alright girls, lets put it on the table, the Big "M"

[NMDemDist2]

menopause

I started about 4 years ago, went the HRT route for about 4 months, but it made my bad attitude worse

first couple years the hot flashes were awful, they are better now maybe once a day or none some days..

the night sweats still hit the minute i lay down. I bought a column fan for the foot of the bed, but a wet towel around my neck and on my chest still work best

your experiences, comments or questions?

[Longhorn]

1. I still have this ahead of me so I'm looking forward to the replies.

Sometimes I wish it were here but other times, I wonder if it's a be-careful-what-you-wish-for situation! I sure hope I can get by without medication.

[The empressof all]

2. I have good days and bad

I'm in a good phase right now. I've just increased my B-6 and B-12 intake which seems to help. I'm still taking black cohash and yam root. I have a friend who swears by royal jelly so I'm thinking of trying that as well.

I've only had to take medication periodically to stop excessive menses.

I haven't had hot sweats now in about a month. Then again my memory is gone so who the hell knows.

I think the memory thing is what bothers me the most. I struggle to find words sometimes and will frequently forget what I'm fetching if going to another room. I haven't left the house naked so I don't think I'm in dire straights but it is a pain in the neck.

[NMDemDist2]

3. ahhh that's what i'm looking for thanks! the memory thing is a pain

but I just carry a notepad everywhere

black cohash huh? the yam didn't do a thing for me and i take lots of vitamins and haven't noticed help with the night sweats

as far as meds go, all it did was make me start menses again as well as making me a total witch so i left those quickly

wet towels are my best friend at night :(

[Is It Fascism Yet]

4. big m equals

slowed down metabolism...ert is a big help with preserving appearance of skin...but i feel bad for the mares, they live a life tied to a stall with a urinary cath...we have a right to demand those jerks in the parmacutical companies synthesize the stuff...they shouldn't be making the mares suffer...so I quit the hrt, and look older for it!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

120. You can get bio-identical hormones from a compounding pharmacy.

You don't have to use Premarin. There are alternatives.

Also a compounding pharmacy can make testosterone gel in a small enough dosage for women. That's something that the big pharma companies refuse to do (in my opinion, they're afraid of aggressive, hairy, sexually demanding women!).

[MuseRider]

5. Yowza!

I was waiting for this thread and was planning on starting it when I had the time if it had not shown up. Damn, I am one of those ex nurse types who do not go to the doctor, do not pay any attention to my body unless it is giving me fits. I was on the net looking for info several years ago but was astounded that when you really needed info on menopause it was a join and pay up kinda deal so I decided what happened just happened and I would figure it out as go. Hot flashes? Mostly done with it seems. They were pretty bad for a while but had really calmned down by the time I hit 48. Night sweats, of course. The last 10 years my face has become a pizza, cystic acne. Taking meds my kids were given as teens so it is some better. Moods, not too bad. Considering the times we are living in who would be able to tell if my foul moods are menopause or Bush** induced? Really, they have been pretty good. Memory, HA! What memory, I can't even find my lists anymore. I used to be a 5'3", 105 pounder, now in the last 10 years I have gained 30 pounds. No diet change, dieting does not produce any weight loss. I can gain 10 pounds in one week around my period. OK, when does this crap end? I want to be able to wear white pants again and not have a supply of fat clothes and regular clothes. I want to be able to go places without worrying if I have all my supplies just in case. God, I had my kids now please make this stop! OK, I feel a little better, guess the mood swings are a little worse than I thought.

[Longhorn]

6. I didn't realize acne was a symptom of menopause.

I've had a breakout now that's lasted a good six weeks. I was wondering what the heck was going on -- acne at 49! Now I know. :(

I'm also noticing the memory problems more and more. Fortunately, just little everyday type stuff -- I haven't blanked out while teaching yet -- that I know of -- maybe I just don't remember! ;)

Thanks for the summary on your life -- I hopoe it gets better soon! :hi:

[MuseRider]

7. My life is wonderful!

It is just my body that sucks right now. :hi:

[latebloomer]

23. that awkward age

Wrinkles and pimples simultaneously!

:eyes:

[radfringe]

53. menopause is puberty in reverse... :) n/t

[bearfan454]

8. Mrs bearfan had a total hysterectomy 2 years ago

Her menopause is over I think. She has been on hormones since. She's not as mean anymore as she used to be right after the surgery. Sometimes I just have to not say anything even if I want to and even if I know I'm right. Know what I mean ladies ?

[OKNancy]

9. You are going to hate me

I'm 55. I started menopause at 51. I had a few minor hot flashes, but nothing too bad. I didn't take any drugs of an kind and I still don't. I didn't have any problems, and I don't have any now, except I put on some weight...but I eat way too much anyway.

I love not having to worry about birth control!! Whoopee.

[NMDemDist2]

10. do you do a typical American diet, or are you vegetarian or

something else?

I have heard a diet low in sugar and processed food helps immensely and I do notice my diet makes a diff.....

[OKNancy]

15. No, typical diet

I think it's probably something that one has no control over. However, I will add that I am generally a positive person and have a positive attitude about aging. It doesn't bother me at all.
I notice that it's harder to get my battements ( kicks) as high as they used to be ( I'm a dance teacher) but that's the way it goes.

I'm a lot smarter than I was at 30, so it all evens out!

[Carla in Ca]

28. Same for me...

I'm 51 and hot flashes started last summer. Also, I got weepy. What is that all about? It never got bad and then it suddenly stopped last month and nothing since. I have a regular diet as well.
It is either luck or my car. We bought a '57 Chevy, black/chrome, 350 hp motor 4-speed trans and what a trip to drive! It definitely adjusts the attitude.
Is menopause physical or emotional?

[msgadget]

36. Are you physically active?

Do you exercise, move around a lot, have a lot of outside interests? Just wondering if this makes a difference.

[NMDemDist2]

37. i am very physically active

and it hasn't helped me LOL

[msgadget]

40. Darn,

then low sugar/low processed is going to have to be it then. Doggone it, there go the Yodels. x(

[laugle]

116. Hi OKNancy, just reading through this old post and

wondered if your symptoms got worse?

I am 53 and done with menopause. I found that the first 3 years I had very gradually light symptoms, after that it was menopausal Hell!!

My symptoms lasted 9 years, from about 44 yrs old to 53. I still have some light symptoms.

Just curious....hope you are well. Thanks

[acmavm]

124. Same here.

[greatauntoftriplets]

11. You are going to hate me even worse than you hate OKNancy....

I am 55 and still get regular periods. The gynecologist says when it happens, it'll happen.

[NMDemDist2]

12. i have a inner dialogue which is worse

i have come down on the side of night sweats

losing the monthly "visitor" is great!

[greatauntoftriplets]

13. It doesn't bother me....

Contraception at age 55 does.

My older sister also began menopause late, but has not had big problems. We both started our periods fairly late (I was 14) and they say that can have something to do with when they all end.

[NMDemDist2]

16. i wonder if that's the correlation

i had horrible cramps and trouble most every month

now menopause is a bit bumpy too

wonder if there is a connection ???

[greatauntoftriplets]

25. I've never really had extremely bad cramps....

...sometimes enough to take a painkiller for, but otherwise....

And I eat what I want.

[Carla in Ca]

29. AZ, mine were horrible, too

I missed a lot of school because of it. I had a partial hysterectomy at 28(best decision I ever made). Minimal menopause.
A connection as well?

[Bjornsdotter]

22. 55?

Oh crap! I'm 44 and I also started my period late (15).

I have put on weight the last 2 years...prior to 41 I was 105, now 120 and all of the weight is in my abdomen. If anyone has a secret to lose the weight in that area... please share.

Nothing else has changed...my period is the same as it was the day I started. I hate to think that I may have 10 more years of worrying about pregnancy.

BTW...my friend takes Evening Primrose for hot flashes.

Cheers,
Kim :toast:

[greatauntoftriplets]

27. Yep......

:shrug:

What can I say?

[latebloomer]

24. I'm going on 53

and have noticed that my periods are more frequent and heavier (I used to have very long cycles)-- but no other signs of menopause, except for bouts of crankiness for which I can find many good reasons.

I'm hoping I'll be like my mom--one day in her 50s she woke up and realized, "Hey, I haven't gotten my period for months now!" No other symptoms.

[greatauntoftriplets]

26. I hope we are both like that.....

Mine are neither more frequent or heavier...just normal.

[DURHAM D]

14. Memopause was for me a non-event. Seemed like it happened

over-night. The only thing I take is vitamins. I notice that I have a little less energy but the biggest problem is dry skin.

P.S. To those who sent birthday wishes and those who asked if I had a good birthday the answer is a big yes. Six of the kids planned activities starting with a surprise dinner party on Friday and then to a local club for dancing. They had worked the phones so about 30 other people showed up and joined us. On Saturday my three favorite kids (a male who is 29 and gay, a female who is 23 and bisexual and another male who is 21 and straight)had worked out a schedule where I spent part of the day with each one of them - just the two of us. On Saturday night I went to dinner with what I refer to as age appropriate friends and it was very pleasant because, frankly, it is more relaxing when you don't have to give the cultural background on a comment or the historical details of a political comment. After dinner I joined friends who were celebrating after the Duke-UNC football game. I was offered tickets to the game (it was at Duke) but their football stadium feels like a high-school field and the excitement it just not what it is in Norman. I went one time and it was really sort of sad. If it isn't OU it isn't football! Take care.

[Longhorn]

17. Sounds like a great birthday!

What wonderful friends you have -- you must be a wonderful person! :toast:

[Catchawave]

18. Don't hate me girlies, but....

I breezed right through this phase, no meds, no supplements, no symptoms. I think it's genetic, since my mom had no problems either.

[luaneryder]

19. Perimenopausal for two years

The memoray lapses and panic attacks are the most bothersome. Then there's the heaert palpitations, craving sweets and seveer bouts with depression and anxiety, leaking urine and unpredictable menses. It's not contant thank goodness! Can't take HRT because of hormose positive breast cancer. Luckily, I don't get many hot flashes I just stay hot all the time. I have to sleep with a window open and the ceiling fan blowing on me while my daughter walks around the house freezing. I'm trying natural stuff; black cohosh, chinese skullcap, but mostly I just try to tough it out since I take so damn many meds for other problems. One thing I must have is Xanax. It is the only drug on the market that can control the panic attack when it starts. I just wish the day would come when I wouldn't have to carry around a stash of tampons and pads at all times. Sometimes I wish men could have a little taste of what women endure with all the hormonal changes; just so they know it's not all in our heads.

[FloridaPat]

20. I really liked the hot flashes. I find office buildings way too cold.

The hot flashes allowed me to be normal. It was nice. Otherwise, not much notice of anything in particular.

[Maeve]

21. Not "hot flashes"...power surges!

Well, if you tell yourself that often enough... :D Actually, I have a friend who just talks about her "personal summers".

[ruthg]

33. did they go away eventually n/t

[Lydia Leftcoast]

30. I've noticed a definite correlation between hot flashes and weepy spells

I still get hot flashes, but they no longer cause me to sweat. Go figure.

I was on low-dose birth control pills for about a year because of heavy periods and bladder leakage, but neither of those is a problem anymore.

I haven't had regular periods for over a year, but I did get them for three months last spring. Nothing since June.

I can also identify with the weight gain. I lost about 20 pounds by going low carb, but nothing makes me budge any further, and I still weigh 30 pounds more than I did in my 30s.

[ruthg]

32. What is with the weight gain anyhow?

I was my ususual trim self up until age 40 at which point I became very ill and had to go on bed rest and be on IV antibiotics and stuff.....at that time I gained 30 pounds, lost some, gained some more, lost some of that, gained even more of that.....I used to be a size 8-10. I am now a 16. Some of the time I don't give a damn and other times I look in a mirro(how do you spell that? I am losing my ability to spell...that happening to anyone else?) and think "who is that chubby old lady anyhow"? Should I just relax and be fat and jolly?? I try to get a good amount of excercise and am a pretty active person, especially in the warm weather.....winter I wish to find a cave and hibernate...

[ruthg]

31. oh yayyyyyy I can post in here now!

guess I got my star. I had my last period one year ago last month so I am , I believe,officially , menopausal. Took black cohosh for a while but have decided to forgo HRT due to all the research I've done on it. I can live with the hot flashes. Two summers ago I was rather wacky for a few months ( at one point I ran away from home with my dog and a tent ...I had no clue where I was going) and that was compounded my the fact that I have two hormonal daughters ( ages 15- 17). I don't mind the hot flashes, happily take anything the doctor gives me to help me sleep, and am starting to feel more and more human daily. There is light at the other side of the tunnel. I just wish the bulb were a little brighter. I can't seem to remember too much these days. I suppose now, that I am fully crone-like, I should quit listening to the Grateful Dead and take up knitting......

........Nah.

Ruth, happy to be here!!

[NMDemDist2]

34. LOL welcome! glad to have you!

get a pad and pen and keep it in your pocket at all times

then remember to read it at least a couple times a day lol

i make notes but they do me no good if i don't read them :evilgrin:

[ruthg]

35. I have lost every datebook I have ever bought...

I even flushed one small one down the toilet. Lately I have taken to writing on my hand. I am relatively sure I won't lose that.

[SW FL Dem]

38. I've been peri-menopausal for several years now

I consider it the worst of both worlds. I still have regular periods and cramps, but I get the mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats (so bad that I wake up dripping wet). I have zero energy and have gained at least 10 pounds in the past year or so. I'm 46 and probably have several more years of this fun. My GYN put be on birth control pills a few years ago, they seemed to help, but once the HRT studies came out, I stopped them. I've tried soy, black cohosh etc., but nothing seems to help. At least this is the cool season in Florida.

[NMDemDist2]

39. wet towels for night sweats

handtowels are about the right size, I used to wet them and put them in a ziplock in the fridge til bedtime

kept them on the nightstand till the flash hit and it helped a lot! laid them on my chest to cool off, then around my neck

[SW FL Dem]

42. I think I'm going to be spending a lot of time in a damp

bathing suit for the next few years. Luckily, our pool is solar heated so it's still tolerable even in December. A few minutes in an 82 degree pool before bed tends to lower my body temp and help with the night sweats. During the day, a quick dip in the pool is a refreshing way to deal with the hot flashes. I can get used to doing my laundry in my bathing suit :).

[ruthg]

43. I will be right over ;-) nt

[Desertrose]

41. Oh ladies...I totally hear ya!

55..never did HRT...only herbs & did pretty well with them....but yeah, weight gain and no matter what it doesn't want to leave...(found out the thyroid is a bit low so that explains part of it)

Nightsweats are gone (fingers crossed) and "power surges" have faded...memory loss for the most simplest of words drives me nuts!!

Had super heavy periods for years ( also I think a sign of low adrenals or thyroid)

Herbs to stop heavy flooding ... Shepherd's purse- tincture, also Yarrow tea works well ...I was really lucky enough to have an Ayurvedic healer who told me about agreat Chinese herb that saved me more than a few times.

Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) as a tincture or capsules really nurtures the uterus in preparation for menopause....great women's tonic!

and oh yeah, Motherwort is another good one for night sweats but if you bleed heavy be cautious with that one.

It is definitely a journey....nice to have a place to share...thanks for this AZDem :hug:

[ruthg]

44. So when can I expect the long promised...

menopausal zest? Cause I am *more* than ready....

[NMDemDist2]

45. the promised 'zest' ??? I don't think I got that memo.. n/t

[LWolf]

46. Wow.

I honestly never knew it was going to be so complicated.

I also tend to run on the lower border of "normal range" for thyroid; I dipped just "below normal" last summer, and am currently right on the line.

My doctor/s have described me as "perimenopausal" and done a variety of blood tests and ultrasounds, etc., since last June.

I don't have "sweats." The memory loss has been driving me crazy; I associated it with the head injury 3 1/2 years ago, which is when I first noticed it. This is a menopausal thing? Does it go away when menopause is over? I want all of my vocabulary to be there when I need it!

I've always had heavy periods. But now they last 8 weeks or more, and I'm anemic. I have no fibroids; the "diagnosis" I've been given is that my hormone levels are "normal" for a peri-menopausal woman, but that my system is just unbalanced and sluggish. I'm building a uterine lining faster than I can shed it, so it goes on forever. The anemia is directly related; there is nothing wrong with my iron levels or anything else. I'm tired all the time, and get light-headed with the slightest amount of physical effort.

I have found an Ayurvedic herbal remedy that seems to be helping; I just finished the first "normal" cycle I've had since June. I hope I can add enough red blood cells to address the anemia.

I've always had a strong, healthy body. This last year, I've felt like I have to "baby" everything along to keep it functioning. This is "be nice to yourself year" in more ways than one.

[NMDemDist2]

47. that was my first "symptom" heavy periods and spotting constantly

which I had never had before (the spotting thing)

after about 3 months the heavy stuff stopped and the spotting got more random.... within a year of that i stopped altogether

[LWolf]

48. I'll look forward to the stopping.

Friends who have been watching me in concern have suggested that I just have all of the plumbing removed. That's too radical for me; I feel like that would simply provide me with another imbalance to watch. So I'm willing to help my body through the process. Especially if I can look forward to getting "off" the merry-go-round at some point!

[ccjlld]

70. Ditto Wow!

I'm almost in the same boat as you. Been perimenopausal for about 2 years (I'm 43). My entire life the only time my periods were "normal" was when I was on the pill. When not on the pill, I would only have about 2 periods a year.

Once pre-menopause hit, my periods come like clockwork, only they are extremely heavy. I experience what they call flooding. They only last for about 9 days, but the volume is constant and I am losing blood faster than my body can replace it. Even though I take 3 iron supplements a day, in December my hemoglobin got so low, around 6, that I ended up in the hospital to get a transfusion.

I had an ultrasound and have no fibroids. I have a cyst on each ovary but they don't seem to be causing problems. I also had an emdometrial biopsy (tons of fun), which came back normal.

My doctor currently has me taking progestren to try to stop the bleeding. The hormones changed nothing the first month and I just finished the second month so I guess we'll see what happens.

One doctor suggested a hysterectomy, but I'm not ready for that yet. My regular doctor hasn't brought it up.

I did have really bad problems with mood swings and still have some problems with panic attacks. I also got really restless, I couldn't sit still. I'm taking Paxil, and although I worry about it, it seems to be working fairly well for me.

I initially thought that I had a couple of hot flashes but found out later after talking to my doctor that they were vasal vagals. This was after I fainted in the middle of our mall.

My doctor says that pre-menopause can last for as long as 10 years. At this rate, I'd just as soon get it over with!

[Bzzzz]

49. Will It Ever End...

I was on HRT for 8 years. Went off of it 1 year ago and the hot flashes have been horrible, but night sweats are the worst. I've decided after Christmas that I will take the saliva test and see if that helps. I have a friend who swears it made all the difference in the world for her. We'll see...

[NMDemDist2]

50. saliva test?

tell me more.....

[Bzzzz]

51. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Uses hormones with the same structure as the hormones produced by the human body(synthetic hormones have the structure appropriate for horses, with only approximately 30% identical to human hormones);
Is prepared by a compounding pharmacist and not available from a drug manufacturer;
Uses progesterone, not progestin, and different estrogens either as a single ingredient or multiple-ingredient prescription;
Is individualized or customized to each woman's needs, symptoms, ormone levels, etc., and can be easily adjusted; and Is prepared in a dosage form, ie, troche, capsule, cream, or suppository, based on what your doctor recommends and what you prefer.
It does not work overnight...there is an adjustment period of approx. 3 months, though the time frame may vary slightly from one woman to the next.

[TexasSissy]

67. This is interesting but VERY hard to find someone who does this.

I found a place, but that's 'cause I live in a large metropolitan area. And the place costs an arm and a leg. Unknown if ins. will cover it, but of course, it it "out of network," since the place is not signed up for any insurance plan. The place is called The Longevity Place or something like that. M.D.'s oversee it, but it is manned by a nutritionist. It's a whole health place.

Any ideas who else does this sort of thing? My gyn does the standard stuff, which does NOT even include hormones, anymore, since they've been linked to breast cancer.

[Bzzzz]

68. I live in a small city...

New Castle, which is about 50 miles east of Indianapolis. We have a pharmacy who specializes in this. My family doctor referred me to this pharmacy. He said that he does not recommend that any woman take Premarin, etc. for more that just a few years. I'd been on Premarin for 8 and that's when he advised me to go this route. The initial saliva test can cost $150 in all. There were 5-6 tests total and each one cost $30 if I'm not mistaken.

[radfringe]

52. night sweats? You bet

most often hits me within a few minutes of just drifting off to sleep -- and the blankets get kicked off - but when the air hits me I get cold, so back on with the blankets, then off again

although I found if I just keep my legs hanging out it helps.

on ocassion the sweats hit me during the middle of the night -- that's when I wake up soaking wet, trip to bathroom, rummage in the bureau to find something "dry" to wear

my periods are still regular -- haven't "skipped" any and no real change in how they run... Although I do get a wee bit more irritable as it approaches

anyone else get the dark circles around the eyes -- the kind my mother use to call "two piss-holes in the sand"?

[Longhorn]

54. I have the dark circles.

I've tried different remedies but nothing works except concealer and even it isn't great. My mother said I inherited them from my paternal grandmother. I hadn't connected the dark circles with being perimenipausal but it makes sense since they've been getting worse in the last few years.

[radfringe]

55. I got them from my mother

and yup - concealer is about all that works (sort of)

my mom tells me that once she finished with the whole shebang -- the dark circles were there to stay... lovely

[Liberty Belle]

57. allergies can cause dark circles, too.

[Baja Margie]

56. It was terrible, really rough

but now I feel great !

[The empressof all]

58. Just got my period again after 3 months---whine, whine, whine

God will it never end? No warning...Surprise!!!!! Now I'm cramping like a 14 year old.

When did everyone here finally get their last cycle? Oh and by the way how old were you when you stopped using birth control? I'm 49 and will be asking the Dr. at my next visit--but just curious when and how you knew you were "safe" to stop.

[Longhorn]

59. I'm still having them every month, unfortunately.

And I had a tubal ligation 20 years ago a few months after our fourth child was born so no BC. Sorry I can't help!

[NMDemDist2]

60. I hated that part

and you're right, no warning nothing

I kept "stuff" in my purse or car for a year, finally realized it had been months since the last visit and dumped em

since DH is "fixed and I'm "broken" (infertile) I can't help with the BC issue

I hear you should stay on BC for at least 6 months, but a year may be safer depending on your BC method

[BlackVelvet04]

61. I had a hysterectomy

at 32 and couldn't be on hormones for a year. After that year, which I didn't think I would survive, I started taking estrace and estratest. I've been on those for years now and I feel wonderful.

The hormone that most doctors give women is premarin. I hate premarin. Whoever thought taking something made from horse urine would be good for them? It is premarin and progesterone that were studied and determined to be so bad for women.

I know that estrace and estratest (estratest has a small amount of testosterone in it) haven't had long term studies, but I don't feel I have my choice. My mental/emotional state was so bad when I wasn't taking hormones that I'm not willing to find out what it would be like if I went off hormones at this point.

BTW, a bit of testosterone does wonders for one's sex life.

[magnolia]

62. I'm 55 too.

Maybe 1949 was a good year to be born...astrologically speaking. My periods stopped three years ago...yipppeee! I started hot flashes which were great since it was winter and I'm always cold. They became unbearable during the summer sauna type weather we get in my area. I saw Christiane Northrup on Oprah or somewhere. She said if you want your hot flashes to stop just don't eat sweets. I'm a chocoholic so that was hard. Sometimes I eat my chocolate and just bear the hot flashes. They do pass after all. No night sweats or mood swings. I do forget nouns which is irritating because it makes writing and communication difficult when having to search for a word. I only take calcium. I have spiralina protein powder with a fruit smoothie 3/4 times a weeks. Ground flax with aloe juice and cranberry juice every morning. Lots of walking. No meds at all.

[hangemhigh]

63. Started the M very early, at 41...

hot flashes and wild mood swings-I got MEAN (normally I am very laid back and hard to rustle into a confrontation), finally, a vicious case of acne. After trying it all I have settled into a comfortable routine using a bio-identical patch and I will SWEAR by Pro-Active Solution for the acne. I am 45 now and haven't gone that magic year without a period but life is much less uncomfortable now. If I would get off of my ass and DO something like I used to (a former gym rat) I am sure the extra weight would go away so not sure I can blame that entirely on the change. I can't remember how I am handling the memory loss.

[NMDemDist2]

64. LOL memory loss? did I lose something? i swear I had it right here

now where did i put my glasses? On my head you say? OO THERE they are, now what was I doing again?

[seventythree]

71. I went from a couch potato to an exerciser

at about the time I hit the change -- then I cut out most carbs -- NOTHING worked. I thought when I started to take thyroid meds, it would come off, but it didn't. I did have more energy, however. I hope you have better results. I say, I used to be an apple, but now I'm a pumpkin. Sometimes I just want to cry about it (when I am trying to look very nice for an event) -- and other times, I say, what the heck, I'm just going to be happy and enjoy life.

[Blue_In_AK]

65. I had your same experience with HRT

HATED IT! I'm 58, went through menopause in my early 50s, I don't remember exactly when. It was no big deal for me. I only took the HRT because my doctor insisted, but then I insisted on stopping, and I'm glad I did. I feel great now, better than ever.

[livetohike]

66. No night sweats yet

but very erratic periods for over one year now. Light, then heavy, then spotting, then skip a month or two, start the cycle all over again.

When does this end? My mom says she just stopped and that was it. She was 56. I am 52.

I'm tired of carrying stuff everywhere I go because these days I'm just not sure if or when I will start :eyes:

[meow2u3]

69. I was just diagnosed as perimenopausal

I had ultrasound done to see if I had fibroids (my "periods" have been so heavy I soaked a pad every two hours!), but I wasn't popping out any eggs anymore!
Not just that, but also I have two ovarian cysts, about an inch thick each, on my right ovary. Doc said the cysts will shrink in about 2 years, when he predicted I'll have reached the Big M. Fat lot of comfort that will do--my back kills me when I walk, especially for long distances and/or uphill!

[cally]

72. I've just started the night sweats and I don't like them

How long do they last and what's next? Yeah, I know I'm whining.

[NMDemDist2]

74. four years and counting, most of my other symptoms are gone

night sweats are better but still here

[Whimsy]

84. Sweatin' to the Oldies -56

I am 56 and have not gone more than 3 months without a period. I am starting to soak the bed. (Sweats). Has anyone had a late menopause like me? I lost a mother to breast cancer and do not know what if anything is safe to take. Any suggestions?Thanks.

[Southsideirish]

73. Advice: dress in layers, Chinese type fan for your purse, small electric

fan for your bed.
Bedding should also be layered, light comforter, and sheet. Turn the thermostat down at night.
Hot tea is terrible for bringing on hot flashes. Worse than about anything.
Meditating Will help even out your moods, morning and night.

[NMDemDist2]

75. all excellent tips, I used small hand towels that I'd wet down and

put around my neck at night when the night sweats were the worst

[Sparkly]

76. Question: How do you know if you're peri-menopausal?

Several people here have said they were "diagnosed" as peri-menopausal. Is it based on symptoms or is there a hormonal blood test or something? (I don't know if I've started it or not, but I have a check-up coming up soon and wonder if I should ask.)

[Longhorn]

77. I wondered the same thing.

Here's some info I found: http://health.discovery.com/centers/womens/perimenopause/perisymptoms.html Note the link at the bottom for advice on dealing with the symptoms.

My gynocologist said the average age for menopause is 50-52 and I'll be 50 this summer but I'm not experiencing any symptoms that I know of. I thought the acne on my cheek was a symptom but my doctor thinks I would have it all over my face, not just on my cheek. Anyway, I got some Proactiv and it's working great!

[Sparkly]

79. Interesting

I don't think I have any of those symptoms, but I loved this advice for women suffering from "irritability:" Eliminate caffeine, dairy products, chocolate, alcohol. Want to see me get irritable? Take away my caffeine, dairy products, chocolate, and alcohol!! That'll make me irritable!!

[NMDemDist2]

81. ROFL they are asking me to cut out the four main food groups

are they crazy?? :crazy:

[NMDemDist2]

78. sorry it took me so long to get back to you on this (I've been a bit

busy--- thanks to the lovely folks of GD-Pol ROFL)

there is a blood test yes, the symptoms include a change in your monthlies ie-- heavier, lighter, less regular. also weight gain, adult acne, mood swings, night sweats and hot flashes to name a few

you are officially peri when these start to crop up. the peri stage varies in length a lot. mine lasted about two years. then one day I was cleaning the bathroom and realized I hadn't pulled out my "girl supplies" for several months and there I was! Menopausal for reals.

[Sparkly]

80. That's okay!

Actually your timing is good. We have physicals on Monday, and went into the lab to have blood drawn for blood tests yesterday. (We're both babies about needles, but I must say I think H2S is worse than I am!) I'm not sure whether that test is standard or not, but I'll ask on Monday.

I'm 48. I *might* be having sweats, but I'm not sure. I just feel hot sometimes, and normally I'm freezing all the time so I wondered about it. And I have this new little layer of fat around my waist. I've never been even close to fat, but my shape's just a little different right there. Other than that, no symptoms.

[NMDemDist2]

82. ahh and so it begins

I was cold my whole life til i hit 47...... now just my toes get cold LOL

and watch that weight gain, it gets away from you FAST! Tell H2S to ease up on EVOO and butter :evilgrin:


BTW how's is your foot anyway? all better now?

[Longhorn]

83. Thanks for the info!

Except for the acne, which Proactiv is really helping, I can't say that I've had any of the other symptoms yet and I'm almost 50. I was a little on the late side starting menstruation so maybe I'll be on the late side going into menopause. I can't compare to my mother because she had a hysterectomy at age 29. :shrug:

[The empressof all]

85. It's back.........

Just when i thought it was finally gone--I woke up this morning and surprise, surprise, surprise :mad:

I had been feeling very low the past few days and was just chalking it up to stress but NO!

I just want this part to be over already. I'm not plagued by too many of the other symptoms--occasional night sweats-that I can live with.

But now I'm cramping like a teen-ager. Damn!

[likesmountains 52]

86. same here...it had been 7 months..I want them to go away!

[laugle]

87. Whatever you do don't shave those chin hairs,

you end up growing a damm beard! LOL. Plucking seems to be the only way to go. I heard one woman say she had sideburns. Can you imagine that!! Ugh! I tried Remifemin supplement. I really don't know if it works or not? Dr. Andrew Weil recommended it. Tried the soy milk thing, nothing happened. The loss of memory thing is really a bummer. I turn 53 today and it's not so bad now. Less hot flashes and night sweats, but I have been going through it for 8 years now. And moisturizer is your best friend.

[livetohike]

88. Happy belated birthday laugle!

:-). I will be 53 in July.

[laugle]

89. Thanks for the Birthday wish, we must talk

again about the big "M" etc. I told my husband who turned 53 on the 12th of June, from now on we are both 45 forever. I hate thinking about age. If it weren't for this lousy menopause we would all still be 35. LOL. Thanks again you are very thoughtfull.

[Why Syzygy]

128. re: chin hair

I found something that seems to inhibit chin hair growth. Discovered it quite by accident.
Twinlab, Na-PCA, Non-oily
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=2419
It also seems to help with breakouts. :shrug:

[LiberalAndProud]

133. I've read that waxing is the best solution.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=325&topic_id=1516&mesg_id=1516

[CBHagman]

90. Any good websites/books on mood swings?

It occurred to me that some tension and discord at my office might be the result of hormonally induced mood swings by various people. There have been a couple of incidents.

Does anyone have any good references on that? The only thing going through my head is something I read eons ago about Queen Victoria having such severe PMS that even her beloved Albert was terrorized by her behavior. :-)

[ruthg]

106. whoa ... if I had been a Queen during menopause....

I probably would have beheaded half the country.

I haven't had a period in two years but the hits just keep on coming.

I don't take HRT but I am seriously considering resuming my college pot smoking habit. I wonder if it would help? Medical marijuana for menopause hell?

[mtnester]

91. I believe I have been peri-menopausal for about 2 years now- I am 45

I used to have menses that I could time a vacation around a year in advance, I USED to know the second I would start. Now? Shoot, who knows. I am down to one every 3 weeks, and they are lasting longer and longer (7 days at least) when I used to be a 3-4 day kinda of girl. Lots of spotting ahead of time (maybe 3-5 days of this) before I go to full blown menses. So I guess with the spotting, I am having menses about every 2 weeks, with the attempt at ovulation the other days. I have also noticed MUCH more and heavier (for lack of a better word) "clotting."

And the breast heaviness/discomfort I am having 4-5 days prior is simply the most irritating thing.

I seem to have had a few instances of hot flashes, mostly in the morning (they wake me up), but nothing that has been unmanageable or excessive. I also experience something like Panic attacks/racing heart at times. And when I do have my menses, they are the kind I used to have when I was a teenager....heavy bleeding, terrible cramps. Seems I am also more crampy on ovulation days...

Mood swings? Oh yeah, I have been known to weep out of the blue, which pisses me off, then I get angrier, and I have also become more mean for about 2-3 days prior to menses.

One thing I do not have anymore, and I attribute it directly to removing Nutrasweet and artificial sweeteners from my food intake, is the dreaded menses migraine....I used to get them like clockwork, not anymore. I also have noticed a dramatic reduction in run of the mill headaches...

Now, what was I talking about anyway? What am I holding in my hands? Bath towels? They go in the bathroom, right? Can someone tell me where that is?

(Har har, my brain is also a bottomless pit for lost memories, and interrupted trains of thought...the dreaded "what was I saying?" question that I have used more and more frequently...hoping against hope my hubby can help me recover the thought I lost mid-sentence)

[libodem]

92. I had my parts yanked years ago

I've been on HRT for years. I'm about the age to go through this stuff but my Dr. says I get more benefit than not by continuing to use HRT. I'm putting it off for a while.

[OnionPatch]

93. Wow, what a long-running thread

Well, my story is that I'm only 45 and I'm full blown into menopause. I haven't had a period for about five months and have hot flashes about every half hour! My doc didn't seem to think it was unusually early but I sure do. I don't know a woman my age who is experiencing this (except my sisters who are also early starting M) and what's worse is that they don't believe I'm really in menopause already! They think I'm just kidding them or something. If only they could have a few of my hot flashes to convince them.

I was on hormones for about the last year and after reading all the stuff about the cancer links, decided to quit. I picked the wrong time of year for sure. I'm using natural progesterone cream and an herbal mixture with black cohosh and other stuff. I also eat and drink as much soy as possible. It's only been a few weeks so I don't know if all this will work. So far it's not. I know I need to exercise more but I have a four year old....That's right, my doc told me there was no way I was going to get pregnant and a month later....bingo! Which was good because we really wanted a child. We just got her in under the wire. As soon as I stopped breast-feeding I started hot flashes. Anyway, I can't go hiking and do all the things I used to do for exercise. Memory...oh, I thought that was something else causing that problem. :smoke: As far as moods, yep, I get pretty out there sometimes but so far I haven't caused anyone any physical harm. :)

Thanks for letting me commiserate.

[NMDemDist2]

94. welcome sister and stock up on some small towels

they are great to wet down and put around your neck when the flashes hit

:pals:

this too will pass (eventually)

[ElsewheresDaughter]

95. i went through 3/4 years of depression....it let loose of me last year....

had no other symptons...no hot flashes or sweats....and i am happy to be done with it all

[ClayZ]

96. The status of "Wise Woman"

is achieved after 13 moons with no M. cycle. I went twelve and then had to start counting again. I now have arrived.

[Sparkly]

97. OMG -- it's staaaaartingggg.....

I'd posted above, in May, that I wondered about feeling hot, and getting a um, different waist shape...

All of a sudden last week, I got really weird and moody. Figured I was just upset at the news. Then I got spotting -- I've *never* had spotting between periods before. Then last night I couldn't sleep. And today I got hot in my car with my a/c on.

It's the spotting that concerns me. Do most women go to the doctor to rule out anything else? Or is that equivalent to going to the doctor for having your period? I just don't know if there's something I'm supposed to do.

But geeez, if this is what "peri" is like, I hope it goes in short cycles. I couldn't stand a year of this!

[SW FL Dem]

98. Spotting is not unusual, but should be checked out

I tend to spot at midcycle and have for years, I also spot for a few days before my period.

Good luck, I started "peri" (hot flashes and mood swings) at 41-42, I'm now 47 and little has changed except my ability to deal with them. I take soy and other supplements and dress in layers. I have learned to deal with the emotional swings for the most part. My family has learned to deal with me when I am moody which also helps :)

[NMDemDist2]

99. go invest in about a dozen of these and place them all around the house

at about $2 each, they are a great investment



http://asianideas.com/sunhanfan.html

[livetohike]

100. Insomnia - someone help please!

I have only gone 6 months without a period. The worse symptom for me right now is insomnia. I can't fall asleep and then when I do I wake up a few hours later and can't get back to sleep.

The other night I took three Valerian Root capsules (per bottle instructions). It had the opposite effect. I was so wired, I thought I would jump out of my skin :cry:.

Anyone else suffering with this? What are you doing to counteract it?

[baby_bear]

102. I have the same thing

I toss and turn in my bed. The best thing I have found to help is to sleep on the couch where there is no room to move around. My cat rests between my legs and it makes me stay in one place where I finally fall asleep. The problem then becomes when I get hot and have to get rid of some of my clothing.

I am only into this for two months. It is horrible.

b_b

P.S. Why isn't there a special thread for menopausal symptoms? We surely have the population for it here in DU.

[livetohike]

103. Do you mean a special forum?

This thread is getting long, I know.

I agree, it is horrible. I just want it to be over with.

[ruthg]

105. I take drugs.

seriously. If I didn't I would have to quit work and have no life. The insomnia is awful.

[spooky3]

108. Severe insomnia here--here's what I've tried

Like you I can't stay asleep. It is every night, and it is debilitating. A big problem is that doctors tend to dismiss it unless you are very assertive at the office because many people have occasional sleep problems or over-schedule themselves so they don't have enough time to sleep, and the doctors lump all this together.

So, I did the following and while it is not satisfactory, it is much better than not being able to work or do anything else during the day due to extreme dragging.

1. Took Benadryl (OTC antihistime). Helps you get to sleep, but that wasn't my main problem--staying asleep is. Next day grogginess offsets its value.

2. Bought a new bed with a Tempur-pedic mattress after trying it out in the store. If you want to consider this, try it out because some people don't like them. It helps me stay more deeply asleep (I dream alot) for a bit longer periods of time, and if feels soothing. I also redecorated the bedroom into very soothing colors and have a TV in there that I leave on all night. It helps. The main problems: Cost.

3. Got a prescription for Ambien, but it helps only with falling asleep, and you're not to take it for long periods. It works quickly. Now, I break each pill into 4 pieces. I don't take it when I first go to sleep because I don't need it (usually). But when I wake up at 1 am, 3 am, 4:30 am, etc., I take it to keep me from lying there for an hour(s). The new time-released stuff may be good. I try to take my quarter-pill only once per night/early morning, and try not to take it every night if I can afford to sleep in the next day some time.

4. Doctor suggested I try a mild anti-depressant, Trazadone instead of Ambien. It does help me stay asleep (wake up only once or twice and usually get back to sleep quickly) but I am VERY groggy and tired the next day. I tried breaking these in half and that helps reduce the next day side effects.

I believe the sleep problems have had a major causal influencce on my mid-life weight gain of 30 lbs (after weighing 115 or less for 10 years previously). When you are tired, you feel hungry or in need of something to get you energy. So if we could find a complete solution to the sleep disorder, other good things will happen too.

I also take HRT and Actonel and calcium/D supplements, because a DEXA scan showed that I was well below average on bone density.

Meanwhile I am very physically active and eat a bit too much sugar but other than that have a good diet, not a lot of meat, no fried food except the occasional bag of french fries.

I hope some of my experience can help others.

[Longhorn]

109. A white noise machine might help.

I'm a light sleeper and it has been getting worse lately -- I didn't connect it to menopause until reading this. My husband now sleeps in another room because his snoring was bothering me so much. But I was still waking up in the middle of the night and unable to go back to sleep, especially on days that I have to get up early.

So I just got a white noise machine and I've tried it a couple of nights. It seems to work, though it takes some getting used to. It's a more even sound than leaving the television on. I realized that it might work after going on a cruise. The engine hum seemed to help mask my husband's snoring so I thought the machine might work.

Thanks for sharing your tips with us!

[spooky3]

110. Thanks, I'll have to look into that.

[livetohike]

113. This is a great idea!

Now I have developed a two-tone ringing in my ears :-(.

I'm going to get a white noise machine and try it out. Something needs to drown out this annoying ringing.

[Longhorn]

114. Update.

My machine is working great! My husband is back sleeping in our bed and his snoring only bothers me, at most, once a night and only when it's the really loud variety. It also helps cover the noise when I go to bed after him or he gets up before me. And the dog's snoring! :) In fact, our son is home on leave from Japan and has been out with his friends every night. If he does come home late, it would normally wake us up but as long as the dogs don't bark, we haven't even heard him come home.

Here's the one I got through amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007XJWYA/104-3782625-5609543?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance

It sounds like a fan or the air coming out of the AC vent. In fact, that's another noise it covers -- the sound of the AC/heater fan going on and off. I hope it helps you if you decide to get one!

[livetohike]

115. Thanks Longhorn!

:hi:

This will work, I know it.

[likesmountains 52]

111. I'm with you..being awake for 2-3 hours every night impacts your life

in so many ways. I work 12 hour shifts (6AM to 6PM) and being awake from 2-4, then getting up at 5 was a killer. I too tried Ambien, but it only allows me to sleep for 6- 6 1/2 hours...so now I can't even go to bed until 10 if I want to take the Ambien because if I go to bed at 8:30 or 9 I wake up at 3 or so...I might try your partial pill solution.
I also tried the Ambien timed release and did not find much difference, and someone told me that it was really the same drug...just new marketing.

[livetohike]

112. Thank you for all these tips!

I appreciate the time you took to write them. I have been doing over the counter sleeping aids, cutting back to 1/2 a tab to "take the edge off".

[katty]

123. try homeopathic Uplands white pills for Insomnia & Restlessness

I recommend dissolving about 12 a half hour before you want to sleep (12 is OK - it's natural)and take a generic benedryl as well-between the pills and the benedryl you should hit sleepland. :)

[Crewleader]

101. Keeping your sense of humor helps get ya through it

and as Maxine says:

[OnionPatch]

104. Just had to come back to this thread

to report my success in getting rid of hot flashes. They were driving me crazy. I got them about every half hour!! Bad ones where I could feel the sweat drops form on my forehead and dripping within a minute of it starting. I tried herbs, noni juice, progesterone cream, etc. As soon as I started taking soy I noticed a difference. Now I take two Estroven (over the counter soy tablets) a day and eat tons of soy and soy milk. I've been having only one or two flashes a day and they aren't even bad ones. If I slip up and forget for a few days, I'll be reminded with a noticable increase in flashes. As soon as I get some soy back in my system, they calm down again. It's amazing.

Just wanted to let you know how much it helped in case anyone wants to try it. I hope it helps.

[Acryliccalico]

107. I am 56

and am done with it. I feel liberated. :party: :kick:

[erinlough]

122. Me too and I love it!

The night sweats for me come only if I eat sweets at night, however that is the only time I crave sweets. It really hasn't been bad.

[havocmom]

117. Standing on the front steps in shorts and tank top, 11PM fanning myself

in DECEMBER in MONTANA... I had a thought about Global Warming.

Maybe it's not just pollution doing it We are a pretty friggin big demographic group and we are HOT! ;)

OK, ladies, get those fans moving:
and one and two and fan fan fan...

[Silver Gaia]

118. Kicking this thread. Lots of great info here! Thanks, ladies!

I'm through most of it, but the insomnia is really dragging me down. The memory loss has been a real pain, too. Imagine going through college to get your first B.A., and then on to grad school while dealing with this memory loss stuff! :silly: Anyhow, thanks for all the advice and sharing. :)

Edit: stupid typo

[NMDemDist2]

119. LOL I came looking for this thread to post in the Lounge for someone

and looky here, it was at the top

and an update, I'm still having night sweats but nothing like a few years ago. Hubby and I laugh cuz within 3 minutes of laying down....here comes the heat. You can set your clock by it no matter what time we go to bed

:rofl:

other than that, I'm symptom free this last year.

hang in there ladies :hi:

[raccoon]

121. Piece of cake. Didn't bother me at all. nt

[NMDemDist2]

125. eat your heart out Lounge, this thread will never die

:rofl:

[uppityperson]

126. Neither will my hot flashes. 7 yrs. They are less frequent, but still. 7 yrs.

[Mari333]

127. went thru it at 50, didnt even notice it. easy peasy.nt

[Why Syzygy]

129. Long story..

won't go into it all right now. I was on HRT for a year, to save my sanity. That was several years ago.

The mental haze is the worst these days. Most physical symptoms abated. I still use Vitex sometimes when stress builds.
Gaia Herbs, Vitex, Elixir for Women
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=-1506832154504881078&at=0
(also available without alcohol)

[Why Syzygy]

130. If I don't write something down,

I will never remember it. I'm weak in auditory skills anyway, and with the failing brain of the MsM, it goes double. No doubt my mental faculties would take an ever bigger hit if not for good pal, google, who helps me find anything on my mind, no matter how fritzy. I also keep a bunch of "drafts" in my email client with links and information I can retrieve with little trouble. Should get back on the Ginkgo.

And then there's the liberal use of Update Message.

[livetohike]

131. Another day - a new post menopause symptom

For the past week, and only while I'm sleeping, I feel like something is crawling under my skin. I'm losing my mind - it's so itchy and doesn't happen during the day.

Anyone else have this happening?

[pipi_k]

132. Wheeeee!!!!!

It actually took me about 13 years to go through perimenopause.

I had my last period maybe 3 years ago. I'm 56 now.

the worst were the mood swings, flooding, and hot flashes.

One benefit of it was that when I did get my period, even if it was very heavy, I no longer had menstrual cramps. woohoo!!!!!


One of the stranger things about menopause is that all the hair on my legs and underarms vanished. Don't ask me where it went...I dunno.

Although there's a price to pay for that...facial hair. Beard. Mustache. Strange single hairs sticking out the side of my face or in the middle of my forehead.

Oh, and I'm not at all happy with bladder control issues. Just when I was glad about not having to wear period pads, now I'm running around in bladder control pads instead.

damn