going crazy with menopause

i am 48yrs and believe i am post menopause. can anyon else
tell me if you are feeling suicidal.

I'm also post-menopausal and am 49. I do not feel suicidal, but I do get depressed and cry very easily. When I exercise it does seem to relieve some of my stress. Not sure if you are religious or not, but prayer sometimes helps me. Maybe you need to see a doctor to find out if they can do something for you. Take care of yourself and know that things can be better even if we don't feel like it sometimes.

I sympathize. I am now approaching 56 and take 0.5mg of Estrogen each day to ward off the symptoms of menopause. I too was feeling suicidal in my late 40's. I believe it's a combination of being permanantly uncomfortable due to the hot flashes and mood swings, also sleep deprivation caused by night sweats. HRT was a last resort for me after trying just about everything from the health store. I don't regret making this decision, it gave me my life back. Talk to your doctor, and good luck.

i feel your pain i'm 52 just started a relationship with a man and now mwnopause has me in its grips. i tried wellbutrin only to have sucidal thoughts and read zoloft made you gain wt. I'm trying 5-htp it seems to be helping me.some what. different people respond to different things

I am 49 years old and having severe symptoms that include anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts that scare me half to death. I have tried antidepressants, anxiety meds, exercise, and postive self talk. I have tried Prempro but nothing seems to eleviate my symptoms . The hot flashes persist and the anxiety. I am beginning to work with a HRT expert, I have been a competent woman and find myself on leave from work due to unpredictable mood swings and anxiety. Any thoughts?

I am 47 and have been going through menopause for a few years now. I really don't recall having the mood swings or depression but I have experienced the night sweats and hot flashes. I have not had a menstrual cycle for over 7 months now so I'm looking forward to what my Dr. calls the "golden ticket" so I don't have to use any form of birth control anymore.

The worst symptom for me has been the hot flashes. I deal with them in the following ways: I layer my clothing so that when one hits I can remove the top layer. I try to keep my hair off of my neck. I take my shoes off and sometimes my socks when I am home to help combat the hot flashes. I keep plenty of ice in my freezer so I can get ice water when one hits. I have also found that certain spicy foods seem to trigger a flash as well as alcohol. I still have a drink and some spicy food but plan on how to counteract the hot flash when I do.

As far as the night sweats, I keep my thermostat as low as I can without harming my family. I wear light clothing to bed and I kick the blankets off until the night sweat passes then I cover up again. I have learned to do this quite effectively in my sleep or, at worse, without waking up completely.

I don't know if any of this helps but I hope it does.

Thanks,

D.R.

Today I forgot to take my change from the cashier at the grocery store. Twice this week I've burned my kitten's boiling fish. I hate myself, feel fat, worthless, old , past it , angry, suicidal and yes right now burning up again. I'm 50 next month, had a period two months ago. Pls tell me it's the menopause, or at least post menopause, if not I must be going mad. It's a nightmare. Debbie.

My wife is going through something horrible. She is 48yo. My cousin (a female) went through the same thing and it was menopause made much, much better with HRT. My wife's symptoms are: Dry scaly patches on her skin; night sweats; constant crabbiness; depression; virtually no sex drive; lots of weight gain; self-loathing; and, a total change of disposition. This is not my Sally. She has gone from the most wonderful woman in the world to a she-devil over about a 2 year period. She treats me terribly and insults me in such ways that are meant to emasculate me. I and my cousin have tried to convince her to go to the Doc and start HRT. She refuses to discuss it. I'm considering a divorce just to escape her. I love her but I can't take it anymore. Lady's...if you are feeling these symptoms please seek medical help for the sake of your husbands and families.

I am 49 years old and have been in an awful state of experiencing anxiety, depression, insommia, unusual thoughts, body aches, etc. I have exhausted all of my sick days at work and have actually considered retiring. I have gone to several doctors over and over and have thus far had one procedure done that showed nothing is wrong with me internally. The doctors were asking me if I am taking anything for my anxiety/ depression, and another suggested that I see a psychiatrist.
I was at the point of giving in to that until I started doing my own research and discovered that I am suffering from perimenopause.
I have visited my long time gynecologist and have become a new patient to another. One suggested I increase my home level with the right birth control, but that made me feel like I want to blast out of my skin, the other has thus far offered no help. A nurse from my old gynecologist told me pretty much to deal with it. And through prayers, I was guided to research and take certain vitamins and I am also researching this new program for menopause sufferers. Don't quit! I just started taking the vitamin supplement and am getting some relief from the supplements, but I expect better results in time. I am awaiting a call from a Nurse in reference to this new program I have found online. Seek God and He will help you! You will get your life back and it will be better than ever.

Yeah!! I thought I was going crazy too, but it sounds like perimenopause. I just turned 48 in Nov, and pretty much since that day have been going downhill fast. The worst is the anxiety, discontentment, anger and rage that I feel for pretty much no reason. The physical....night sweats, waking up in the middle of the night, dry skin, hair loss.....that's a piece of cake compared to the emotional ones!!! For me, the grass looks greener everywhere except where I am. Up until a few months ago, I was a pretty happy person with a great outlook on life. Everything changed! It's comforting to know that I'm not alone. I just put my husband on notice that it's gonna be a long hard few years coming. At least he and I know what it's about and can better prepare for it. I'm gonna get Suzanne Sommer's book and try to get some help. Thanks for all the postings. They are a comfort to me.

I am 51 and also am in post menopause so they tell me. I have not had a period in 10 year now and for the last 3 years have had horrible hot flashes at least one every 30 minutes. I always was a very outgoing person and didn't like being along. Now because of the hot flashes and feelings of severe depression I have become a recluse in my own home. I don't like being around other people and loud noises. I can't go to get my hair done because sitting in the chair I get a hot flash and want to run out of the salon. I also can't go to the dentist because of the hot flashes and I can't get out of the chair and run. It is SO embarrassing. Men DO NOT understand what we are going through. I am a totally different person all because of this menopause. I will not take an anti-depressent and have now started on premphase to see if that will help with the hot flashes.

I'm 47 and havent had a period in 15 months now. I went through the crying at the drop of a hat. I still cry easy but its not as bad now. The hot flashes and night sweats were horrible. I'd wake up literally soaked with sweat. During the day the hot flashes were so bad that I'd only go somewhere if I had to because it was embarrassing. Then when it passed, I'd be freezing. I went through a few months of this happening at least every 30 - 60 minutes. All I can say to help anyone else is, it will get better with time. Try to get through it naturally with different vitamins or certain lifestyle changes until it passes. The real bad symptoms usually only last 3 -6 months. The different medications that are prescribed by doctors are cancer causing and just not worth the risk. My sister was diagnosed with cancer and has since passed away, but one of her doctors told her to quit taking whatever estrogen pill she was taking becuase he said they are cancer causing and feed cancer cells. Also I'd like to say one vitamin that helps with the mood swings is B12 .... its a vitamin thats good for the nerves ;-) Just make sure you dont take more than the bottle says, which is generally 1 tablet a day. It'll take a couple weeks to feel the effects, but sooo worth it for yourself and whoever has to deal with you on a daily basis. haha

I am 43 years old and have been going through The Hot flashes so bad that they start at my feet and sweep all the way up to my head. The feeling that I am going to lose my mind when the hot flashes come one after the other. The mood swings Not being able to sleep because I have to get up in the middle of the night as much as 6 times to change everything ( have a ceiling fan and floor fan going all the time and I freeze my husband everynight) My Doctors keep a close eye on me because a year and few months ago I had breast cancer She started me on Effexor I tried that for several months and didn't help me with hot flashes she started me on Gabapentin about 2 months ago and ladies I don't have the hot flashes like I use to. I can actually sleep through the night. I still get hot flashes but I don't want rip my clothes off and run out in the snow just to cool off. This medicine is actually for seizures. I was kind of afraid to take it but did research and decided to give it a try. Hope this is helpful to you. I know my hubby thinks it's great. It seems we always seem to take out everything on the people we love most thank goodness I have a very understanding Hubby.

I am 37 and had a hysterectomy in Sept. It is now January, and I am starting to feel depression, anxiety, rage, anger, shortempered and even suicidal. The hot flashes, I can deal with, but the other emotions have to stop. I feel like a prisioner in my own body. I cant try any HRT until the 6 month after the surgery due to the endremetresosis growing back. I feel sorry for my family, but I am just trying to hang on to my sanity. Me is all I can worry about right now. Any suggestions? I will try anything. Help

Maphill1092 and anyone else going through the very rough few months of symptoms. Have you tried any natural ways of dealing with the symptoms? I know everyone says ... "OH exercise", and your thoughts are "I'm tired enough already". lol I started bike riding in the summer moths and walking the treadmill in the winter months. It really does help along with taking vitamins on a daily basis. Here is a couple websites you might find some help at if you choose to try to get through this horrible time naturally ....
www.prevention.com
or
www.wholehealthchicago.com
You might find some useful info here.

OK... I've run the gamet as far as physical symptoms go. I have had the night sweats, I suffered with hot flashes, periodic periods etc... I have not really had to deal with the emotional stuff much.

I had an FSH test a while ago and found out I'm well in to menopause (at the ripe old age of 47).

I had not had a menstrual cycle for 8 months then boom! Out of the blue, I have my cycle but it wasn't a normal cycle. It happened after making love to my husband. It was very very light (I could have used Light Days the whole cycle and I would have been fine) but it lasted 9 days. A few days later, after intercourse, it started again but only lasted a couple of days (and was very light).

I have made love to my husband several times since then and have not experienced a recurrence.

What do you make of this?

D. R.

After reading these blogs it begins to make sense. I am 52, and have had sporadic periods for about 2-3 yrs. I too thought I was going mad. I cry at anything, good or bad in the paper, or on the telly. I was bad enough before. I was wondering if my old post-natal depression was coming back. Over the last few months I have been starting to feel anxious when driving in big cities like Wellington, on the motorway, I have to tell myself to calm down and just keep going. I have even started demanding my husband take our car to have the brakes checked, as I am convinced there is something wrong with them! He assures me they are fine. I am fine on familiar roads, but get anxious away from home. Weird. I have had virtually no sex drive at all for at least 10 yrs. I did feel a bit better about that when I saw an Australian doctor who specialises in sexual problems, Dr Rosie, on the telly, who said that many middle-aged women become sort of "sex neutral" - they can take it or leave it, and don't initiate sex any more. My husband and I manage as best we can. After reading these blogs I feel a little better, and I will def. try the B12. I don't seem to have hot flushes per se, I just seem to be permanently running on hot, and the slightest exertion makes me sweat like a pig, putting it bluntly. Most embarrassing. We women need to stop feeling embarrassed and talk to each other more, if only to save our sanity!

Yes I agree its nice to know that others are going through the same thing and we're not as crazy as we thought ... no psyche ward for us ...haha Good luck to you mrschappie, I hope the B12 gives you some relief from feeling as anxious as you feel at certain times.

Cheers for that!

I never really thought my anxiousness when driving had anything to do with menopause but now that you mention it (mrschappie), I have felt more anxious and had more fear-related thoughts about driving since this whole menopause thing began.

I drive about 300 miles round-trip every week to and from work. I started worrying about the brakes on the car, the ice on the road (which I have driven on all my adult life), tires bursting while driving etc... just dumb stuff that I never gave a second thought about before.

I never made the connection between my worries and menopause. I just thought I was a worry-wart like my Grandma. I do have some of that in my personality but it has become more pronounced, more exaggerated since this whole menopause thing started.

I feel fortunate that most of my symptoms have been physical and have not seriously affected my mental or emotional health significantly.

Thanks for sharing. I agree with you both (rhondad828 & mrschappie) that we need to talk about it more, relate, identify with one another and stop feeling so isolated and embarassed about this difficult but natural process we are going through.

D. R.

Hi all u gorgeous missunderstood ladies. It's refreshing to know we're not alone. Lately hot flashes have subsided, no period since October so well on the way now I think.
Yes I agree about driving anxiety, once a competent driver, now a quiverring wreck, who shouts bad things at other drivers. Still that maybe a good way to vent all that otherwise unleashed anger. I hate my body and have no desire for my husband, which leaves him frustrated and upset. I do feel scared sometimes he will find someone else afterall they would be far less complicated than me at the moment. Did type another message previous to this, but 4got my password as my memory seems to have taken a vacation. When is it all going to end? When will I be the calm, levelheaded person I used to be?

Yes, my memory is shot to pieces at the moment. I even go to say one word and another random one pops out! eg I go to say "coriander" and "cucumber" is what I actually say. How weird is that. Oh, and as if that is not enough, I heard on the telly last week that if you have memory problems, it is because you are FAT and OVERWEIGHT, not because you are menopausal, so they just handed us another stick with which to beat ourselves!!! I think concentration is more difficult at this time, your mind has more difficulty focussing on the million and one things a woman has to have in her head when she is in charge of a family. I knew when I had my daughter at age 38 that I would be menopausal when she was a teenager, and now I am right in the thick of it! As women have their babies later and later, this will make the whole experience worse! Sorry for being a bit negative, this is not one of my good days. That is another thing - one day you can feel on top of the world, and you think:"Why can't I always feel this way?". The very next day, you feel like a dead cat at the side of the road. Oh well, they say being able to talk about their problems is what makes women live longer than men, so let's keep gabbing!

I've been doing that lately too! I'll be thinking something but what comes out of my mouth is not what I was thinking or what I intended to say or I'll try to think of a word that is right on the tip of my tongue but I draw a blank or I'll try to express what I am thinking but I can't seem to properly vocalize my thought.

Does this pass? I hope so!

D. R.

OMG!! I see myself in most of you. I haven't got the hot flashes but all the mental/emotional stuff. I had my chile ad 37 and at 48 I believe I too am in the grips of perimenapause!! My husband is very hurt that I don't wish to have sex or even be touched. It makes me crazy!! I get to feeeling closed in by it. I eat like a mule...cry like a baby and hate everything about my life. Add to perimenapause the financial state of our country ( no income in my home since November) and I am ready to give up. I feel like I have one foot in the grave and the other on the B@#ch pedal. I went to a Naturopathic doctor and was put on Progesterone.She told me I was estrogen dominate... A great book you should all buy is Dr. Christine Northrup's book the wisdom of Menapause. All of our mothers generation had hysterectomies to cure their ills.... read the book and educate yourself. It has helped me at least realize that I am not cookoo...( unless you ask my husband and son) God Bless...

I never associated my driving anxieties to the menopause till I started reading the comments in here. My daughter who will be taking drivers ed next year in school wants me to take her somewhere so she can drive.... I dont think so !!! And forgetting a simple word .... that drives me batty. I know what I want to say, but the word totally escapes my brain. lol I also went through the eating like a mule ... bought larger size jeans and when those started getting tight, I told myself that was it and faithfully go on the treadmill at least 5 days a week. And I'm happy to say that I'm back in my old jeans. Does anyone have a husband that is going through male menopause ?

my husband is getting dafter with the years, I told him that last night, that doesn't help my mood. He has a sister that has been nuts for years, I told him he is turning into her! We are in the middle of summer here in New Zealand, and it is only the air conditioning that is keeping me sane. I keep warning my daughter and husband that if they want me calm and gentle then don't mess with the air con. Do they listen? It was quite scary last night how angry and vicious I got when I suddenly realised the reason why I was so hot was that my daughter had decided in her wisdom that it was cool, so turned off the air cond before going to bed. I was so mad I was tempted to drag her out by the hair and scream at her. I screamed at my husband instead, who had done the same thing 2 days earlier. Do they have a death wish, I asked. when I try to explain how hot I get and how I feel, they look at me like I am making a joke, they don't get it. By the time they get it, I shall be out of it!!! It gave me a shock to realise the anger was still inside me, and it didn't take much to release it.
To rhondad828 - yes, I spend quite a bit of time worrying about my daughter learning to drive - she is 14, and at 15 over here they can start lessons. I will not be doing it. I tried once with my eldest son, and it was not good. I firmly believe in proper lessons. At least then they will not pick up any of their parent's bad driving habits!

mrschappie ... get some B12 quick !!!! ;-) I'm telling you, you'll be amazed how much it helps. When I was still getting my period, my pms was horrible. It was so bad I couldnt even stand myself, so I know my family could not stand me. Once I started with the B12, I was amazed how much better I felt. If I forgot to take it for a couple weeks, my husband could tell just by my mood. And it helps just as well with the menopause irritation.
BTW, you'd feel great right now in the Chgo, IL area. Its cold out. A couple weeks, with the windchill, it was 50 degree's BELOW zero !!! It was 20 today though ;-) Almost like a heat wave haha

I had hot flashes and night sweats so bad. A few years ago, my husband was always turning the heat down and I would go right behind him and crank it up. Then along came menopause. I was the one continually turning the heat down and he'd go behind me and turn it up. In the winter, I'd put extra blankets on my daughter then turn the heat down to 62 or 63. My husband, who worked nights, would come in and crank it up. He said it was freezing and so we reached a compromise. I wouldn't turn it lower than 65. While driving the interstate, I would roll my windows in my car down in the middle of a Montana winter. In the middle of the night, I'd wake up dripping sweat with my sheets and pillowcases damp from the night sweats.

I think that part has passed completely or almost completely. I sure hope so!

Thanks for sharing, ladies. I don't feel so crazy and alone now.

D. R.

I was having hot flashes every 45 minutes, and I started taking vitamin E. It has been a godsend. Only I started taking 1000 and I was getting headaches, so I dropped down to 400, and it has been wonderful. Trust me it is worth a try. I am getting a hold of all my symptoms with vitamins. I totally cut out caffeine, no MSG, and little or no sugar. I realized it is time to take care of my body. SO worth it. I am taking care of my body as if I were pregnant. I think about everything before I put it in my mouth.

Be careful with the Vitamin E, you can get too much and then it can become dangerous. One of the symptoms of too much Vitamin E is headaches. Like you, I'd much rather deal with the symptoms with vitamins and exercise. Unfortunately thre's no way I'd give up my coffee. I do try to watch what I eat BUT I dont restrict myself from things ... I just dont eat a whole lot of it or eat it all the time. DesertRose, I had to laugh at your comment. Your house had to be freezing !! lol I keep my thermostat at 67 and most of the time thats perfect, but sometimes it gets chilly in here. But I tell hubby and kids its easier for them to get warmer than it is for me to cool off. lol I wish these comments posted at the top of this forum instead of the bottom.

I am def going to try the B12, so thanks for the advice. Is it in pill form, or what? Can you just get it from a health store?

Yes its a very tiny pill .... anywhere that sells vitamins will have B12. Just take whatever it says on the bottle. It's usually 1 pill a day. Give it a couple weeks to start working. It even gives you energy ... a natural energy ..... no racing heart or anything like that !!! You probably wont even notice right away that your energy level is better. You'll notice that you just feel better.

I forgot to say in my last send .... they do sell a vitamin with a couple of the B vitamins in one pill. It might be ok for you, but it gave me headaches, so I just take the vitamin that is just the B12.

I want to tell all of you how great it is to have you all for support. A big thank you to all concerned, for making this site available, and making us feel we're not alone in all of this. You are a lifeline right now , and all your blogs manage to crack a smile on this otherwise frosty face. Long may it continue!!!!!!!

4got to say to mrschappie and desert_rose loved your blogs about the heating issues, same thing going down here.
My daughter starting driving lessons 23rd this month, keep off the road girls!
As for 4gettin words I teach ESL !!!! Can you imagine ( how many explatives is it possible to learn in a day? )
Once again great to know you are all out there. Big big thank you.

I just started going though I what you call menopause, I think I looney toon, I cry every day I cant sleep nor eat, hot flashes.. My husband left me... Going to the doctor, again next week. She thinks I crazy too. :0).

In my humble opinion,
If your husband left you, he's not worth having, if your doctor thinks you're crazy, change your doctor! Obviously she hasn't reached menopause yet, she has a lot to learn! You are not crazy, just going through some stuff, it comes to most of us in the end, you just have to keep talking to us other mad chooks until you learn to cope with it, who knows, you may even learn to laugh about it. Menopause is not new, but like many other "womens complaints", it is not considered quite the thing to talk about it. WHY NOT, FOR GOD'S SAKE? I am sure the male population would just like us to take a pill and get over it (we would if we could), but we women are complicated creatures. I sincerely hope your husband can get over himself and come back and help you through this by being understanding, not critical and complaining. Our families must think we are Superwoman or something. We wives and mothers are not allowed to be anything less than perfect. I suppose in a weird way that is some kind of compliment. Our families simply can't cope when we are not at the helm of the ship, controlling things. We do enough for them when they need us, it is time our families repaid us in kind. My husband, bless him, is not exactly your new age man, he is a man of his time struggling to cope with his nutty wife. Mostly he just keeps his head down and gets on with it, we try to laugh about it as much as we can. I do realise I am a pain in the you know what much of the time, but I do acknowledge that fact in my more saner moments, and tell him I don't really mean to be so evil. There are times I wouldn't blame him if he ran off with another woman, but he says one is bad enough - he couldn't cope with another one!

Bless you for your response, Mrs. Chappie. You are right. Women are often not taken seriously by Dr.'s when they have complaints. My mom went in complaining that she was having difficulty swallowing and felt like she was choking. The Dr. did run some tests then told her he couldn't find anything wrong. She told him there is something wrong. Look harder. He did. My mom had gastronintestinal cancer. Thanks to her strength and perserverance, almost ten years later she's still here and doing very well.

I would encourage you, dear lady, to listen to Mrs. Chappie and either find a new Dr. or cowgirl up and tell your Dr. you are not crazy and he/she should start acting like a Dr. and treat your complaints more seriously. You know, be a professional!

I think I am lucky as far as the emotional roller coaster part goes. I have only experienced a little bit of the emotional part of menopause (so far and knock on wood.....) but have been hit very hard with the physical effects. I believe after reading Mrs. Chappies response that a big part of the reason I haven't been an emotional train wreck is because of my supportive family and network of friends. It helps. My husband doesn't just treat me well and support me emotionally, he helps so much with our daughter and with household duties that it takes a lot of pressure off me as a working woman.

If your husband would be willing,peekachewa, you may want to consider going to a few therapy sessions on your own then including your husband in couples therapy because he may not have a clue about what you are going through.

God bless you and I wish you the best.

D. R.

So great to hear I'm not alone in this. POSSIBLE PERSONAL BREAKTHROUGH!! Have any of you heard of a connection between severe hot flashes (24/7, gripping, dripping) and Lipitor?? I am running an experiment on myself (I'm an RN) and waiting for a call-back from my cardiologist. Began Lipitor same time my periods quit so never made a connection. Now, 2 years later, went off Lipitor for a week and am almost hot flash-free! I feel like a miracle! Never saw hot flashes listed as side effect. I was scared to death that I was going to self-incinerate one of those times.
Also, memory problems, but for 10 years or so...especially embarrassing when I can't come up with close co-workers' names. Always had a good vocabulary, but back to about 6th grade level, just can't come up with the word.
WILL LET YOU KNOW ABOUT LIPITOR....could just be an odd cyclic reprieve, but I'm so hoping this is my answer and maybe some of yours.

Will be very interested to hear about the Lipitor....Cholesterol Medicine correct??? I have been having trouble sleeping due to the pounding of my heart in my ears...my blood pressure is normal yet I can feel it in my ears and neck...anyone else have this along with perimenipause?? HELP!!!

OMGosh, the forgetting simple words or peoples names is very embarrassing. I start a sentence and suddenly a simple word just totally skips my brain...lol Then I try and describe the word I'm trying to say....lol

Since starting on my 'menopause' journey, my cholesterol has gotten a little out of control. I am trying natural methods though because the side effects of the cholesterol meds scare the living crap out of me.

As far as memory goes, I used to be pretty good with names, not as much with faces but OK. Now I have become worse at recognizing faces and terrible at remembering names.

Also, the word issue... I was watching Jeopardy! tonight and there were several answers that I knew the question to but I couldn't think of the words even though I really did know. It's so frustrating sometimes.

D. R.

I must say my husband must be going through some type of menapause as well. He forgets words just as much as I do.... I am thinking stress plays a huge roll in that. I also have a mother that died from Alzheimers at the young age of 70...it scares the heck out of me when I walk into a room and wonder why I came there in the first place..lots to think about....

everyone says b 12..but im not sure how much to take...im 49...and can relate to all of u...but the vitamins i was buying from a website..called changes for women...r 103 dollars monthly....so i stoppped the bvitamins...hubby is begging me to order them again...i find fault with everythin he does..and cry, when i never was like that before...yikes...

I take a 500 mcg tablet once a day. And they're cheap. Good lawd I couldnt imagine spending 103 a month on vitamins. I take lots of different vitamins every day, but I buy them from Puritans Pride online. They always have buy 1 get 2 free and the shipping is cheap also.

You can also get good quality vitamins at GNC or a health food store for not too much.

With the depression you are experiencing, you may also want to try St Johns Wort. Do a little research online. It's supposed to help with both mild depression and menopause symptoms. I did take it and I know it helped lessen the severity of the night sweats and hot flashes (and I was having both frequently and they were very bad to the point of soaking my skin and hair). For me, it also lessened the frequency.

D. R.

Oh .... I'll have to look into the St Johns Wort. I thought my hot flashes were over with. I was getting them so bad, to the point where I'd also wake up soaked. They stopped for a while and then it started again, but thankfully not as bad as they were though.

Be very careful with St. Johns wort. Just because you are taking a more natural approach doesn't mean it is safe. It has some dangerous side effects when used for more than a few weeks at a time. Pleazse look into it beforeyou just take it. Also very important when taking any vitamins or Herbs that you buy product that is standardized......that means it is the same dose.. very often when independent studies have been doen there is no quality control...one pill might contain 2-3 times the labeled dose or visa versa...buy standardized product. OK...nuff said.

I have also had similar symptoms. I have had similar problems but I now see it was a problem with menopause and antidepressants and lithium. Five different doctors have prescribed antidepressants, the last prescribing lithium. There is a condition called serotonin syndrome that I now know caused me similar problems. Do not get involved in any hospital mental health wards. I was just in one the the resolve was to prescribe more antidepressants with Abilify. The last drug I was on was Lithium and then an added Trazodone. Both increase serotonin levels. Increased serotonin in approximately 28% of the population leads to similar symptoms as what many of us are experiencing. My night sweats were not due to menopause but increased serotonin. Serotonin syndrome can also be lethal. Also be careful of any herbal treatments as they can lead to increased serotonin. I have stopped every prescription drug and herbal that increases serotonin especially tryptophan and other sleep and calming herbals.
by betshallihan - Monday February 23 at 01:52 AM

What is wrong with our health care professional's?? Why is medication the answer to everything?? I have suffered more problems from side effects from medications than the original concern I went to the doctor for. My physician had me try over 16 different anit depressants for my " perimenapausal" symptoms. The med's gave me migraines, heart palipitations,sweats, terror....too many to describe...a pill for this, a pill for that....go as natural as possible. I would rather deal with my current state than side effects. I did start progesterone and it helps me not be so aggresive during my pre-cycle state...

I'm 100% with you rottiemama !! I try to take care of a problem naturally at first, and usually that works. Of course there is times when you have to take medicine, but if I dont have to, I wont. You can get through the perimenopause crap just fine with no cancer causing / horrible side effects medications. The symptoms suck, but it's not like this is how it will be forever. Its a stage in life that we can get through on our own. We might piss off a few people before we get through it ... lol .... take your B12 everyday and it mgiht save you from a future pissy mood. lol BTW RottieMama, I'm assuming you have Rotts?

Yes, I have raised them and shown them for the last 20 years...not showing anymore..kinda got sick & tired with the mentality of the show ring...plus with the stage I am in my angry outbursts wouldn't serve me well on little bit!! I also find walking to be a huge stress reliever....both for me and my dogs. Animals can be of great help in stress relief!! Have an awesome day all!

Thank you! Yes! I guess we have not really talked about the benefits of excercise. I have been working out at the gym for the past 7 or 8 years 2-4 times a week. I also walk, hike, bike, play in the park with my daughter and her friends etc...

I think that excercise has, personally, helped me tremendously and may have contributed to me not having the major melt-downs and depression that I have heard others talk about.

Also, I think in MY case anyway, working on a close relationship with God and keeping the lines of communication open with God (via prayer) has helped me immensely. I think frame of mind is important but frame of HEART is even more important.

Helping others or doing some small thing even to brighten someones day also seems to lift my spirits.

I know some of you will think I am nuts but the point is I'm not. Other than the horrendous physical symptoms, I have been in good shape for the past few years without the help of pharmaceuticals.

D. R.

I don't think you're crazy, desert rose - you do what works, and if your faith helps you, then good on you. I'm impressed with the exercise you do - they reckon if you exercise then it helps beat depression, and helps with menopause. My problem is how to motivate myself. I have bad knees, the best thing for me is my exercycle, but I definitely lack motivation for exercise - I'd sooner be reading a book! I really must make more effort, now that our southern hemisphere summer is fading, it will be easier in the cooler weather. Or so I tell myself.

I'm 46, will be 47 April 10th and I feel like I'm possessed ! My moods are everywhere. I have night sweats which drive me crazy because your hot and cold at the same time. I feel very old and feel as though I have no life left in me some days. I know my husband is seeing this all too. I was always a very laid back person until this demon took over my body! The worst part other then the night sweats for me is not having any control of my feelings. There are so many other things too that are associated with this demon! Such as, weight gain, aches and pains, fatigue, anxiety, and lack of self worth just to mention a few..the list seems never ending! I'm praying that I do not have to endure it for to much longer because if I do..I'm going to fight with the Devil himself!! (smile) Just a little humor there ladies, I do still have that most days. I need it to survive.

I thought I was through the worst of it .... haha... cruel joke on me. I'm back to the horrible night sweats, but they are different. I'm not drenched in sweat now but like Carol described, I'm hot and cold at the same time. And I'm so restless at night, I cant sleep. I hate the weight gain. I never had a problem with weight and if I did gain a few, a couple days of watching what I ate always did the trick. Now I have to go miles and miles and miles on the treadmill just to lose a few pounds. And I have cellulite in places I never had it before !!!! lol Like you Carol, I feel old and many days just plain ugly. And the dang pimple I keep getting on my nose doesnt help matters....lmao Good lawd I never had pimples when I was a teenager . My body is going haywire I swear !!! Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Yes, Rhondad828, I am getting the odd pimple here and there on my face, not very amusing at 52!!! My 14 yr old daughter and I have something in common! I have been getting more and more tired over the last 18mths, and have been putting it down to moving house, change of air, just any old thing I can think of. Also a lethargy seems to overtake me, I have been blaming our hot southern hemisphere summer down here in New Zealand, and am eagerly awaiting some cooler weather (yes, honestly! Sorry to all you northern hemisphere folk) when I fully expect to feel energised again. Reading your blogs, I am beginning to think maybe I won't, and it is the menopause that is doing this to me too. What a fiendish thing it is! My daughter said to me the other day "your face doesn't look 52, but your body language says 92!" Teenagers are so charming, they say it as it is. She's right, though. I am feeling a bit cheesed off this morning, as I have been trying to eat sensibly and a little bit less to lose weight, and I hoped to see results. At the moment, I wake up in the morning with skinny ankles, and by the time I go to bed, I have elephantitis! Swollen legs and feet. Then I spend the night up and down to the loo to get rid of all that water, and off we go again. Well, I weighed myself last night and this morning I have lost 1 kilo, which was probably the fluid. What I can't work out is, we were told at school in England years ago that "a pint of water weighs a pound and a quarter", so 2 pounds must weigh around a kilo. I am dead sure I peed out more than two pints last night!!! So how does that work? Obviously I have lost no fat, anyway. Ho hum, very depressing...
BTW, I have found some vit B12 tabs and I am taking them every day. I am hoping for great results. I also found some german made homeopathic tablets for menopause and am taking them too. I shall soon rattle! I am trying to keep myself calm and think positively. I think this discussion is great. Keep talking, ladies!

Hi, does anyone know if progesterone cream helps with hot flashes and does anyone know the difference between the supplement Sam-me and St. John's Wort. I was wondering if any of you ladies have tried these products and if you have had any bad side effects or any postive results. I just found out that after taking Premphase for my hot flashes which by the way are absolutely unbearable and really have take over so many aspects of my life, that the Premphase has made my endometrial lining very thick and this is not good. I am 51 and had an inter-vaginal ultrasound because of ovary type pain and that was when they found the endometrial stripe. So I'm no off of all the HRT but he hot flashes returned almost immediately along with the depression.

I really think St John's wort is not a good idea. I mentioned in earlier email that it has longterm side effects as well..it works like an anti-depressant. Progesterone creams can help w/ hot flashes however it is hard to get a measured dose in a cream...bio-identical is the same as cream.. all plant based. As my compounding pharmacist so eloquintly put it, progesterone is like a key... it may fit in the lock....(creams) non measured doses for exact dose each time but will it open the lock. He also explained it like cooking fish sticks in a microwave oven..yes it works ...but much better cooked in the oven...again meaning measured doses...not kinda close each time ie; dimed size dab of cream.... hope this helps some??? This too shall pass... I have been so depressed lately with the US economy and lack of income I have gained almost 20 lbs in the last 12 months!!! I am in a viscious cycle. I wanna give up.....

The only thing I'm taking is B12 pills and multi vitamans. I don't really like taking any meds because the side effects end up being worst then the symptoms you have. I try to exercise lots..thats always god for mostly anything and drinks as much water as I can for the damn heatwaves!!!. I can remember my mother going through this when I was younger..and I'm so sorry now for giving her such a hard time because I was not aware that the demon had her at the time.(may she rest in peace ). The pimples..yes. they are a joy also. I never had them as a teen either..guess it's payback time. I also have osteo arthritis in my knees and hand which has really be acting up the past few months and I know that menopause has something to do with it!! I blame menopause on every lil thing that I find new in my body and gives me grief...lol. And why is it called menopause anyway.. Men-O-pause.. it means it starts, then takes a lil break and just when you think..maybe, just maybe the demon has left your body..Bam!! Its back again!. I'm not giving up though! I will battle this demon out til the end...take care all and god luck! *smiles

If you havent already, I would encourage everyone to go out and buy and read Robin McGraws book. We have all been the one that takes care of everyone else, and now that we have reached menopause, this is mother natures way of telling us that it is time for "ME" time. It is really changing the way you think about everything in your life. Just make you first, and I think we will all get through it. (what other choice do we have). For those of you you have had children, remember the way we informed ourselves, ate right, treated our body like temples? Well our bodies deserve the same treatment as we gave it when we were pregnant. Our minds are in charge of our body. We just have to "relearn". I think if we are having strong symptoms, our body is telling us something, It may not always be a "quick" fix, but it can be done. Read everything, talk alot to others, and treat your body like it deserves. It is talking to you.. Stay positive.....

Hello Ladies, Thanks for writing in and letting all be part of your journey through menopause. I'm learning much and feeling better that I am not alone in dealing with menopause.

I shall begin taking B12 as suggested in these posts.

I just started a HRT - premarin .03 - due to surgical menopause and the severe symptoms I'm experiencing.

Will continue to read on this site to see how you all are doing, and give update on my status as well.
thanks for sharing,
happyinnewyork

Hello Ladies, Thanks for writing in and letting all be part of your journey through menopause. I'm learning much and feeling better that I am not alone in dealing with menopause.

I shall begin taking B12 as suggested in these posts.

I just started a HRT - premarin .03 - due to surgical menopause and the severe symptoms I'm experiencing.

Will continue to read on this site to see how you all are doing, and give update on my status as well.
thanks for sharing,
happyinnewyork

Repeating ourselves ... just another symptom HAHA Just kidding HappyinNewYork. ;-) If nothing else, we cant lose our sense of humor. .... we'd be in jail for murder otherwise !!!

Have a great weekend ;-)

Well here is a symptom I am now experiencing that i AM JUST HORRIFIED BY.. I am having severe panic attacks....I feel my heart pounding in my neck and I feel like I have a blood pressure cuff around my left arm....I went to the doctor fully expecting to have extremely high blood pressure and pulse...I was 120/80 and a pulse of 64. I have had attacks on and off over the years but not with the added symptoms of tightness in chest etc.. He put me on a strong anti anxiety drug and it kicks my butt.. it makes me hungry and I sleep ALOT!! It never ends.....

Anxiety attacks are so scary. I've had them in the past. I still get them occasionally, but since I know what it is, I just try to relax myself by taking my mind off of it, cause the more you concentrate on the symptoms, the worse it gets. You can get through them without any medications.... really you can. My husband had never had one before and a few years ago out of nowhere he starts having the symptoms. I could tell thats what he was experiemcing and now if he gets one, he's able to relax himself out of it. You just have to fully occupy your mind on something else, do NOT think about the symptoms youre having and after a few minutes you'll realize its gone.

I wish that were the case for me....mine is a sustained anxiety that can last for hours.... I have had them on and off since my 20's...I have gone through bio-feedback...meditation.....I also understand that you can actually bring them on if you think about it long enough...these are not like any I have had in the past... I can't tell you how many times I drove myself to an ER sure I was having a heart attack..but like you said they would pass after a bit...these last all day.....the racing thoughts...the pounding heart...the hard time swallowing.....the heaviness in my chest...really different than the past....I continually have a dull headache.....that impending doom thing....In the past like you said I could talk myself through them...I nearly had to pull over in my car the other day and felt like if I didn't start running I was going to die. If you have never had them it sounds crazy. My husband too tried to understand them in the past when I had them...he was very good with me and letting me alone to work through them..then with all the financial stuff we are going through he started having them about 1 yr ago...he said to me.....until you've had one there really is no way to expalin them to someone.....he gets it now!!! Thanks for the support and as with everything else in life..this too shall pass!!

I agree 100% with you ..... if you've never had one, you dont understand what it feels like. You can describe it to someone, but they still have no clue what it actually does to you. You're the first person that has described the hard time swallowing. I get that also and its scary. I never assciated it with panic attacks before though because I've never heard of anyone else having that symptom. It'll happen to me, and many times thats the only symptom I have. And its scary. Its like you have to try and concentrate on how to swallow. I've had this for years, I can even remember as a young girl having that happen every now and then. And its funny cause I remember the first time it happened when I was eating a bowl of cream of potatoe soup. To this day I wont eat that because I associate it with the hard time swallowing. Good lawd, I'm reading what I wrote and you'd think I was a psychotic nut. lol These symptoms we all have are just really weird and I hope they do pass !!! Good luck Rottiemama, I hope the meds work for you and that youre able to get it all under control so you dont have to continue taking these pills.

Thanks much Rhondad828... me too.... the pills are so strong I refuse to take one today and will just ride the wave as long as I can... I tell ya.....our bodies sure are a very complicated thing. I go to a compounding pharmacy and he ( Mike the Pharmacist) tells me many of the symptoms we all describe on this website are possibly adrenal fatigue....he says it is all tied in with hormones and the like so its good to read up on adrenal fatigue. He gave me the name of an author today... I think it is wilson.....I had a hard time concentrating but I will post it when I remember.....it sounds alot like what we are all going through....

I am 42 and experiencing perimenopuas symptoms. I have the panic attacks, difficulty swallowing at times, racing heart and insomnia. I thought I was seriously sick until I read the symptoms of menopause! Just understanding what is happeing to me lessened the symptoms or at least made me feel more at ease with them! I am going to try the vitamin B12 and will let you know how it works for me.

I had a hysterectomy at 40 and got the night sweats 3 days later. I got a book called "Healthy Healing" and started taking Phytoestrogen (whole foods or trader joe's carries it). Works very well. As far as the vitamins - Super B Complex is the best for mood, etc. I also take a B-12 sublingual every morning or when I start to feel down or moody. As hard as it is, walking really helps. Get a walkman, neighbor or friend and start slow. You need to get that blood to circulate and drink lots of water/gatorade for potassium. You'd be surprised at how you feel after a bottle of gatorade sometimes.....muscles cramps, racing heart, all better with the potassium in that bottle. For anyone still utterly confused about their body, try an ALCAT test. For about 500.00 they send you a kit and 7 days later tell you what you're body is intolerant to. Once I stopped that stuff, lost weight and felt fabulous. I found out I was intolerant to stuff I was eating every day and when I stopped felt great, when I ate it, symptoms re-occured. Best of health to everyone....I love this site!!

I'll have to look into the Phytoestrogen. I'm really find that ALCAT test thing very interesting. I've never heard of anything like that before. What kinds of things did it tell you about your intolerance? Do they tell you certain foods, or certain ingredients thats in canned items?

I did the mid test (150 foods/molds/chemicals), if you go on their website, there are more options and my insurance re-imbursed me 100%(I should have had the full test). I am highly intolerant to chlorine, fluoride, aspertane (and I'm a diet soda junky), flour, wheat, oranges and anything orange (orange dye), Stuff I consumed everyday. Theres more, but the results comes back with 4 columns (highly intolerant, moderately, low and then what you can eat). They also tell you to stop all your intolerant foods for 3 months and then how you can re-introduce these foods. If you can try to keep a food/drink diary and note how you feel every day. If you consume something you are intolerant to - you can feel it 6-72 hours later. Others I know who have taken the test were allergic to lettuce! The person who told me about it was very ill, couldn't get pregnant an was having all kinds of problems, She followed her list, lost 25 pounds, ran a marathon and is now pregnant. For me - its very hard to stop everything on my list - but I've made alot of changes - no more tap water and only drink Crystal Geizer (its the purest) and I even make my ice cubes with it. Read that water that is high in chlorine/fluoride is one of the causes of osteoporosis, which is another problem after menopause. Recently my RA factor has been going up and no idea whats causing that to happen....

I had a very high RA factor and went through countless testing at the Mayo Clinic and they never were ablt to tell me why...I had fevers avery few weeks....never over 100.5 but for several years....I hope someone cane help you!!!

Dear, sweet ladies,
I may have some answers. One person recommended a book called the wisdom of menopause by Dr. Northrup; its a winner! I also started a holistic(natural) approach and its unbelievable what a change it has made in my life. Im 52 and was going thru almost all the symptoms Ive read here. I started w/ probiotic acidophilus; make sure it has lactobacillus. Yogurt helps too. For hot flashes, Black Cohosh. I have had NO hot flashes since I started it. B-12 is essential, Vit D is one that we are all low on. Evening Primrose Oil is for moods, pain, insomnia and can be taken as a pill or the oil can be rubbed on site of any pain(external).

You can also research some gynecologists who do identical hormone treatments where they make a hormone replacement made just for you and it is added to progesterone cream. Friends of mine who have done that have changed almost immediately and swear by it. May I also suggest a female Dr. because they are more sensitive to your issues. sorry guys but sometimes, u just dont seem to know or care. I also got my husband and family to educate themselves on menopause and they changed their attitudes too. My husband has become so supportive, its a miracle.

Dont give up. Take control of your own body and dont settle for a lame doctor who doesnt understand or spend time listening. Remember, we pay them not the other way around and we deserve the best because we are the best!

God bless you all, Johanna(new member)

I forgot to tell u all about melatonin and valerian for sleep. It works for some people. Part of your depression, suicidal thoughts, crabbiness is caused by lack of sleep. Look up insomnia side effects and you'll recognize alot of them.lol Johanna

Turn the TV off at night in bed too. That was hard for me but it helped.

I am almost 49 and as of April 15 won't have had a period for a year! I encourage anyone with severe hot flashes and mood swings to see your doctor. My OBGYN perscribed Effexor to help eliminate mood swings and the hot flashes. I've had success with the mood swings (should have been on this all my life!) However, I do have occassional really severe hot flashes. Layer your clothing, wear flip-flops to let your feet breath and drink plenty of water. Also, try to stay away from too much caffine. I am also a woman of faith and love this stage of life. Through prayer, laughter and friends (boy do we ever have fun sharing our stories/symptoms) I am at peace with this season of my life. Find a good group of friends who can relate to you. Positive relationships will also make a difference. Remember, this too shall pass!!!! Blessings!

My friends and I laugh about the fact that we used to sit around and talk about guys, bars, etc., and now we sit around and compare symptoms....You're right, gotta laugh. Yup, B-12, D, be careful with the Effexor, Lexapro, etc. after a while you're walking around in a cloud. Holistic/Natural is a better way. Stay positive (I know its sooooo hard). I was just told that I'll be out of a job in a couple of weeks and have no back-up, no husband, in debt up to my ears, got an ulcer and high blood pressure from this job. .....sounds like I could write a country-western song. but for now, I have all of you....so that should make you feel better! I do have an invention that I just patented, so please pray that I can find someone to buy it!!! Thanks ladies and God bless us all !!!!

Thanks for bringing up the anti-depressant factor. I went through a short period of time during the first leg of my menopause journey when I was feeling a little down and very overwhelmed. I decided to take Lexapro for a while just to take the edge off. I was also working out at the gym regularly and at least maintaining if not losing a little weight. Suddenly, within a week of starting on Lexapro, I started gaining weight like crazy. I did not make the connection immediately and kept gaining. I went from a size 10 to a size 14 within about a month. I started researching Lexapro and found that it certainly does contribute to weight gain in some women. I called my Dr. immediately and told her I want off this medication and I let her know that I was not happy that she did not inform me about possible weight gain. I am still struggling to get that weight off.

Be careful and be very aware of the possible side effects of anything you may be considering taking before you start taking it.

Thanks for being such a supportive group,

D. R.

My doc just started me on a med Called Toprazol....it is not an SSRI . It works on dopamine in the brain. I am desparate...yes of course natural is always best... but when it feels like a choice between sanity and not sane I will try the pharmeceuticals..It may get me out of the house and moving. I am becoming housebound. Had a huge falling out with my bestfriend of 30 yrs. She called me some awful things... I can;t bring myself to call her.... I need to take care of me right now. Life is hard..peri-menapause sucks... I am lost. Keep me in your prayers please and I will keep you posted on my progress. Please remember just because it is "nautral" doesn't mean it can't be harmful or have side effects.,,,know what you are putting in your body....

When I first started this phase of my life, I did everything the Drs told me to; took amitryptiline sp, trazadone, nuerontin, Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac and Xanax, valium, Ambien.......more. I have a friend who studied holistic medicine who is helping me and I recommend that u always research anything you're going to take.

There's a site for the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins(research hospital), Vanderbilt(I live near Nashville) and they will send u emails, new research, list ur meds and keep track for bad interactions. It made me feel more proactive when I started to get informed. rottlemama is right; know what you are putting in u but dont always assume that your dr is rightHonestly I've been to so many drs and it took a while but now i have more sensitve ones.They are just like ur husbands/boyfriends; They need things spelled out and dont be afraid to make them talk to you.Remember, YOU are paying them and alot of others are too so they need to give you your money's worth.

Enough preaching. Oh no, I cant forget God. Just keep praying and when u are on the right track, He'll be right there He's here now. Stay with faith. This too shall pass.

I agree.... I worked at the Mayo and have been through both Western and Eastern medicine...... I resisted treatment...went natural...not much success...went pharmaceutical..not much success......quit trying for the last few years.... went bak to natural... now I am working with both.....I wiuld be lost w/o prayer. I think...no I know it is a very powerful tool, especially when you have many praying for the same person...so lets pray for each other to get through this... my first night on my new meds was good..slept great for the first time in months!! Rest is so important.. it helps with sanity!!:) keep smiling..

Hang on -- it does get better! I'm 56, had my last period 4 or 5 years ago. Was taken totally by surprise by the menopausal symptoms: crabbiness, weight gain, anxiety, sleeplessnes, hot flushes, trouble sleeping, shooting pain in my calves and thighs, swollen ankles, urinary tract infections, and did I mention sudden flashes of extreme crabbiness -- snapping at strangers and friends alike. Last spring, sometime in March, I was having dinner with a girlfriend and suddenly realised that I felt good, happy, content, calm. I realised that I'd been feeling depressed for almost 3 1/ years but it had lifted, like a heavy cloud it was gone. After the first 1 1/2 years and 4 urinary tract infections my Dr. and I came up with an Estradiol cream for my vagina (made by a compounding pharmacist) which stopped the infections (the poor tract was dried out from lost of estrogen) which is inserted twice a week. So let me say it was hell but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Taking all those anti-depressants sounds like overkill to me, but I know menopause (like when it all started in our adolesence) is different for all of us. PS: I found it really helpful to talk about to every woman I knew -- that way I realised I wasn't the only one going through this ;)

Wow, it was great to read your entry Torontogirl !!!!! There IS light at the end of the tunnel !!!! lol My symptoms have gotten much better over time, but they havent left me for good ... yet.
I'm still getting the night sweats but not nearly as bad as they were. I get my crabby moments, but not as bad or as much. It's been 1 1/2 yrs (almost) since my last period. I'm not one to take medication unless absolutely neccesary, so I've made it through all this with taking vitamins and exercsing. I know everyone hears people say when they exercise, they feel so much better and have more energy ..... and you think how can that be !! lol But it is true. I feel so much better when I do. Congrats to you Torontogirl, I hope we hear more from you in this forum. It gives us all some hope ;-)

this has been refreshing - glad I found this site. I am 43, and I know this sounds odd but every since I had an uterine ablation (which stopped my periods) I have gone through every sympton and beyond....Acne, losing my hair, my skin getting thin (which causes bruising very easily) dry eyes, tender breast (oh lordy the nipples are painful! ) night sweats, oh very moody, depressed, cannot tolerate people in general....my doctor is man (so you can imagine the sympathy!) keeps trying to push HRT...this is something I truly want to avoid...I know women who started them thinking as per their doctor they would only have to take a few years...try to go off and had to go back on due to the harsh symptons. I have tried The Arbonne cream (i have friends who swear by this!) but unfortunately I havent noticed anything. I feel like my body just took an aging pill and has made me feel and look so different. I am open to any suggestions....my doctor thinks I am peri menopause....but I think differently. Since I had the ablation I get no more periods so its going to be hard to tell..I took a blood test and it came back negative, but I have heard those are not accurate you should really do a salvia test. I have started to try and exercise to see if that would help...but my body and mind just had a hard time getting in that mode. Again, any suggestions, or if anyone would love to talk I am very open.....I am in the area now of just about to lose my mind.....I wont date, my kids want to divorce me, my friends dont call anymore.....I thought your 40's where suppose to be the best time of your life? ha.....not in my world...

Is it Kamend? I lost most of my girlfriends through this too. I was also diagnosed w/ Barretts Esophagus(pre-cancerous),copd, diverticulitis, and had arthroscopic surgery on both knees. One friend stuck w/ me and poof, the others just quit calling. One of the quitters was going thru the same things and asked me for advice and I helped her so much.

She promised she would be there for me and never did. She would see me out(not very often) and say "I promise I'll call this wk" and never call. I finally told her how I felt and that just made her mad so I gave up. It wasnt the first time she had let me down and we had known each other as good friends for 15 years! It really broke my heart and added to my depression until I realized the best thing to do was to pray for her instead and hope that she got thru whatever it was that had changed her so drastically. Some people just have to go. Its not healthy to hang around anyone negative.

Stick with the people that really love u, realize that God is not going anywhere, and we shall survive this w/ His help. Good Luck to all of u. You have been a godsend to me.
Johanna

Food for thought: vitamins and supplements. Someone above mentioned that now in peri and in menopause - is not the same as puberty, so therefore we have to approach it from a different direction. I feel like a health detective! I'm reading books after books, and trying to get an answer for me.

Also, what answer I find for me, may be different than for you, since we're all so differently chemically balanced.

I've been doing the natural supplemnts, the E, C, Fish Oil, Flax Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, a multi-vitamin, calcium with D, folic acid, and Iron (I'm still anemic). And I'm finallyn drinking the 8cups of water a day. Plus I've started Premarin .03 just 2 weeks ago. No side effects yet, and I'm feeling pretty good.

The only problem (which I had before my hysterectomy - 5 weeks ago) is insomnia, which I'm reading about supplements for. (One solution should be to kick my husband out of the bed, and the dog out of the room, because they both snore so bad! LOL)

I went through probably 10 or more years will awful periods, and monthly threats to divorce my wonderful husband. I wonder now, why I went through so much. I saw me changing, heard the anger or sadness in my voice, and should have decided then to take control - have the hysterectomy which was debilitating me monthly - and take the vitamins and also PUT MYSELF BACK on the PRIORITY LIST (as Oprah's show says).

We all go through emotional issues with friends, and family. And most will stick it out with us. For those who don't, I go by the quote "people come into our lives for a purpose; a reason, a season or a lifetime". I cherish all of them, becuase they all served a purpose and enriched my life in some way. I refuse to mourn the ones who go away and instead embrace the ones who stay.

Thank you all for sharing. I'm learning so much more about myself and women in general just being on this site with you all.

OK.... I am back with my latest update... I have been spiraling for sometime... I was caretaker of mother with Alzheimers for 5 esrs, then moved to new state, lost money on home sale, no income since November...forgot to take care of me for years...but am finally back to me. I was put on Toprazol which is an anti-seizure med b-cause ican't take anti-depressants...had blood work done for hormones even though saliva is MUCH better way to go but my insurance considers it experimental....found out my progesterone is way low and DHEA is next to nothing....started progesterone cream (bio-identical) made from yam non synthetic and am holding off on the DHEA still I can read more about it.... too many differing opinions about it..... plus I don't want to add to much to the mix at once, then I won't know what is working...oh yeah, I am also taking clonipan which is a heavy duty valium-like med . I was a basket case here for quite sometime...though I feel kinda dopey... I am sleeping for the first time i months and months and not having major panic attacks...so for me this is the right thing to do right now. we are all here to offer our stories not judgements and everone can gleen what may work for them foem each of our tales... I lost my best friend of 33 years last week...she called me some awful things.. i supported her through all her dramas over the years and she was mostly ther for me....I must just let that go and focus on me for the first time in my life. My first inclination was to call or email and "fix" it..... but I need to let it go. I am always the fixer.... not this time. I always tell my 11 yr old life is like abus ride...people get on and ride for awhile....they get off at a certain place, and you may see them get on down the road again...but it is your bus and you take the ride all the way til the end and enjoy who is with you at the time!! I need to take my own advice for a change!! Keep fighting the good fight everyone. You keep me smiling as I see myslef in all of you!!

OMG!!!! I can see that I am more medicated than I realize....my typing and phrasing is crazy but know that I am trying my best to share my story...maybe by next week my head will be a little clearer and so will the keys on the key board!! Geez.....at least I am laughing and not crying over it!! LOL.....have a great weekend all.

I like the bus analogy, rottiemania. Yes, I feel like I am aging as I speak, I feel like an old lady sometimes, at only 52. I have been having a lot of trouble with my feet and ankles swelling up, been putting it down to the osteoarthritis, as I have it in my knees, hands, etc. Maybe I should give up the diet soda too, as it does contain a lot of sodium, never thought of that before. I will try that. I had a dreadful day yesterday, very stressful. To cut a long story short, it involved traffic jams galore, late appointments, burnt dinner, and frozen kidney beans all over the kitchen floor! I tell you, I was glad to get to bed, before anything else happened. No wonder my arthritis was worse today, stress only makes it worse. I am going so doolally I announced to my Mah-jong ladies (I play every Friday) that I had got some papers 'marinated". I meant 'laminated ". How daft is that? You have to laugh, life gets just so ridiculous. My mother said you must never wish your life away, but I just wish I could wave a magic wand and be through this and out the other end, with my sanity intact!

Ok, I know this is the menopause chat - and I apologize to most of you - but I also have been diagnosed with Barrett's! (as a few above) Is there a Barrett's chat, because I have alot of questions/concerns about that topic. Stay healthy and positive girls, spring is here!! and for those with trouble sleeping, try spraying your pillows with 'dream zone pillow spray' sold at almost any drug store or Kohls or taking a bath in some products that have a valerian scent (bath and body works) or 'float away' by origins. I've also done some of the relaxation tapes, and am sound asleep all night!!! sweet dreams!! I swear, one problem seems to lead to another....

OK... I never really thought the problems I am having with my feet (mainly my right one) could be menopause-related! Huh!

I get up in the morning and my feet, particularly my right foot, hurts so bad I can hardly stand up. I used to joke with my hubby and say gettin' old ain't for sissies but I'm only 47. The pain in my feet usually goes away within about 10 or 15 minutes but lately, it's been recurring periodically throughout the day.

Also, I have problems with flexibility and movement on my right side. I have to physically lift my right foot up to put my shoe on.

Could these things be related to menopause too or am I looking in the wrong direction?

D.R.

I'd go make an appointment with my internist right away. The symptoms you are describing do not sound like menapause to me - at least from all the research I've been doing. See a doctor, and let him/her tell you what they think it is. could be circulation, could be thyroid, we could guess forever - see a doctor and find out for sure!

I hope you find your ansewrs. and please remember to post back, we want to know you are ok!

Listen..this may have started as a menapause site and as far as I am concerned I feel as long as we are supporting each other it is important....if I am wrong maybe we can just start another thread for middle aged ladies who need support. I am having both peri- menapause and lots of other issues and I feel that this is a good support for me....your thoughts ladies??

As long as no one is kicking us off this thread it should be all inclusive. Isn't all of life - going crazy and with menopause?

I check in every day to see how you all are doing, and I get so much support and information and VALIDATION form this site.

Hope we can stay!

My daughter is 40 yrs. old and seems to be heading into menopause and has hot flashes, moody etc., but the one thing I've never heard anyone speak of is, my daughter says it feels like her insides are on fire. She does have night sweats and has to get up and take a shower and change clothes.I would love to hear from anyone else has these same problems

I have slowed down significantly on the night sweats and hot flashes but I'm a few years in to menopause.

I am 47. I had constant and severe hot flashes and night sweats.

One night my husband was trying to snuggle with me. The night sweats started and I was trying to be nice so I gently nudged him. He still continued to snuggle a little bit so I asked him to move over. He did but I could tell his feelings were a little hurt which upset me because he's a great husband. I asked him to give me his hand. He asked why. I said please, just do it. He did. I put it on my hair and my hair was just dripping wet like the rest of me.

I would be at work and be feeling really good then all of a sudden, a hot flash would hit. It was kind of like a burning from inside. I would sweat visibly and turn pinkish-red, shed my blouse (I wore a light tank top underneath just for such an occasion) and go get some cold water. My top layer of clothing was on and off several times a day.

I'm starting to level off a little now but I still have them. Just not as often or as severely.

There are foods and drinks that can trigger the attacks (which is what they feel like especially when they are so sudden and intense) which you can find on some websites or in books that deal with menopause.

Tell your daughter she is not alone and try to be understanding as long as she is not being abusive during these episodes.

D. R.

Like desertrose, I'm a little bit into the menopause, but the night sweats I had and the hot flashes during the day were horrible. I'd have to get up in the morning and take a shower because my entire body was covered in a layer of sweat. I would avoid going anywhere if I didnt have to because of the hot flashes I was having. Out of nowhere the hot flash would hit and the sweat just dripped down my forehead. It got to where I was having one like every half hour all day and night. I learned to layer my clothes ...... between sweating my butt off one minute and then freezing the next, I thought I was going to lose my mind. But you get through this phase and it gets better. Just sux getting through it ;-) So dont worry about your daughter susan, sounds pretty normal to me what she's dealing with.

Maybe you should give your daughter this link so she can see she is NOT alone..... I am so thankful to have these ladies to read about, Not feeling alone in this is very helpful. I know my mom never talked about Menapause. Women in her generation seemed to always have hysterectomies and it all just went away!!! This is a new thing to talk/hear aboout for many of us so give her the link....we would love to have her!

My mom also had a hysterectomy .... she was quite young .. in her upper 30's. She couldnt remember all she went through with going into menopause after that so I pretty much relied on my older sister and the symptoms she had. Sadly though in a years time I lost both my sister and my mom and have no other family members to discuss it with and compare symptoms etc. Its nice to come to this site and learn that some things I'm dealing with have to do with menopause that I otherwise wouldnt have assciated with it.

I know what your daughter is experiencing. I went into surgical menapause, and boy it is amazing how hot you can feel.

It sort of feels like a furnace is burning up inside. Everyone has a different expression of this, but for me it starts in my middle back and radiates to the front abdomen. Hot - heat - then the flush to the neck and face. Sometimes it lasts only 2 minutes, other times it lasts for 5minutes and I'd have them 4-6 times or more an hour. But I went on Premarin .03 a day, to control it, and it has helped a lot. Plus I went on tons of supplements. Have your daughter check out the site, hystersisters - so many women in the same boat - both young and old. It's very supportive for many issues she's probably been facing!

I am 51 years old and Have loss my Son (19) in a car accident on top of both Inlaw parents found dead in there home. Then My other Son went in the Navy. Then I was told That I was going through premenapause. I am on Lexapro and Triamterene. I have ahard time sleeping and I feel so tried.I have night sweats and before my period I am very emotional. I am just not myself!!

fsg2123...my god the things that have happened in your life are enough to deal with let alone throwing menapausal issues on top of it. My heart goes out to you. I know the emotional stress that it puts on a body. My naturopath recently put me on an amino acid called 5HTP. It is the amino acid that helps make the seritonin. I can't take anti-depressants> tried 16 different ones with horrible side effects. Recently tried more pharmaceuticals and had horrible experience. I only do to MD cause of insurance coverage but after only 72 hrs on the 5HTP I feel so much better than I have felt in months and months. Read up on it. It also helps with sleep. Talk to your doctor about it. Maybe it will benefit you. Your son is a hero for serving our country. God Bless him in his journey and you as well.

I will be 50 in 3 months, I started having hot flashes 2 years ago. I have not had a period for a year now, So I am post- Menopausal, I had severe Hotflashes,it was like walking into a sauna every half hour. I was waking up a half dozens times a night, So, I put a small fan next to the bed pointed at me. I wanted to get through it as natually as possible with out taking the prescribed potentailly dangerous drugs. So,
I started taking the ESTROVEN over the counter supplement and after a few weeks a noticable difference, The hot flashes were less frequent and less intense, I also recently started using a natual progesterone cream, Just rub it on your skin twice a day, and that has helped alot as well.
I suggest everyone read DR LEE's "WHAT YOUR DR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT MENOPAUSE"". BTW, natual progesterone does not cause cancer that is the prescribed Progestin the dr's give us. The progesterone helps with all kinds of symptoms, like dry skin, no drive, depression.. you name it. It is our bodys balance for the estrogen we have stored in our bodies. And yes, We still have estrogen during and even after menopause. Estrogen without the Progesterone can also be cancer causing . Check it out, read the book. It helped me more than I can say. I am making it through with out prescriptions...
Life is getting better..

Dear Healthcoach - thanks so much for sharing your information with everyone - that's why these sites are life-savers. The more we learn and know about how hormones work and the search to find our healthy bodies is so important. I'm headed out to the book store now!

I wrote a note earlier for Katrina and it didnt post. So.....Katrina, if u have any questions about Barretts Esophagus write me at
johannas56@comcast.net
. I was diagnosed 6yrs ago and would be happy to talk or help if I can. Its scary but its not a death sentence. It is rare for it to turn into cancer if u dont smoke and follow other rules. Im still fighting cigarettes and am very frustrated that I am being so stupid, but they've got a hold on me.God bless and let me know if need me.johanna

Desert Rose, meant to tell u that u sound like u may have circulatory problems. Do u smoke. I'm trying to quit but its bad for circulation. I have the same type of pain sometimes and was diagnosed w/ osteoarthritis in both knees so maybe its related to that.A simple blood test can tell u if u have arthritis.I have charley horse kind of pain in my legs sometimes and its awful. I feel for u.Also I cant say Black Cohosh enough. I have not had one hot flash since I started it and I used to stick my head in the freezer quite often;at home and the grocery store.Aint life grand?Try it; I swear by it.Johanna

I hope reading the book helps, It is very technical in some areas. I know it helped me to undrstand what my body was doing as well as how cope with it. Living in the south, hotflashes and summer do not mix and make it even more miserable to cope with. You can't always rip off everything you are wearing!
Also, something else we americans should be aware of is zeno-estrogens. Some beleive that is contributing to the reason we suffer menopausal symptoms more than many other societys. I am by no means a health nut , I have just tried to educate myself in some of the areas that may be affecting me and my daughter. Hope it helps you as much as it did me.

I forgot to say that the ESTROVEN I take contains Black Cohosh as well as Soy Isoflavones( Natual soy estrogen) as well as many other vitamins and supplements.. and Combined with Progesterone cream... life is grand again... like you no more trying to climb into the freezer.

Ok Ladies - a new revelation! Thank you Johanna: I had another endoscopy and it seems that its gotten better, and the following may help not only the barretts but also other physical and emotional pain. While doing ALOT of research and making some small changes to my diet (if only for a few weeks), I found that knowing your PH factor makes a huge difference. So if you have time, do some research on alkaline foods vs those that contain acid (and you'll be surprised at what foods are included in that list). My mood is 90% improved, the shoulder,chest and and leg pains have stopped and the anxiety and racing heart have improved!!! There are small strips you can buy at any store and you test yourself in the morning and change the foods you eat - cantalope instead of oranges, etc. I know we are all different, but someone try this for about a week and let me know if you feel a difference. Also, the leg cramps, etc. is caused by some dehydration (from caffeine, chocolate, meat, etc.) I have some gatorade or propel in the morning and afternoon (electrolytes) to balance the potassium or by taking MagOx. I attribute this to the improvement of my Barretts and anxiety, depression and body pain. Yes and still taking my B's....search the web for acid vs alkaline and try it out?! Thanks ladies!!!! if someone concurs with this, I'll provide the book and products that I've used to help balance my PH......

I wanted to chime in and let you all know that I went off the pharmaceuticals that always screw me up out of desparation. I was put on an anti convulsive drug to deal with depression. I felt like I was a zombie...very, very out of it. I stopped after 5 days. I went back to my naturopath even though my insurance doesn't cover it. It is so sad that we can't chose our healthcare providers in the great country we live in... anyway she put me on 5-HTP and DHEA and progesterone cream... i swear to you i felt better within 45 minutes after taking the 5-HTP. Apparently seritonin is made in the colon, I had 1 1/2 ft of colon removed in 2004. I wasn't making enough on my own. 5-HTP is an amino acid that in turn produces triptofan in your body that in turn makes seritonin....viola!!!!!! I am 1 week out on taking the natural stuff and feel like anew woman. Sugar cravings gone...sleeping like a baby... why are we trapped into seeing who our insurance feels is appropriate for us??? I was really ready to give up but I am back and kicking!!!! Good luck to all.

Wow Rottie, I'm so glad to hear you are back and kicking! and doing it with a naturopath. I've been doing good, taking tons of vitamins - but still on the premarin .03 - but am considering going to bio-identical still. Still doing research - glad to hear that you found your answers! So happy to hear a good story!

Thanks so much for the positive feedback. I think it is so important to do the research and find what is best for you. Good luck on your journey to good health. No matter how crummy you feel I KNOW it is so important to say positive things to yourself each day. I totally believe that negative thoughts bring negative results in ALL areas of life especially health. Each day Be proud that you walked or ate well, or did a good deed and keep good thoughts in your head. You will be amazed what a difference it makes. God bless ;p

johannas56, thanks for the feedback.

I don't smoke. I quit almost 12 years ago when I found out I was pregnant with my baby (who will be 11 in October).

I am starting to wonder if my pain is caused from the pads of my feet becoming thinner or if it could be plantar fascitis (I hope that's how it's spelled). My Mom has Plantar Fascitis).

But I won't rule out any of the suggestions you have made. My Dads family had a lot of heart problems. My Grandma, who never smoked or drank died from heart disease when she was 68. My Dad, two uncles and an Aunt (all blood related siblings of my Dads) all died between the ages of 56 to 68 years old, all heart disease.

My Mom has mild arthritis and my Dad had Rheumatoid arthritis. I have high cholesterol which I am working to get down with diet, excercise and a little ACV.

Thanks and have a good night!

Desert_Rose

DR, did u know the name of my band is The Desert Sky Band. Desert Rose would be better!Look on youtube under raptor615 for some old videos;we're in transition and bringing in a new lead guitarist/singer.He's great so it should all work out well.Are u on medicine for cholesterol? Some of those can have some weird side effects too.(what doesnt?)Just a thought.
Pray for me please w/ the smoking. I just can't seem to beat it.My mind says no but my body does not obey.I'm smoking less than a pk a day, so I guess thats a start.I need to exercise;thinking of joining the Y and getting into some water aerobics.With my knees, I cant do much else.Thanks for writing and best of luck to u and all the girls on this page.It has been a great support for me.Im pretty much homebound and feel lonely alot so talking to u guys really helps me feel more alive than I have in a long time.God bless u all Jo

Hi, Re: CHOLESTEROL AND ALSO WEIGHT AND MENOPAUSE
thought I'd mention this, now keep in mind we all respond differently to vitamins and supplements ----
CHOLESTEROL: I've been taking Red Yeast Rice with CoQ10 for six weeks. In 2 weeks from starting Yep! WEEKS - my cholesterol went down 50 points. I was 279 and was 229 - that was 4 weeks ago, and I go back for another check up in 4 weeks. It worked for me. I read on a few sites and in a book about menopause, that the 2 should be taken together. I think it says that the CoQ10 offsets the side effects of Red Yeast Rice.

Red Yeast Rice is essentially the same thing as Lipitor (though it is not FDA approved) - I think it has about 1/3 the amount of what Lipitor has in it, so perhaps that combined with the CoQ10 is why I don't feel any side effects.

I was worried about starting it or even Lipitor because I have a FSH Muscular Dystrophy, and didn't need more muscle problems. So far so good!

I'll keep you posted with more info. on results on cholesterol.
MENOPAUSE AND WEIGHT
I also take a regime of other vitamins - religiously for the past 6 weeks Vitamins E, C, B's, Folic Acid, Evening Primrose, and added magnesium, calcium, Fish Oil,, Flax Seed oil, (and Iron because I was still anemic from hysterectomy but that should stop I hope). I didn't just go and take them, I read up in so many books and on sites the important info. on each of them and I take them as directed, with food, and with combined vitamins together to maximize digestion, etc. and I'm on Premarin .03 - (trying to figure out whether I want to stick with it or try bio-identical - just concerned about going back to hot flashes and night sweats daily!)

I've maintained the same weight I was at surgery time. I think it's because of the vitamins and because I still eat a lower carb diet with more focus on protein. I still love my sweets, my wine and vodka and pasta - but limit them when I can.

I no longer have night sweats and do I have a flush just 1 or 2 times a day (I wouldn't even call it a hot flash - no fanning needed)

Maybe it's a combo of all these things, but it's working so far.

Hope this is helpful!

Hey, johannas56 - No problem! God probably gets sick of hearing from me sometimes but I keep praying anyway.

Hello HappyNY...Thanks for the information. I may try the Red Yeast Rice with CoQ10. 50 points is significant given my familial history on my Dads side.

I am trying something new as far as weight loss. I have always worked out/walked/jogged/biked etc... but as far as dietary advice goes, there are SO MANY diets out there that I didn't know what to try.

A friend referred me to MyFitnessPal.com. I love the site. You set your own objectives (like lose 2 lbs a week) and you punch in a little information about yourself. The program calculates how many calories you can eat every day to meet that goal. You can (and I do) keep a food and excercise diet every day (until I kind of get a little more in the groove). Any excercise you do is calculated in to your daily calorie/protein/carb allowance (so you can eat a little more). There are support groups and good advice from dieticians and successful dieters.

I feel like, for the first time in a long time, that I have found something that will work for me.

Thanks to all of you,

Will be seeing you soon.

P.S. Yes, Desert_Rose would be a cool name for a group. I took that name many years ago as I was raised in Utah and it was my handle on the CB Radio. (I'm really dating myself there, aren't I)?

Take care,

Desert_Rose

Diet help, Find your local Diabetic training class and take the portion that teaches about portion and meal plans. A diabetic diet is good for everyone. You just dont have to substitute the sugar as long as you account for the calories. Diet and exercise is key.. Eat your fruits in the morning so you burn off the sugar during the day, dont excercise hungry, you need the energy to burn off the fat, the first 20 minutes burns sugar, after that you burn fat. I am taking the last class this friday... I am sure if you check through a local wellness center you can find the class.

I am loving all the great info coming to this thread. It is all about total wellness, all of the diet and exercise stuff is essential to get through menapause. They are all tied into each other. I am so thankful for this sight and the knowledge even if it is just a piece of info gives you the tools to look into something you never knew existed....Thanks to you all.

I'm not menopausal yet (though everybody tried to tell me I was when my hair started falling out age 41), but I know where I'm going if I start having problems: there's a website called Women to Women, set up by two women doctors who run a clinic in Portland, Maine. Yes, of course they want your money, but the website is packed with information (about menopause, perimenopause, stress, depression, adrenal fatigue....and nutrition and exercise, not just pill-popping!) and I like their holistic approach.

thanks Lally - that site is great!

Hello all,

This will be long but, worth reading. I am 44 years old. I have been a Police Officer for 16 years. Along with that, I am a Tactical medic, so the human body is not strange to me. Since childhood, being active was all I have known. Athletic, strong, is putting it mildly. I've been the girl that everyone turns to with all their problems,,the good listener, the shoulder to lean on,,,the problem solver. I have never have taken any medications. Only vitamin supplements during workout periods.

Well,,,let me begin. I knew it was coming. Myself being a change of life baby, my mother gave birth to me at 42 while she was going " through her changes" She passed in 1984 from cancer.

Some people have said, "you're too young", you shouldn't be going through menopause. Guess what folks,,,,,the game is on.!!

It all started about 2 years ago. I was regular,,,almost 28 days to the hour for five days my entire life. I've never had children,,,my choice. So, I was late. Ok,knowing I'm not pregnant,,,,thinking wondering whats going on? Being the busy person that I am i ignored it. So I get my period but now no cramps???? Then in two weeks I get it again. Now for 9 days. OK,,,somethings wrong so I go to the gyno. Have the pap, some bloodwork and I am told,,,your not menopausal. You are a healthy 42 year old. Ok,,,so I go on. The periods are now irregular,,getting it,,2 days,, skipping for months, some of you know the cycle. Let me continue.

Last summer,,,ok??? Whats a hot flash?? Well,,here they are. Being athletic, sweating isn't unusual. THIS IS INSANE!!! Every 30 minutes,,,,Oh my god! Well,,,the periods stopped. Believe me, I would take back my cramps and the 5 days anytime! So now we are at this point. Ok,,here we go. I think I'm having a heart attack. Chest pains, anxiety, difficulty breathing,,,someone take me to the emergancy room!!! So, I went. As I entered the door, the nurses and the doctors there knowing me all had very odd looks on their faces. Well,,,all tests normal, nothing wrong. Again, your a healthy 43 year old. Ok,,,so now I think I'm nuts!!!!

It hasen't gotten any better. I have the night sweats,,,wake up in a ball of sweat. I lift my head off the pillow everyday wondering whats gonna hurt today. Just 2 days ago we had a very warm day in N.Y., being at work, wearing a bullet proof vest, sweating, the fingers swelling, the bloating,,should I continue. ??? Moody,,,,,mad at the world,,,,ya think???? Exhausted,,,,I come home to get up and do it again tomorrow. Unreal.

So, I'm 44 years old, 25 lbs. overweight, I feel like crap everyday of my life. All I keep saying is nobody warned me about this. My personality has changed,,,and I just want this over!!!

Someone tell me these syptoms end......oh,,,I just wanna be me again.

Hi Healthy, because you are a police office, I can guess that you must be strong willed to lget through the rigorous training as well as deal with the all boys club of the police. You can't take menopause sitting down. You know your body - your know you are in menopause or in some kind of hormonal flux. See a holistic or natropathic doctor, or see a hormone doctor, an endocronologist, have the full and I mean full blood work up. You don't have to suffer at all. Find the right vitamin and supplements to help your body adjust. Don't do it alone, go to the doctors, start pushing them to help you. No doctor should just tell you that your issues don't have answers, there has to be a solution. There are answers out there, we all just have to be persistant to put ourselves as a top priority to make it happen, have them listen to us!!

I'm sorry your mom passed so early, I know what that feels like, my mom passed early also at age 63 after years and years of cancer. She was my role model for strength and courage. And because of what she dealt with I'm more proactive and persistant in dealing with my own health and that of my loved ones.
I care that you are suffering. I'm so thankful for sites like this where we can reach out to support each other and just to be there to listen! I hope you'll find something to help with your frustrating issues. Keep us posted!

Officer of NYC ...welcome to the world of change. There are so many natural things you can do to help. REad through most of the info above and you will get great advice. My personal advice is to see a Naturopatic Physican who deals with hormone issues. I strongly urge you to look into it. I feel better than I have in years. I could barely get myself out of bed let alone off to work... Western Medicin hasn't caught up with the rest of the world. Check into it...see what you think! Best of luck on your journey to freedom!!

Well, I have not joined in the thread for a while, but I have been sitting here in NZ reading your words, and they are very interesting. I know it is sad to lose your mother early in life - my mam died when I was 28, just after my marriage split up. I had already lost my dad at age 18, so I feel for you all. I decided to go and see my doc about my painful feet, and he gave me some fluid tabs to use "now and then when you feel you need them", Well, that would be every day! They do help a little, also the cooler autumn weather helps. He says my feet are very flat, so that is why they are so painful. Well, I do remember the school nurse in primary school saying I had flat feet, I remember being highly indignant at the age of 7 or 8 to be told this. I ave got some orthotics for my shoes and they seem to help, but I do have arthritis too, so it is not the whole answer, but worth investigating for those sore feet. I was feeling so dreadful a couple of weeks ago, I could barely drag myself out of bed, and was so obnoxious to my family - at one point I totally stopped talking to my husband for 2 days! Shocking, really. It got to the point when I thought my depression was coming back, and I was preparing to call the doctor. I wondered whatever was the matter, then bang! A period! After nearly a whole year since the last one. At least I had found a reason for my mad behaviour. I wonder when it will ever end?

Hey girls, schappie, I know what u mean. I still have occasional periods and have the worst PMS I have ever had. The herbs have helped but every now and then, I'm just a "B". I've started to mark my pms and periods on the calendar and have seen that even if I skip a period, the pms will come at pretty much the same time it would have if I wasnt peri-menopausal.At least that makes me feel better cause I know whats causing it.Its a strange phenomena.Hang in there and thank u for the work u do.With a stressful job like u have, some B12 would probably help. I take it every day to fight off depression.Now I'm off my anti-depressants.

Katrina, was so glad to hear ur doing good w/ Barretts.Are u on Nexium?That has helped me alot. If I take that, I have no heartburn but the reflux comes every now and then;not too bad though.
Everyone else, I pray for you all and wish the best,Johanna

Hi Johanna - no, I'm down to one Prevaid a day - no heart burn, just hiatal hernia problems - but the that alkaline diet really helps! Also sticking with my B-12's and B's and D's and some MagOx to keep the racing heart in control. Felling better considering I just have 30 more days of employment!! Maybe once I'm out of that job - I'll heal.....Beautiful day here in ChiTown today - I hope everyone enjoys their day and let's all take a walk today!!!!

Everyone, someone had mentioned on a post above about a website call.
www.myfitnesspal.com
I joined it on the 23rd of April and have lost 6 lbs!! It is such an amazing place. Tons of support and a food & exercise log. I thank whoever mentioned it. It has been a godsend. Everthing is open for discussion kind of like here. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. It's free....no excuses!!

Healthly,I got u mixed up w. someone else and thanked them for being a police officer.I have copd which robs me of oxygen in my brain as well as other organs.My breathing tests have been really good which means Im at the beginning of it.I am a christian and I do believe that God does miracles so thats what I pray for and try to remember there are alot of people worse off than me.

Everyone, hang in there, believe,hope;just dont give up.Things can only get better w/ time.Thanks for all the support and please forgive me if I get things mixed up sometimes.Love to all, Johanna

To Rondad828 - I have been using the B12 for a few weeks now, and it is really great, you are right! I feel a lot more mellow now, except for the other week, with the bad PMS incident, but that was just a blip. I now find I am laughing more at my family's failings (as I see it), instead of nagging them and screaming at them. Mind you, I have to conciously remind myself to stay cool, and not let things irritate me, and it seems to be working. I am trying the positive self-talk thing, although one of these days, someone is going to hear me at it, and send for the men in white coats! I am also back on my exercycle, which helps my knees, as it builds up the muscles above the knee, and weirdly enough, it does improve my mood. I still hate exercising though, but I heard Oprah say once that she loathes exercise, but she makes herself do it.

To RottieMama: You are welcome! I think if nothing else,
www.myfitnesspal.com
helps me understand what I should be eating and how much I should be excercising each day. I also feel more inspired to stick with a reasonable diet and work out routine.

To Johanna: Everyone has brain farts. You're not alone so don't be so hard on yourself. As a matter of fact, I had to apologize to a woman at church today because for MONTHS I have been calling her Diane but I learned last week that her name is Denise. Where did I get Diana? LOL... She was very gracious.

Take care all of you and I'm glad I found this site and found all of you on it!

Desert Rose :)

Desert Rose you are a fine lady!!! I think this is the last piece for me to to have some great tools to deal with my issues. You have been a real inspiration to me on this sight and I thank you so very much. Keep smiling ladies, I am proof that things can and do get better in time....

I have had similar problems to many of the postings, hot flashes that quickly trigger severe depression and anxiety. Previously solved on low dose natural hormone therapy, but as entered more serious menopause (erratic bleeding and periods with no other medical cause), tried a variety of antidepressants and antianxiety meds to control those results. In my case, I did not respond very well to SSRI's, but did respond extremely well to Wellbutrin, which impacts dopamine and norephinephrin. I had depression and extreme problems with focus, concentration and ability to make myself do anything, which quickly improved on Wellbutrin. I did a great deal of research myself and quessed I was having a dopamine problem, and requested Wellbutrin as one of the few antidepressants that have action on dopamine. I also found a study from Yale related to the impact of low estrogen on dopamine, and there does seem to be a distinct link. I have only had depression/anxiety problems when I have bouts with hot flashes, so I know it is triggered by them.

dalefox,I was on Welbutrin to quit smoking and that didnt work.Have you tried Black Cohosh for ur hot flashes. It stopped mine completely.I was on Cymbalta(I've tried em all) and it actually got me thru a few yrs of problems but then I started not sleeping, eating;basically stayed in bed alot for 3yrs. I weaned myself off w/ dr. and now I eat and sleep again.Iguess its trial and error.Find a OB/GYN that does bioidentical hormone treatment. They test u and give u exactly what you are low on and the right amount.Its a miracle treatment in a testosterone cream and its made just for u.Regular hormone treatments can have severe side effects on ur heart,moods,they just arent specific enough.Google em and look at side effects;u'll be shocked.Hope this helps a little.Just ideas for u. Good luck,Jo

Desert Rose, I have been putting lol on emails for months thinking it meant lots of love and everyone couldnt figure out why I was laughing about serious things.My daughter finally asked me about it and we got a good laugh out of it.She even called me granma;I'm not going to say what I replied. We're best friends,me and my sweet Sarah.Thank God for my children and thank God for this site and people like you. Jo

LOL and LOL....I love it!! See you still have your sense of humor. I agree with the bioidentical. I use a progesterone cream. I am told most women are estrogen dominant when they are peri-menapausal.,b sure you find an expert....it will make the difference than someone who dapples in it....G

Rottiemama, I will and always do. Even herbs can hurt u and w/ all the medications I'm on, I'm careful. Actually, thats why I got on this site;so they could help me keep track.It feels so good to be off the anti-depressants;I was on them for so long I lost who I really was.

Getting back into my music has helped. I didnt touch my guitar for 6yrs and now I have that creative release again. Thats another tip for all us women. Do something u love again.It started out slow for me;I even had to force myself to practice.I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel;before, I couldnt find the tunnel at all.
Hope ur feeling good. Just remember I care and so do alot of others.Isnt that a good feeling?Thanks. Johanna

Indeed its a fabulous thing to see the light. I am only about 4 weeks into the " light" a 6 month bout with depression. I am taking 5-HTP which is a miracle for me. I cannot take the SSRI's they make me nutts!!! I am eating well again and have lost 7 lbs as of today! It has been a journey and I am sure there are many more bumps in the road but for now I am enjoying the ride. Also the progesteron cream and DHEA. I am a different person. I grow composting worms. I let them fall by the way side this winter and now I am in a position to do really well wnd I dont have nearly the amount of worms I could have if I was well. It keeps me outside and I enjoy being in the dirt. Like you said, find your passion and it will meet you half way! Glad to hear you are finding your way back. I am here for you!! Rottiemama ;p

Thanks Rottlemama. What exactly does DHEA do for u? I hear about it all the time and Co Q10? I could look it up but I'm getting tired.Got up at 4am for some dumb reason and now I feel like I cant hold my eyes open anymore.
May take a nap but will be back soon.Keep smiling. Johanna

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an endogenous hormone (made in the human body) secreted by the adrenal gland. DHEA serves as precursor to male and female sex hormones (androgens and estrogens). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30, and are reported to be low in some people with anorexia, end-stage kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes), AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, and in the critically ill. DHEA levels may also be depleted by a number of drugs, including insulin, corticosteroids, opiates, and danazol.

There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

There is a lack of available studies on the long-term effects of DHEA. However, DHEA may cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens in the body, and theoretically may increase the risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and other hormone-sensitive cancers. Therefore, it is not recommended for regular use without supervision by a licensed healthcare professional.
I take a super low dose only 25 mg. I am under a Doctors supervision so even though some of this sounds negative it outways the way I was feeling. This info above comes from the Mayo Clinic so again...western medicine versus alternative. All I can say is with the combination of supplements I am taking including the progesterone cream...this is the BEST I have felt in years..... I feel that it is a miracle.. GOD IS GOOD!!!

Rottle, u and I have gardening in common. I just planted some hanging baskets(2) w/ several flowers and some wild flowers I found on the side of a back road.I live kinda in the country outside Nashvegas.There's something about getting ur hands in the dirt.I dont wear my gloves if I dont have to.

I saw something about a disease w/ roundworms last nite but didnt catch whole story. U might want to google it or go to CNN.I never did nap;I'm so wiry sometimes and then others, I cant get out of bed.Crazy isnt it?

Thanks for all ur good ideas and warnings as well as the support.It means alot since Im home alone everyday.I have one good friend but shes depressed too(not even menopause,just lots of bad things happening to her lately,poor thing).Keep your chin up and I'll be in touch. Johanna

R, Im getting lazy about typing. Thanks for the info. I go to the Mayo clinic site alot and Johns Hopkins cause my bro-in-law does aids research there and they are both great.I believe u can use conventional and natural healing techniques together but ur right; we need to do research too.I wouldnt even know that I have copd if I hadnt gone to a second dr. for an opinion.Some drs are just lazy and money hungry.Always in a hurry.

I've become more stubborn because I know they arent always right and half the time, they arent listening.I do have a couple of drs that I love and Im working on changing the rest.Tired of playing games and taking chances w/ my health.

Lets get well together, mama.I'm on ur side. Johanna