Is It Over Yet? The Perimenopause Thread
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Bad day today ... today, I had the worst bout of hot flashes I’ve ever had.
It started in the middle of the night … I’d be drenched with sweat and feeling really nauseated, then I’d get up and go to the toilet and kind of cool down, and then I’d be freezing cold. Over and over.
But I had a good hour before I got up in the morning, and felt all right when I showered and walked across to the bus, so I thought all was well.
Got on the bus, and within 100 metres, it hit me again … hot, drenched, and I felt so sick, I had to get off the bus just before it left our suburb. I bought a bottle of water and took some ginger and a Zantac and walked around in the cool for a while, then caught the next bus.
I just made it to the first stop in town when I had to get off again. I couldn’t get back on a bus, so I walked some distance to my First Aid class, and I was late to my First Aid class, unfortunately. But I felt all right while I was outside.
No sooner had I gotten settled inside, when yet another hot flash hit me … drenched with sweat and feeling so sick. This happened several times and I had to get up and go to the toilet to run water over my wrists and try to cool down each time.
Finally, I took a Travel Calm (Gravol with Caffeine), and after that, things seemed to settle down and I made it through the rest of the class.
I also made it home, but was feeling just a hint of it by the time I got home. I was also very, very tired … drained. So I went for a nap.
Oh, and on the third or fourth one, my period (which ended a week ago) started again … so it does make me think it is hormonal.
I really hope this isn't going to be the way it is now.
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That does sound awful. Early on mine included nausea. They don't any more. I hope, at least, you don't continue to feel sick with them. ugh!
You may find that you have to weigh quality of life issues against HRT or Bioidentical HRT.... new evidence suggests that real progesterone can quell hotflashes.
I do hope you find some relief.
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That sounds awful! I'm so thankful I haven't really had the hot flash thing. I would definitely be looking at something natural to help. Progesterone or another supplement of some sort. Epo?0
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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 had everything out but my ovaries at age 39. I am now 50 in a couple of months and assumed I was peri due to mood swings, anxiety, hot flushes and dryness plus lack of libido. About November last year, I stopped taking propanolol prescribed for migraine as they were not working anymore. I didn't want to up the dose or go on another preventative pill so I made dietary changes. I mostly avoid processed food and stick to fruit, veg, leaner meats, nuts, seeds, some legumes and whole grains but no gluten. I also stopped drinking coffee. I am pretty sure the meds may have caused the libido and dryness issues as these both rectified soon after stopping and before the dietary changes. I still have the PMS it seems. Breast tenderness, bloating etc but hard to say what is going on without the bleeding. I still have migraines but they have reduced and at such times, I also feel fatigued, sick and weak. It pretty much feels like I go through a normal cycle but hard to know for sure.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?
For PMS? Lots of recommendations in Dr. Christiane Northrup's "Women's Bodies; Women's Wisdom." Also in my library system
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This thread has been amazing, motivating and sad at the same time. I am 48 and fully into menopause. I have not had a period since 2010. Prior to that, I was peri for about two years. Definitely young for sure, but according to research there about 15% of us that hit menopause this early. I have not had a hysterectomy and did not do HRT because of family cancer issues. My husband was my rock through hot flashes, forgetfulness, exhaustion, mood swings and all the other joys. the best was the day I said the hot flashes are bad but thank god I didn't have the mood swings - the look he gave me was priceless.
All of that said, the only issues I have now are hot flashes at night and "mutant" facial hair. And of course odd things with my weight. I haven't gained anything in literally three years, but fat seems to have migrated. Here to get eating back on track and exercising to make sure I hit my 50s as healthy as possible.
to all of you still in peri, it DOES get better, I promise. It may take a year or ten, but know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.5 -
to all of you still in peri, it DOES get better, I promise. It may take a year or ten, but know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
This is encouraging. I turn 47 next week and am a bit young for missing cycles but my mom stopped in her late 40's. I'm not liking the 50 days between cycles that my body seems to want to do right now but I am looking forward to them just stopping completely. It's nice to know things DO improve.
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
That does sound awful. Early on mine included nausea. They don't any more. I hope, at least, you don't continue to feel sick with them. ugh!
You may find that you have to weigh quality of life issues against HRT or Bioidentical HRT.... new evidence suggests that real progesterone can quell hotflashes.
I do hope you find some relief.ronjsteele1 wrote: »That sounds awful! I'm so thankful I haven't really had the hot flash thing. I would definitely be looking at something natural to help. Progesterone or another supplement of some sort. Epo?
I can't take HRT at all. I've known that for a while, but my gynaecological oncologist (I have precancer) confirmed it again just recently.
Hormone replacement is absolutely off the table for me in any form, even the most mild forms, because I have a genetic disorder which increases my chances of developing both blood clots (I have already had a DVT -- left leg full of clots) and heart failure (I already have issues with my valves -- Rheumatic fever as a child) ... and adding hormone replacement to that mix could be disastrous.
This nausea kind of felt like morning sickness. I've been pregnant a couple times and miscarried (thanks to that same genetic disorder mentioned above), and this reminded me very much of that with the added bonus of heat and so much sweat I looked like I just stepped out of the shower.
However, my gynaecological oncologist did mention a serotonin based supplement which might help. We'd like to wait on that until the situation gets really bad (if days like yesterday start happening quite frequently) because apparently once I start it, I have to stick with it until I'm fully menopausal. So it's a bit of a commitment.0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
That does sound awful. Early on mine included nausea. They don't any more. I hope, at least, you don't continue to feel sick with them. ugh!
You may find that you have to weigh quality of life issues against HRT or Bioidentical HRT.... new evidence suggests that real progesterone can quell hotflashes.
I do hope you find some relief.ronjsteele1 wrote: »That sounds awful! I'm so thankful I haven't really had the hot flash thing. I would definitely be looking at something natural to help. Progesterone or another supplement of some sort. Epo?
I can't take HRT at all. I've known that for a while, but my gynaecological oncologist (I have precancer) confirmed it again just recently.
Hormone replacement is absolutely off the table for me in any form, even the most mild forms, because I have a genetic disorder which increases my chances of developing both blood clots (I have already had a DVT -- left leg full of clots) and heart failure (I already have issues with my valves -- Rheumatic fever as a child) ... and adding hormone replacement to that mix could be disastrous.
This nausea kind of felt like morning sickness. I've been pregnant a couple times and miscarried (thanks to that same genetic disorder mentioned above), and this reminded me very much of that with the added bonus of heat and so much sweat I looked like I just stepped out of the shower.
However, my gynaecological oncologist did mention a serotonin based supplement which might help. We'd like to wait on that until the situation gets really bad (if days like yesterday start happening quite frequently) because apparently once I start it, I have to stick with it until I'm fully menopausal. So it's a bit of a commitment.
I understand. I sure hope you find some relief!0 -
Oh and happily, I slept like a log last night and so far today is better.
I'll add this too ... the day before all the nausea and hot flashes etc, I had the worst headache I've had in a long time. Then when the nausea and hot flashes started, the headache disappeared. Possibly related.
Gotta love the human body.2 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
That does sound awful. Early on mine included nausea. They don't any more. I hope, at least, you don't continue to feel sick with them. ugh!
You may find that you have to weigh quality of life issues against HRT or Bioidentical HRT.... new evidence suggests that real progesterone can quell hotflashes.
I do hope you find some relief.ronjsteele1 wrote: »That sounds awful! I'm so thankful I haven't really had the hot flash thing. I would definitely be looking at something natural to help. Progesterone or another supplement of some sort. Epo?
I can't take HRT at all. I've known that for a while, but my gynaecological oncologist (I have precancer) confirmed it again just recently.
Hormone replacement is absolutely off the table for me in any form, even the most mild forms, because I have a genetic disorder which increases my chances of developing both blood clots (I have already had a DVT -- left leg full of clots) and heart failure (I already have issues with my valves -- Rheumatic fever as a child) ... and adding hormone replacement to that mix could be disastrous.
This nausea kind of felt like morning sickness. I've been pregnant a couple times and miscarried (thanks to that same genetic disorder mentioned above), and this reminded me very much of that with the added bonus of heat and so much sweat I looked like I just stepped out of the shower.
However, my gynaecological oncologist did mention a serotonin based supplement which might help. We'd like to wait on that until the situation gets really bad (if days like yesterday start happening quite frequently) because apparently once I start it, I have to stick with it until I'm fully menopausal. So it's a bit of a commitment.
Okay. Got it. I wonder if evening primrose oil might be an option then? It's an omega 6. Might be something to run past your doctor. I mention it because it is known to help balance hormones but is not hormonal in nature at all (as in HRT). It can take a few months of daily use for it to kick into full gear, but it might really help with the hot flashes, nausea, and other menopause symptoms. I've been taking it for awhile (a year maybe?) and never thought about it, but I wonder if that's why I haven't had a lot of the menopause symptoms (I mostly have water retention and memory issues)? Not willing to stop it to test that theory out! LOL.
Anyways, just a thought about the EPO but I would definitely check with your doctor first. 0 -
ronjsteele1 wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
That does sound awful. Early on mine included nausea. They don't any more. I hope, at least, you don't continue to feel sick with them. ugh!
You may find that you have to weigh quality of life issues against HRT or Bioidentical HRT.... new evidence suggests that real progesterone can quell hotflashes.
I do hope you find some relief.ronjsteele1 wrote: »That sounds awful! I'm so thankful I haven't really had the hot flash thing. I would definitely be looking at something natural to help. Progesterone or another supplement of some sort. Epo?
I can't take HRT at all. I've known that for a while, but my gynaecological oncologist (I have precancer) confirmed it again just recently.
Hormone replacement is absolutely off the table for me in any form, even the most mild forms, because I have a genetic disorder which increases my chances of developing both blood clots (I have already had a DVT -- left leg full of clots) and heart failure (I already have issues with my valves -- Rheumatic fever as a child) ... and adding hormone replacement to that mix could be disastrous.
This nausea kind of felt like morning sickness. I've been pregnant a couple times and miscarried (thanks to that same genetic disorder mentioned above), and this reminded me very much of that with the added bonus of heat and so much sweat I looked like I just stepped out of the shower.
However, my gynaecological oncologist did mention a serotonin based supplement which might help. We'd like to wait on that until the situation gets really bad (if days like yesterday start happening quite frequently) because apparently once I start it, I have to stick with it until I'm fully menopausal. So it's a bit of a commitment.
Okay. Got it. I wonder if evening primrose oil might be an option then? It's an omega 6. Might be something to run past your doctor. I mention it because it is known to help balance hormones but is not hormonal in nature at all (as in HRT). It can take a few months of daily use for it to kick into full gear, but it might really help with the hot flashes, nausea, and other menopause symptoms. I've been taking it for awhile (a year maybe?) and never thought about it, but I wonder if that's why I haven't had a lot of the menopause symptoms (I mostly have water retention and memory issues)? Not willing to stop it to test that theory out! LOL. Anyways, just a thought about the EPO but I would definitely check with your doctor first.
Evening primrose oil is OK and it is one of the many things I take, and have been taking since I had a biopsy of a breast lump 2 years ago, on the recommendation of the specialist I saw then.
I ran the long list of vitamins, minerals and other supplements I take by my gyn oncologist, and he approved of it all.
There are still a few I haven't tried yet like St. John's Wort and Black Cohosh ... but they may be added to the list yet.
I never used to be a vitamin, mineral, supplement person until relatively recently.
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Evening primrose oil is OK and it is one of the many things I take, and have been taking since I had a biopsy of a breast lump 2 years ago, on the recommendation of the specialist I saw then.
I ran the long list of vitamins, minerals and other supplements I take by my gyn oncologist, and he approved of it all.
There are still a few I haven't tried yet like St. John's Wort and Black Cohosh ... but they may be added to the list yet.
I never used to be a vitamin, mineral, supplement person until relatively recently.
This is one supplement where quantity matters. I was told minimum 1300mg twice a day. You might check to see how much you're getting daily. Help might just be a matter of increasing how much you're taking.0 -
ronjsteele1 wrote: »
Evening primrose oil is OK and it is one of the many things I take, and have been taking since I had a biopsy of a breast lump 2 years ago, on the recommendation of the specialist I saw then.
I ran the long list of vitamins, minerals and other supplements I take by my gyn oncologist, and he approved of it all.
There are still a few I haven't tried yet like St. John's Wort and Black Cohosh ... but they may be added to the list yet.
I never used to be a vitamin, mineral, supplement person until relatively recently.
This is one supplement where quantity matters. I was told minimum 1300mg twice a day. You might check to see how much you're getting daily. Help might just be a matter of increasing how much you're taking.
I'll check that. Thanks.0 -
This thread has been amazing, motivating and sad at the same time. I am 48 and fully into menopause. I have not had a period since 2010. Prior to that, I was peri for about two years. Definitely young for sure, but according to research there about 15% of us that hit menopause this early. I have not had a hysterectomy and did not do HRT because of family cancer issues. My husband was my rock through hot flashes, forgetfulness, exhaustion, mood swings and all the other joys. the best was the day I said the hot flashes are bad but thank god I didn't have the mood swings - the look he gave me was priceless.
All of that said, the only issues I have now are hot flashes at night and "mutant" facial hair. And of course odd things with my weight. I haven't gained anything in literally three years, but fat seems to have migrated. Here to get eating back on track and exercising to make sure I hit my 50s as healthy as possible.
to all of you still in peri, it DOES get better, I promise. It may take a year or ten, but know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
OMG, this me!!! I have not had a period is just over a year so definitely in menopause. All I have left are nighttime hot flashes and mutant facial hair. Ugh, it drives me NUTS. What is THAT all about?
I lost 14 lbs this fall on MFP and it's been a good thing, but there is "fat" there that never was before, even when I get WAY down.0 -
ronjsteele1 wrote: »
Evening primrose oil is OK and it is one of the many things I take, and have been taking since I had a biopsy of a breast lump 2 years ago, on the recommendation of the specialist I saw then.
I ran the long list of vitamins, minerals and other supplements I take by my gyn oncologist, and he approved of it all.
There are still a few I haven't tried yet like St. John's Wort and Black Cohosh ... but they may be added to the list yet.
I never used to be a vitamin, mineral, supplement person until relatively recently.
This is one supplement where quantity matters. I was told minimum 1300mg twice a day. You might check to see how much you're getting daily. Help might just be a matter of increasing how much you're taking.
Two things ...
First of all, you've been using the letters EPO. EPO is Erythropoietin, which is a banned drug in my sport (cycling) and it also causes the blood to thicken which is the last thing in the world my blood needs.
http://www.teachpe.com/drugs/epo.php
"EPO stimulates bone marrow to produce more red blood cells (RBC) and therefore haemoglobin. For this reason EPO is most commonly used amoungst endurance athletes as a higher RBC count means better oxygen transportation and so a higher rate of aerobic respiration. The faster the rate of aerobic respiration, the higher the level at which the athlete can work without utilising the anaerobic systems which produce lactic acid and cause fatigue."
So I was a bit surprised to see you recommend EPO ... no way would I take EPO!
And then, today, I read the bottle of Evening Primrose Oil to see how much they recommended taking and how much I was taking, and there on the bottle, they shortened the name Evening Primrose Oil to ... EPO!!
Oh ... maybe that's what you were referring to!
Secondly, I've been taking 1000 mg of Evening Primrose Oil for the past 2 years. Perhaps I need to increase that amount now.
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Two things ...
First of all, you've been using the letters EPO. EPO is Erythropoietin, which is a banned drug in my sport (cycling) and it also causes the blood to thicken which is the last thing in the world my blood needs.
http://www.teachpe.com/drugs/epo.php
"EPO stimulates bone marrow to produce more red blood cells (RBC) and therefore haemoglobin. For this reason EPO is most commonly used amoungst endurance athletes as a higher RBC count means better oxygen transportation and so a higher rate of aerobic respiration. The faster the rate of aerobic respiration, the higher the level at which the athlete can work without utilising the anaerobic systems which produce lactic acid and cause fatigue."
So I was a bit surprised to see you recommend EPO ... no way would I take EPO!
And then, today, I read the bottle of Evening Primrose Oil to see how much they recommended taking and how much I was taking, and there on the bottle, they shortened the name Evening Primrose Oil to ... EPO!!
Oh ... maybe that's what you were referring to!
Secondly, I've been taking 1000 mg of Evening Primrose Oil for the past 2 years. Perhaps I need to increase that amount now.
Well, I do know what EPO (erythropoietin) is because I had to give my MIL shots of it when she had leukemia.
But you are correct, it is also evening primrose oil. LOL I just assumed no one else would know what the other was so I was "safe" writing it that way. Never assume. I know better then that. 
My girls and I have been taking 2600mg a day (split in two doses) for quite a long time. I've been perimenopausal for about 5yrs and other then water retention and memory lapses, I've had no other symptoms of menopause (no hot flashes, etc). The water retention is bad but I've always been a water retainer (even when pregnant). Can't guarantee the EPO is why, but it certainly hasn't seemed to hurt any.1 -
ronjsteele1 wrote: »
Two things ...
First of all, you've been using the letters EPO. EPO is Erythropoietin, which is a banned drug in my sport (cycling) and it also causes the blood to thicken which is the last thing in the world my blood needs.
http://www.teachpe.com/drugs/epo.php
"EPO stimulates bone marrow to produce more red blood cells (RBC) and therefore haemoglobin. For this reason EPO is most commonly used amoungst endurance athletes as a higher RBC count means better oxygen transportation and so a higher rate of aerobic respiration. The faster the rate of aerobic respiration, the higher the level at which the athlete can work without utilising the anaerobic systems which produce lactic acid and cause fatigue."
So I was a bit surprised to see you recommend EPO ... no way would I take EPO!
And then, today, I read the bottle of Evening Primrose Oil to see how much they recommended taking and how much I was taking, and there on the bottle, they shortened the name Evening Primrose Oil to ... EPO!!
Oh ... maybe that's what you were referring to!
Secondly, I've been taking 1000 mg of Evening Primrose Oil for the past 2 years. Perhaps I need to increase that amount now.
Well, I do know what EPO (erythropoietin) is because I had to give my MIL shots of it when she had leukemia. But you are correct, it is also evening primrose oil. LOL I just assumed no one else would know what the other was so I was "safe" writing it that way. Never assume. I know better then that.
My girls and I have been taking 2600mg a day (split in two doses) for quite a long time. I've been perimenopausal for about 5yrs and other then water retention and memory lapses, I've had no other symptoms of menopause (no hot flashes, etc). The water retention is bad but I've always been a water retainer (even when pregnant). Can't guarantee the EPO is why, but it certainly hasn't seemed to hurt any.
Yeah, it didn't even occur to me that EPO was Evening Primrose Oil until lunchtime today. I'm standing there in the chemists, when all of a sudden the light came on.
Anyway, my gyn oncologist said that I've likely been perimenopausal since late 2011, based on my history of symptoms. I had occasional hot flashes and night sweats in that time, but not many, and when I lost weight in 2015, they seemed to disappear entirely for about a year. Then, in 2016, I started having night sweats the night before my periods started. Just one ... and the next day my period would start.
And now, all of a sudden, these things have decided it's time to begin.
I'll try two 1000 mg pills a day for a while and see how that goes.1 -
It's been 12 months since my last period and I've been the healthiest and happiest I've been in my life.
I thought I'd post an update for The Sciences.
I've formed a theory that the scary stories about Menopause act like the Nocebo Effect, and people prime themselves to feel bad, so they "feel bad" to prove themselves right.
NOT SAYING ANYONE I KNOW IS DOING THAT! Just my theory. If you think about it, it might give some people hope.2 -
Great thread..it's good to know these symptoms im seeing are 'normal' for this part of my life. All the same they are pretty Yuk!!
Can't cope with the night flushes and I thought my hair was thinning. Will try the evening primrose and see how I get on. Cheers0 -
It's been 12 months since my last period and I've been the healthiest and happiest I've been in my life.
I thought I'd post an update for The Sciences.
I've formed a theory that the scary stories about Menopause act like the Nocebo Effect, and people prime themselves to feel bad, so they "feel bad" to prove themselves right.
NOT SAYING ANYONE I KNOW IS DOING THAT! Just my theory. If you think about it, it might give some people hope.
I appreciate what you're saying, but I know in my case, I only ever heard about the hot flashes and moodiness. Never heard the horror stories and didn't realize how many issues there could be and how bad things could get. Looking back now, I realize my mom was having a horrible time, but she was a very private person and never discussed these things. I guess I've never had female friends that discussed it much either- I only ever saw them fan themselves during an occasional hot flash. Then my body & brain started going crazy and I wondered if I had some terrible medical problem! Really didn't appreciate what was happening until I discovered this thread & other resources. I know some of the experiences I hear now are on the extreme end of the spectrum (the women having an easier time of it- and there are surely many of them-probably don't bother to talk about it or post in threads like this
), but I think I would have welcomed a heads-up about what to possibly expect. I'll definitely have conversations with my daughter when she's older and let her know that, as with all the other experiences in a woman's life, there's a wide range of "normal"! 4 -
It's been 12 months since my last period and I've been the healthiest and happiest I've been in my life.
I thought I'd post an update for The Sciences.
I've formed a theory that the scary stories about Menopause act like the Nocebo Effect, and people prime themselves to feel bad, so they "feel bad" to prove themselves right.
NOT SAYING ANYONE I KNOW IS DOING THAT! Just my theory. If you think about it, it might give some people hope.
I appreciate what you're saying, but I know in my case, I only ever heard about the hot flashes and moodiness. Never heard the horror stories and didn't realize how many issues there could be and how bad things could get. Looking back now, I realize my mom was having a horrible time, but she was a very private person and never discussed these things. I guess I've never had female friends that discussed it much either- I only ever saw them fan themselves during an occasional hot flash. Then my body & brain started going crazy and I wondered if I had some terrible medical problem! Really didn't appreciate what was happening until I discovered this thread & other resources. I know some of the experiences I hear now are on the extreme end of the spectrum (the women having an easier time of it- and there are surely many of them-probably don't bother to talk about it or post in threads like this ), but I think I would have welcomed a heads-up about what to possibly expect. I'll definitely have conversations with my daughter when she's older and let her know that, as with all the other experiences in a woman's life, there's a wide range of "normal"!
I totally get this. Honestly, I looked forward to menopause because sick of BC and couldn't wait to do away with it! Lol! My mom was the same way about not telling me things and both my sisters had hysterectomies in their 30's so I really didn't know what would happen. I do think having worked hard at keeping my hormones balanced over the years has helped minimize my symptoms. That said, I absolutely find myself telling my girls things about life when it's age appropriate so they won't have all the unknowns that I did because it's really frustrating not knowing what your body is doing!!
Orphia has a good point too. Sometimes self fulfilling prophecy plays a part in how one feels. I think if most people really sit and evaluate this they can tell the difference though.2 -
It's been 12 months since my last period and I've been the healthiest and happiest I've been in my life.
I thought I'd post an update for The Sciences.
I've formed a theory that the scary stories about Menopause act like the Nocebo Effect, and people prime themselves to feel bad, so they "feel bad" to prove themselves right.
NOT SAYING ANYONE I KNOW IS DOING THAT! Just my theory. If you think about it, it might give some people hope.
I appreciate what you're saying, but I know in my case, I only ever heard about the hot flashes and moodiness. Never heard the horror stories and didn't realize how many issues there could be and how bad things could get. Looking back now, I realize my mom was having a horrible time, but she was a very private person and never discussed these things. I guess I've never had female friends that discussed it much either- I only ever saw them fan themselves during an occasional hot flash. Then my body & brain started going crazy and I wondered if I had some terrible medical problem! Really didn't appreciate what was happening until I discovered this thread & other resources. I know some of the experiences I hear now are on the extreme end of the spectrum (the women having an easier time of it- and there are surely many of them-probably don't bother to talk about it or post in threads like this ), but I think I would have welcomed a heads-up about what to possibly expect. I'll definitely have conversations with my daughter when she's older and let her know that, as with all the other experiences in a woman's life, there's a wide range of "normal"!
This is such a great point that you've brought up. I think this also applies to motherhood. So many of us think that motherhood (especially the baby phase) is going to be all rainbows and unicorns on a Hallmark card. No one seems to talk about the horrible times. And then when we live through those bad times, we convince ourselves that we are the only ones who've ever experienced that and that we are bad mothers. With my first child, I now know through hindsight and education, that I had postpartum depression. At the time, I thought I was the most hideous mother on the face of the planet. So of course I never divulged my dirty little secret to anyone.
As women and mothers, we really need to start talking about the entire female journey. The good, the bad and the ugly.5 -
It's been 12 months since my last period and I've been the healthiest and happiest I've been in my life.
I thought I'd post an update for The Sciences.
I've formed a theory that the scary stories about Menopause act like the Nocebo Effect, and people prime themselves to feel bad, so they "feel bad" to prove themselves right.
NOT SAYING ANYONE I KNOW IS DOING THAT! Just my theory. If you think about it, it might give some people hope.
I'd say for me, if folks talked about menopause, honestly, and with data, I would have known EARLIER that many of my new "symptoms" were just part of the change. I would have known that vertigo aka wobbly eyes was common in peri. I would have known that blood sugar crashes were common. I would have known that tender breasts all month long was common, I would have known that tinnitus is common....
I knew what to expect with my menstrual years. I knew what was "common". I knew that bloating, cravings, moodiness, cramps, ice-pick-up-the-bum etc. were all "common" symptoms.
With peri-menopause all I knew to expect was hotflashes and mood swings.
My mother could tell me about menstruation. She wasn't around to tell me about peri. Talking about the symptoms normalizes them. As it should. I wish folks talked about them more, in fact. The 34 symptoms of menopause website is fabulous for that.
And, finally, just as everyone's puberty experience is unique, and everyone has their own set of normal symptoms during menstruation, and during pregnancy, and post partum, every woman has her own unique menopausal journey.
Cheers3 -
All of that said, the only issues I have now are hot flashes at night and "mutant" facial hair. And of course odd things with my weight. I haven't gained anything in literally three years, but fat seems to have migrated. Here to get eating back on track and exercising to make sure I hit my 50s as healthy as possible.
I had my uterus/cervix removed in August. Best thing I've ever done. I had fibroids and adenomyosis. The nighttime hot flashes have been happening for the past 4 or 5 years. But the mutant facial hair? OMG! Get ready in the morning - nothing. At 10:40 am I discover a 2" long black hair that has miraculously sprouted on the side of my chin. How does this happen?!
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »It's been 12 months since my last period and I've been the healthiest and happiest I've been in my life.
I thought I'd post an update for The Sciences.
I've formed a theory that the scary stories about Menopause act like the Nocebo Effect, and people prime themselves to feel bad, so they "feel bad" to prove themselves right.
NOT SAYING ANYONE I KNOW IS DOING THAT! Just my theory. If you think about it, it might give some people hope.
I'd say for me, if folks talked about menopause, honestly, and with data, I would have known EARLIER that many of my new "symptoms" were just part of the change. I would have known that vertigo aka wobbly eyes was common in peri. I would have known that blood sugar crashes were common. I would have known that tender breasts all month long was common, I would have known that tinnitus is common....
I knew what to expect with my menstrual years. I knew what was "common". I knew that bloating, cravings, moodiness, cramps, ice-pick-up-the-bum etc. were all "common" symptoms.
With peri-menopause all I knew to expect was hotflashes and mood swings.
My mother could tell me about menstruation. She wasn't around to tell me about peri. Talking about the symptoms normalizes them. As it should. I wish folks talked about them more, in fact. The 34 symptoms of menopause website is fabulous for that.
And, finally, just as everyone's puberty experience is unique, and everyone has their own set of normal symptoms during menstruation, and during pregnancy, and post partum, every woman has her own unique menopausal journey.
Cheers
http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com1 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »It's been 12 months since my last period and I've been the healthiest and happiest I've been in my life.
I thought I'd post an update for The Sciences.
I've formed a theory that the scary stories about Menopause act like the Nocebo Effect, and people prime themselves to feel bad, so they "feel bad" to prove themselves right.
NOT SAYING ANYONE I KNOW IS DOING THAT! Just my theory. If you think about it, it might give some people hope.
I'd say for me, if folks talked about menopause, honestly, and with data, I would have known EARLIER that many of my new "symptoms" were just part of the change. I would have known that vertigo aka wobbly eyes was common in peri. I would have known that blood sugar crashes were common. I would have known that tender breasts all month long was common, I would have known that tinnitus is common....
I knew what to expect with my menstrual years. I knew what was "common". I knew that bloating, cravings, moodiness, cramps, ice-pick-up-the-bum etc. were all "common" symptoms.
With peri-menopause all I knew to expect was hotflashes and mood swings.
My mother could tell me about menstruation. She wasn't around to tell me about peri. Talking about the symptoms normalizes them. As it should. I wish folks talked about them more, in fact. The 34 symptoms of menopause website is fabulous for that.
And, finally, just as everyone's puberty experience is unique, and everyone has their own set of normal symptoms during menstruation, and during pregnancy, and post partum, every woman has her own unique menopausal journey.
Cheers
+1
Especially that bit about knowing earlier.
For me, I went through a bunch of weird stuff which I couldn't figure out ... dizziness, acne, tinnitus, those rogue hairs (come on ... bushy eyebrows? really?), and fierce rages over nothing. I went to the doctor a couple times about the dizziness, but my doctor wasn't helpful at all.
I wasn't thinking perimenopause at all. I just figured it was how unsettled my life was then.
Then I started having my periods 3 weeks out of every month in a 2-week long period, then a break, then a 1- week long period pattern ... and that's been my main symptom for the past 3 years. It was then that I figured I was probably going through perimenopause, and then that I thought those weird things which had happened earlier might be related.
So I didn't go to a doctor about it until I'd been going through those 3 weeks of periods for a year.
Turns out that yes, it was partially perimenopause but also partially a series of medical issues. I've had surgery for one and am being monitored for another with a possible surgery in the future.
But it's an unknown area for me because my mother had a hysterectomy when she was in her 30s, so she couldn't offer any advice regarding periods. My grandmother on her side went through the whole thing with hardly a symptom at all. But it does seem like I'm taking after my aunt and cousins on my father's side. They've been helpful in reassuring me that much of what I'm going through is normal. That's a relief!
And meanwhile, I've lost weight and have returned to my long distance cycling. Plus working fulltime. Plus going to university. So I'm not letting it stop me ... it's just really frustrating sometimes.
Like Sunday night/Monday morning for example ... looking forward to my First Aid class last Monday, went to bed earlier than usual Sunday night so I'd be fresh for it ... and then was slammed with all those night sweats and hot flashes and nausea and dizziness out of the blue. Was not expecting that! Maddening. Oh, I did go to the First Aid class and successfully completed it ... but getting there and the first couple hours were an adventure. 3 -
It's been 12 months since my last period and I've been the healthiest and happiest I've been in my life.
I thought I'd post an update for The Sciences.
I've formed a theory that the scary stories about Menopause act like the Nocebo Effect, and people prime themselves to feel bad, so they "feel bad" to prove themselves right.
NOT SAYING ANYONE I KNOW IS DOING THAT! Just my theory. If you think about it, it might give some people hope.
Statistics suggest that most women find the impact of the stages of menopause upon their quality of life minimal, "irritating" is apt. The next largest population is moderate disruption to quality of life. You are actually sitting in the smallest population with zero symptoms ergo zero impact on your quality of life. Congratulations. Likewise but inverted, I myself, in regards to my experience sit in a smaller population in that X compounded Y. Had it not been for a pre-existing condition which hormonal imbalance interfered with and exasperated in ways I could not predict, then I suspect menopause would have simply been irritatating for myself as well. What I personally find complicated is teasing out the symptoms...is that due to X or Y or the impact of each upon the other? I am sick to death of having to follow up at the doctors.
However, in terms of being concerned about a nocebo effect, this kind of thought is teasing my brain - harking back to the 40's era whereby a woman's "complaints" were predominately answered with Prozac. Shut up and go away. A discussion was never had - "female hysteria" being the accusation. What percentage would you guess at whereby a woman is simply experiencing a nocebo effect? What percentage of those are of a temperament where any life inconsistency throws them more than the average woman anyway? I think it can be complicated the reasons for the variances and I'd be cautious in making assumptions about another's experience based on mine or anyone else.
Fact is, knowledge is power. If Menopause had zero impact on my quality of life, there's a good chance I would have largely ignored any research on the subject because of lack of relevancy. There's also a good chance that I would have offered scant insight on this thread too, most certainly not subversively accuse others of giving rise to a nocebo effect because of my own dubious "science" and instead thought "by the grace of god go I".5 -
I appreciate all your replies.
I've noticed I've had anxiety for the past several years, but do I blame that on peri-menopause?
Or am I committing the Correlation vs Causation logical fallacy?
Are there other things I could correlate?
It's a good point about getting blood tests that actually show real correlation, if that's possible. I've had blood tests that showed no abnormalities.0
Hope you got some rest. 
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