Artificial Menopause - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

**Rowan** · 07-06-2005, 08:16 PM

Hi everyone
Has anyone else ever heard of/experienced surgical/artificial menopause? I am frustrated because I am experiencing all the symptoms, and have, since I had my tubes cauterized in January. I am only 37 but the symptoms have been classic: incontinence, night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia etc. I visited my doctor and she says it's not possible to be in early menopause this young. What b.s.! I expected a little more open-mindedness from a woman and I told her so. I have read of this condition and I know it exists but it is very frustrating to not have it recognized by a medical doctor. She tested my hormone levels and thyroid level and all are normal so that's that she says. She wouldn't listen to me when I said blood tests for hormonal levels are only accurate at certain times during a woman's cycle, and that blood tests weren't all that accurate anyway. I have started taking herbs for my symptoms, with some relief, but not a lot to tell you the truth. Around this time, when I become premenstrual, it's made so many times worse because I wake up through the night sweating/freezing and I'm more irritable than ever. I truly feel psychotic during these periods and have a very hard time getting through the days until things begin to settle down. I would really love to know if anyone else here has experienced anything similar, and what you may have done about it. I know family history is important regarding the age a woman will enter menopause, but my mom was 51. So that kills that theory eh? Thanks for listening! I'm going to find some candy to eat in bed.

Love Rowan

I need a banana like I need a hole in the head

hja1407 · 07-06-2005, 08:32 PM

Rowan,
I promise it is not in your head. I had my tubes cut and tied in March and now I have migranes. In fact I am fighting one as I type this. If I had known how it would make me feel I never would have done it. I have no advice I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this. BTW I only turned 29 on the first so it has nothing to so with age.
Heather

eddie z. · 07-06-2005, 08:42 PM

Lynn,
I had artificial menopause induced by a medication I used for endometriosis, so I know it exists, but if you're still having regular periods, then it doesn't sound to me like that's what's going on. Our hormones do change over the years especially after a procedure like yours, so we get different symptoms. Was this doctor an actual gynecologist? If not, maybe that's who you need to see. Hope you get some relief somehow!!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

**Rowan** · 07-07-2005, 06:52 AM

Thanks folks
I forgot to mention my periods -- very irregular, and heavy bleeding for one day I soak through everything (I have never been like this) then it stops for four days then starts again off and on for a few days, very light. I am going to be referred to a gynecologist, yes, but I am still skeptical in light of medical responses thus far.
Thanks for sharing.
Rowan

Andygirl · 07-07-2005, 08:33 AM

You definitely need to see a gynecologist for this. If you're bleeding that heavily there might be something wrong. Your GP might not recognize what is going on with you.

I took Lupron for my endometriosis and had a false menopause. Mine was pretty mild except for a few hot flashes. Then I had a hysterectomy, but kept one ovary. Luckily that did not push me into actual menopause.

elizabeth1979 · 07-07-2005, 10:11 AM

Hi!

I have premature menapausal sypmtoms also due to meds for endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome..Been on these meds for 10 years since I was 15 and yes I am only 25, but exhibiting signs of menopause like you. Night sweats are the worst, I swear I keep my house 50 degrees at night.

My mother had no medical problems like mine, but started menpause at age 36 and at the age of 53 is not all through "the change", so she says.

My heart goes out to you. Can you go see a reproductive specialist? An ob/gyn is better than primary care, but a reproductive specialist sees more of this kind of stuff and can treat your better. The herbs are fabulous..you can actually buy progesterone cream at a Vitamin store, and it sounds crazy, but rub it on your stomach at night and the symptoms lesse.

Good luck

eddie z. · 07-07-2005, 10:25 AM

You're welcome, Rowan! Let us know how things go with the specialist, OK?

Love and hugs,
Eddie

**Rowan** · 07-07-2005, 11:18 AM

Thanks all .. gonna call my doc now, and gonna see about that progesterone cream too .. I'll try anything at this point ..
I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences you really helped.
Love Rowan

eddie z. · 07-07-2005, 11:52 AM

Black cohosh and I think Dong quai are supposed to be helpful too, but talk to a pharmacist or doctor before taking anything, even over-the-counter or natural remedies.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

**Rowan** · 07-07-2005, 12:23 PM

Yes I take Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Chasteberry, Omega 3, Digestive Enzymes, Acidophilus, other natural stuff.

angelgirl · 07-07-2005, 12:48 PM

Hi Rowan, I have surgical menopause. I had a complete hysterectomy, uterus, ovaries, fallop. tubes, everything gone. I am 37 now, I had the surgery when I was 32.
Boy, I went through ALOT. I had endometriosis everywhere, as well as they thought my right ovary was a solid tumor, it was part tumor, part filled with blood.
My mom died at 46 from cancer. They did not know where her cancer started, since when they finally discovered it, it was sread everywhere, and she only lived 6 weeks after being finally diagnosed correctly, (stuipid doctors!!)) My mom had a hysterectomy when she was in her 20's but they left one ovary, so her menopause would not begin so soon. Anyway, my doctor thinks that her cancer may have started in that one ovary, since ovarian cancer is such a silent killer, it doesn't show ususally, until it's very late stage. So my doctor decided to go ahead and remove everything, since I had such bad endo. and that problem witht he ovary, and my mom's early death, since ovarian cancer can be hereditary..
When I had the surgery, it took about 3 days before my body lost all the estrogen, or most, enough to make me crazy. I cried for days, it was like I was losing my mind, I could not stop crying. Then the sweats began, horrible, and all theother symptoms.
My doctor then put me on estrogen, and told me I would be on it until I reach the age that most women are in menopause. That helped me greatly. I am also on a very high dose, since I don't have ovaries, when a normal girl my age, is producing much estrogen. I am on 3mgs. I tried to go down to 1 or 2 mgs, but that did not work..
But I definatley think you should see a doctor. You may have fibroids. Maybe you know what they are, but they are not cancer, just large growths in your uterus, that make you beel very, very heavily. There are so many conditions women can have...
It is good you are being refered to a gyn. Can't you ust go see one, do you have to be refered??
I don't know alot about early menopause, except waht I have, and that is much different, because I had surgical shock menopause. Going into it so fast, so young.
I dont know why your doctor told you that checking your hormones is not accurate.. I have had mine checked??? They did not tell me that.

Good luck, and let us know please how it all turns out. i wish you the best. But dont worry about it.. Like I said, it could be so many things, including something simple.

Oh, by the way, I jus tthought I'd say, sex was very uincomfortable, with the endo. No it really HURT!!

Just thought I'd add that, amybe you have some of the same symptoms.. ??
LOve ya all, Becky

eddie z. · 07-07-2005, 12:54 PM

LOL. I guess you've got that covered, then! When I was in my artificial menopause, I took progesterone tablets for some symptoms, but my mood was affected and I started gaining weight, too, so they were stopped. Don't know that that helps you any, but that's just my experience.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

**Rowan** · 07-07-2005, 01:51 PM

Hi Angel Girl,
You have gone through so much! Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience with me, and I am so sorry you lost your Mom while still so young.
I have read about fibroids and about endometriosis, and am certain I don't suffer from the latter; I don't have any pain when having intercourse, and my bleeding hasn't been consistently heavy enough to qualify as fibroids - jmho.
And no, I cannot see a gyno or otherwise without a doctor referral. In Canada they try to bleed the money out of their patients as often as possible lol.
Eddie mentioned progesterone cream, and I've been reading about it. It's important to use natural as opposed to synthetic because of the latter's link to certain cancers. So. I will go get some on my way home from work. Anything to get through this! My boyfriend has been staying at the PMS Hotel (his apt) whenever I'm symptomatic so he would love a cure also!
Anyway thanks again girls continue to share your experiences if you can and I'll let y'all know how the progesterone works. Lord it's a lot of work being a woman: I quit alcohol and smoking, eat healthy (usually) exercise (well sometimes) take vitamins work sleep etc now I gotta take some cream and rub it on my gut at night ... oh and yeah might have to give up my one pleasure -- coffee!!!

eddie z. · 07-07-2005, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rowan

Eddie mentioned progesterone cream...

While I'd love to take credit for that, I can't. I only mentioned the tablets; someone else, I'm not sure who, brought up the cream. I'm learning about it myself! So thanks to...???

Love and hugs,
Eddie

bananagrrrl · 07-07-2005, 03:23 PM

Hi Rowan,

I would see another doctor. I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure two years ago at the age of 32. It is very rare and doctors are still ignorant about it. I hope this is not your diagnosis, but your doctor sounds not very informed.

eddie z. · 07-07-2005, 03:29 PM

WELCOME to SR, bananagrrrl!! Thanks for posting, too!!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

bananagrrrl · 07-07-2005, 03:58 PM

Thank you! I think I am still in denial about alcohol and have been lurking here, but Rowan's situation made me want to post.

eddie z. · 07-07-2005, 04:41 PM

Love and hugs,
Eddie

bananagrrrl · 07-07-2005, 04:46 PM

I love it!

eddie z. · 07-07-2005, 08:09 PM

Thought you might for some reason! LOL.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

P.S. Rowan, sorry about all the bananas which you said you need like a hole in the head. I just couldn't resist when I saw bananagrrrl's screen name.

**Rowan** · 07-07-2005, 08:42 PM

Thanks Bananarama and Eddie!
You're right Eddie, you mentioned tablets - and I bought cream lol
Yes I plan on getting another doctor - soon
Time for bed talk to y'all soon

eddie z. · 07-07-2005, 08:47 PM

Good! Probably fewer side effects with the cream anyway! Hope you sleep well!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

07-06-2005, 08:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rowan Social Network Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 8,915	Artificial Menopause Hi everyone Has anyone else ever heard of/experienced surgical/artificial menopause? I am frustrated because I am experiencing all the symptoms, and have, since I had my tubes cauterized in January. I am only 37 but the symptoms have been classic: incontinence, night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia etc. I visited my doctor and she says it's not possible to be in early menopause this young. What b.s.! I expected a little more open-mindedness from a woman and I told her so. I have read of this condition and I know it exists but it is very frustrating to not have it recognized by a medical doctor. She tested my hormone levels and thyroid level and all are normal so that's that she says. She wouldn't listen to me when I said blood tests for hormonal levels are only accurate at certain times during a woman's cycle, and that blood tests weren't all that accurate anyway. I have started taking herbs for my symptoms, with some relief, but not a lot to tell you the truth. Around this time, when I become premenstrual, it's made so many times worse because I wake up through the night sweating/freezing and I'm more irritable than ever. I truly feel psychotic during these periods and have a very hard time getting through the days until things begin to settle down. I would really love to know if anyone else here has experienced anything similar, and what you may have done about it. I know family history is important regarding the age a woman will enter menopause, but my mom was 51. So that kills that theory eh? Thanks for listening! I'm going to find some candy to eat in bed. Love Rowan I need a banana like I need a hole in the head

07-06-2005, 08:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
hja1407 All in God's Hands Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 75	Rowan, I promise it is not in your head. I had my tubes cut and tied in March and now I have migranes. In fact I am fighting one as I type this. If I had known how it would make me feel I never would have done it. I have no advice I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this. BTW I only turned 29 on the first so it has nothing to so with age. Heather __________________ You do not get to chose how you are going to die or when. You can only decide how you are going to live. Joan Baez Where there is great love there are always miracles. Sarah Knowles Bolton

07-06-2005, 08:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,606	Lynn, I had artificial menopause induced by a medication I used for endometriosis, so I know it exists, but if you're still having regular periods, then it doesn't sound to me like that's what's going on. Our hormones do change over the years especially after a procedure like yours, so we get different symptoms. Was this doctor an actual gynecologist? If not, maybe that's who you need to see. Hope you get some relief somehow!! Love and hugs, Eddie __________________

07-07-2005, 10:11 AM	#6 (permalink)
elizabeth1979 Acting not reacting Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: My happy place Posts: 1,790	Its not in your head Hi! I have premature menapausal sypmtoms also due to meds for endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome..Been on these meds for 10 years since I was 15 and yes I am only 25, but exhibiting signs of menopause like you. Night sweats are the worst, I swear I keep my house 50 degrees at night. My mother had no medical problems like mine, but started menpause at age 36 and at the age of 53 is not all through "the change", so she says. My heart goes out to you. Can you go see a reproductive specialist? An ob/gyn is better than primary care, but a reproductive specialist sees more of this kind of stuff and can treat your better. The herbs are fabulous..you can actually buy progesterone cream at a Vitamin store, and it sounds crazy, but rub it on your stomach at night and the symptoms lesse. Good luck __________________ The sign of intelligent people is their ability to control emotions by the application of reason. -- Marya Mannes (1904-1990) American Journalist

07-07-2005, 12:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
angelgirl You're never alone!! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,194	Hi Rowan, I have surgical menopause. I had a complete hysterectomy, uterus, ovaries, fallop. tubes, everything gone. I am 37 now, I had the surgery when I was 32. Boy, I went through ALOT. I had endometriosis everywhere, as well as they thought my right ovary was a solid tumor, it was part tumor, part filled with blood. My mom died at 46 from cancer. They did not know where her cancer started, since when they finally discovered it, it was sread everywhere, and she only lived 6 weeks after being finally diagnosed correctly, (stuipid doctors!!)) My mom had a hysterectomy when she was in her 20's but they left one ovary, so her menopause would not begin so soon. Anyway, my doctor thinks that her cancer may have started in that one ovary, since ovarian cancer is such a silent killer, it doesn't show ususally, until it's very late stage. So my doctor decided to go ahead and remove everything, since I had such bad endo. and that problem witht he ovary, and my mom's early death, since ovarian cancer can be hereditary.. When I had the surgery, it took about 3 days before my body lost all the estrogen, or most, enough to make me crazy. I cried for days, it was like I was losing my mind, I could not stop crying. Then the sweats began, horrible, and all theother symptoms. My doctor then put me on estrogen, and told me I would be on it until I reach the age that most women are in menopause. That helped me greatly. I am also on a very high dose, since I don't have ovaries, when a normal girl my age, is producing much estrogen. I am on 3mgs. I tried to go down to 1 or 2 mgs, but that did not work.. But I definatley think you should see a doctor. You may have fibroids. Maybe you know what they are, but they are not cancer, just large growths in your uterus, that make you beel very, very heavily. There are so many conditions women can have... It is good you are being refered to a gyn. Can't you ust go see one, do you have to be refered?? I don't know alot about early menopause, except waht I have, and that is much different, because I had surgical shock menopause. Going into it so fast, so young. I dont know why your doctor told you that checking your hormones is not accurate.. I have had mine checked??? They did not tell me that. Good luck, and let us know please how it all turns out. i wish you the best. But dont worry about it.. Like I said, it could be so many things, including something simple. Oh, by the way, I jus tthought I'd say, sex was very uincomfortable, with the endo. No it really HURT!! Just thought I'd add that, amybe you have some of the same symptoms.. ?? LOve ya all, Becky __________________ ™ Don't tell God how BIG your addiction is, tell your addiction, how BIG our GOD is!! Jesus is our teacher and he is our Savior, who takes our prayers and makes them his own.

07-07-2005, 06:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
Rowan Social Network Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 8,915	Thanks folks I forgot to mention my periods -- very irregular, and heavy bleeding for one day I soak through everything (I have never been like this) then it stops for four days then starts again off and on for a few days, very light. I am going to be referred to a gynecologist, yes, but I am still skeptical in light of medical responses thus far. Thanks for sharing. Rowan

07-07-2005, 08:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
Andygirl Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 104	You definitely need to see a gynecologist for this. If you're bleeding that heavily there might be something wrong. Your GP might not recognize what is going on with you. I took Lupron for my endometriosis and had a false menopause. Mine was pretty mild except for a few hot flashes. Then I had a hysterectomy, but kept one ovary. Luckily that did not push me into actual menopause.

07-07-2005, 10:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,606	You're welcome, Rowan! Let us know how things go with the specialist, OK? Love and hugs, Eddie

07-07-2005, 11:18 AM	#8 (permalink)
Rowan Social Network Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 8,915	Thanks all .. gonna call my doc now, and gonna see about that progesterone cream too .. I'll try anything at this point .. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences you really helped. Love Rowan

07-07-2005, 11:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,606	Black cohosh and I think Dong quai are supposed to be helpful too, but talk to a pharmacist or doctor before taking anything, even over-the-counter or natural remedies. Love and hugs, Eddie

07-07-2005, 12:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
Rowan Social Network Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 8,915	Yes I take Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Chasteberry, Omega 3, Digestive Enzymes, Acidophilus, other natural stuff.

07-07-2005, 12:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,606	LOL. I guess you've got that covered, then! When I was in my artificial menopause, I took progesterone tablets for some symptoms, but my mood was affected and I started gaining weight, too, so they were stopped. Don't know that that helps you any, but that's just my experience. Love and hugs, Eddie

07-07-2005, 01:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
Rowan Social Network Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 8,915	Hi Angel Girl, You have gone through so much! Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience with me, and I am so sorry you lost your Mom while still so young. I have read about fibroids and about endometriosis, and am certain I don't suffer from the latter; I don't have any pain when having intercourse, and my bleeding hasn't been consistently heavy enough to qualify as fibroids - jmho. And no, I cannot see a gyno or otherwise without a doctor referral. In Canada they try to bleed the money out of their patients as often as possible lol. Eddie mentioned progesterone cream, and I've been reading about it. It's important to use natural as opposed to synthetic because of the latter's link to certain cancers. So. I will go get some on my way home from work. Anything to get through this! My boyfriend has been staying at the PMS Hotel (his apt) whenever I'm symptomatic so he would love a cure also! Anyway thanks again girls continue to share your experiences if you can and I'll let y'all know how the progesterone works. Lord it's a lot of work being a woman: I quit alcohol and smoking, eat healthy (usually) exercise (well sometimes) take vitamins work sleep etc now I gotta take some cream and rub it on my gut at night ... oh and yeah might have to give up my one pleasure -- coffee!!!

07-07-2005, 03:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
bananagrrrl Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 17	Hi Rowan, I would see another doctor. I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure two years ago at the age of 32. It is very rare and doctors are still ignorant about it. I hope this is not your diagnosis, but your doctor sounds not very informed.

07-07-2005, 03:29 PM	#16 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,606	WELCOME to SR, bananagrrrl!! Thanks for posting, too!! Love and hugs, Eddie

Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

07-07-2005, 03:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
bananagrrrl Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 17	Thank you! I think I am still in denial about alcohol and have been lurking here, but Rowan's situation made me want to post.

07-07-2005, 04:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,606	Love and hugs, Eddie

07-07-2005, 04:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
bananagrrrl Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 17	I love it!

07-07-2005, 08:09 PM	#20 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,606	Thought you might for some reason! LOL. Love and hugs, Eddie P.S. Rowan, sorry about all the bananas which you said you need like a hole in the head. I just couldn't resist when I saw bananagrrrl's screen name.

07-07-2005, 08:42 PM	#21 (permalink)
Rowan Social Network Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 8,915	Thanks Bananarama and Eddie! You're right Eddie, you mentioned tablets - and I bought cream lol Yes I plan on getting another doctor - soon Time for bed talk to y'all soon

07-07-2005, 08:47 PM	#22 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,606	Good! Probably fewer side effects with the cream anyway! Hope you sleep well! Love and hugs, Eddie __________________

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