Jenny R.
01-22-2007, 06:11 PM
I am 35, soon to be 36, for the last 5 years, I have had migraines, which I never had before this time, weird bug crawling sensations on my face, scalp, legs, and back. The bug crawling sensations is very bad about a week before my period. Migraines come with ovulation, and when period starts, I have insomnia, and once I do get to sleep, about 4 in the morning, I have a hard time getting up, periods our light one month, heavy other times, and they range anywhere from 22-32 days apart. My muscles are sore, hair and skin is definently different, and heart palpitations. Sometimes at night I am awakened by a sudden internal trembling, its so scary and weird. I have had all kinds of bloodwork to rule out anything serious, such as Lupus, RA, Lyme, myeloma, sed rate is normal, thyroid, normal, just last week my gyn had me have my hormone level checked, haven't got the results back yet. My maternal gram went through menopause, naturally at 39, my mother at 50. My neuro wants to do a lumbar puncture next, to rule out MS. My brain, lumbar, thoracic, and c-spine MRI are normal except for a bulging disk at C-3. Does this sound hormonal. Forgot to, neuro told me that she was going to make all the bug crawling sensations go away, it will take a few weeks with the Metanx, but you will notice a big difference. I felt great for 3 weeks, until the PMS started the week before my period, and BAM, everything was back to where it started. Now that I'm finished with my period, its starting to calm down a little, but not as good as before. What do you think? I'm lost. Thanks so much!!!!!! Jen:wave:
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katidid95
01-22-2007, 06:30 PM
All the symptoms you are describing could be peri. I think you are smart to get checked out by your doctor, if anything, to rule out other issues and have peace of mind. Especially since you are on the young side. It will be interesting to see where your hormones are at. I started having peri symptoms around age 38 with an increase in migraines (although not severe, just more frequent), heavy cramps, increased PMS, periods closer together and mild insomnia during PMS. In my early 40's, I also started having increased fatigue and more insomnia, a few hot flashes here and there and lots of chills (basically my body mainly too cold and occasionally too warm, ha!). I read a couple of books about menopause and peri and changed my diet and started taking more supplements. Then about 2 years ago, I also started having horrible anxiety, racing heart or heat palps, dizzyness, horrible insomnia (somethings literally getting about 1-2 hours of sleep) - I thought I was dying of some horrible disease. When I finally had my hormones tested, my Doctor told me I was at menopausal levels even though I still had periods (I'm 48 now). Anyway, I'm now on bioidentical hormones which have helped tremendously, although I still have all or some of my previous symptoms, only at much milder and more manageable levels (and it also helps to know that I don't have some horrible fatal disease! ;)
If you read through the boards, you will see a lot of threads about natural remedies, such as supplements that can help with some things. I take 400 mg of magnesium and have found that it helps with reduced frequency of migraines (as well as cutting way back on the red wine). I also take fish/flax oil capsules, iron, potassium, calcium.
If you read through the boards, you will see a lot of threads about natural remedies, such as supplements that can help with some things. I take 400 mg of magnesium and have found that it helps with reduced frequency of migraines (as well as cutting way back on the red wine). I also take fish/flax oil capsules, iron, potassium, calcium.
Jenny R.
01-22-2007, 06:52 PM
Thanks Katidid95!!!! I think I'm on a long journey!!!!
Deeraysmom
01-22-2007, 06:57 PM
:wave: ..... Welcome to my world........ Have had all those symptoms too.... Also little zaps that make you jump as if your being shocked...:eek: ... Good that you went to your dr. and had a harmone level test....... but I bet it's ugly old peri showing it's face...... Best of luck... Dee :angel:
Jenny R.
01-22-2007, 07:02 PM
Deeraysmom, you had the bug crawling sensations, too? Did you ever get buzzing sensations also? I can't stand it, it drives me crazy!!!! Thanks so much!!!:dizzy:
Deeraysmom
01-22-2007, 08:46 PM
Jenny what really gets me is the ringing in my ears........ lol..... good luck on your journey... Dee :angel:
susieQn
01-23-2007, 11:31 PM
Yikes - I had that feeling too. I just found out last week I am at menopause levels. I have been sweating and freezing - waking up soaking wet... and the crawling tingling sensation in my face almost drove me out of my mind one day. If felt like there were carpenter ants crawling in my face and biting me. I am also having severe burning mouth off and on. Anyone have that?
Thanx! Susan :eek:
Thanx! Susan :eek:
Deeraysmom
01-24-2007, 10:44 AM
:wave: ..... Susan........ There are so many weird things going on with my body at this stage, I just can't wait for tomorrow and find out what new symptoms I might have...:eek: ....... { lol }........ Wish you the best...... Dee :angel:
Debtone
01-24-2007, 11:14 AM
Susan,
I know what you mean about the creepy crawlies and burning mouth, what with the flushing up my neck and everything else, I eventually gave in and started HRT 3 months ago.
I have to say, all those symptoms have vanished.
:)
I know what you mean about the creepy crawlies and burning mouth, what with the flushing up my neck and everything else, I eventually gave in and started HRT 3 months ago.
I have to say, all those symptoms have vanished.
:)
Deeraysmom
01-24-2007, 01:19 PM
WoW..... ain't it grand to be a woman.........:jester: .......... Dee :angel:
Jenny R.
01-25-2007, 12:27 PM
How about burning, itching skin? My skin feel prickly, like a burning sometimes, and then it will itch. I don't know if this is part of the hormone thing or not? Anyone else?:confused:
BrandyBobs Lady
01-25-2007, 04:30 PM
Jenny, everything you have described says you are in peri. Having your hormone levels tested probably won't tell you much. On another site I have read many women get tested and our hormones range widely throughout the month. One woman was tested and told congratulations you are in menopause. Not too long after she got her period. Her hormone levels suggested that she was in menopause. Every woman who has been on the site has had the same strange sensations that you have. I feel like I have bugs crawling in my hair, my arms, my back, my legs, etc. I scratch and it gives me the heeby jeebies. I get the heart palps, anxiety big time but I have no reason to feel anxious, indigestion or heartburn, a full feeling in my belly like a small ball is just sitting right under my sternum. I get dizzy and lightheaded and feel like I walk around in a fog from time to time. My energy levels comes and goes. One day I can be a ball of energy and the next I come crashing down. I haven't had a period since June 2006. Sometimes it feels like it wants to start but never does. My boobs get heavy and are sore whenever I take my bra off. They feel like they weigh a friggin ton. lol
And to think...this fun is only JUST beginning...OH JOY! lol :dizzy:
And to think...this fun is only JUST beginning...OH JOY! lol :dizzy:
BrandyBobs Lady
01-25-2007, 04:35 PM
Oh yeh...I just read your last post too. Prickly skin? Most definitely. Skin gets extremely dry and it will feel like your skin is on fire and itches like crazy. I had a patch on my left hip that kept irritating me to death and I'd scratch until it was red. I get the pricklies on my arms and around my face and neck and the top of my head. Drives me nuts.
Lets not forget night sweats...which I haven't had often thank God but hot flashes are coming more and more. I've had cold flashes too where you just can't seem to warm up. I wear a light nightgown to bed and its generally cool in my bedroom and I am alternating between yanking my blankets off cuz I am wicked hot and then covering back up cuz I am freezing.
Lets not forget night sweats...which I haven't had often thank God but hot flashes are coming more and more. I've had cold flashes too where you just can't seem to warm up. I wear a light nightgown to bed and its generally cool in my bedroom and I am alternating between yanking my blankets off cuz I am wicked hot and then covering back up cuz I am freezing.
Deeraysmom
01-25-2007, 06:24 PM
[-removed-]
susieQn
01-26-2007, 12:13 AM
All of you wonderful women dealing with this...
We can send a man to the moon but we can't fix a hot flash????? What's up with that?
I too gave in and started HRT 2 weeks ago - it's not really helping - yet. If things don't significantly improve I will just go off it and rely on all the herbal and vitamin concoctions I have created.
Much luck to all of you!!!!!
Susan
We can send a man to the moon but we can't fix a hot flash????? What's up with that?
I too gave in and started HRT 2 weeks ago - it's not really helping - yet. If things don't significantly improve I will just go off it and rely on all the herbal and vitamin concoctions I have created.
Much luck to all of you!!!!!
Susan
Jenny R.
01-26-2007, 02:16 PM
Hello everyone!!! Well, doc called today, said the hormone levels are all normal. Is it true that this is not a reliable test? I feel something strange is going on in my body. With all the other tests so far being normal, it seems that this is the only explanation. Why is it normal then? Very frustrated to say the least!!!! :confused:
Debtone
01-27-2007, 01:29 AM
HRT took 2 months before I felt any effect, I know alot of women don't agree with HRT but I have to say, no more creepy crawlies, no more itching, no hot flushes.
Wonderful.
:)
Wonderful.
:)
katidid95
01-27-2007, 06:50 PM
Jenny:
I've read different opinions about what types of hormone testing are the most reliable. Before I moved a year ago, I sought out a Dr. who specialized in treating women in peri and menopause with natural remedies and bioidentical hormones (which are made by a compounding pharmacy). She had me test my hormones using a saliva kit. She sold them and you take home to do the test, then mail off to have it processed. The results went back to her and she read them for me. We timed it so that the test is performed as close to your period as possible, when your hormones tend to be at their lowest.
Some doctors don't believe it is an accurate way of testing. My first test came back with all my hormones at menopausal levels, even though I still have cycles. After being on bioidentical hormones for 6 months, we did another test. I was a little high in estrogen and testosterone, so she adjusted my prescription. So for me, the results made sense and seemed to correspond with how I had been feeling.
Then I had to move. I found another gyno that does prescribe bioidentical hormones and have seen her once. She went ahead and did a blood test of my hormones just to have a place marker because I've been feeling pretty good. To be honest, I didn't really even ask her to explain the blood tests, which I probably should have.
I guess at this point, maybe the best thing is to try as many remedies (like supplements, diet and exercise, etc.) to see if it helps you at all. Then if not, try to find a doctor who specializes in treating peri and menopausal women (which is easier if you live in a bigger city).
I've read different opinions about what types of hormone testing are the most reliable. Before I moved a year ago, I sought out a Dr. who specialized in treating women in peri and menopause with natural remedies and bioidentical hormones (which are made by a compounding pharmacy). She had me test my hormones using a saliva kit. She sold them and you take home to do the test, then mail off to have it processed. The results went back to her and she read them for me. We timed it so that the test is performed as close to your period as possible, when your hormones tend to be at their lowest.
Some doctors don't believe it is an accurate way of testing. My first test came back with all my hormones at menopausal levels, even though I still have cycles. After being on bioidentical hormones for 6 months, we did another test. I was a little high in estrogen and testosterone, so she adjusted my prescription. So for me, the results made sense and seemed to correspond with how I had been feeling.
Then I had to move. I found another gyno that does prescribe bioidentical hormones and have seen her once. She went ahead and did a blood test of my hormones just to have a place marker because I've been feeling pretty good. To be honest, I didn't really even ask her to explain the blood tests, which I probably should have.
I guess at this point, maybe the best thing is to try as many remedies (like supplements, diet and exercise, etc.) to see if it helps you at all. Then if not, try to find a doctor who specializes in treating peri and menopausal women (which is easier if you live in a bigger city).
Gavi112
01-29-2007, 07:09 PM
Im in no way disputing what evryone else has said but I picked up on you having a bulging disc at C3. I have severe prolapsed disc and arthritis at C5/6 and get alot of the sensations you are describing, the crawling the buzzing the electric shock sensations etc etc and have been told its nerve damage from my neck. i also get vertigo and dizziness.
I am in perimenopause at moment at 45 with erratic periods so I sympathise!
I am in perimenopause at moment at 45 with erratic periods so I sympathise!