angel_bear
12-31-2004, 02:19 AM
Hi all ....
My statement then question today: and some of you will think I'm mad .. but ..
I CAN'T WAIT for menopause!! To know these damn awful periods will END .. is worth every anticipated hot flush, mood swing and hormone surge !!!
So ....
I'm 43 .. ALWAYS had heavy periods, pain earlier, but childbirth fixed that (fortunately) .. They're still heavy where I need to use TWO super tampons and a super pad every 2 hours for 48 hours (it's exhausting). I got my periods a few weeks before I turned 12. I'VE HAD ENOUGH !!!!
I also have an underactive thyroid, and am on oroxine. High blood pressure is becoming an issue (but it's my lifestyle at the moment). I'm overweight (thyroid issues here) but normally a 'big' girl anyway ... the Gyn put me on some tablets that only made me put on weight and didn't change my periods, and he's been 'ordered to leave town', so I'm a little stuck there.
My local doctors resident nurse suggested I am in 'perimenopause', but I'm not sure what that is, because according to it's symptoms, I've been there for like 30 years now (LOL)
Any ideas? Any solutions? Any HOPE ??????
cheers
Sally
My statement then question today: and some of you will think I'm mad .. but ..
I CAN'T WAIT for menopause!! To know these damn awful periods will END .. is worth every anticipated hot flush, mood swing and hormone surge !!!
So ....
I'm 43 .. ALWAYS had heavy periods, pain earlier, but childbirth fixed that (fortunately) .. They're still heavy where I need to use TWO super tampons and a super pad every 2 hours for 48 hours (it's exhausting). I got my periods a few weeks before I turned 12. I'VE HAD ENOUGH !!!!
I also have an underactive thyroid, and am on oroxine. High blood pressure is becoming an issue (but it's my lifestyle at the moment). I'm overweight (thyroid issues here) but normally a 'big' girl anyway ... the Gyn put me on some tablets that only made me put on weight and didn't change my periods, and he's been 'ordered to leave town', so I'm a little stuck there.
My local doctors resident nurse suggested I am in 'perimenopause', but I'm not sure what that is, because according to it's symptoms, I've been there for like 30 years now (LOL)
Any ideas? Any solutions? Any HOPE ??????
cheers
Sally
Sponsor
kittenlover
12-31-2004, 11:32 AM
It really "starts" when it ends, LOL.
Perimenopause is also called the climactric...this is the process leading up to menopause. Menopause is defined as NOT having your periods for ONE FULL YEAR. It's sort of like hind-sight. You don't know you're in it, till you're in it :) :D
Perimenopause is also called the climactric...this is the process leading up to menopause. Menopause is defined as NOT having your periods for ONE FULL YEAR. It's sort of like hind-sight. You don't know you're in it, till you're in it :) :D
Marimac
12-31-2004, 02:04 PM
Hi all ....
My statement then question today: and some of you will think I'm mad .. but ..
I CAN'T WAIT for menopause!! To know these damn awful periods will END .. is worth every anticipated hot flush, mood swing and hormone surge !!!
So ....
I'm 43 .. ALWAYS had heavy periods, pain earlier, but childbirth fixed that (fortunately) .. They're still heavy where I need to use TWO super tampons and a super pad every 2 hours for 48 hours (it's exhausting). I got my periods a few weeks before I turned 12. I'VE HAD ENOUGH !!!!
I also have an underactive thyroid, and am on oroxine. High blood pressure is becoming an issue (but it's my lifestyle at the moment). I'm overweight (thyroid issues here) but normally a 'big' girl anyway ... the Gyn put me on some tablets that only made me put on weight and didn't change my periods, and he's been 'ordered to leave town', so I'm a little stuck there.
My local doctors resident nurse suggested I am in 'perimenopause', but I'm not sure what that is, because according to it's symptoms, I've been there for like 30 years now (LOL)
Any ideas? Any solutions? Any HOPE ??????
cheers
Sally
I was in your shoes at 43. I am now 53. The thing that worked best for me was to lose the weight. I was fortunate in that I had surgical help. When I lost my weight, the first thing to go was my monthly period. I had about 4 light ones per year for about 3 more years after that. The excess body weight is often and over production of estrogen that the body really loves to use to make all kinds of aggravations and discomfort. As for the hot flushes and mood swings. I have a short hot flush one time per day around sunset, it is not bad, I do not take ANY hormones, and my moods are more stable than they have ever been in my life. My appetite is normal, but I do not feel compelled to pig out either, which was another thing that the estrogen caused me to do. I found out it did not take much of a weight loss for me to start feeling the benefits of the hormones becoming regulated. I hope this will help you some. Otherwise, you may really want to consult your gynecologist for some more assistance regarding the heavy bleeding which is not good. You can be over weight and still not have enough iron to properly run your body.
My statement then question today: and some of you will think I'm mad .. but ..
I CAN'T WAIT for menopause!! To know these damn awful periods will END .. is worth every anticipated hot flush, mood swing and hormone surge !!!
So ....
I'm 43 .. ALWAYS had heavy periods, pain earlier, but childbirth fixed that (fortunately) .. They're still heavy where I need to use TWO super tampons and a super pad every 2 hours for 48 hours (it's exhausting). I got my periods a few weeks before I turned 12. I'VE HAD ENOUGH !!!!
I also have an underactive thyroid, and am on oroxine. High blood pressure is becoming an issue (but it's my lifestyle at the moment). I'm overweight (thyroid issues here) but normally a 'big' girl anyway ... the Gyn put me on some tablets that only made me put on weight and didn't change my periods, and he's been 'ordered to leave town', so I'm a little stuck there.
My local doctors resident nurse suggested I am in 'perimenopause', but I'm not sure what that is, because according to it's symptoms, I've been there for like 30 years now (LOL)
Any ideas? Any solutions? Any HOPE ??????
cheers
Sally
I was in your shoes at 43. I am now 53. The thing that worked best for me was to lose the weight. I was fortunate in that I had surgical help. When I lost my weight, the first thing to go was my monthly period. I had about 4 light ones per year for about 3 more years after that. The excess body weight is often and over production of estrogen that the body really loves to use to make all kinds of aggravations and discomfort. As for the hot flushes and mood swings. I have a short hot flush one time per day around sunset, it is not bad, I do not take ANY hormones, and my moods are more stable than they have ever been in my life. My appetite is normal, but I do not feel compelled to pig out either, which was another thing that the estrogen caused me to do. I found out it did not take much of a weight loss for me to start feeling the benefits of the hormones becoming regulated. I hope this will help you some. Otherwise, you may really want to consult your gynecologist for some more assistance regarding the heavy bleeding which is not good. You can be over weight and still not have enough iron to properly run your body.
molly123
12-31-2004, 02:10 PM
Hi Sally,
Welcome to this board! Well, before you are in menopause, you have to go thru peri-meno first which can be a very difficult road! You are at the age where it is normal to be in peri and if you're lucky, you won't have any unbearable symtoms, but girl, let me tell you, it can be be h*ll !! :eek: For starters, read the posts that are on this board and see what some of the ladies have to go thru - they are in peri and many are suffering everyday. I think I was one of the luckier ones, I didn't have a bad time at all in my 40's - I don't know what it was :confused: but maybe it is b/c I didn't smoke/drink, exercised regularly, ate fairly healthy but didn't take any vitamins but still when I was going into the transition from peri to meno it was horrible! I don't wish it on my worse enemy! LOL! :eek: :eek:
Now, my sister who is the total opposite of me - is a big girl also and also had heavy flooding periods for years, didn't have any symptoms at all except insomina and some skin problems. She ended up getting a hyst in Sept. but she was already very close to menopause anyway (age 52) and isn't even taking any HRT right now and feels fine. She claims it is probably b/c she has a lot of fat cells which is producing estrogen.
Hope to see you continue posting here to keep us up-to-date...
Happy New Year!
molly :wave:
Welcome to this board! Well, before you are in menopause, you have to go thru peri-meno first which can be a very difficult road! You are at the age where it is normal to be in peri and if you're lucky, you won't have any unbearable symtoms, but girl, let me tell you, it can be be h*ll !! :eek: For starters, read the posts that are on this board and see what some of the ladies have to go thru - they are in peri and many are suffering everyday. I think I was one of the luckier ones, I didn't have a bad time at all in my 40's - I don't know what it was :confused: but maybe it is b/c I didn't smoke/drink, exercised regularly, ate fairly healthy but didn't take any vitamins but still when I was going into the transition from peri to meno it was horrible! I don't wish it on my worse enemy! LOL! :eek: :eek:
Now, my sister who is the total opposite of me - is a big girl also and also had heavy flooding periods for years, didn't have any symptoms at all except insomina and some skin problems. She ended up getting a hyst in Sept. but she was already very close to menopause anyway (age 52) and isn't even taking any HRT right now and feels fine. She claims it is probably b/c she has a lot of fat cells which is producing estrogen.
Hope to see you continue posting here to keep us up-to-date...
Happy New Year!
molly :wave:
Hangin in There
12-31-2004, 03:09 PM
Since women LOSE estrogen during menopause and often have to take HRT, isn't it good then to have your own via the "fat"? Wouldn't that cut down on some of the uncomfortable symptoms that thin women might get because they're low on estrogen?
Hopefully
12-31-2004, 03:21 PM
Since women LOSE estrogen during menopause and often have to take HRT, isn't it good then to have your own via the "fat"? Wouldn't that cut down on some of the uncomfortable symptoms that thin women might get because they're low on estrogen?
Hangin, I'm more than 30 pounds overweight and I'm suffering with just about every perimenopause symptom listed. I've heard from my ex-doctor and others that overweight women should experience less meno. symptoms because of the storage of estrogen in their fat cells. Well, I guess I must be the exception along with my sister, mother and several other women that I know. Believe me I wish that overweight theory was true so that I could breeze through this time in my life. Ohhhh, how I wish it was true (sigh). Hmmm...I think even Oprah spoke about having a difficult time.
BTW I have three co-workers who are about 10 pounds overweight and they did not experience any symptoms during peri or menopause. What they have in common is that all three have been on an antidepressant for many, many, many years. All 3 are in their late 50's and not taking any hormones. There are just too many factors involved with this hormone issue.
Hangin, I'm more than 30 pounds overweight and I'm suffering with just about every perimenopause symptom listed. I've heard from my ex-doctor and others that overweight women should experience less meno. symptoms because of the storage of estrogen in their fat cells. Well, I guess I must be the exception along with my sister, mother and several other women that I know. Believe me I wish that overweight theory was true so that I could breeze through this time in my life. Ohhhh, how I wish it was true (sigh). Hmmm...I think even Oprah spoke about having a difficult time.
BTW I have three co-workers who are about 10 pounds overweight and they did not experience any symptoms during peri or menopause. What they have in common is that all three have been on an antidepressant for many, many, many years. All 3 are in their late 50's and not taking any hormones. There are just too many factors involved with this hormone issue.
Hangin in There
12-31-2004, 03:28 PM
I'm overweight too. So far, the only real problem I have is very long and heavy bleeding. I'm hoping I won't need hormones since I have my own estrogen supply. ;)
Hopefully
12-31-2004, 03:53 PM
I'm overweight too. So far, the only real problem I have is very long and heavy bleeding. I'm hoping I won't need hormones since I have my own estrogen supply. ;)
I hope your reserve serve you better than mine is doing ;) :D .
I hope your reserve serve you better than mine is doing ;) :D .
molly123
12-31-2004, 06:10 PM
There must be some truth to this theory (heavier woman vs. thinner woman) b/c I've read it in several books too. I just don't know what kind of fat cell supply you have to have. Hangin and Hopefully, maybe you guys aren't overweight enough. 30 lbs. over isn't that much! My sister who is about 100 lbs. overweight :eek: and like I said she hasn't even had a hot flash! I also have a neighbor friend is also about 75 lbs. over and she's fine.
Now, I'm not tellin two to go and pig out either LOL!.... :nono:
Now, I'm not tellin two to go and pig out either LOL!.... :nono:
pslam 91
12-31-2004, 08:46 PM
My own observation of the weight issue is that it is true. I am the heaviest I have been in my life, 150 lbs. I could stand to lose atleast 10-15 lbs. on the other hand, my sister is going on 49 in Feb, she is much heavier then I am, and when I asked her about hot flashes she had never had one. My best college buddie is overweight too and never had a hot flash. My sister had the heavy bleeding and HBP. All is tapering now at 49 yrs. Her BP was great at her OBGYN appt. When I do lose the weight I suffer worse with the symptoms. I feel better with weight on. My body really does not want to stay in the 130's, because I gain the weight back so quickly. Not like when I was younger.
kittenlover
12-31-2004, 11:55 PM
I know that fat plays some role in symptoms because our bodies can transform some of our fat reserve to mimic estrogen....but I have serveral friends who are quite thin (one is 52 still with a regular period) and no hot flashes or any of the other symptoms.
I myself have recently lost some weight and have only occasional night sweats a few times/year...
I think heredity and diet/exercise must play a role in this as well.
I myself have recently lost some weight and have only occasional night sweats a few times/year...
I think heredity and diet/exercise must play a role in this as well.
angel_bear
01-01-2005, 07:19 PM
I wonder if the old saying "middle age spread" has anything to do with the body creating it's own coping mechanism to deal with the onslaught it's expecting???
??
Thanks for everybody's input, it's been an educational experience, and great to read!
Cheers
Sally
??
Thanks for everybody's input, it's been an educational experience, and great to read!
Cheers
Sally
te34resa
01-02-2005, 12:27 PM
My, you learn something new every day! So this is why I'm suffering - because I'm so skinny! I wish I could gain a couple of stone, I don't have a spare inch of flesh on me, not improved by my digestive disorder so I can't pig out, I don't even weigh 9 st and I'm 5ft 7!
Hangin in There
01-02-2005, 03:44 PM
My mother weighed about 95 pounds and had hot flashes and panic attacks for years.
angel_bear
01-05-2005, 06:39 AM
My mother didn't realise she'd been through menopause until somebody told her ... she was raising the family (hubby, me & my brother) .. working full time ...
she didn't NOTICE she'd hit menopause !!
Skinny all her life until "mid life", when she hit a size 18 and got breasts (she was so happy) ...
never had a sweat, a tremor, a hot flush .. nada, zilch nothing.
Mind you .. I am adopted .. so who knows?? But just sharing that some people quite simply DON'T NOTICE (I would.... no periods ... Yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Cheers
Sally
she didn't NOTICE she'd hit menopause !!
Skinny all her life until "mid life", when she hit a size 18 and got breasts (she was so happy) ...
never had a sweat, a tremor, a hot flush .. nada, zilch nothing.
Mind you .. I am adopted .. so who knows?? But just sharing that some people quite simply DON'T NOTICE (I would.... no periods ... Yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Cheers
Sally
angel_bear
01-05-2005, 06:41 AM
Just more a note to self: Is this early symptoms??
Heart palpatations
MAJOR mood swings (blissfully patient and happy one moment, a screaming banchee the next - being a Gemini is not included K?)
skin changes
(I do have an underactive thyroid)
severe lack of libido (although do lead a strenous life .. so that could have something to do with it)
shakes occasionally
can't think of other symptoms right now .. and???
Cheers
Sally
Heart palpatations
MAJOR mood swings (blissfully patient and happy one moment, a screaming banchee the next - being a Gemini is not included K?)
skin changes
(I do have an underactive thyroid)
severe lack of libido (although do lead a strenous life .. so that could have something to do with it)
shakes occasionally
can't think of other symptoms right now .. and???
Cheers
Sally
molly123
01-05-2005, 12:15 PM
Hi sally,
Most of my senior women friends don't remember their time with menopause. They didn't go to drs. even. They said they just stopped having their periods one day, also didn't have hot flashes. Because I don't have kids to raise, etc. and no life struggles, I was told that I had too much time in my hands and that was why I was dwelling/noticing every little symptom. Perhaps, it's the water, the air, the environment that are causing us to have so many women health issues these days?!! :eek: Sure makes me wonder...
molly :wave:
Most of my senior women friends don't remember their time with menopause. They didn't go to drs. even. They said they just stopped having their periods one day, also didn't have hot flashes. Because I don't have kids to raise, etc. and no life struggles, I was told that I had too much time in my hands and that was why I was dwelling/noticing every little symptom. Perhaps, it's the water, the air, the environment that are causing us to have so many women health issues these days?!! :eek: Sure makes me wonder...
molly :wave:
pslam 91
01-05-2005, 12:40 PM
Yes mustage those are common symptoms. I am a stay at home mom, so maybe that is why I notice. I am busy through out the day but it doesnt take too much brains to load a dish washer or scub a tub. I teach piano at home and sell on Ebay, and take care of my son.I thinkGod has given post meno women the grace to forget. Think back, do you specifically remember the pain of the trying times in your 20's? You might remember certain details of the struggles and that it was hard, but somehow the pain of it is forgotten. Even the pain of my father passing away when I was 30 is gone. I remember it being stressful and being so tired from lack of sleep. grieving for a year and a half, but the pain is somewhat forgotten. I really believe it will be that way for us in menopause. We will look back and think about the anxiety and shakes and all the lousey symptoms, but the pain of it will be distant. What do you all think?
Hopefully
01-05-2005, 02:26 PM
Yes mustage those are common symptoms. I am a stay at home mom, so maybe that is why I notice. I am busy through out the day but it doesnt take too much brains to load a dish washer or scub a tub. I teach piano at home and sell on Ebay, and take care of my son.I thinkGod has given post meno women the grace to forget. Think back, do you specifically remember the pain of the trying times in your 20's? You might remember certain details of the struggles and that it was hard, but somehow the pain of it is forgotten. Even the pain of my father passing away when I was 30 is gone. I remember it being stressful and being so tired from lack of sleep. grieving for a year and a half, but the pain is somewhat forgotten. I really believe it will be that way for us in menopause. We will look back and think about the anxiety and shakes and all the lousey symptoms, but the pain of it will be distant. What do you all think?
I look forward to forgetting about the nightmare of perimenopause. Right now I just don't see myself forgetting. I may forget the intensity of the pain, like how I forgot most of the pain of child birth, but this emotional stuff is.......Ahhhhhhhh....yes, it's beyond words. :D
I look forward to forgetting about the nightmare of perimenopause. Right now I just don't see myself forgetting. I may forget the intensity of the pain, like how I forgot most of the pain of child birth, but this emotional stuff is.......Ahhhhhhhh....yes, it's beyond words. :D
Nance77
01-05-2005, 04:33 PM
Hi sally,
Most of my senior women friends don't remember their time with menopause. They didn't go to drs. even. They said they just stopped having their periods one day, also didn't have hot flashes. Because I don't have kids to raise, etc. and no life struggles, I was told that I had too much time in my hands and that was why I was dwelling/noticing every little symptom. Perhaps, it's the water, the air, the environment that are causing us to have so many women health issues these days?!! :eek: Sure makes me wonder...
molly :wave:
I was thinking that too...Maybe I think and analyze each symptom too much, cos I have too much time on my hands also...I work from home for my husbands company on the computer, etc., and do the regular old housework and I also sell on ebay....But its not like I'm really busy like some that work outside the home..I also have a pet sitting business, but not alot of clients right now with the winter here....Sometimes I think I should do more, but with the way I feel alot of the time, i can barely do what I do! I just want to lay in bed some days and can barely get up....And the overall anxiety and depression is the worst, esp. worrying about the new symptoms that seem to come up every day....
So, for now I'll just try to do what I can, and hope each day gets better and this is all over soon... :cool:
Most of my senior women friends don't remember their time with menopause. They didn't go to drs. even. They said they just stopped having their periods one day, also didn't have hot flashes. Because I don't have kids to raise, etc. and no life struggles, I was told that I had too much time in my hands and that was why I was dwelling/noticing every little symptom. Perhaps, it's the water, the air, the environment that are causing us to have so many women health issues these days?!! :eek: Sure makes me wonder...
molly :wave:
I was thinking that too...Maybe I think and analyze each symptom too much, cos I have too much time on my hands also...I work from home for my husbands company on the computer, etc., and do the regular old housework and I also sell on ebay....But its not like I'm really busy like some that work outside the home..I also have a pet sitting business, but not alot of clients right now with the winter here....Sometimes I think I should do more, but with the way I feel alot of the time, i can barely do what I do! I just want to lay in bed some days and can barely get up....And the overall anxiety and depression is the worst, esp. worrying about the new symptoms that seem to come up every day....
So, for now I'll just try to do what I can, and hope each day gets better and this is all over soon... :cool: