come in waves, they feel like waves, they last for a few weeks. Sometimes they are huge & make me nauseous. I usually have a nightmare before they start up. Mostly i TRY to ignore them. I am lucky i dont work, so i am not as bothered i get flashes ALL NIGHT LONG. strangely sometimes happen every 45 mins , doctor says its a rythm like labour (childbirth contractions) the flashs have been truly uncomfortable but i would rather them then the red pony! This menopod looks like a true godsend!
Oh yes, Cate. And don’t forget wicking sleepwear – a huge help for night sweats and nocturnal hot flashes.