Is It Over Yet? The Perimenopause Thread
Replies
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »If you haven't joined us in this group yet... please do! We'd love more active posters!
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
I've joined...I didn't see a lot of action...will try to get gabby over there!
So often it seems that threads see more action than groups... maybe they just have higher visibility.2 -
Who is this Gabby woman, and is she also menopausal?
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »If you haven't joined us in this group yet... please do! We'd love more active posters!
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
I've joined...I didn't see a lot of action...will try to get gabby over there!
So often it seems that threads see more action than groups... maybe they just have higher visibility.
True... though there may be a question or two you feel more comfortable asking in that group than on here?
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I find that I am very bad at being in groups. I forget that there are separate sets of rules and I get myself in trouble. So I just avoid being active in comments in groups. I tend to read posts and get a lot of good info that way.3
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A little crazy is fun and interesting. A lot crazy might be somewhat scary... 0
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Back to "PMS" without the "M".... I have been pondering this. Those of you who experience it, can you pin it to a particular hormone sequence? Do you have a theory about what is going on?
Specifically, I'm wondering what parts of the cycle are present & absent. E.g.
a) Is estrogen too low to trigger the uterine lining to thicken (no "M")? The sharp estrogen increase that initiates the uterine thickening also suppresses FSH, so maybe FSH stays high and you get ovulation (progesterone release at follicular rupture) and all its symptoms? But no menstruation because there was no thickening in the first place?
b) Or is it the opposite, where there is no ovulation/progesterone? Where you do have enough estrogen to prompt uterine thickening but as hormones were never terribly high in the first place (especially progesterone), there is no sharp fall to trigger shedding?
I can really feel progesterone, and I like it. I feel uncommonly strong and have a great sense of well-being between ovulation & menstruation. I'm definitely more aggressive and feel kind of bulletproof. I've often wondered if those are the effects of testosterone (synthesized from progesterone as a precursor hormone) and not progesterone at all. I know some women have the worst symptoms when I am feeling the best. Weird. I have a little trepidation about the progesterone drop off.
I'm really curious what it feels like is going on to other women.0 -
Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight
I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging. 1 -
Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
I don't know how you feel about the birth control pill, but have you ever considered taking the bc pill continuously? I started about 1 1/2 years ago because my TOM symptoms had simply become unbearable, and it has changed my life! No more periods is an amazing thing. I do have some spotting, but it is totally worth it.0 -
Glad you all bumped it, I'll be catching up on the reading here....!0
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Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
I don't know how you feel about the birth control pill, but have you ever considered taking the bc pill continuously? I started about 1 1/2 years ago because my TOM symptoms had simply become unbearable, and it has changed my life! No more periods is an amazing thing. I do have some spotting, but it is totally worth it.
This is a relatively new development for me... I guess let's say I might be considering it going forward 0 -
Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
I don't know how you feel about the birth control pill, but have you ever considered taking the bc pill continuously? I started about 1 1/2 years ago because my TOM symptoms had simply become unbearable, and it has changed my life! No more periods is an amazing thing. I do have some spotting, but it is totally worth it.
This is a relatively new development for me... I guess let's say I might be considering it going forward
I am one that tends towards trying all other options before pharmaceuticals, so in light of that, some other things to consider before BC might be - evening primrose oil (1300mg twice a day), red raspberry (either as a tea or capsules multiple times a day), progesterone cream (starting with OTC or another option is bio-identical prescribed), omega-3's in large doses (assuming you have no blood diseases and are not taking blood thinners).
I think the two things that have balanced things out the most in my house have been evening primrose oil and progesterone cream. It took about 3-4 months of daily use for the evening primrose oil to balance things out. The progesterone cream can be used on the spot as needed so can provide immediate relief for emotional issues but requires regular use for long term cramps/pain. It can be used daily (amount adjusted for symptoms as needed) or from days 14-cycle start if you know when your regular cycle is.
And when all else fails.........there's always BC. 0 -
Okay, read/scanned most of the posts.
I'm 43. Was lways like clockwork. Still am, but down to about 25 day cycles from 28 day ones. My periods used to last what felt like forever, with maybe one kinda heavy day. In the last 5 years or so, the cycle has shortened, I'll have 2-4 days of light brown spotting beforehand (which I read is a sign of low progesterone) then BAM! 2 days of such heavy bleeding I have to use the biggest tampons on the market and change out every two hours, AND wear a pad just in case. Then it is over. It's like my old 5-7 day periods are now crammed into 2!
Started having hot flashes about a year ago, but those seem to have waned. Started getting dizzy a lot last summer and found out I was pre-hypertensive. Not on meds, but watching diet and exercising more. No more dizzy, so I dunno.
A couple of years back I was hit with some pretty nasty anxiety and depression, mostly around my TOM. Thought I had pre-menstrual pyschosis! Doc put me on zoloft for awhile. I'm off those, and the emotions seem to be better in check, but still get cranky the week before TOM.
Love my doc, had him for 20 years, but he insists I'm not peri. This is about the same age my mom started "going through the change" so....I tend to think *something* is going on.
Next appt. I'm going to ask to have my progesterone levels checked....0 -
Okay, read/scanned most of the posts.
I'm 43. Was lways like clockwork. Still am, but down to about 25 day cycles from 28 day ones. My periods used to last what felt like forever, with maybe one kinda heavy day. In the last 5 years or so, the cycle has shortened, I'll have 2-4 days of light brown spotting beforehand (which I read is a sign of low progesterone) then BAM! 2 days of such heavy bleeding I have to use the biggest tampons on the market and change out every two hours, AND wear a pad just in case. Then it is over. It's like my old 5-7 day periods are now crammed into 2!
Started having hot flashes about a year ago, but those seem to have waned. Started getting dizzy a lot last summer and found out I was pre-hypertensive. Not on meds, but watching diet and exercising more. No more dizzy, so I dunno.
A couple of years back I was hit with some pretty nasty anxiety and depression, mostly around my TOM. Thought I had pre-menstrual pyschosis! Doc put me on zoloft for awhile. I'm off those, and the emotions seem to be better in check, but still get cranky the week before TOM.
Love my doc, had him for 20 years, but he insists I'm not peri. This is about the same age my mom started "going through the change" so....I tend to think *something* is going on.
Next appt. I'm going to ask to have my progesterone levels checked....
Um, sure sounds like peri to me! And almost exactly what I have experienced in terms of cycle length changes, flow, etc. I've had no hot flashes at all but have already missed a cycle. That all started for me around 41-42. I'll be 47 in a few weeks (missed my first cycle this year). Progesterone is a life saver!! Definitely get it checked and if it's not in the upper 2/3 of the lab range I would push for supplementing your body with bio-identical if he'll do it (it can be tweaked for exactly what you need vs. prometrium which cannot be exacted). If he won't, you can try OTC creams but if you're really low they won't be strong enough for you. If you're just slightly low, they'll work. My DD uses an OTC but she's only 19 and is borderline low.2 -
I entered this thread more out of curiosity. I had a partial hysterectomy several years ago. I did have an ultrasound done on my ovaries a couple of years ago because of some recurring abdominal pain, but the tech said I had "beautiful ovaries" . . . . whatever. I'm in my mid 40s. I'm just wondering what the symptoms are for those of us who don't have the periods anymore but still have our ovaries? Anybody have experience with this?2
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ronjsteele1 wrote: »Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
I don't know how you feel about the birth control pill, but have you ever considered taking the bc pill continuously? I started about 1 1/2 years ago because my TOM symptoms had simply become unbearable, and it has changed my life! No more periods is an amazing thing. I do have some spotting, but it is totally worth it.
This is a relatively new development for me... I guess let's say I might be considering it going forward
I am one that tends towards trying all other options before pharmaceuticals, so in light of that, some other things to consider before BC might be - evening primrose oil (1300mg twice a day), red raspberry (either as a tea or capsules multiple times a day), progesterone cream (starting with OTC or another option is bio-identical prescribed), omega-3's in large doses (assuming you have no blood diseases and are not taking blood thinners).
I think the two things that have balanced things out the most in my house have been evening primrose oil and progesterone cream. It took about 3-4 months of daily use for the evening primrose oil to balance things out. The progesterone cream can be used on the spot as needed so can provide immediate relief for emotional issues but requires regular use for long term cramps/pain. It can be used daily (amount adjusted for symptoms as needed) or from days 14-cycle start if you know when your regular cycle is.
And when all else fails.........there's always BC.
Lol, Patti! I thought I remembered you mentioning evening primrose oil on here and as I was lying awake last night waiting for the ibuprofen to kick in, I made a mental note to PM you & ask about the dosage (but you know how it goes with mental notes these days ) Also, would there be any harm in trying OTC progesterone without having had your levels checked? 0 -
I entered this thread more out of curiosity. I had a partial hysterectomy several years ago. I did have an ultrasound done on my ovaries a couple of years ago because of some recurring abdominal pain, but the tech said I had "beautiful ovaries" . . . . whatever. I'm in my mid 40s. I'm just wondering what the symptoms are for those of us who don't have the periods anymore but still have our ovaries? Anybody have experience with this?
I can't answer your specific question, but I was also having problems with chronic pain and wasn't sure if it could all be attributed to perimenopause. Just as an FYI, I thought it might be helpful to share this list of other potential culprits:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-pelvic-pain/symptoms-causes/dxc-202081360 -
ronjsteele1 wrote: »Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
I don't know how you feel about the birth control pill, but have you ever considered taking the bc pill continuously? I started about 1 1/2 years ago because my TOM symptoms had simply become unbearable, and it has changed my life! No more periods is an amazing thing. I do have some spotting, but it is totally worth it.
This is a relatively new development for me... I guess let's say I might be considering it going forward
I am one that tends towards trying all other options before pharmaceuticals, so in light of that, some other things to consider before BC might be - evening primrose oil (1300mg twice a day), red raspberry (either as a tea or capsules multiple times a day), progesterone cream (starting with OTC or another option is bio-identical prescribed), omega-3's in large doses (assuming you have no blood diseases and are not taking blood thinners).
I think the two things that have balanced things out the most in my house have been evening primrose oil and progesterone cream. It took about 3-4 months of daily use for the evening primrose oil to balance things out. The progesterone cream can be used on the spot as needed so can provide immediate relief for emotional issues but requires regular use for long term cramps/pain. It can be used daily (amount adjusted for symptoms as needed) or from days 14-cycle start if you know when your regular cycle is.
And when all else fails.........there's always BC.
Lol, Patti! I thought I remembered you mentioning evening primrose oil on here and as I was lying awake last night waiting for the ibuprofen to kick in, I made a mental note to PM you & ask about the dosage (but you know how it goes with mental notes these days ) Also, would there be any harm in trying OTC progesterone without having had your levels checked?
I recommend getting Dr. Christiane Northrup's 'Wisdom of Menopause', reading the progesterone sections, and if they resonate get a progesterone cream like Emerita's Pro-Gest (random wild yam creams are probably a waste of money.)
Dr. Northrup's books are available in my library system, so maybe yours as well.1 -
I entered this thread more out of curiosity. I had a partial hysterectomy several years ago. I did have an ultrasound done on my ovaries a couple of years ago because of some recurring abdominal pain, but the tech said I had "beautiful ovaries" . . . . whatever. I'm in my mid 40s. I'm just wondering what the symptoms are for those of us who don't have the periods anymore but still have our ovaries? Anybody have experience with this?
Just did a little looking and it sounds like if you still have your ovaries, the symptoms are basically the same:
https://www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk/latest-news/symptoms-of-the-menopause/
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/Period-cramps-after-hysterectomy-0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »ronjsteele1 wrote: »Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
I don't know how you feel about the birth control pill, but have you ever considered taking the bc pill continuously? I started about 1 1/2 years ago because my TOM symptoms had simply become unbearable, and it has changed my life! No more periods is an amazing thing. I do have some spotting, but it is totally worth it.
This is a relatively new development for me... I guess let's say I might be considering it going forward
I am one that tends towards trying all other options before pharmaceuticals, so in light of that, some other things to consider before BC might be - evening primrose oil (1300mg twice a day), red raspberry (either as a tea or capsules multiple times a day), progesterone cream (starting with OTC or another option is bio-identical prescribed), omega-3's in large doses (assuming you have no blood diseases and are not taking blood thinners).
I think the two things that have balanced things out the most in my house have been evening primrose oil and progesterone cream. It took about 3-4 months of daily use for the evening primrose oil to balance things out. The progesterone cream can be used on the spot as needed so can provide immediate relief for emotional issues but requires regular use for long term cramps/pain. It can be used daily (amount adjusted for symptoms as needed) or from days 14-cycle start if you know when your regular cycle is.
And when all else fails.........there's always BC.
Lol, Patti! I thought I remembered you mentioning evening primrose oil on here and as I was lying awake last night waiting for the ibuprofen to kick in, I made a mental note to PM you & ask about the dosage (but you know how it goes with mental notes these days ) Also, would there be any harm in trying OTC progesterone without having had your levels checked?
I recommend getting Dr. Christiane Northrup's 'Wisdom of Menopause', reading the progesterone sections, and if they resonate get a progesterone cream like Emerita's Pro-Gest (random wild yam creams are probably a waste of money.)
Dr. Northrup's books are available in my library system, so maybe yours as well.
Just put it on hold- thank you!1 -
kshama2001 wrote: »
Lol, Patti! I thought I remembered you mentioning evening primrose oil on here and as I was lying awake last night waiting for the ibuprofen to kick in, I made a mental note to PM you & ask about the dosage (but you know how it goes with mental notes these days ) Also, would there be any harm in trying OTC progesterone without having had your levels checked?
I recommend getting Dr. Christiane Northrup's 'Wisdom of Menopause', reading the progesterone sections, and if they resonate get a progesterone cream like Emerita's Pro-Gest (random wild yam creams are probably a waste of money.)
Dr. Northrup's books are available in my library system, so maybe yours as well.
Good book to read. Yes, you can play around with the OTC creams without testing. You'll know if it helps or not. The hardest part is balancing how much you need. I had my DD start out with a very small amount and work up to where she felt good and balanced. Granted, I had years of experience with myself prior so that probably helped but it's not hard to figure out. You can tell when you feel "off." If you feel worse, it's too much. Feel nothing, probably not enough. I went to a prescribed bio-identical when it looked like I was going to need more then a tsp. of cream per day because that is A LOT to rub in when you only have a few places you're suppose to put it (thin skin) and it would get way expensive using an OTC that much every day. But for my DD, the pump works perfect because she doesn't need much.
We did not like Emeritas (the smell or how much it took) but that doesn't mean you wouldn't. My DD uses NOW Unscented (she hated the lavendar) Progesterone Cream and has done well with it.
Actually, all OTC progesterone creams are made from wild yam. Some packages don't list it out that way, but anything listed "natural progesterone" is from wild yam (even if it's made in the lab, it starts from wild yam). Some brands list it as "produced from wild yam" or "synthesized from wild yam" and some brands list it as "natural progesterone cream." Either way, anything OTC is essentially wild yam.
The book that was suggested is a good guide.1 -
I know I just need to research this stuff myself, but just doing a preliminary search on the evening primrose oil, does it matter if you take a capsule or is it better some other way. Recommended brands?0
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Okay, read/scanned most of the posts.
I'm 43...
Next appt. I'm going to ask to have my progesterone levels checked....
The symptoms do sound like peri, but you might want to consider full HRT due to your age if that's confirmed via test. I was 47 when I was tested and I started on HRT in part because one of the concerns was that I was on the earlier side of average and estrogen seems to be pretty protective against some health issues (the other part was quality of life, which significantly improved on HRT). If you take estrogen and have a uterus you also have to take progesterone because estrogen alone can increase your risk of endometrial cancer.0 -
I know I just need to research this stuff myself, but just doing a preliminary search on the evening primrose oil, does it matter if you take a capsule or is it better some other way. Recommended brands?
Capsules are fine. This is what we're using http://www.vitacost.com/now-super-primrose. I use vita cost because they are fast, free shipping with a minimum order (I buy a lot of my shampoo/handsoap/shower soap through them). I like the NOW brand because it's the 1300mg (I wanted high potency) and years ago my health group did a bunch of research on brand name vitamins. We discovered that NOW is the brand that many of the more expensive brands of vitamins use and just relabel them as the expensive brand name. So quality wise, I like them. Most NOW brand stuff is free of a lot of common allergens that have affected my family in the past. YMMV. That's just why I chose what I did.1 -
I'm just full of questions today! (You can tell I had a bad weekend
)
I don't remember any mention of this up thread, but has anyone found any particular dietary changes that bring them relief?0 -
Ladies - I'm 54, still regular as always. Make 'em stop!
The menstruation goddess has always found humor in giving me a period at the most inopportune times - tent camping, hiking, Seabase with a bunch of boyscouts, scuba trips, all day sailing (w/no bathroom), skiing, etc! She can be mean!0 -
Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
Yeah, this has been kind of a rough weekend for me too.
Started with hot flashes and night sweats on Thursday and Friday ... so much on Friday night I finally got up and got something to drink because I figured I was getting dehydrated with all the sweating.
Saturday wasn't too bad fortunately ... just some lower back pain ... because my husband and I cycled 100 miles.
Sunday was a heavy, heavy, flooding heavy day ... big cramping.
And Monday (yesterday), I just felt nauseated and dizzy and achy and hot all day like I was coming down with the flu.
Fortunately today I feel a bit better.
Didn't help that we went away for the long weekend and I didn't have my Valerian, Evening Primrose Oil, Calcium, Magnesium, Vit B12, or Vit D with me. I took all of that last night which might have helped improve the situation today.
0 -
Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
Yeah, this has been kind of a rough weekend for me too.
Started with hot flashes and night sweats on Thursday and Friday ... so much on Friday night I finally got up and got something to drink because I figured I was getting dehydrated with all the sweating.
Saturday wasn't too bad fortunately ... just some lower back pain ... because my husband and I cycled 100 miles.
Sunday was a heavy, heavy, flooding heavy day ... big cramping.
And Monday (yesterday), I just felt nauseated and dizzy and achy and hot all day like I was coming down with the flu.
Fortunately today I feel a bit better.
Didn't help that we went away for the long weekend and I didn't have my Valerian, Evening Primrose Oil, Calcium, Magnesium, Vit B12, or Vit D with me. I took all of that last night which might have helped improve the situation today.
Yep... my weekend too, minus the hot flashes and the 100 mile bike ride... wait a minute, you went on a 100 mile bike ride? 0 -
Thought I'd give this thread a little bump & post this here rather than the group.
TOM this weekend and I actually thought I might be coming down with the flu, it felt so similar (I wasn't). Chills, body/joint aches, fatigue, nausea. Then I made the mistake of thinking, "Well, at least I'm not having much in the way of cramps/pain this time". That came overnight I'm trying to accept the fact that it's probably going to be like this for a while, years maybe, and I'll just have to learn to work around it, but I'm finding it very discouraging.
Yeah, this has been kind of a rough weekend for me too.
Started with hot flashes and night sweats on Thursday and Friday ... so much on Friday night I finally got up and got something to drink because I figured I was getting dehydrated with all the sweating.
Saturday wasn't too bad fortunately ... just some lower back pain ... because my husband and I cycled 100 miles.
Sunday was a heavy, heavy, flooding heavy day ... big cramping.
And Monday (yesterday), I just felt nauseated and dizzy and achy and hot all day like I was coming down with the flu.
Fortunately today I feel a bit better.
Didn't help that we went away for the long weekend and I didn't have my Valerian, Evening Primrose Oil, Calcium, Magnesium, Vit B12, or Vit D with me. I took all of that last night which might have helped improve the situation today.
Yep... my weekend too, minus the hot flashes and the 100 mile bike ride... wait a minute, you went on a 100 mile bike ride?
Yeah ... I do that every now and then.
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