Menoapuse - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Juls · 08-11-2003, 07:01 PM

I have started to have what's called "peri-menopause" about seven or eight months ago. It's what they call it before you go into full menopause. I'm 48 so it's the time.

I get these horrible hot flases, and feel so weird at times, I don't even know how to describe it. I don't want to take hormones, but if it continues to get worse I don't know if I can handle it. I get so irritable, depressed, and feel like I am not on this planet.

I know this isn't a guy subject, but I hope you mind me talking about it here.

Juls

Mamabear · 08-12-2003, 03:00 PM

Hi Juls,

Perimenopause sucks. I'm 47 and have been experiencing symptoms for several years. Have your gyn do a ths to check your thyroid. It's prime time for the thyroid to go berserk. Once I found out mine was underfunctioning, much was explained and I could start taking synthroid...that helped a lot.
My favorite symptom is the hot flash right after a cup of coffee or a shower. Mmm hmm. Plus my blues were exacerbated so I gave in and am taking a low dose of wellbutrin. The wellbutrin cleared up the mental fog (mostly) but I'm still not sure it's doing its job.
Massage helps me a lot. So do simple yoga stretches done twice a day.

Bet that's more info than you wanted!! this too shall pass girlfriend! And I can't wait.
Mamabear

2stop · 08-12-2003, 04:18 PM

I really need to drag my behind to the doc on this one, my husband told me last week he thinks hormones would calm me down...I had a hysterectomy at 26, but they left my ovaries...I don't know, my moods were much worse after the surgery, I get lots of hot flashes..oh I feel old for being 31!!!!

Hang in there Juls, you are not alone my friend!!

Love to you..and hugs of encouragement!

Mamabear · 08-12-2003, 05:08 PM

Hi Juls and 2stop,

The very best book on the subject is by Dr. Christiane Northrup.
I gave my book to two friends and it is circling through women at work. I think the title is The Wisdom of Menopause. It's worth every penny. She integrates conventional and holistic medicine.
~fondly,
Mamabear

2stop · 08-12-2003, 05:11 PM

I am going to check that book out..thanks Mamabear, and how are you doing today?

sndbtwnmi2z · 08-12-2003, 10:53 PM

I want that book!
I'm pushing 51 and like clockwork! Scares the hello outa me...my grandson is 8 months old and I could give him a playmate (theoretically that is)
I've been hypothyroid for 20 years now and Levothroid took care of my symptoms that mimiced Menopause...so I'm still waiting for that shoe to drop.
You have my prayers!

08-13-2003, 02:02 AM

My symptoms were horrible. I just suddenly went into menoapuse when my father died. I was so sick I couldn't function. I took the hormones and 20 minutes later I felt normal again, except for the lack of energy. I took the hormones for less than 3 years and went off of them and I feel fine. Just a few hot flashes now and then. I really don't think I could have survived without the hormones at the time. I was on the lowest dose.

Good luck,
MG

Mamabear · 08-13-2003, 08:10 AM

Hi everyone,

Morning glory, did your bloodwork indicate that you needed hrt? that's the sticky part for me. My bloodwork indicates an underactive thyroid but so far says my hormones are fine. LOL That's not what my symptoms say.
I find these things to be so intricately connected. My mood, my stress level, my hormones, my thyroid, my taking care of myself (or lack thereof)....I find it hard to separate it all.
2stop, I'm doing okay today. My daughter is healing but it is very slow and I'm watching her for signs of depression. Thanks for the prayers and kind thoughts. How are you today?
Thanks for starting this thread Juls. I hope you get some helpful info.
fondly,
Mamabear

2stop · 08-13-2003, 08:13 AM

~Mamabear~ Hugs and prayers coming your way!!!!

Paulie · 08-13-2003, 08:46 AM

Great subject Juls. I have to be at the lab on the 15th for a menopause test. ]
Went to the dr about 2 weeks ago, it was the 2nd month in a row that I had 2 periods (while on the pill - go figure) and hot flashes for heck!!!!!! Horrible PMS - 2 times a month - YUCK!!!
Mood swings yuck yuck yuck, And I am trying really hard not to let this get me depressed, but it is HARD! I am 39 will be 40 next April.

2stop · 08-13-2003, 08:49 AM

~Pauline~ Big hugs coming your way..bless your heart! Hang in there, I know it's miserable, but maybe the doc will be able to fix ya up with some hormones or something..

**margo** · 08-13-2003, 09:07 AM

Try this link - MG posted it last year and it's a fantastic site chock full of really helpful information:

http://www.power-surge.com/

Juls · 08-13-2003, 07:41 PM

OMG,

Yesterday I had no replies to this, today I log on and there are 11. I have not been to any dr.s yet about it, don't like dr.s, don't want dr.s, however - if I truly want to know what's up with the old hormonal clock, I really should go. I hope there's not tyroid action going on, but I would consider a low dose of homone stuff.

Juls

Mamabear · 08-13-2003, 09:03 PM

It's funny....this is not an easy subject to talk about in our culture. It's depressing. Some cultures view this passage as becoming a crone or a Wise Woman. Yet here in the USA we have magazine covers covered with anorexic girls to remind us that we're all washed up. I find the more I keep away from pop culture influences like this, the better I feel. Why am I influenced so easily??
Mamabear

08-14-2003, 12:03 AM

Mamabear,

I had the test and was in menopause. My daughter has an underactive thyroid and she has horrible symptoms with it. She is on medication for it and it makes a huge difference. The symptoms are similar.

Hugs,
MG

Juls · 08-14-2003, 12:37 AM

Well, I don't know if I want to be a crone (LOL), but a wise woman sounds good. This stuff is shoved down our throats MaMaBear, from practically the day we're born. No need to wonder why we're so vulnerable to it.

I think we need to talk about it more, so it isn't the mysteryious and hidden thing it is now. What do you think?

Juls

Paulie · 08-14-2003, 11:57 AM

Thanks for the site Margo.

Mamabear · 08-14-2003, 01:56 PM

Juls,

I agree. Talking about it always helps. Just got back from my doctor and voila! My thyroid is low again. Up goes the synthroid. Believe it or not that is a relief! I know it will help my depression, my fatigue and alleviate some joint pain.
Hey! Crones are cool. They have all the wisdom of the world, great libidos, and are grounded and self assured. A new name would be helpful though

~peace
Mamabear

Juls · 08-14-2003, 08:39 PM

Well,

I need you guys to kick me in the butt to go to the Dr. and get my S___ checked out o.k.? LOL

Juls

Mamabear · 08-15-2003, 06:10 AM

easy enough, Juls,

Are you more comfortable with a woman gyn?

Mamabear

Juls · 08-15-2003, 07:06 PM

No, not necessarily. I've met some pretty odd birds in the OB/GYN profession. LOL

Juls

Mamabear · 08-18-2003, 03:45 PM

juls,

Did you schedule an annual yet?
You can get on me to schedule my (ouch) mamogram.

mamabear

Juls · 08-18-2003, 05:04 PM

Not yet Mamabear, it will have to wait until after we move into our new house, which we are in the process of doing now. What's keeping you from your mammogram?

Juls

Mamabear · 08-20-2003, 07:08 PM

Juls,
laziness. seen too many docs in one summer. laziness. apathy.
and a bit o laziness.

Oh, got my bloodwork back and again my thyroid was very low. Up goes the synthroid. I feel better already and it's only three days on the new dose. I felt it most in terms of depression and joint pain.

I'll call and schedule the mam before the week is out. You can schedule for after the move!!
((Mamabear))

Juls · 08-20-2003, 07:44 PM

O.K. Mamabear, sounds like a plan.

The other horrific thing I'm supposed to get done is a colonoscopy. I already backed out of it once, and I am so horrifed, literally, of dr.'s doing things to me. I get anxiety attacks. I've had to have some pretty uncomfortable procedures done in the past. Also they give you valium and demerol, which I'm afraid might trigger me. But it'll be a cold day in hel before I would do something like that unsedated.

Also the prep before the exam. You have to go the whole day before on nothing but jello and clear liquids. If I go too long without eating my blood sugar drops and I feel really awful. Then you have to drink two gallons of this stuff that makes you sheet your guts out, plus that these laxative pills.

I just can't get up the nerve.

Juls

08-11-2003, 07:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Juls Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: California, USA Posts: 1,101	Menoapuse I have started to have what's called "peri-menopause" about seven or eight months ago. It's what they call it before you go into full menopause. I'm 48 so it's the time. I get these horrible hot flases, and feel so weird at times, I don't even know how to describe it. I don't want to take hormones, but if it continues to get worse I don't know if I can handle it. I get so irritable, depressed, and feel like I am not on this planet. I know this isn't a guy subject, but I hope you mind me talking about it here. Juls __________________ Think World Peace

08-12-2003, 03:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mamabear Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: phila, pa Posts: 233	Hi Juls, Perimenopause sucks. I'm 47 and have been experiencing symptoms for several years. Have your gyn do a ths to check your thyroid. It's prime time for the thyroid to go berserk. Once I found out mine was underfunctioning, much was explained and I could start taking synthroid...that helped a lot. My favorite symptom is the hot flash right after a cup of coffee or a shower. Mmm hmm. Plus my blues were exacerbated so I gave in and am taking a low dose of wellbutrin. The wellbutrin cleared up the mental fog (mostly) but I'm still not sure it's doing its job. Massage helps me a lot. So do simple yoga stretches done twice a day. Bet that's more info than you wanted!! this too shall pass girlfriend! And I can't wait. Mamabear __________________ Mamabear

08-12-2003, 04:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
2stop ~Author of My Life~ Join Date: May 2003 Location: Doing what I thought I couldn't.... Posts: 4,669	I really need to drag my behind to the doc on this one, my husband told me last week he thinks hormones would calm me down...I had a hysterectomy at 26, but they left my ovaries...I don't know, my moods were much worse after the surgery, I get lots of hot flashes..oh I feel old for being 31!!!! Hang in there Juls, you are not alone my friend!! Love to you..and hugs of encouragement! __________________ Many Hugs and Hope too, Tammie "Think of all the beauty still left around you and BE HAPPY." ~Anne Frank~ "Things do not change, WE change." ~Henry David Thoreau~

08-12-2003, 05:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mamabear Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: phila, pa Posts: 233	Hi Juls and 2stop, The very best book on the subject is by Dr. Christiane Northrup. I gave my book to two friends and it is circling through women at work. I think the title is The Wisdom of Menopause. It's worth every penny. She integrates conventional and holistic medicine. ~fondly, Mamabear __________________ Mamabear

08-12-2003, 05:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
2stop ~Author of My Life~ Join Date: May 2003 Location: Doing what I thought I couldn't.... Posts: 4,669	I am going to check that book out..thanks Mamabear, and how are you doing today? __________________ Many Hugs and Hope too, Tammie "Think of all the beauty still left around you and BE HAPPY." ~Anne Frank~ "Things do not change, WE change." ~Henry David Thoreau~

08-12-2003, 10:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
sndbtwnmi2z Paused Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: CA Posts: 12	I want that book! I'm pushing 51 and like clockwork! Scares the hello outa me...my grandson is 8 months old and I could give him a playmate (theoretically that is) I've been hypothyroid for 20 years now and Levothroid took care of my symptoms that mimiced Menopause...so I'm still waiting for that shoe to drop. You have my prayers!

08-13-2003, 02:02 AM	#7 (permalink)
Morning Glory Guest Posts: n/a	My symptoms were horrible. I just suddenly went into menoapuse when my father died. I was so sick I couldn't function. I took the hormones and 20 minutes later I felt normal again, except for the lack of energy. I took the hormones for less than 3 years and went off of them and I feel fine. Just a few hot flashes now and then. I really don't think I could have survived without the hormones at the time. I was on the lowest dose. Good luck, MG

08-13-2003, 08:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
Mamabear Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: phila, pa Posts: 233	Hi everyone, Morning glory, did your bloodwork indicate that you needed hrt? that's the sticky part for me. My bloodwork indicates an underactive thyroid but so far says my hormones are fine. LOL That's not what my symptoms say. I find these things to be so intricately connected. My mood, my stress level, my hormones, my thyroid, my taking care of myself (or lack thereof)....I find it hard to separate it all. 2stop, I'm doing okay today. My daughter is healing but it is very slow and I'm watching her for signs of depression. Thanks for the prayers and kind thoughts. How are you today? Thanks for starting this thread Juls. I hope you get some helpful info. fondly, Mamabear __________________ Mamabear

08-13-2003, 08:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
2stop ~Author of My Life~ Join Date: May 2003 Location: Doing what I thought I couldn't.... Posts: 4,669	~Mamabear~ Hugs and prayers coming your way!!!! __________________ Many Hugs and Hope too, Tammie "Think of all the beauty still left around you and BE HAPPY." ~Anne Frank~ "Things do not change, WE change." ~Henry David Thoreau~

08-13-2003, 08:46 AM	#10 (permalink)
Paulie It is what it is!!! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Sobriety Posts: 5,778	Great subject Juls. I have to be at the lab on the 15th for a menopause test. ] Went to the dr about 2 weeks ago, it was the 2nd month in a row that I had 2 periods (while on the pill - go figure) and hot flashes for heck!!!!!! Horrible PMS - 2 times a month - YUCK!!! Mood swings yuck yuck yuck, And I am trying really hard not to let this get me depressed, but it is HARD! I am 39 will be 40 next April. __________________ I know more about how to live than I did yesterday, but not as much as I'll know tomorrow. Today, Ill learn something new~JFT, 1/27/06 The difference between a good day and a bad day, is about 2 days~Ann of SR

08-13-2003, 08:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
2stop ~Author of My Life~ Join Date: May 2003 Location: Doing what I thought I couldn't.... Posts: 4,669	~Pauline~ Big hugs coming your way..bless your heart! Hang in there, I know it's miserable, but maybe the doc will be able to fix ya up with some hormones or something.. __________________ Many Hugs and Hope too, Tammie "Think of all the beauty still left around you and BE HAPPY." ~Anne Frank~ "Things do not change, WE change." ~Henry David Thoreau~

08-13-2003, 09:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
margo Forum Leader Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 1,741	Try this link - MG posted it last year and it's a fantastic site chock full of really helpful information: http://www.power-surge.com/ __________________ Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, and all the while a great wind is bearing me across the sky. ~Ojibwe saying~

08-13-2003, 07:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
Juls Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: California, USA Posts: 1,101	OMG, Yesterday I had no replies to this, today I log on and there are 11. I have not been to any dr.s yet about it, don't like dr.s, don't want dr.s, however - if I truly want to know what's up with the old hormonal clock, I really should go. I hope there's not tyroid action going on, but I would consider a low dose of homone stuff. Juls __________________ Think World Peace

08-13-2003, 09:03 PM	#14 (permalink)
Mamabear Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: phila, pa Posts: 233	It's funny....this is not an easy subject to talk about in our culture. It's depressing. Some cultures view this passage as becoming a crone or a Wise Woman. Yet here in the USA we have magazine covers covered with anorexic girls to remind us that we're all washed up. I find the more I keep away from pop culture influences like this, the better I feel. Why am I influenced so easily?? Mamabear __________________ Mamabear

08-14-2003, 12:03 AM	#15 (permalink)
Morning Glory Guest Posts: n/a	Mamabear, I had the test and was in menopause. My daughter has an underactive thyroid and she has horrible symptoms with it. She is on medication for it and it makes a huge difference. The symptoms are similar. Hugs, MG

08-14-2003, 12:37 AM	#16 (permalink)
Juls Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: California, USA Posts: 1,101	Well, I don't know if I want to be a crone (LOL), but a wise woman sounds good. This stuff is shoved down our throats MaMaBear, from practically the day we're born. No need to wonder why we're so vulnerable to it. I think we need to talk about it more, so it isn't the mysteryious and hidden thing it is now. What do you think? Juls __________________ Think World Peace

08-14-2003, 11:57 AM	#17 (permalink)
Paulie It is what it is!!! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Sobriety Posts: 5,778	Thanks for the site Margo. __________________ I know more about how to live than I did yesterday, but not as much as I'll know tomorrow. Today, Ill learn something new~JFT, 1/27/06 The difference between a good day and a bad day, is about 2 days~Ann of SR

08-14-2003, 01:56 PM	#18 (permalink)
Mamabear Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: phila, pa Posts: 233	Juls, I agree. Talking about it always helps. Just got back from my doctor and voila! My thyroid is low again. Up goes the synthroid. Believe it or not that is a relief! I know it will help my depression, my fatigue and alleviate some joint pain. Hey! Crones are cool. They have all the wisdom of the world, great libidos, and are grounded and self assured. A new name would be helpful though ~peace Mamabear __________________ Mamabear

08-14-2003, 08:39 PM	#19 (permalink)
Juls Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: California, USA Posts: 1,101	Well, I need you guys to kick me in the butt to go to the Dr. and get my S___ checked out o.k.? LOL Juls __________________ Think World Peace

08-15-2003, 06:10 AM	#20 (permalink)
Mamabear Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: phila, pa Posts: 233	easy enough, Juls, Are you more comfortable with a woman gyn? Mamabear __________________ Mamabear

08-15-2003, 07:06 PM	#21 (permalink)
Juls Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: California, USA Posts: 1,101	No, not necessarily. I've met some pretty odd birds in the OB/GYN profession. LOL Juls __________________ Think World Peace

08-18-2003, 03:45 PM	#22 (permalink)
Mamabear Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: phila, pa Posts: 233	juls, Did you schedule an annual yet? You can get on me to schedule my (ouch) mamogram. mamabear __________________ Mamabear

08-18-2003, 05:04 PM	#23 (permalink)
Juls Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: California, USA Posts: 1,101	Not yet Mamabear, it will have to wait until after we move into our new house, which we are in the process of doing now. What's keeping you from your mammogram? Juls __________________ Think World Peace

08-20-2003, 07:08 PM	#24 (permalink)
Mamabear Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: phila, pa Posts: 233	Juls, laziness. seen too many docs in one summer. laziness. apathy. and a bit o laziness. Oh, got my bloodwork back and again my thyroid was very low. Up goes the synthroid. I feel better already and it's only three days on the new dose. I felt it most in terms of depression and joint pain. I'll call and schedule the mam before the week is out. You can schedule for after the move!! ((Mamabear)) __________________ Mamabear

08-20-2003, 07:44 PM	#25 (permalink)
Juls Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: California, USA Posts: 1,101	O.K. Mamabear, sounds like a plan. The other horrific thing I'm supposed to get done is a colonoscopy. I already backed out of it once, and I am so horrifed, literally, of dr.'s doing things to me. I get anxiety attacks. I've had to have some pretty uncomfortable procedures done in the past. Also they give you valium and demerol, which I'm afraid might trigger me. But it'll be a cold day in hel before I would do something like that unsedated. Also the prep before the exam. You have to go the whole day before on nothing but jello and clear liquids. If I go too long without eating my blood sugar drops and I feel really awful. Then you have to drink two gallons of this stuff that makes you sheet your guts out, plus that these laxative pills. I just can't get up the nerve. Juls __________________ Think World Peace

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