Perimenopause

[WhereForArt]

Okay, you guys, I need some advice. I saw my ob-gyn doc about 3-4 weeks ago, and mentioned that I'd skipped a couple of periods over the last 4-5 months. She said that I'm probably entering perimenopause, and warned me that I shouldn't let more than 2 months go by without a period, because it can become a gusher, so to speak. Also, I guess there can be other problems associated with retaining the menstrual fluid.

Anyway, she told me I had the option of going on the pill, or taking provera for 10 days to induce a period. I chose provera, because it seemed the lesser of two evils (I don't like taking ANY pills for anything). I just finished the last pill today, and I realized I don't know what to expect. Has anyone ever had this happen before or know anything about it? Or does anyone know of any natural remedies for this? So far, this is the only symptom I've had -- no hot flashes or weight gain (well, none that I can blame on my body) or anything else that I know of.

[TrishOKC]

Hey Mardee graemlins/wave.gif ,
There's a realy good book that I want to get about this. The woman who wrote it appears on Oprah. I cannot think of the name of it BUT I will go to Barnes and Noble tomorrow, get the name, then get back on-line to let you know. I got a lot out of it. I really need to buy it.
xoxo, Trishokc

[WhereForArt]

Trish, is it called "The Wisdom of Menopause" by Dr. Christine Northrup? I just went to Oprah's website after I read your post, and she has quite a bit of information there. She also has a website at http://www.drnorthrup.com which I checked out -- I like it because she seems to advocate natural products.

Let me know if that's the book (or which book it is). Thanks!

[salmam1]

graemlins/wave.gif Hi Mardee! I may be able to be of some help to you on this matter. You will probably have the cycle from He** in about 1-3 days. That is the norm, but you could be different. Everybody's body is different. I would really be interested in knowing why you opted for the provera instead of the pill. Unless you are a smoker, which I know you aren't, or have a history of blood clots, the pill is a very safe and big help through perimenopause. If you want to stay totally hormone free, you can get some natural creams in the Health Stores. There are some out by a Dr. Helen Penzanti that friends of mine swear by. I personnally like the BC pills, because they really help the mood swings and the heavy bleeding. I had the same options, before my hysterectomy and I tried the provera with no luck. I hope you have a better go at it. I actually thought that I was going to bleed to death. My problems where different than what you are experiencing, though. Remember, what ever you decide to try, you have to stay with it for 3-4 months to find out if it really works. It may not take that long or it may. It totally depends on your body. Good luck with the whole thing. There are no right or wrong answers. It is all in how you feel. If you feel good on whatever you are using, then it is your body's way of letting you know that it is happy.

xoxoxoxoxo
Sal graemlins/bcbsalute.gif

[chocolasaurus]

Hey Mardee,
Not second guessing your doctor, but does he/she know how much stress you are under with school? This can cause you to skip periods too as well as perimenopause. I can't help with the missed periods-had a hysterectomy many moons ago, but I can attest to the stress! The timing was right too, with the beginning of school.
Mary :cool:

[WhereForArt]

I thought of that, Mary, but my first missed period was the month school started -- before all the stress started (although now that I think of it, I was just coming off the VERY stressful opera job and looking for another job). However, I've always had stress in my life, and while it's affected me in other ways, it's never affected my periods (except when I went to live in Japan for 2 years -- but I think that was more culture shock than anything).

Anyway, it's more than a missed period or two -- they are starting to get somewhat erratic. Sal, I guess I opted for the Provera because it seemed the lesser evil of the two, since I would only have to take it for 10 days (is that not right? Or do I have to keep taking it if I don't start?) Maybe the pill would be better for me. I know very little about this stuff, and didn't even realize what Provera was till after I started taking it and looked it up on the Internet.

And no, I'm not a smoker and I don't have a history of blood clots, so the pill would be safe for me. I guess I'll see what happens in the next week or so -- hopefully my cycle will get back to normal. Or is that wishful thinking?

I WANT TO BE 25 YEARS OLD AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Okay, not really, but this is a PAIN!)

[salmam1]

Poor little Mardee! We feel your pain gf! No, you don't have to stay on the Provera for longer, but your next period will be a humdinger! Try the provera for a while, since you started it and see how you react to it. Just don't throw any idea aside. There are usually options for everything. Oh and by the way:

WE ALL WANT TO BE 25 AGAIN! ONLY KNOW WHAT WE KNOW NOW! LOL LOL

Love ya, sweets! Hang in there!

xoxoxoxoxox
Sal graemlins/bcbsalute.gif

[bizz]

I was told that I was going thru the very first stages of perimenopause, occassional night sweats, they tend to last for a few nights then disappear for maybe a month or two. And boy have my periods changed, instead of 1.5 days they are now up to 5 :( and much heavier. Think I'll go back to the quack, sometimes I think maybe there's an obstruction :confused: thought I may need a curette.

Does all this sound about right to those of you that have already started?????????

[tinabru]

Hi there,
I am in perimenopause and opted to go off the low dose bc pills the doctor started me on because after I was on it for 2 months my older sister got breast cancer which then meant we have a "history" in the family. Birth control pills can be linked to breast cancer. I also have a strong family history of osteoporisis which I was hoping the bc pills would help...anyway, there is an awesome website full of everything you ever wanted to know about menopause and perimeno. The people there are awesome..
www.power-surge.com (http://www.power-surge.com)
I think you will find tons of help there.
tina

[salmam1]

Oh Bizz and the rest of you, I do sympathize. My cycles were 7 days all my life, then at perimenopause, they finally worked their way up to 3 weeks long before I finally yelled UNCLE! Also, about BC pills being linked to Breast Cancer. Well, that is a personal snarl of mine. They have only had 1 study done in Great Britain that showed a link between hormones and Breast Cancer. They assumed that BC pills are linked also, but you have to do what your heart tells you to do. If you feel good about your decision, then you did the right thing. Personally, I would rip someones head off, if they even attempted to take my hormones away from me. I will tell you that what effects whether or not you get any type of Cancer, more than anything, is the way that you live. High fat, sedentary, smoking, drinking, low fiber, amazing! All of the things that we are changing about being on WW!

xoxoxoxo
Sal graemlins/bcbsalute.gif

[gettingthinner]

Boy, all this is making me think--and be grateful for now. My mom opted out of the hormone treatment and put herself (and us!) through about 10 years of h*ll--all because she was worried about breast cancer. She ignored her own heart disease and osteoporosis, which could have been minimized by the hormones. Hmmmmmm. Thanks for the insight, girls.
Jane

[Laurdee]

Boy does this hit home!!! I realize I'm not a 40somthing anymore, but this one really caught my eye! This month, I thought either I'm starting menopause, or, ahem, I'm pregnant :eek: Thankfully, I finally got it, 4 weeks late! I thought, OMG, how will I explain THIS ONE to my DH!!!!! After all, he was "fixed" about 20 years ago! YIKES! And, believe me, I really, for a day or so, think I was preggers!!! I was nauseaus, and dizzy....and achy and all the symptoms! I was ready to go buy a test kit!!! And then I thought...what would I do if I was?????? :eek: :eek: I'm gonna be 51 in a few weeks!! Oh my! OH MY!!! So, on Christmas day, lo and behold, there she was! And you talk about a "gusher"...sheeze!!!! I wear "whites" at work..........need I say more?

Anyhow, I do want to get that book that you mentioned. One of the girls at work told me about it too. I'd love to just be DONE with it! I don't need it anymore! Can't it just quietly GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!

Good luck ladies! graemlins/bcbsalute.gif graemlins/thumbup.gif

[WhereForArt]

Tina, thanks for the link -- what a great website! It's packed with information. Bizz, you should check it out.

I guess right now I'm leery of adding extra hormones until I feel like I really need them. I have no other symptoms than the occasional skipped period. Sal, which study in GB are you talking about? And when you say hormones, do you mean just estrogen? I don't know enough about them to differentiate.

However, there's the recent study results that just came out a few months ago by the Women's Health Initiative (done in the United States) that showed that women receiving estrogen/progestin therapy had an increased risk of invasive breast cancer. In fact, the safety monitoring board recommended stopping the study because the "...test statistic for invasive breast cancer exceeded the stopping boundary for this adverse effect." In other words, the treatment was causing more harm than good. However, the study didn't show any adverse results when applied to women taking estrogen alone.

There was also the study done in Sweden that also showed a higher risk of breast cancer among women using the estrogen/progestin therapy (or HRT).

The Sweden study had its detractors, I know, but the latest study done in the US seems pretty scientific and thorough. It followed over 16,000 women for a period of over 5 years (the original study was supposed to be for 8 years, but they cut it short due to the adverse results).

Are there other kinds of hormones besides estrogen and progestrin that women can take? What are in birth control pills? (Sorry, I probably should have asked my doctor these questions, but I didn't even think of it till later).

[WhereForArt]

Laurie, the other problem I read about is associated with skipping periods too -- evidently, the problem is that a perimenopausal woman does not cycle regularly, but still has sufficient estrogen to cause thickening of the endometrial lining. Since ovulation is infrequent at this time, the progesterone that would normally be produced after ovulation is not produced, so the endometrial lining is not shed appropriately. Over time, this situation could lead to an overgrowth of the endometrium known as hyperplasia, then hyperplasia with atypia, followed by endometrial cancer.

I found this by an ob-gyn on a website bulletin board -- I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it seems to make sense.

I am planning on ordering that book from Amazon (of course, I'll go through BCB!) smile.gif , and hopefully I can pick up more information. You know, one thing that this has done is to make me more aware of my body and what I'm putting into it. I've always liked eating naturally, but sometimes my cravings get hold of me, and I succumb. Perhaps now that I know what "bad" foods can do, I'll be more inclined to avoid them.

I just need to read up on hormones, et al, so I can make an informed decision. Sal, your comments make a lot of sense, but I'm still not sure exactly what the role is that birth control pills play. Are they acting as hormone replacements?

[nancyny]

I've been going through this for about 2 years. Instead of skipped periods, though, I have too many short cycles (half of my cycles the last 2 years have been under 3 weeks). I did have one that went almost 8 weeks though - now THAT was scary. They don't like the real short cycles either - I think they worry about anemia. All the PMS stuff that goes with my cycle is unpredictable too.

I tried low dose BC pills last year, but they not only didn't regulate my cycle (I needed a higher dose), they gave me high blood pressure. So I had to stop.

I've been living with it, but because of the mood swings and short cycles they are talking about treating me with progesterone alone. I am in the process of getting some blood tests done.

And - after 2 years - my NP says I'm just "playing around with the beginnings of perimenopause." Ack!

I agree you have to learn everything you can and then follow your heart. There's so much good and bad science out there, anti-medical hype, and outright junk. Remember we are in maybe the 2nd or 3rd generation where lots of women lived to be old enough to go through this. We're all learning as we go!

[salmam1]

Mardee,
You are absolutely correct. The studies were done with the combination estrogen/progesterone. The latest study is on a specific combo drug called Prem-Pro. Now, like Nancy said, we have to remember all the anti-medical hype out there. There are certain areas of the country were different types of cancers are more prevailant.

Women who do not have a uterus or uterus and ovaries take estrogen only. They use to give the combo to women who still had ovaries, but have stopped giving the progesterone in some cases. This is since the last drug study was done. You'll have to excuse me for being a bit synical.(sp?) Usually these studies are done by drug companies, who are the ones that have the most to benefit.

Good luck to all you hormonless darlings. I remember well, how awful I felt for about 2.5 yrs. I do not envy you at all.

xoxoxoxox
Sal graemlins/bcbsalute.gif

[Momma25]

Mardee, thanks for mentioning this thread in the DT, sounds like I was meant to come here! LOL!

I am dealing with similar issues I believe, but I am just starting to work with an OB'GYN Endocrinologist. I have been using natural progesterone cream for over a year and my cycles have been pretty regular and under control better, but for the bloodwork last month, I had to STOP the cream for the tests. Well, I did not ovulate and I did not have a cylce and haven't this month either!

I go back to the dr next month, so hopefully between now and then, I will cycle.

Also I will begin taking Vitex again (also known as chasteberry) since that helped regulate my cycles in past years. I may add some black cohosh as well.

Also, I am taking an herbal iron supplement (Floradix) because it was found I was anemic, which can make cycles even heavier and mess them up as well. BY th way, I turned 46 this month and I am not sure I am in perimenopause or not! LOL!

Best wishes to all of us going through this. May we find the way that works best for each of us.

[WhereForArt]

Thanks for joining us, Momma -- it's fascinating to read all the various remedies and ideas people have. Menopause is really an interesting process if you think about it...I'm enjoying reading about it on the Net, and can't wait till I get my book by Dr. Northrup.

I'm going to talk to my doctor about natural remedies. I don't want to take the Provera again, but I'm also hesitant to go on BC pills. Since I don't have any symptoms other than the lack of a menstrual period, I'd like to go as naturally as possible. I've also been reading Dr. Weil's stuff, and he recommends using meditation and relaxation therapy to help. I've been trying to meditate before I go to bed, but haven't been as religious about it as I'd like to be, especially during school (which is when it would help me the most!). It really does help me sleep better, though, when I make an effort to spend some calming time with myself before hitting the bed.

Nancy, you said something I found interesting -- that we're only the 2nd or 3rd generation of women that have gone through this. It's true -- more than one hundred years ago, the average life span was only about 60 years. I guess we're the guinea pigs for future generations. smile.gif

By the way, I found an interesting quote on the Power Surge website -- "The only consistent thing about menopause is that it's consistently inconsistent!" LOL -- seems to be true! :D

[catgirl]

What about chin/hormonal acne? I turned 40 this year and have night sweats, irregular, very heavy periods and have been on natural progesterone cream (which is very much helping). My chin acne is something to behold, tho. DH says my 5-30 zits each need their own ZIP code. I'm a mess!! Help with this one? Doc says I'm not perimenopausal. Uh, yeah, right.

[lindalou9]

Ah don't you just enjoy being a girl!? tongue.gif :rolleyes: Even though I had a hysterectomy several years ago (praise the LORD!), I still have my ovaries so have begun the hot flashes, etc. Thankfully, I've never had the night sweats, but that may be because ever since I was in high school, I like to sleep with my feet outside the covers. :confused:

Anyway, I take what I suppose is a low dose birthcontrol pill. It's called Activella. It is estrogen and a miniscule amount of progesterone. It's really helped me cut back on the power surges. Used to be embarrassing to be in the middle of a conversation and all of a sudden have sweat streaming down my face.

I had the hysterectomy because I had endometriosis. Don't even want to go into what periods were like with that! Totally gross. I really don't miss those days at all.

Good luck to you all with this!

Linda graemlins/bcbsalute.gif

[nancyny]

I had an interesting conversation with a friend last night. She is WAY post-menopausal (late 60s / early 70s) and she had been on HRT for many years, until that study came out this year. On the advice of her doctor, she stopped. And now she has all the menopausal symptoms - hot flashes, sweats, the works. Apparently she had just delayed the inevitable - her dr. says she now has to go through what she might have when she was 50. Now I know these anecdotes are what the nightmares of scientists are made of - but it's interesting.

She also joked about all the ads over the years, especially the ones about how all the doctors don't know anything, menopause is caused by a vitamin deficiency and the "cure" is this particular set of extra nutrients, which just happen to be in the supplement they sell -- and which they'll send you for free, plus $35 shipping.

And talk about guinea pigs - my mother participated in a study of hormone replacements. I never did hear the results so I don't know if it's the same study, but the time frame is right. She's in her late 70s now.

The bottom line is we're born with all the eggs we'll ever have (I hear they're formed in the first trimester of gestation) and sooner or later we run out. But the "meno" doesn't "pause," it sputters out over a period of several years. I figure as long as nothing seriously dangerous is happening, I'd just as soon live with the symptoms, but I do long for the days when I knew when to expect my next cycle and I knew all the signals. I don't want to take anything for it. But the mood swings are getting to everyone, and I guess there are things to relieve the symptoms. (They already prescribed an extra-strength painkiller for the cramps.)

I think I have a web site to visit. It'll be interesting to see what their agenda is.

[TrishOKC]

Mardee, yes, the that is the book! Your post has elicited so many great posts.
Hope your New Year is fab and hot flash free!!!
xoxo, Trishokc

[FromNowOn]

Oh boy, can I relate to theses posts. I am 42 and have been struggling with heavy/irregular periods for the last 14 months or so. After having one so heavy that I could barely leave the house, I broke down and tried the BCP option. I was on Loestrin at first, but just switched to Yasmin.

So far, so good. The periods are now light and regular as clockwork, and my PMS is now at least predictable! :rolleyes:

I hope that you find a solution that works well for you!

graemlins/bcbsalute.gif

[jefrado22]

Mardee and others,

Please forgive me for butting in (love that website!!!)

But after experiencing SEVERAL years of MAJOR heavy flow and "liver clots" that, once passed would let the floodgates through... well,!!!!

I USUSALLY post on the Fit & Sexy 50's & 60's but I JUST turned 50!! I see a female OB who, for some reason, thought I was "too young" to be experiencing perimenopause!!! But she ran hormone tests and I am - THANK GOSH because I don't want to be pregnant and missed 6 MONTHS in there!!! *(and spent waytoo much $$ for drugstore prego-tests to ease my panic...)

Anyway, PM me if you want a glimpse - I found some WONDERFUL resources in the library and have FOUND RELIEF through FOOD!!! (yes, DIET) rather than HRT - beware red wine, you WILL get hot flashes!!! But I'm AMAZED at how much better life has become (incl vaginal secretions again!) by incl certain foods on a semi-regular basis.

FYI, I can't take REMIFEMIN bec I'm sensitive to caffeine, gingkpo and a number of other things -BEWARE if you get dizzy or experience an "elevator drop" type feeling!!!

All for now - you guys don't "know me" but I don't tend to exaggerate (atleast not toooooo much!!).. Char, YOU KNOW ME!!! Tell em I'm not toooooo crazy!!! ( Just had some wine, so may not be as coherent as usual!!)

Happy New Year!!!
:eek: :D ;) Susan

[WhereForArt]

Susan, please -- we love people to butt in! :D I'm thrilled to get your input, and I will be PMing you for book suggestions. I just received the Christine Northrup book yesterday, and I can't wait to pick it up and start looking through it. I love the idea of being able to control things with diet and exercise -- of course, I know that's easy to say now since I have no symptoms except for skipped cycles.

Nancy, that's interesting how your friend merely postponed the symptoms by taking hormones -- I guess nature has a way of winning in the end. smile.gif

[kathieny]

Hi Mardee,
I was on PemPro for a few years. When the study came out that they do more harm than good I stopped taking them. Plese share with us any good info you find as I am sure most of us Fab 40's are in the same boat!!
Hugs,
Kathie

[jefrado22]

I got started down the path of controlling symptoms via diet when I heard how much success one of the other "chorus moms" had.

She didn't give me any details, but sent me to the library. For that, I'm eternally grateful because there are SOOOooo many different symptoms. I had a more "rare" one with a feeling like a bug was on my ankle and kept thinking it was a loose thread on my pants or a shoelace sticking up - I would swipe and rub and it very nearly drove me crazy!!! graemlins/crazy.gif

Just learning that it was a symptom of menopause, albeit rare, got my heartbeat back down to a more normal rate!!!

Here are my 3 favorite books of all that I "culled" through:

1. Eat Well for a Healthy Menopause by Elaine Maquette Magee. This is a paperback and has a very nice 1-2-3 format - very easy read and packed with info.

2. The Natural Estrogen Diet by Dr. Dana Lieu - excellent explanations of all the "medical" changes and good recipes for yummy muffins and pancakes with soy flour - also a good soy lasagna.

3. Estrogen the Natural Way by Nina Shandler. This one was even humorous!! I think of this as the I Hate Tofu cookbook as it has over 250 recipes that SHE DEVELOPED (and she hates tofu!!!) WONDERFUL recipes for flaxseed with detailed explanations of where to buy it (health food store), how to grind your own - and I've "pointed out" a lot of the recipes for WW.

All three are excellent references. I copied a TON of recipes, but the last is especially good in that regard - I made her mayonnaise with tofu and my DH can't tell the difference (we're working on HIS cholesterol at the same time as MY WEIGHT)!!

Good luck everybody!! I am living proof that it really does work - at least for SOME people!!

ooooooh - some last cautions:
1. DO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR as soy interferes with some medical conditions (don't recall details - I think thyroid related)
2. You CAN, repeat CAN still get pregnant even if you haven't had a period for MONTHS!!! So DO continue to use birth control!!! Especially since your bodies are LOOKING so much more appealing now, right?!!

And one last thought, related to WEIGHT LOSS and your OB - be forewarned that IF YOU USE A DIAPHRAGM and have lost a lot of weight, you need to get it re-sized!!

Huh??? My OB totally read me the RIOT ACT - said a loss of as little as 10 pounds COULD require re-sizing, but that 25 definitely requires it!!! So how come noone ever told us that???? Grrrrr :mad:
Just venting.... So, you are now forewarned!!! smile.gif

Okay, I'll shut up now... sorry this is so long!

[bizz]

Mardee, this was such a great post, have really enjoyed getting others input to something we all will go or have gone through!!!!!!

Susan please feel to butt in as often as you like!!!!

I've read that Black Cohosh is a really good herb to use. I'm with you Mardee and Nancy if I can do this without drugs I sure will, okay the family might have to put up with a few mood swings further done the track, but hey they got legs and car keys.........lol

[WhereForArt]

Bizz, you were asking about black cohosh for perimenopausal symptoms -- I just got my book by Dr. Northrup, and she says that black cohosh can be very effective. However, she also says it can interact with medicines for high blood pressure, and may result in excessively low blood pressure in some women -- therefore you should check with your doctor before starting it.

You also might try eating soy products, which have been shown to effectively lessen hot flashes, etc. Char swears by it! I haven't had any hot flashes yet (maybe because I eat soy!) so I can't attest to it.

Susan, I'm definitely going to check out some of those books you mentioned -- they look very interesting. I want to really try and add as much soy as I can to my diet -- I eat a fair amount now, but would love some new innovative recipes. Thanks for sharing!

[jefrado22]

Just checking back in - this thread got buried - and I'd like to see it continue!!

Mardee, have you had ANY TIME in between all your studying to check out any of the books? Esp the one everyone got at Amazon.com??

Will check back later today - we leave for vacation tomorrow am - won't be back til Ground Hog Day (love that movie) so if you PM me and I don't respond, I'm not ignoring you!!

Laurdee, did you have a Happy B'day??

[WhereForArt]

I've put in a reserve request at the library for them, Susan, and I know at least one is in, but I haven't had a chance to go get them. I was going to try to get there on Saturday.

I'd like to see this thread continue too -- I know we're all facing this in one way or another, and I've picked up an incredible number of tips so far. I have been trying to really focus on my diet even more than usual, and I think it's helping, so I'm anxious to read those books.

[WhereForArt]

Bump!

[Fawn]

Well I am interested in this too.. but like lindalou, I have had a total hysterectomy (last year)and still have my right ovary. I have experienced some ...hot flashes but not too bad! other than that I have had nothing going on...in that dept. I'll be 49 in a few months and wonder if I'll notice anything. The one thing I've noticed is that I DON'T miss the cramping, clotting and miserable personality I had for quite awhil before the operation. So, when will I know?
Fawn graemlins/wave.gif

[nancyny]

Bumping for themomz. graemlins/wave.gif

[nurseypoo]

I just read this thread.....
Keep it going! It's got ALOT of info! Thanks....cause I have been experiencing the night sweats and other symptoms too, and didn't know quite what to expect. Now I do.

[WhereForArt]

I'm bumping this up again -- I keep referring back to it for information. Drat those hormones -- drat, drat!!! :D

[WhereForArt]

Bumpin' it up!

[wommie]

Several years ago I had similiar problems. I had terrible hot flashes so my doctor started me on low-dose BC. It worked. Not only were the hot flashes gone but I didn't get a period either. Of course my periods were few and far between before the BC. Then I had a total hysterectomy two years ago because of a large ovarian cyst. I was on Premarin for 1 1/2 years. My family doctor then suggested I quit taking them because of the studies and my family history. Well I am no longer hot. Now I have trouble getting warm!! In the winter, I wear an insulated sweatshirt in the house (not all the time but sometimes).

I can remember the periods where I didn't want to leave the house. I would bleed like a stuck pig!!! Having a hysterectomy was the best thing that happened to me. I'd rather be cold than the alternatives!!

Good luck to all of you!! It's a crazy graemlins/crazy.gif time of life!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[bizz]

Mardee, out of curiosity, have you had to use Provera again??? It's just so interesting hearing about everyones ideas, I know that you and I are on the same lines here, natural all the way if possible. I still haven't made it to the dr. re: black cohosh, which I must make time to do, as if anything my blood pressure can be on the low side! And there is no way in hell that I'd take the pill again, my dr. that I now go to, told me I should never of been on it in the first place many years ago due to family health history.

I now swear by 'acidophilus' capsules, never bloat anymore, did try evening primrose for a few months, but never noticed any difference in using them though.

[promise2grace]

Boy, this is a ton of good info! I am fortunate to have a very caring, intelligent family physician who truly believes that if there is a way to fix something, then FIX it! I had nasty fibroid tumors and consequently, very heavy periods with horrible cramps. He recommended an endometrial ablation, which was done right after a D&C. (In this procedure, they cauterize the lining of the uterus, so no more tissue to get rid of every month!) I have almost no periods now, just some spotting every month or 2, but I do still have all the hormonal issues and the migraines. We both felt that it wasn't time yet for a hysterectomy, but that may be in my future if the ablations fails. It's good to see all the valuable information and resources here, because I'll need 'em. But maybe not for a while yet. We teased my mom that she was the oldest living woman still buying tampons (early 60s! :eek: ).

[WhereForArt]

Bizz, no, I have never taken the Provera again -- I decided it wasn't for me. So far, I've never gone more than 6-8 weeks without a period. I'll talk to my doctor again at my yearly checkup in December, and see what she thinks, but for now, everything is fine.

[frustrated]

Wow :eek: I've read some really great stuff here.

Linda I thought you were writing about me. I had endometrous(sp) and the periods from h@#l also. I had a hysterectomy about 8 years ago what a relief that was. About 2 years ago (I'm almost 46) I started to have the hot flashes and major night sweats I had to change some times twice a night. I am now using progesterone creame and I take Black Cohosh these two things have just about eliminated the night sweats and I only have hot flashes once in a while now. For the mood swings I take Evening of Primrose and a Complex Vitamin B. It all sounds like alot of stuff but this has made it so my family does not want to divorce me every-day just once in a-while now.

Sorry this is so long winded but I just love this thread and all the great info.

Chrysilis :D

[Debnicu]

Wow, I just found this thread and it has been very interesting.
I was placed on BCP(Loestrin) about 6 years ago for extremely heavy and irregular periods after a biopsy to make sure it wasn't endometrial cancer, which it wasn't.I stayed on the BCP until last Dec when I accidently threw out the extra pack and refused to pay the money to replace it.I went on natural progesterone cream,after reading up on it,and my periods were fine until my cream ran out and I tried a different brand.Since then I can't get them regulated.I have the 1st cream back and am trying to get them regulated again and any suggestions would be appreciated.
I absolutely don't want to go on BCP again, and DH agrees.I had absolutely no libido and my mood swings were awful.I didn't realize that this was the problem until I was off of BCP and it is like we are newlyweds.I don't need to worry about birth control,since DH had a vasectomy just monthes before I started the pill,he did not find this funny at all,we don't need birth control and I start on it.
My DR.wants me back on BCP.I like the way I feel so much better without it.I am on medication for my thyroid so I have been leary about soy products.No one can definitively say if it will interfere.
Thanks so much for this thread.Any help will be appreciated.TIA.

[Tinatulips]

I have the book The Wisdom of Menopauze by Christiane Northrup. I haven't had time to read it yet, but what I have read makes sense to me.
I have also read the book the Okinawa Program, my girlfriend is half Japenese and her mother and friends do not have problems with menopauze.

I had one hotflash a year ago. I was in a restaurant, it was extremely hot for Holland and I started steaming from my breast upwards. It lasted 5 minutes. I didn't even know what hit me, so I did some research. I am on a low dosage birth control pill and that should protect me through menopauze. I have a history of breast cancer and am tested regularly. Research shows only a minimaal risk. If it is added to problems around menopause then it is worth the very small risk 5% or less, when being monitored. I may not take hormone replacement therapy. Using the BC my hormones will drop slowly until I am menopauzual.
I am exercising more, eating soya products and watching calcium intake. I have not had another symtom since. I was missing periods and having aches and pains around my period. Now I am feeling much better. Nobody told me that your joints and muscles could hurt and that would have something to do with being perimenopauzal.

After saying this I have heard that a lot of Dutch women choose to use an alternative product called primrose. The Dutch just grin and bare it. Doctors are reluctant to give hormone replacement. You sometimes have to beg for it, if you want it.

[WhereForArt]

Tina, the Okinawa book sounds very interesting -- I'm going to have to check that out. I spent 2 years in Okinawa when I was in the Navy back in the late 70's, and found the culture fascinating.

I'm kind of with the Dutch women -- I'm hoping that I'll be able to "grin and bare it." But that's easy to say when I haven't had any symptoms yet -- so we'll see. :rolleyes:

[bizz]

I too really like the sound of the Okinawa book, must check it out, thanks for the tip Tina! My intentions are to 'grin and bare' what comes my way, but if I totally become unlivable, then I may have to rethink!

[lindalou9]

Hi! I thought I should let y'all know that I stopped taking the Activella. Not only have I heard that the pills can cause weight gain - something I DO NOT want, but I recently read that they can contribute to Alzheimer's! :eek: Now, I've given away so many pieces of my mind in my lifetime, I don't have much left, so I thought I'd better knock it off. So far so good!

Linda graemlins/bcbsalute.gif

[bizz]

bump for me :D

[bizz]

If anyone's interested here's a link re: The Okinawa Program (http://okinawaprogram.com/)

[bizz]

Mardee, I got this from The Okinawa Program web page. I'll have to start adding some soy to my diet after reading this, I plan on a total change.
I've just spent the last couple of hours trying to find a bookshop that has this book down under, unfortunately not released here yet. Will inquire tomorrow at a couple of the big bookstores and if not, will have to order online, only worse thing at that is, I'll have to pay twice the price plus postage! That unfortunately is how it works :(

Natural Menopause

There are virtually no women in Okinawa using estrogen replacement therapy. They experience menopause naturally and nonpharmacologically with fewer complications such as hot flashes, hip fractures, or coronary heart disease. Lifestyle determinants include diet, avoidance of smoking and exercise in the form of dance, soft martial arts, walking and gardening. Okinawan women have a very high intake of natural estrogens through their diet, mainly from the large quantities of soy they consume. Soy contains phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens called flavonoids. The other important major phytoestrogens are lignans, which are derived from flax and other grains. All plants, especially legumes (beans, peas), onions, and broccoli, contain these natural estrogens, but not nearly in the same quantity as soy and flax. Recent double-blind placebo controlled studies support the ability of soy isoflavones to slow the bone loss (see Alekel D, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;72:844-52) and hot flashes (see Albertazzi P, et al. Obstet Gynecol 1998;91:6-11) that occur with menopause.

[bizz]

Bump :D

[WhereForArt]

smile.gif

[JAC1]

Oh gosh...........I just read all the posts. I am going to be 45 soon. I have been having night sweats (I now sleep topless) bad. I wake up in the middle of the night totally soaked. My hair,
my pillow case. So I am trying to be patient. My doc took blood work and said my hormone levels were dropping and I am at the starting point. My periods have always lasted 9-10 days since I was a kid. Its aggrivating. When I lived on LI my doc there told me I had endometriosis. But this doc here says no !! Go figure. I had a D&C last year cause I was passing clots the size of three quarters together and they say its nothing bad. You got me, I am no medical person. But I am awaiting another round (due sunday) and I already have nausea, feel like I ate to much (but didn't) and my nipples are rock hard and are killing me. I went to Curves last night and I was in pain with them. I had to told them a few times to get through the program. I got home and had to take my bra off and put on DH's undershirt and just take it easy. Plus, everytime I am getting that
TOM, it irritates the 2 partially herniated discs in my lower back and bedtime is a real joy !
How come men can't undertake this just once to see how we feel??? Would maybe change my DH's mind about the monthly thing (as he calls it).
Yikes..............I am so not looking foward to this. I have such bad pain already on each side of my stomach (ovary section) that its not fun and makes me feel so sick. But I am here at work and I am still working out and OP. Can't quit.
Right?? Ladies, I thank you for sharing. Its not easy being a woman. graemlins/sobbing.gif
Janet

[Kellee]

WOW! Great post, with lots of great info. I have the Wisdom of Menopause book but haven't read it yet. I think I'll have to make that a priority.
I've had some hot flashes... around my period for about a week for 1 cycle, then none for a few months.
My periods have been changing for a couple years now. I went from never having cramps, to cramps that are sometimes so bad I can't stand up. I used to snicker at the girls that had to stay home their 1st day.. thought they were all wimps. I owe them all a big apology!!
My periods now are really heavy- but for only about 2 days... then I spot for a few days after that. This cycle, I'm still spotting 10 days later-enough is enough.
I've also had occasional heart palpitations... the 1st time was during exercise- thought I was having a heart attack! :eek: Imagine my surprise when I was told that it could be linked to menopause!

I think I'll go start reading that book....

[patinoh]

Hi,ladies. Hope you don't mind me adding to this thread.I had an early hysterectomy & after 10 days of hormone therapy,was dreadfully ill...with a host of weird symptoms,including terrible 24hr migranes...3-4 times a wk.The Dr lowered the dose...then stopped the hormones & the migranes lasted 10 yrs. I'd never had a migrane in my life!

Then ,my youngest DD had the same surgery at age 24 & was given the "latest" hormone therapy.An RN,working for a prominent OB-GYN,she returned to work 4 wks after surgery & 3 days later,had a light stroke in the office.She had immediate care & was left with no lasting symptoms.The hormones were stopped & she had to get thru menopause the hard way.

Her DR said the prob is....there is no test showing who will/won't have hormone reaction & they can be fatal.I've long felt that women in this country have been experimented on for many yrs.I wonder how many men would be taking a medicine with this track record?

You need to educate yourself.When you're 50-60 & old age problems start,how will we know if they're normal....or caused by ourselves? due to taking hormones.Think it over...it's serious stuff. PatC

[bizz]

Pat, thanks for your input, I'm with you 100%, Mardee and myself are determined to go it without HRT, I know we'll succeed because we are both strong willed women graemlins/bcbsalute.gif

It's scary to think that they really have no idea how this treatment maybe in the real long run, as with many medications :eek:

[WhereForArt]

I agree -- you know, it's pretty scary how quick doctors are to medicate what is really a VERY natural thing! Think of it -- would you medicate puberty? Or the "terrible twos"? smile.gif Our bodies go through stages throughout our lives -- some happen to be more uncomfortable than others. :rolleyes:

[Duchess Talks Too Much]

Mardee,

Good point! I never would have thought of it like that. To my knowledge, I'm not even in the early stages of menopause yet and haven't thought of which fork in the road to take before now! Thanks for putting things into perspective for me.

Lisa

[patinoh]

Hey,Mardee....more & more small children are being medicated,due to parents/Drs ignorance.The child is going thru the terrible 2's...or mouthy 5s & boom!...give them pills for being hyper.They are children,not wild animals & need a parents guidance & sometimes a firm hand to teach what's acceptable.Funny,I never heard of hyper till the last 20 yrs.

Same goes for menopause.I made it my business to ask older women in my family about problems with that.Not one took HRT & not one ever had any problems.My Mother & MIL needed hot flashes explained to them.My aunt ,who lived to age 106! said to stay away from Drs:).Think she had the right idea....

[WhereForArt]

Patti, I agree that too many children are being handed medication these days -- parents seem to think it's a panacea for all the ills and problems of childhood. A friend who used to teach at an expensive private grade school said over 50% of the children there were on Ritalin.

By the way, what part of Ohio are you from?

[WhereForArt]

Bump!

[vicki]

Here's my 2 cents. My Ob-Gyn explained it like this:
Perimenopause is like coming down a very long grand staircase. There are wide steps and narrow steps. There are times when estrogen levels drop and then level out. It's those drops that give us the "Fuzzy Head", or "Just not Right", and or any number of symptoms.
I am on progestrone for 11 days out of the month. That has regulated my periods and stopped the inbetween spotting, which were my problems.
Yesterday I was thinking of starting a thread to list all the annoying aspects of this whole mess...low and behold I logged in today and here we are. Great minds think alike!!!!
I also asked her about forgetfullness, she said:
Everyone gets forgetful as they get older. It's when you can't remember that you forgot something, that is the problem. Since you wouldn't remember that, you wouldn't be worried about it. Am I as clear as mud??
So remembering that you forgot something is good.
Vicki :confused:

[deniselt]

I am so glad I found this thread - what a wealth of information. My cycles are still pretty normal, but seem to be shifting toward short, 1-2 days cycles more frequently. But oh my goodness, the night sweats, forgetfulness, and hair loss. But what I can't stand the most are the horrible horrible cramps that come every month. I was checked and don't have any fibroids but the Doc couldn't explain it. When I started asking questions about perimenopause, he poo poohed it and said I was too young (just turned 41). But then again, he isn't having the joy of my experiences here! It made me really mad the way he treated me. Mad enough to start looking for a new doctor and I've been with my current one for years, but he seems to be out of touch with women's health issues.

Anyhow, I'm really not wanting to go on long term drugs and am excited to read the information on natural therapies.

[WhereForArt]

Denise, I hate to sound sexist here, but I honestly believe that women make the best doctors, especially as we hit *those* years. Even a woman who has not hit perimenopause yet understands those feelings when your body just doesn't WORK right! :D

[Mom2NandN]

Mardee -- what a great thread! I figured I was in the peri stage -- occasional night sweats, heavier flows -- but I would have never even dreamed that the annoying, itchy, but non-existent "thing" on my ankle was a symptom of perimenopause! I agree with you -- this is what our bodies are SUPPOSED to do, so we get through it as best we can! I've read some about the natural stuff, and that's probably the route I'll take when push comes to shove.
Thanks again for keeping this going!

[darkscore]

Although I'm still as regular as clockwork with TOM, there are a couple of other indications that I may be moving into the 'twilight zone'. I occasionally have restless nights for no reason (can't remember the last time I slept through the whole night). Recently I've been waking at night with my legs sore and aching from the hip to the ankle. Since they don't bother me during the day, I'm thinking this might be another symptom. I need to get that book by Christine Northrup.

[vicki]

I read the book by Dr. Northrup. She doesn't like the progesterone I am on for 11 days out of the month. Then I went looking for the progesterone cream. It was at Wal-Mart, but had a warning on it that the state of California has deemed it a hazard and cancer causing. Now what?? I'll be starting another round of the synthetic progesterone on Thursday unless someone can help or point me in the right direction. I was going to skip it, but the last 3 days I have been spotting.
Ugh
Vicki

[WhereForArt]

Donna, I found it either on Ebay, or in the used section at Amazon rather inexpensively -- you might want to check there first.

[Kpw1956]

Hi Ladies,

I am a newbie around BCB and am looking forward to the comraderie and support.

This thread was very informative! I too will look into the books mentioned. I also plan to start incorporating more soy into my diet. (I saw another thread where some were praising Trader Joe's Flaxseed/soy tortilla chips. I will
check them out today!)

One thing I didn't see addressed throughout this whole thread and I may have just missed it, is the fact that our menstrual cycles usually cause us water retention on top of everything else. I am also in the throes of perimenopause even if the doctor says I am not. I miss a period every 3 months or so.. and even missed a period for 3 months.. Fortunately no nightsweats or hotflashes yet anyway. I hope to battle the coming few years naturally as well. But who knows what point my symptoms create major lifestyle problems (comfort, pain, embarrassing moments!). In any case I wanted to throw into the conversation or ask if anyone has seen a corrolation to the wacko periods and hormones to their weight loss efforts.
I was really struggling for a few weeks in January when my period was a couple weeks late. Sort of like when the period was supposed to come I had the water retention and it lasted until my period finally did come (2 and a half weeks late) and pass. Then weight started coming off again steadily. I have only started WW in late December so only noticed the coincidence with that period. I believe I have been perimenopausal for 2 years or so. Before that I was like clockwork!

Anyone else notice weight loss being hampered by perimenopause..?

[WhereForArt]

Anyone else notice weight loss being hampered by perimenopause..? HAH!! Let me COUNT the ways!!! I (and many others, I know) are constantly battling bloating, irregular periods, etc. -- all of which contribute to weight gain and inconsistent losses. It's discouraging, but you just have to stick with it. I do think it helps to watch your sodium intake -- I try to avoid things like pop and high-sodium foods, but even that sometimes doesn't help. I feel like half the time I'm walking around with lead balloons built into my breasts! :rolleyes:

[nancyny]

Bumping this up again.

I went in for a routine repeat Pap last week, and in chatting with my midwife I found out that I have moved from the early stages of perimenopause to the full-fledged real thing. Having TOM is over, I will now have my TOW (that time of the whenever). I gave her my whole litany of complaints and she said it's all normal. I can try the OTC remedies and supplements, she says most of them help some people and none helps everyone so you have to experiment. Which all confirms what I've heard. From now until I am offically in menopause (after 1 year with no bleeding) I will have very irregular cycles and unless something very unusual happens they don't have to investigate.

And my 10yo dd will be going through her own changes right with me. She has already started. Wish my dh luck, he's going to need it! graemlins/crazy.gif

[NEWMS]

Hi everybody,
I got put in an immediate perimenopause when I had to go through chemo for breast cancer.
Here is what I've found helps:
1)ceiling fan over the bed for hot flashes!
2)Black Cohosh and soy can help, but you must be very careful with amounts. These both imitate estrogen which fuels breast cancer. In small amounts, though, they do alleviate symptoms.
3)Don't drink wine

[WhereForArt]

Thanks for the update, Nancy -- I'm still not sure how my taking the low-dosage oral contraceptives will work out, but I told her I'd try it for about 6 months.

Are you having any hot flashes? Even when I wasn't taking the pill, I was having very minor intermittent ones.

And NEWMS, thanks for the tips! I have to say, though, that the hot flashes would have to be pretty bad for me to give up wine. :D

[ March 15, 2004, 09:10 PM: Message edited by: WhereForArt ]

[wwqueen]

Just read the posts..there is a site called www.hystersisters.com (http://www.hystersisters.com) with lots of info! Check it out, I hope its helpful.

[litelatte]

There's also another great site -- www.powersurge.com. (http://www.powersurge.com.) Check it out!

[nancyny]

Mardee, I am not having hot flashes (yet?) and it's been a while since the night sweats bothered me. But my "cycles" suddenly shifted from very short (less than 21 days) to very long (over 35 days) and I have various symptoms including nausea, tenderness, cramps, and mood swings, all of them "off and on." The last one is getting me into the most trouble, and as a result I am starting to avoid some social situations where I am not comfortable. It's like PMS kicks in on day 15 and lasts until whenever.

I tried the low-dose Pill but I had to stop because it drove my blood pressure too high.

This cycle I am going to try a cup of Yogi "woman's moon cycle" tea mid-morning every day. Active ingredients are black cohosh and dong quai and "lingustilides" and it has a mixture of flavorings.

[ March 16, 2004, 09:49 AM: Message edited by: nancyny ]

[momofeandk]

Thanks everyone for the information, I am 46 and used to have TOM every 28 days, then it was every 35 now I think I am up to 45!! graemlins/ugh.gif

I will be checking out all of the websites that you all posted!!

Thanks Buddies!! graemlins/wave.gif graemlins/wave.gif graemlins/wave.gif

[WhereForArt]

WWQueen, thanks for the site -- I sent it on to my sister, who had a hysterectomy.

Cheryl, I love Power Surge -- it's got tons of information!

[darkscore]

Am I missing something? I clicked on the link to the power surge site and ended up on some kind of technology site. Is that the right URL?

[nancyny]

It's supposed to be http://www.power-surge.com

[nancyny]

I almost hate to bring this topic back to life, but it seems that every couple of months something changes.

I have been self-medicating with something called Yogi Tea "Woman's Moon Cycle", which contains black cohosh, dong quai, chasteberry, and a whole bunch of flavorings. It tastes good, and if I make it half strength (in a pint of water), once a day, it seems to be moderating the symptoms (as in I haven't bitten anyone's head off this cycle so far, and I'm up to 5 weeks). As part of this experiment I start taking this stuff on day 15 of my "cycle." Since it's caffeine free, it also counts as 2 waters.

So the other day I went to buy more, and I found out that Yogi has reformulated their Woman's tea group, without the black cohosh and chasteberry. I got the last box of the old formula (on sale!) so I'm good for about 3 more weeks. Then I will need something else. Since I've been taking a combination of things, I don't know which one (or combo) (if any) is actually doing anything.

This sent me wandering the Internet, where I find that black cohosh appears to be the only one of those ingredients that seems to be standing up to testing with any level of scientific rigor. Which leaves me seriously wondering why Yogi did what they did, but the bottom line is probably it was a business decision (i. e. they think they can make more money this way).

It also leaves me wondering what I should try next. So far I'm treating hormone-related mood swings, mostly. No hot flashes (yet).

Any ideas? Thoughts? Remember my dr. has said I'm on my own.

[darkscore]

Nancy, do you think you could find an herbalist in your area that might be able to put something together for you similar to what you were drinking before? I have a dr's appt next week, and I was planning on asking him if he knew an herbalist I could work with. It's a long shot but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[WhereForArt]

Nancy, FYI, I just did a quick search and keyed Yogi Tea "Woman's Moon Cycle" into Google and came up with dozens of sites that are still selling it. Now they might not be making more, but you could probably stock up with what's out there now.

You also might check with the company to ask why they did this, and if anything comparable is coming out. I checked their website and the US site seems to be down now (although I got an email address from a cached copy - it's customerservice@yogitea.com). However, their main (European) site is alive and kicking - it's at http://www.yogitea.nl

[nancyny]

Mardee, there is still a tea by that name, but it has a new formula. Chances are good those sites are selling the new formula (pink box), not the old one (yellow box). Or they will be soon. I can get the new formula at a couple of stores locally, and I still prefer to patronize local businesses when I can.

Update: I did a similar search, and some sites are still showing the old box. I don't know, though, if that means they are shipping the old product. Even my store didn't know there'd been a change until I pointed it out.

And I already wrote to them, and got a "thanks for sharing" type response that was just about word for word off their web site. In my business if we do something that's going to upset some customers, we are given basically a script to repeat if they ask questions...

[ May 09, 2004, 11:00 AM: Message edited by: nancyny ]

[darkscore]

So I just got back from the doc's and we've decided to continue with what I'm doing, which is treating the specific symptoms right now. Neither of us want to use the low dose birth control, because BC pills have always triggered a lot of headaches for me. I did get tests for thyroid, because the increased hair loss is a prime indicator as well as some of the other symptoms.

I like my doc a little more each time I see him. I haven't been going to him for very long, because there is such a shortage of doctors in Calgary it took me a while to find a new one after my old doctor quit. My new doc is very young, but kinda quiet and low key. He's quite easy to talk to, which is probably my biggest requirement in a doctor.

I'll let you know what the thyroid tests show.

[Duchess Talks Too Much]

Just thought I'd share a website I found while checking out a new play that is coming to my area, Menopause - The Musical! It should add a chuckle to everyone's day and there's even a message board! Hope you enjoy smile.gif

Minnie Pauz (http://www.minniepauz.com/)

[nancyny]

Cute site, Lisa! Cute cartoons and what looks like a lot of good resource links - including some we already have here.

One note though - their recommended weight management system is -- not WW.

[WhereForArt]

I found a site today that looks interesting - it's got a ton of information on black cohosh. It's published by the National Institute of Health. Now I don't necessarily believe that everything the government tells us is true - but I do think they've got enough money (a lot of it MINE!) to review various medical issues. They list all the studies done on black cohosh and what the results were.

Anyway, the link is at http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/blackcohosh.html

In fact, if you want more information published by the NIH, go to http://www.nih.gov/PHTindex.htm - it's chock full of hormone therapy information.

[WhereForArt]

Well, as some of you know, I decided to quit taking BC pills because of the high CRP levels I had. Of course, like the dunce I am, I completely forgot that the hot flashes would return. :rolleyes: They still don't last more than about 5-10 seconds, but they seem to be getting more frequent.

Anyone found any natural relief? Nancy, did you find a good replacement tea?

[vicki]

Hot Flash Relief
I have found that taking black cohosh works well. I also use soy milk in my cereal every morning. I couldn't just drink it straight..ugh. Eden Soy Extra is what I use.
Also, I take a multi vitamin called, One Source Women's.
I get it at Wal-Mart. It has the regular vitamins, and some herbs:
Dong Quai, Asian Ginseng, Lemon something, and soy.
It has a red label and lots of calcium.
It helps with my memory too...I think <just kidding>
Vicki

[nancyny]

I haven't experimented with other teas yet. My symptoms seem to have subsided on their own (for now) so I'm only using the tea when I feel "off." I am now in my longest non-pg "cycle" ever. This one is going easier than the last long one - I don't feel like I've had PMS since day 15 this time.

I did look at some of the supplements in the store where I get the tea, and they do have one with a combination like vicki mentioned. But the amount in the supplement is many times the "dose" in the tea, and if the amount in the tea is "enough" I'd just as soon have the lower amount. I noticed even the tea could make me light-headed if I made it too strong or took it before the 3rd week of my "cycle." I fix that by using double the water. Even this "natural" stuff has side effects.

And the above comparison presumes that we are measuring the same thing (not clear at all from the labels).

[nancyny]

Bump....

While we're on the subject ... for the last couple of months I have been taking MenoSense by Natural Factors. Its active ingredients are dong quai, chasteberry, black cohosh, gamma oryzanol. and hesperidin. It seems to have moderated my symptoms. But who knows .. I haven't had TOM since April.

[WhereForArt]

I haven't had a period since December when I first started on the pill (only to discontinue it in May), but I'm still having TOM symptoms (slightly crampy, etc.). My mini hot-flashes have subsided - every once in a while they come, but hardly last any time at all. So far, so good, I guess... :)

[ArtsyLady]

HI all,

Just a note about HRT. My Mom is 83 and still on HRT. I tried to go off of it and now I have oesteoporosis as does my Mom who went on and off of it for different reasons throughout her life. My caution to you is that although the natural ways are attractive... the hormone levels are not high enough to prevent diseases. It is a balance of things... it is not a cure all to take it, but it does prevent some things while seemingly causing others. What they seem to know for sure is that without it, you can get oesteoporosis, your veins can get weaker, your skin will dry and thin, your hair may dry and thin and you will have the hot flashes, and for me terrible insomnia to the point that I could not function. Everyone is different, yes. But most of my friends who decided to try the natural route are back on HRT after suffering for a year or two. It takes a while for the symptoms to worsen. In my case, I had a hysterectomy so without hormones, I have no estrogen at all. So, I am happily taking my HRT.

I don't mean for it to sound distressing or to tell anyone what to do... I just hope to say that even with all the talk about natural alternatives, they don't know the answer, they just know a few things. Your body will tell you the rest. So, forgive me if this is too forceful... I just don't want anyone to go through what I went through for a year of my life to finally give up and do what my gyn said in the first place... :water1:

Love you buddies,
Robyn

[Frisky]

There's lots of good info on the web about osteoporosis, a few links are listed below. Exercise and diet are key to prevention. There's really no cure, much of it happens with age but it *can* be largely prevented.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/osteoporosistreatment.htm

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/osteoporosisexericse.html

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/osteoporosis/osteopor05.html

http://www.nof.org/prevention/

:bcbsalute

[WhereForArt]

Robyn, I understand the osteoporosis concern, but HRT scares me after the recent studies. You can ward off osteoporosis other ways, such as with weight-bearing exercise and calcium.

Thanks for the links, Frisky!

[mochajava]

This is a very interesting thread. I just turned 40 last November, but for the last couple of years I've been having erratic TOM. I'll go 2, 3, or 4 months without one, and then out of the blue it hits me. Right now I'm on month #2 without. My doctor has told me not to worry, he said the time to worry is if you have too many cycles. I just feel like I walk around bloated, and retaining water all the time though, and then when I get my period it's VERY heavy, and I feel like an invalid for the next 4-5 days. I saw someone say in one of the posts it's not healthy to go so long without having your period, should I ask to go on the pill? Would the pill make me gain/retain weight?

BTW, they have done hormonal tests and I'm not menopausal, although both my sister and mother entered into menopause in their early 40's.

Ali

[WhereForArt]

Ali, before I started the pill, my doctor was having me take Provera, which induces a period. It keeps you from having those "gushers" (pardon my French). :) She was insistent I should take it if I went more than 2 months without a period.

I was on the pill for awhile (low dosage Yasmin), and it did not affect my weight at all. The only reason I went off is I had some tests done and my CRP levels were higher than normal, and I wanted to see if the pill had anything to do with it. I'm getting re-tested in November so I wanted a comparison.

[WhereForArt]

Hey, I just found a great article in the online issue of Nutrition Action Newsletter - you can access it at http://www.cspinet.org/nah/07_04/managing_menopause.pdf

The article is called "Managing Menopause."

[nancyny]

Very interesting article, Mardee. Looks like when my supplements run out, maybe I shouldn't get any more. But I will have had a 3-month test.

Someone on another thread compared this stage with being on a roller coaster in the dark .. but I think the roller coaster would be more fun.

[mochajava]

Thanks for posting the link, Mardee. Very good information, I printed it out as well.

Ali

[nancyny]

I was inspired to resurrect this thread by today's word from A.Word.A.Day (http://www.wordsmith.org). Here it is:
peri (PEER-ee) noun

1. A fairy in Persian mythology.

2. A beautiful, graceful girl or woman.

[From Persian peri, variant of pari (fairy), from Avestan pairika
(witch or female demon.]

So in "peri" menopause, we are beautiful, graceful women who happen to be nearing menopause.

Oh OK, sometimes there is some "witch" in there....

[donnashops]

This post has been very helpful, I have been having hot flashes for about 2 yrs now and mostly at night for some reason..I have asked my obgyn about this and maybe being peri but she said no I am too young but I have read it can start in your 30's my periods have been strange too coming sooner , lasting longer, and being heavier but she said I have Fibroids so that may be why am going in for another ultrasound to check this out but I know I am Peri and have been, my moods have been crazy so all of this info has been great and I am going to check out the book from Oprah. Thanks

[WhereForArt]

Love the quote, Nancy!

Donna, this is a good thread - I've found so many helpful tips and ideas and support here.

[WhereForArt]

Bumpin' it up!

[daisysmom]

I am happy to find this thread! I am 46 and have been having perimenopause symptoms for about 1.5 yrs. One thing I have found is that by cutting back on caffeine, and by eating more protein and fat, but less carbs, the night sweats have all but disappeared. For some reason - most likely the fat I eat affects my estrogen production - a lower carb diet, or a better balanced diet, really helps me.

My cycles were pretty regular for about 6 months, but the last 3 have been crazy. I had a regular TOM in early January, 2 weeks later had a really heavy one day bleed (odd!!!), then no TOM since. I hate that for me because having a cycle really helps my weight loss (pounds lost and emotional eating).

The thing I hate is that even if I don't have a period, I still have PMS symptoms. I have an appt with a new MD on March 2, and I am going to try to get a better picture of my menopausal status with her.

[donnashops]

I just saw on Tv that they now have a home menopause test you can take to see if and how far into menopause you are.. I checked this out when I was at the store yesterday and saw them but they are pricey 20 dollars..

[chinamom]

This is a timely topic for me as I am PMSing and feeling like a bloated whale. My periods have become awful the last few years...lots of cramping/heavy bleeding, etc.
I had a laparoscopy done a few years back as part of my infertility workup and endometriosis is ruled out. Just the joy of perimenopause, I guess.
I have found that my Omega 3 supplement is helping with the cramping somewhat. I'm experiencing some night sweats but not regularly.
I plan on getting Dr. Northrup's book. Any other books I should look into?
Thanks guys!:exercise:

[WhereForArt]

Laurie, if you'll scroll through the whole thread, there are some other books mentioned (I think Susan talks about 3 other good books on pg 2 of the thread). I remember one was called "Eat Well for a Healthy Menopause."

Bizz also mentioned that the Okiwana Program (http://okinawaprogram.com/) discussed menopause.

So far, I've been pretty much symptom free, so I'm not taking anything at this point. I even quit the Provera, although I'm going to check with my doctor again at my next visit about that. I'm still having periods, but they're farther and fewer between - however, this last one lasted forever (probably because I'm not on the Provera).

[promise2grace]

Bump for Cheryle!!

[NewMe1]

Oh, the joys of getting older!!!!:ugh: I am only 39 but I can SO relate to many of your comments on this thread. About 5 years ago, I started with the night sweats and hot flashes with a vengence. Also hair thinning, which until I read these posts I didn't even know was a symptom. I've always had kinda bad cramps since I was a teen, and several docs had told me it might be endrometriosis, but never investigated further. Then about 3 years ago the night sweats/hot flashes stopped for the most part and in their place I got horrendous cramps, heavy bleeding/clots, and a less predictable schedule. Used to be able to predict to the 28th day when it would start but now it seems to come a few days early each time. And start light then stop for a day or two then really hit me with a "gusher" as several of you called it. Almost hate to leave the house on some days. Very disruptive of work and play schedules! New doc checked me for fibroid tumors, says nothing showed up on ultrasound. Also said it was NOT endometriosis, but ran no test for it either. She claimed I'm too young for perimenopause and said it was normal for these things to happen as your body gets older and to "just deal with it". I'm looking for a good gyn right now to get another opinion and see if something can't be done, especially about the heavy bleeding days that have me a prisoner in my own home. It's good to know others have similar experiences but it's not so good to know that there doesn't seem to be a good concensus of knowledge about what causes this and what to do about it. Guess we'll all just have to keep telling our stories of woe here and play the guinea pigs until someone figures out a better solution.
Good Luck Girls!

~Jamie~

[bizz]

Don't think this has been asked... last year I went through quite a long phase of having quite a low libido... and not wanting to even be touched at times. I have been told that this is quite normal... but this year the good ol' libido has come back full force and is constantly there... okay you can stop laughing... I'm sure as hell not complaining.. but it can be inconvenient with it always been there...lol Have any of you had this happen too???

[promise2grace]

Bizz, I never had the low, but there's been a huge increase these days. Bad time not to have a mate. :sobbing: :help:

[bizz]

Gracie... that's why all these celebs in their 40's date toyboys....lol :D

[WhereForArt]

I agree with Gracie - my libido has never been stronger. I'd always heard just the opposite, so I'm not sure what's going on. :)

[lindalou9]

Buy a shower massage! ;)

Linda

[bizz]

Mardee, that's why I posted, becuase I'd always heard the opposite too... so thought it strange. Now it seems like it's 'normal' or for some anyway :D

Linda....lol or an electric ??? so your don't run out of batteries......lol

Boy we've 'juiced' this one up...lol

[promise2grace]

Boy we've 'juiced' this one up...lol
Yes we have. Now where do I go to get my boytoy?? :p I had always heard that the 40-ish hormones gave some women a sex drive that rivalled that of teenage boys. ;)

[WhereForArt]

Linda....lol or an electric ??? so your don't run out of batteries......lol
Electric, Bizz - always electric! You just can't get the same action with batteries - and they wear out so fast. ;)

[promise2grace]

Electric, Bizz - always electric! You just can't get the same action with batteries - and they wear out so fast. ;)
...and there are just some times that you don't want dead batteries!! :p

[Prov31lady]

Oh my gosh! I thought I was loosing my mind with all these symptoms I am having! You are all a God send!!! I read every one of these threads and you guessed it, I am NOT as crazy as I thought!!! The night sweats, I can adjust to, the sweat in the middle of winter running down my face, no problem:embarrass , I will carry a towel, TOM running one month 5 days the next month 15 days that is getting to be a royal pain in the tush:rage: , and now I find out that the invisible itching on my ankles at night is part of this whole darn thing...when will it end!:crazy: I found out that my mom went through this whole thing in about 18 months, but she was 51 years old at the time...I am only 42:ugh: does this mean that I am going to be done earlier than her...or that it is going to last that much longer....:help: !!!!

I am going to find the book listed and again, ladies, thank you! Oh, and I am looking forward to the increase in libido...so is my husband!!! (mine seems to have left the country!!)

[WhereForArt]

Michelle, you can also have your GYN do a simple blood test that will tell you if you're in peri-menopause. Mine just did one, and I am actually in menopause now. I was lucky in that I had very few hot flashes, and those I had were minor, but I can relate to the itching!!!

...and there are just some times that you don't want dead batteries!!
OH, so true! :D

[bizz]

Mardee... I must remember to get a blood test next time I'm at the drs... unfortunately I still get my periods as regular as clockwork... much heavier, instead of like 1.5 days it's now up to 5-7:ugh:

[Prov31lady]

Thank you Mardee! I will make sure to ask for the test at the next dr appt!
Hugs:kiss:

[Debnicu]

Mardee, do you know exactly what blood test they did. I am going to my Dr. on Monday for my regular check up and I would love to know where I am at. TIA

[WhereForArt]

Debbie, I don't know what it's called - all I know is my GYN told me she was going to order a blood test to see if I was in menopause yet. If you ask your doctor, I'm sure he or she will know what it is.

[Debnicu]

Thanks Mardee, another quick question. I am on progesterone cream to regulate my periods. Will that affect my results of the test. I know my dr. should have the answer, I just wanted to be prepared if she told me I couldn't have it because of the cream. :confused:

[WhereForArt]

Debbie, sorry, but I have no idea. I never took any creams or anything, so I'm not sure how it would affect it.

[bizz]

Debbie, if memory serves me right, I think Linda used to or uses a cream... maybe she'd know! Or maybe you could give your doctor a quick call!

[plcm111195]

I did a google (I know! Very brave of me!) and found this link (http://www.drdonnica.com/radio/00001716.htm)

Is There a Blood Test for Menopause?
It seems as though you can go to the doctor’s and get a blood test for just about anything these days--is there a blood test for menopause? The answer is “Well, sort of”. In general, the diagnosis of menopause is a clinical one, made when a woman has not had her period for 12 months. When the diagnosis is unclear, however, or when a woman enters menopause early, a test to measure “Follicle-Stimulating Hormone or “FSH” may help. The FSH test may also be help women who have had a hysterectomy, but still have their ovaries. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland. As you approach menopause, your FSH levels increase as your estrogen levels decrease. The higher your FSH level, the more likely you are to be in menopause. The catch is that during perimenopause, which can last several years before menopause, your FSH levels will fluctuate as your estrogen levels fluctuate--from month to month and even from day to day. In this case, your doctor may need to do more than one FSH test to have reliable information.
HTH

[plcm111195]

Also found
Diagnosis of a menopause status

Assessing sex hormone levels may do this, eg:

The hormone levels generally assayed are:
hormones from the pituitary gland called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Lutenising hormone (LH). These hormones in menstrual life show a typical cyclical pattern as they control the ovarian function of hormone and egg production
oestradiol which is the main oestrogen from the ovaries. In menstrual life it shows a cyclical fluctuation dependent upon the phase of the menstrual cycle that the individual is in when the blood test is taken.


The results of this assay in the menopause, demonstrate increasing levels of the pituitary hormones as they strive to initiate a response from the ovarian tissue, which because they are now not functioning, means that the level of oestradiol will be low.

[promise2grace]

I did a google (I know! Very brave of me!)
It is best to get right back on that horse, Joanne!! ;)

[lindalou9]

I was going to try the cream, but it is very expensive and my doc recommended that I take the very low-dose pills to start with, until we could determine that the lack of estrogen was the problem. It's estradiol - only estrogen, no progesterone. Yes, the FSH test is the one you take. Mine was over 75, meaning I am in full-blown menopause. This means that the hair on your head starts to thin and if you are so inclined by your genes, you may start to grow a lovely mustache! So far, the fact that the men in my family don't have much in the way of beards has proved a blessing to me. My hair does fall out quite a bit, but I have tons of it.

The pituitary gland controls all the hormones in your body. When you are lacking for something, it begins to send out those stimulating hormones to get the glands in your body moving. That is how they tell when your parts are failing! :embarrass Interesting, no?

Linda

[bizz]

Thanks Linda This means that the hair on your head starts to thin and if you are so inclined by your genes, you may start to grow a lovely mustache!
The men in my family are hairy and boy do I mean hairy... I'm not looking forward to growing a beard and mustache.... :ugh: I've always had alot of 'soft blonde down' on the side of my face.... I do hope that this doesn't go black and grow in length!!!!!

[mochajava]

Hello All!

I've been around, lurking mostly because that's all I have time to do anymore!

I've posted to this discussion before, and at 41 I've quit having TOM. My doctor gave me 10 days of Provera back in March, which led to a couple of days of bleeding. So this week I went for my annual and they did a blood workup on me, I found out today that I am menopausal...not perimenopausal, but menopausal. Anyway, when the nurse called me she told me that the doctor wants me on Prempro. I was caught off guard, and didn't question her, but now that I am reading and researching, I have no idea why he would put me on hormones....I don't have any other symptoms other than a lack of TOM. Am I missing something? I plan to call tomorrow before I start taking the pills, but just wondered if anyone could shed some light on this while I'm up late researching....

Oh, and then to top things off, I got a call from the radiologist who read my mammogram...I need to go in for a repeat mammogram and an ultrasound of my right side....could these things be linked somehow...?

Thanks!!!:kiss:

Ali

[salmam1]

Ali,

The lack of hormones in your body, which you use to produce, can lead to a change in the look of your breast tissue. It can, also cause your breasts to produce simple benign cysts. An increase in hormones can cause the same thing, so go and have the spot compression films and ultrasound done and know that, at least, 85% of the time, it turns out to be a benign, hormonally induced or lack there of, process.

I don't know why your doctor put you on Prempro if you aren't having any other symptoms. Are you depressed (lack of hormones), having sleeplessness (lack of hormones), hotflashes (lack of hormones), vaginal dryness (lack of hormones), or any other weird symptoms?

Hope I didn't overwhelm you with my Vast Knowledge? LOL LOL :p PM me if you want to talk privately. You can also PM Mary (chocolasaurus). She's a nurseypoo! Well, a NNP, now, but she use to be a nurseypoo.

xoxoxoxoo
Sal:bcbsalute

[WhereForArt]

Ali, I'm not sure either why you would be on hormones if you're not having any symptoms. I'm the same as you - no hot flashes or depression, just a lack of TOM, so my doctor said I'm fine. She said all I need to watch out for is to make sure I get enough calcium.

I would ask your doctor exactly why he/she wants you on Prempro. It's possible he/she did it because you're young for menopause (I'm now in menopause, but I'm 50), but I would find out for sure. I would never blindly take any medication or hormones without some rational reason.

[mochajava]

Thanks Sal & Mardee! My annual visit wasn't more than 10 minutes long, and the only reason my doctor did a blood workup on me was because of my lack of TOM. We never discussed "if the blood work says this....we'll do this," and he didn't even call me himself to tell me. Maybe if he had he would have given me his reasoning as to why he wanted me to start on hormones. Like I said, I was so surprised when the nurse called that I didn't even THINK to ask. I just make more work for myself!

Anyway, no, I never once complained of anything during my exam...I'm not having any symptoms at all other than the lack of TOM...and I guess that's why I was so surprised, because I've heard from friends and family about how the hotflashes are horrible, and the sleeplessness, etc. Maybe I'll just miss out on all that fun!?

Thanks for the explanation of the mammogram...maybe I'm worrying needlessly about that. I kind of thought after finding out that I'm in menopause that maybe that could have something to do with it.

You all are the best here! I'll keep you posted, and I'll try to do more than just lurk - my mom's condition has deteriorated with the Alzheimer's and every day seems to bring with it a new crisis. Pretty overwhelming and oh so tiring.

Thanks again!
Ali

[kimjomom]

I will be 40 in Nov and was diagnosed perimenpausal in Sept 2003. I was experiencing the most horrible periods with gushing and what I called "chicken parts". I was missing days of work and had several terrible episodes away from home with excessive flow. At first the dr. told me to just take a couple of days off from work on the days of the heaviest flow and try to stay in bed. I have had a miscarriage in the past and honey, I tell you, I could have assured you I was having another one. Once in bed, the flow would stop or slow up, but you let my feet hit the floor--oh boy!! After 4 mos of this NOT working, he put me on Provera 10 days a month. This helped for the first 6-9 mos and then this past Feb I started to notice my periods were coming closer and closer. I ended up having one every 12 -16 days. I was stressed, my husband was stressed and finally, my dr decided on low dose birth control pills. (I had taken birth control from the age of 17 until 36 with a break for babies. I loved them but the dr had advised that it was getting time to come off the them. My dh had a vasectomy and things were going great. ) This is my third cycle on birth control and my periods are coming at the end of the third week of active pills. That is certainly better than they were. This month I did have a little heavier than I thought I should but I not enough to hinder any activities. I am so glad to know that I am not alone in this!!!!!! Along with my crazy periods, I also experience PMS and night sweats.

[vicki]

Hi buddies, I know It's been awhile. Sometimes life gets that way.

I wanted to ask about some new symptoms I'm having:

SOOOOOOO tired. It's like my body starts to shut down. I loose my appetite.(the only redeming thing about this PERI-POOP.

The doc wanted me to be cautious about black cohosh and that started the mess that I've been in since June. I went on a low dose birth control pill to regulate my pariods and to feel better. After a week I had a bad reaction to the pill: shaking, diarreha, head pounding, rapid heart beat, tired, skin feeling very hot to the point where I was dousing myself with bags of ice. (not a hot flash) This went on for a few hours.
Then I went back on progesterone a month later and got another bad reaction. not nearly as bad, but my whole day was shot.
Then a month later I took an Excederine for a back ache and again, although not as bad as the last time.
Now I'm afraid to take any pills, for anything. I get a lot of UTI's and am worried about the next time I have to medicate for it.
Sound familliar anyone????

The tired thing is so debilitating. Part of it is September, being in 2nd grade and all that entails. Stress seems to make it worse. Other times it just comes over me if I do normal stuff.

Any help will be appreciated, or even just a few "me too".
Vicki

[WhereForArt]

Okay, I know this is going to sound like the pregnant woman who immediately notices how many other women are having babies, but here goes...

Vicki, have you had your thyroid checked recently? I had the same symptoms - tiredness, lack of energy - and blamed it on a number of factors. However, my OB-Gyn decided to do a blood test and found that my thyroid had basically quit working. This was causing my tiredness. I've since found out that this is very common among women - something like 1 in every 10 women are affected by it.

I'm now taking Synthroid and feel so much better. I know that it might not be your problem, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to check for it.

One other question - why are you taking hormones? Do you have debilitating menopausal symptoms? If you don't, you might ask your doctor if there is a good reason to be on them. I'm lucky in that I don't have hot flashes, etc., so I decided not to take anything. However, your symptoms might be different than mine.

[KelMar]

my mom's condition has deteriorated with the Alzheimer's and every day seems to bring with it a new crisis. Pretty overwhelming and oh so tiring.

****{Ali}}}

I sure do feel for you. I went through the same thing with my mom and it is one thing after another . Take care of yourself and give me a holler if you ever want to talk.

[KelMar]

Very interesting discussion! I take birth control pills for an unusual reason. When I was fighting to get depression under control I was having only modest success with antidepressants. My counselor kept urging me to go on bc pills. I fought it for a while but felt so lousy I finally gave in. That was the "magic bullet" for me. Boy, if I miss one I can really feel it. I can't help but wonder what effect they will have on menopause. DH keeps telling me that it must be starting because I get cold more than I used to. I tell him it's the weight loss. I really don't think it's unreasonable to shut the doors at night when it's 57 degrees, do you? ;) He will eventually complain about being cold this winter and I can't wait to ask him if he's starting male menopause. LOL

[nancyny]

KelMar, if your siggy is correct and you've lost close to 40 pounds, a good portion of your feeling colder IS the weight loss. It's very common. You will probably need to dress warmer this winter. That's good news, though, because you are probably also much better able to tolerate hot weather!

I don't think it's unreasonable to shut the doors and windows when it's 57 degrees. That's COLD!

[KelMar]

a good portion of your feeling colder IS the weight loss. It's very common.

I thought I had read that somewhere once. I checked out your kitchen pictures. Your cabinets are just like mine! We redid our kitchen in 2001. We started right after 9-11 and finished in January. lol We did the work ourselves so we kinda had to work around DH's other job. ;) We also put some of the old cabinets over the washer. I wish we had saved more but DH hated them so much he didn't want to!

[vicki]

Mardee,
I went on b/c pills to "get normal". nothing too harsh. Now, because I have had bad reactions, I'm not on anything.
I'll ask about the thyroid test.
Because of everything I have read, I'm concerned about going back on black cohosh.
I do take flax seed in my whole grain cereal with soy milk, and a little cinnamon.
Vicki

[NewMe1]

Vicky - About 5 years ago, I started having debilitating fatigue for no obvious reason. My existing doctor said I was just depressed (which can cause fatigue) but I did not feel depressed, just frustrated because I could not perform at work or at home at the level I was accustomed to performing at, due to the extreme exhaustion. I then lost my job due to missing too much work which DID get me depressed since I had always had excellent performance reviews at EVERY job I had ever worked.

I began going to several specialists who one by one diagnosed me with hypothyroidism, diabetes, and fibromyalgia....all of which can cause severe fatigue. I already had been diagnosed many years ago with a sleep disorder where I wake up every few minutes all night long and never get into a deep sleep (and it's not caused by sleep apnea). Each of the docs has tried to help me in their area of specialty, but I have found that I needed to become my own expert on the topics that affect me and look at the big picture (which no single doc can seem to do these days). I have some theories which I won't bore you with, but the bottom line is I have been taking charge of finding therapies that benefit me and non-medication ways to improve my health. I believe that a lot of medication is unnecessary and can have side effects worse than the ailment it is meant to treat. JMHO!

The WW style of living has been one of the best things that has happened to me in that respect. I now have my diabetes under good control, have lowered my cholesterol, and lost a significant amount of my extra weight. This has resulted in my fatigue improving somewhat and many other symptoms going away almost completely. Fatigue is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong! You need to find out what that is and take steps to correct it. The longer you wait it out and hope it goes away (I tried that route first), the harder it is to get rid of later. Get a thorough exam from a doc to find any medical reasons for your fatigue (thyroid, diabetes, etc.) then find a way to treat it that works for you. I hope you get relief sooner than I did. But you've found WW which is an excellent start to getting your health in tip top shape! I wish you the best of health!

~Jamie~

[vicki]

Jamie,
I was thinking about diabetes.
Thanks for getting me thinking about that again.
You are right about taking control of your own issues/problems.
Here's a new thing:
I've had itching (you know where) It comes on around my period, if you can call it a period. I called to get more cream and the nurse told me that because of my drop in estrogen around the time of my period...I get this irritation.
I am picking up a prescription for some kind of estrogen cream. The nurse said it is topical and they even give it to patients that have had breast cancer. She said it doesn't enter the blood stream.
I'll know more when I pick it up today.
Vicki

[darkscore]

Bump up to the top.

[WhereForArt]

Bumpin' up! :headover:

[spunky]

Perimenopause is something that I am probably going through or it really could be menopause right now. I have a prescription in my purse to get the FSH test done, just haven't gotten around to doing it. I was on a very high dose of Premarin and my PCP lowered it due to me having major depression and anxiety. I was taking it for the night sweats of which he felt were more of an anxiety type thing rather than hormone related. Anyway, I have been on a much lower dose of the Estrogen and feel fine and started taking a new antidepressant. I had read that there is a hormonal connection to the depression and anxiety, just never knew anyone else who went through it. I'm glad to find out that I am not the only one who feels like I'm going "nuts". I will be 48 in a couple of days, so much more hormonal issues to be dealing with.:buddysmoo ,:wave:

[promise2grace]

Pulling this up for Colleen!

[New Song]

Pulling this up for Colleen!

Thanks, Gracie.
I'm going to sit down and read this whole thread this afternoon.
Colleen

[nancyny]

I'm starting to wonder if this ever ends.

I got to my year with no TOM. I got my blood tested at my annual exam, and all the levels are menopausal except estrogen.

I thought I had escaped this whole process without a big problem with hot flashes, and then in the last couple of weeks they've started.

The good news is my doctor (actually a CNM) is OK with my weight, happy with my calcium intake, and delighted with my exercise program that includes weight training and cardio, and for those reasons she does not recommend that I take any hormone replacements. I think both my grandmothers had osteoporosis, so in this case WW pays off again!

Colleen, you are in good company.

[New Song]

VERY interesting thread. Goodness, it looks like it only will get "better". Eeeek!
I guess that I just have to keep looking at my beautiful girls and be thankful that I was lucky enough to be a woman and give birth to them! I'll let you know how I feel when the REAL symptoms start showing up! At least I know that with WW, I'll have the nutrition thing covered.

Colleen

[WhereForArt]

Bumping up!

[cathie965]

Thanks for bumping this up. I am not there yet...

[WhereForArt]

Nancy, how are those hot flashes going? I've still been extremely lucky - even with the hysterectomy, I've never had them.

It's also weird in that my libido has actually increased since I started going through menopause

[nancyny]

They have mostly subsided (it's been about a month now), but it was interesting for around 3-4 weeks. It never go so bad that I started flapping my clothes to fan myself, but for a while it seemed like I was unable to regulate my body temperature. I never know what's going to happen next though, or if they may be back.

The next question is when I'm going to be comfortable punting the birth control. One of my aunts (by marriage) had a baby after menopause because she was convinced she didn't have to worry about "that stuff" any more. Surprise!

[WhereForArt]

Yikes! Well, that's one thing I don't have to worry about - the hysterectomy took care of that! :D

[MelodyC]

Ladies...

Thanks a billion for all the wonderful input, websites and books about this , ahem... irritating subject. I'm almost 48 and recently started having hot flashes. I've had heavier periods for the past couple of years and this latest development is making me nuts.

I usually post on the SDS thread of the Buddy groups and occasionally i lurk in the Fab 40s area ;) .

[WhereForArt]

I've seen your posts before, Melody - you should join us in the fab 40's! :D

[jefrado22]

I'm baaaaaack. And I officially completed 1 year without TOM so now I'm officially in menopause. Big whooop. Perimenopause was the WORST. Look what you have to look forward to!!!

Good advice about having the thyroid checked. Also, my doctor wanted me to reintroduce a bit of estrogen and I didn't want to take hormones - we compromised with the cream. I like that I am in control of how much to use (or not) - but was worried that DH's voice might get higher!!! However, I was assured me he wouldn't absorb it that way (for what it's worth - tee hee).

[dobieluver]

TOM is a week late for me, so I guess it's not comoing. No expected weight gain... So Now what.

[jefrado22]

Besides recommending that you read up on various symptoms and potential relief (see list of books above that REALLY helped me), I serious recommend you start keeping track of dates, sypmtoms, etc.

I used a notebook and wrote down the date, stuff I was experiencing, foods I tried for various symptoms, etc... Besides helping to sort it all out, I was able to make a summary page of SIGNIFICANT (or particularly bothersome) symptoms by date and take it to my doctor - she LOVED it and clipped it right into my chart.

Or just use a calendar (dedicated for the purpose) that you can make notes on and easily glance back over. Good luck - I can't tell you how many home pregnancy kits I bought!!! Especially when the time frame between periods got longer and longer - I would CONVINCE myself I was prego!!!

Susan

[Duchess Talks Too Much]

bringing to the top...

[debdatchr]

HI,

I usually post on the 100 plus board, but I saw this thread and needed to ask a question. I'm 47 and my periods have always been regular and last 4-5 days. This month I am on my 10th day and it doesn't seem to want to stop. I haven't had night sweats or anything else. Is this perimenopause or something else I should worry about? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[nancyny]

I would call my doctor about 10 days straight of bleeding. There may be something going on. Irregular periods, including very frequent cyles, can be part of the deal, but 10 days straight sounds wierd to me.

[salmam1]

Deb-I can tell you that I would have 3 week periods and only be off for 1 week at the end, before my hysterectomy. But and here's the big BUT! You need to get it checked out, to make sure that it is just your body being weird and nothing bad is happening. It isn't the norm, but it could be for you. Call your doctor immediately!

xoxoxoxox
Sal:bcbsalute

[debdatchr]

HI,

Thanks for your responses. I did go to the Dr. today and he said basically what you all said, that it could be normal for me, but he is running some tests and I should have them back in a couple days. I will let you all know what happens.

[Winged Victory]

bumping ..... thread referenced on Health thread

[Winged Victory]

I've really appreciated reading this thread.

I realize that a woman's period can cease if her body fat content is too low. Is anyone aware of info. on ceasation being caused only by a drastically reduced intake of fat?

On page 6 of this thread several post concerned FSH scores. I have ranges for Estradiol and FSH tests, so I thought I'd post them here. What I don't understand are the meanings of the various categories. My question here is that I don't understand how the post menopausal range for the FSH is the opposite end of the spectrum from the male range. It is the opposite for the Estradiol. Maybe I'm not understanding the FSH. Anybody?

Estradiol:
Female Ranges:
Midfollicular - 24-114
Periovulatory 62-534