Is this the dreaded "change"? - Menopause Message Board

NMc · 04-27-2003, 01:06 PM

Hi ladies (and any curious males):
I had an appendectomy in my early 20s (I am now 47)which also resulted in the removal of a rather large cyst and a unilateral oophorectomy. Since then, my periods were blessedly pain-free (for the most part) and regular. About a year ago, my periods became less regular and were accompanied by cramping. At the same time, it was discovered that I had hypertensive heart disease and hyperlipemia and I was put on a number of meds to control both. Of late, I've started to experience palpitations (which I attributed to the calcium channel blockers), abdominal swelling (fluid?), dull ache in the lower abdomen (not always associated with period though), and a general feeling of "something isn't right". Both my sister and mother had complete hysterectomies in their early 20s-30's (endometriosis I think), so have no idea what the natural course of menopause might be for me based on their histories. Given my age and symptoms, and the fact I had an ovary removed so many years ago, is it possible I have finally arrived at the "change"? I don't seem to have any mood swings or hot-flashes that others here have experienced, so am really at a loss as to what is going on. Your ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Nancy

mlgable · 04-30-2003, 08:14 AM

The abdominal swelling and dull ache needs to be checked out by the doc. This is not a normal part of perimenopause. The erratic periods etc is but it really sounds like something more might be going on so see the doc and get this checked out.

NMc · 04-30-2003, 02:45 PM

Hi mlgable:
Thanks for responding. The discomfort has become enough of a problem that I finally contacted my PCP, who has scheduled an ultrasound for next week. Not sure what that will reveal (hopefully nothing) but a first step.
Thanks again.
Nancy

MrsKramden · 05-02-2003, 06:40 PM

Hi, NMc - I am new here

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While I was in perimenopause , I developed a functional ovarian cyst which was due to not ovulating. It caused a dull ache in the area of my back and side.It was biopsied and I have had a million sonograms on it and being monitored .In March, I tested positive for Menopause.

It's funny. We hear all of the sterotypical symptoms of menopause, but the truth is that each woman's experience is different.

In August of 2001 I experienced a period which entailed such severe cramps, the likes I had never experienced before. It felt like what labor pains must feel like, that's the only way I could describe it.

My cholesterol more than doubled ! It was usually 142 but than it went up to 275 ! The only hot flashes I was experiencing were very mild, infrequent blushing.Not a problem but this made me feel like things were changing.The hot "blushes" seemed to have stopped after I entered manopause.

The severe cramping only happened with the one period and I went to a gynecologist who was very quick and didn't offer a good explaination except that since I had skipped 2 periods prior, it was squeezing. She also refused to give me an FHS test to see if I was perimenopausal.

Nine months later, a different gynecologist tested me and I was peri and than nine months later I went into Menopause. It's so helpful to get the FSH test, though. This way, I knew I wasn't imaging things and I am 43, so this can happen early on, I've learned.

NMc · 05-03-2003, 06:17 AM

Hello MrsKramden:
Welcome to the board and thank you for your response. I've done much searching of the web of late and suspect my "change" symptoms may be compounded by an ovarian cyst, or perhaps some degree of adhesion from the appendectomy. The ultrasound should at least rule out the former. My sudden rise in cholesterol was a bit of mystery, as none of my siblings has this problem. Might there be some relationship between perimenopause and cholesterol increase? Wouldn't that just be icing on the cake?!
Nancy