Are there any other Moms out there dealiing with early menopause?

Beata - posted on 02/02/2010

HI,I'M 50 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS FOR LOND TIME,THE DOCTOR PUT ME ON HRT,BUT DIDIN'T WORK FOR ME.I FOUN SOME INFORMATION ABOUT NATURAL CURE FOR MENOPAUSE,LOW LIBIDO,AND LOW SEX DRIVE FOR MEN,I DID ORDER THIS AND WAITING FOR.THIS PLANT CALLED MACA AND IS GROWING IN PERU.YOU CAN FOUND INFORMATION ON THE NET.GOOD LUCK FOR YOU AND ALL WOMEN WITH THIS PROBLEM.

Mary Ann - posted on 02/02/2010

Wal-Mart carries a generic for Estrovend (over the counter) that I take and it has helped with hot flashes, etc. When they were really bad, I took the extra strength formula.

Bonnie - posted on 02/02/2010

Wow, there is a lot of good advice here to choose from! To answer some of the questions. Yes, I have been diagnosed by my ob/gyn.. I started having symptoms two years ago. They are as follows: erratic mood swings, loss of sex drive (which has slowly been coming back, Thank God), horrific night sweats, daily hot flashes (which I don't mind so much if the weather is cold), cold chills, and a period that pops up on me every six months (just enough time to make me think, "Yay, it is finally leaving", before knocking the wind out of those sails).

Donna - posted on 02/02/2010

Hi Bonnie.....I too am 48 years old and going through menopause...Night sweats...sometimes hot flashes, weight gain, irritabiltiy, and I decided not to get any presriptions for my symptons...I just deal with it and if it gets worse, I have decided to go to a holistic doctor...

Teresa - posted on 02/02/2010

I went through menopause 2 years ago and Bellatude-- an all natural progesterone cream saved me from all those problems including anxiety-mood swings-hot flashes-night sweats-- Its a cream you use 3 weeks per month and use on the skin morning and night. I have had great results as well as many others going throught this.

Liz - posted on 02/01/2010

Try regular exercise,something you enjoy, this will help regulate your hormones, help you sleep better, help relieve stress. Also its a good idea to see a naturopath to get them to adjust your diet. what you eat can have a huge impact on how you feel, even the best diet sometimes needs a few changes. good luck!

Karen - posted on 02/01/2010

I started this fun group on Facebook, HORMONES SUCK!, but there are some serious, useful posts on our group wall as well :)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24...

Terri - posted on 02/01/2010

I am 45 and have been taking a medication that can cause hot flashes. My doctor recommended 3000 mg of Evening Primrose Oil daily. My mother also used this herbal supplement. It is working for us. Hope this helps!

Paula - posted on 02/01/2010

i'm almost 43 but i would say for the past about 2 years i've seen my mood change dramatically and i feel depressed,my periods too have changed,but when alot of u say emotional roller coaster as a symtom ,what does that entail?i feel like i'm going nuts some days,i need to probably go have my hormones checked,i went about a year and a half ago only to be told that they couldn't find my results to my hormone test and i never retook them,but i'm not having really the night sweats yet,there are times though that i feel all of a sudden hot and also i feel cold too but i'm not waking up all sweaty or anything like that yet,what were some of ur 1st symptoms?also i seem to have alot of aching in my legs,is this a symptom of perimedapause?any imput would be appreciated

Becky - posted on 02/01/2010

I'm 44 and started the onset of menopause at age 40. The night sweats. The emotional roller coaster. It's terrible! I'm not a candidate for the homronal therapy because I have DVT "deep vein thrombosis." I have found that herbal therapy for me does the best. It doesn't take the hot flashes totally away but it does help me stay on a even keel.

Lisa - posted on 02/01/2010

hello, my name is lisa and i'm 42. have been having the worst migraine headaches for the past couple years at or around menstral time, some times once sometimes twice. I can identify with alot of the symptoms that eveyone else has shared. Went to a male doctor and he seemed to think i was to young. That was @2 years ago. Now i'm haveing trouble sleeping at night so taking sleep aids to help. I really have gotten alot of great suggestons but what about the weight gain? lisa

Deadra - posted on 01/31/2010

I am 49 years old, and my menopause experience started after having a hysterectomy in 2006. Like one of the other moms, I still had my ovaries, so I thought I would be ok. WRONG!! One year after the surgery the hot flashes kicked in big time along with the mood swings. I went to my GYN's office for my check and broke out into tears for no reason while the nurse was checking my bp. That's when I started using the Vivelle Dot patch. I had to change my eating habits and start exercising to get rid of the weight I gained. I've had to increase the estrogen level because of the night sweats, but my Dr explained that losing weight will affect me because I'm losing fat and the fat produced estrogen. So, I did some research and found some supplements that are suppose to help i.e. Flaxseed Oil for the night sweats, Soy, and a multi-vitamin with stuff like maganese, magnisium, Black Cohash, and Dong Quai. Good luck, and I hope you find something that works. Peace & Blessings.

Barbara - posted on 01/31/2010

i'm 48 also and because of an auto-immune disease went through menopause over 4 years ago..the hot flashes are the worst! I too did not want to use anything medicinal and have found that block cohoch and brewers yeast do help as long as i use them and dont forget a dosage. i started out taking them 3 times a day and have found that i can go down to twice a day. i've also cut out sugars and caffiene which also cause hot flashes. you may also want to layer your clothing so that when the hot flashes come you can take off a layer or 2 and then put them on again when its over. hope this helps

Kay - posted on 01/30/2010

Where do you get your yams? From what I have heard, the wild Mexican yam is the best for this. It is not even close to the yams we see in the store.

Marla - posted on 01/30/2010

Hi Bonnie I am in the same boat as you are , I'm not taking any meds do not have the hot flashes I used to yams high protein low carb low fat diet , I try to eat yams at least once a week more is better limit your caffeine if you are oacoffee or tea drinker I try not to get moody by just taking time outs when I need too 2 3 min can make the world of difference walking alone seems to calm me and keep me feeling stress free and I have a lot of stress due to ASD child and my own on going health issues. when I can't sleep which is often I I try to cat nap if I am really dragging but not for more than 20 min before 6 or else I am up all night yoga helps too
hope this helps you

Kay - posted on 01/30/2010

I use a Real Food Technology product called PLUS. It has really helped to balance my endecrin system. I especially like not having night sweats. https://new.mannatech.com/resources/US/Documents/Documents/ProductDocs/tear-sheets/US_1283301_Plus%20Tear%20Sheet.pdf

Clara - posted on 01/29/2010

It is awful! I started 3 years ago with the hot flashes, night sweats and major irritability. As with many of us, I tuffed it out. Of course, these were the years when my 2 sons moved away to college, my husband was injured and unemployed and I had to go back to work. Talk about being handed a basket of s--t!! I was ready to murder someone until I started taking an anti-depressive, Zoloft. Though I don't like the side effects, I can tell you that it took a couple of months but I am happy again. Good luck and God Bless!

Louise - posted on 01/29/2010

Gosh yes been going thru premenpoause for probaly gosh 10 years.........It's not fun by no means.I've tried the without meds but seems only thing that makes it liveable!

Rebecca - posted on 01/29/2010

I am 54 and went through it in my 40's. I found a cream at my local health food store that said to rub it on my abdoman but a nurse told me to rub in on my inner wrist when I first felt a hot flash coming on. Because it is aborbed into the blood stream faster there it did help quite a bit. I still had the hot flashes but not as hard and they didn't last as long. As for the mood swings I talked to my family about them and how I didn't have a lot of control over them and they learned to adjust to them and together we got through them. Having an understanding family really helps with them!

Diane - posted on 01/29/2010

I started menopause at age 35. It was an eye opener let me tell you, but I am getting through it. I had to have a partial hystorectomy about 9 years ago. I'm 52 now and both me and my doctor agreed that he had to leave in one ovary so I wouldn't have to take any meds. Luckily he did leave one in, the night sweats are awful and so are the mood swings. I've learned to deal with them by not giving into them. It's hard, even having a glass of wine helps with the sweats. I know that it's something I have to deal with everyday until I am done with it. Having friends I mean really good friends, has helped me so much. Talk is the answer, explain to family and friends about how you are feeling, in time you will overcome it. Also,l I'm on cymbalta which I'm sure helps alot. I've tried diet, exercise, meditation, herbal remedies and they didn't help me. Talking did help. I wish you luck - you have to find your own little niche.

Ann - posted on 01/29/2010

I am 51 and have a 6 years old daughter. I''ve been dealing with menopause for over 3 years now, hot flashes cold flashes mood swing (a lot of mood swing!!)..you name it. I take the hormones pills every night (Estradiol and Provera), they help but not 100%. I drink a lot of soymilk, eat a lot of tofu (soybean product), I also workout a lot, at least 60 mins a day/ everyday. I believe they all help in some way,now it is not as bad as when it first started. Eventually it will go away, I hope soon..(LOL).
Have some downtime for yourself, relax, watch your fav shows or listen to soft music, do some yoga,go to the gym and have someone( husband) help you a little bit with the kid and the household chores, this will make you feel better and not having so much stress on everything. Having a toddler is a handfull, this age is the busiest stage, be patient and hold your temper. Menopause is something woman cannot avoid but have to deal with it , just hang in there, good luck and try to smile a lot more. Ann Ward :)

Heather - posted on 01/29/2010

Hi Bonnie,

Well I have just turned 47 and have been going through early menopause for about 2 years. My moods are so bad - sometimes happy and then extremely sad. Its very frustrating and my kids notice the difference. The doctor advised me just to slow down get plenty of rest and to try relaxation techniques to get to sleep. These did not help. Im not on any medication but they said if it gets any worse I should be. I think really the doctors have no idea how to deal with us early menopausal woman so just put it back to us to deal with it. My hot flushes have been very bad also but I just (if I am at home) go into my bedroom and lie down with the fan on until im cooler. I try to focus on other things spending time with the kids, out with friends or working hard. Basically we just have to put up with it. Sorry not to be much help but thats whats happended to me.

Noreen - posted on 01/29/2010

I would like to know this myself.I just started about a year ago,and I am 46.

Mirka - posted on 01/29/2010

I'm going to be 44 in March and have been experiencing hot flashes for past 2 and 1/2 years now . The they just get more frequent now and the mood swings I dont even remember when because I get crancky when I get my period. My period tho is still very regular every 28 days. I just live through it no drugs.

Renee - posted on 01/29/2010

Yes, I am 44 years old and started menopause when I was 38, so six years ago. I have the weird periods, night sweats and big mood swings, I'm interested to know what others are doing on here too and will read all the posts YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Alet - posted on 01/29/2010

I can only talk for myself. I used hormone replacement therapy and it made me so sick. Then I discovered bio-identical hormones made from pure natural substances. Google it, you will find lots of different brands. Here in South Africa we have some wonderful products. You need Estrogen, Progesterone and a very small bit of Testosterone. Speak to your doctor about the bio-identical products. Those that I use are all in creams and you put a pea-size bit of Estrogen and Progesterone on any place of your body that has good blood flow to absort the cream. It is working wonders for me. Since I started that 8 year ago, no more hot flushes, tiredness or sleepless nights. Good luck.

Donna - posted on 01/29/2010

Instead of pills and creams, try massage therapy. I know it sounds like it wouldn't help but massage is one of the best ways to balance your body, relieve stress and detoxify. Getting massages regularly will help significantly deminish your symptoms. I have been a massage therapist for 8 years, I have had many clients that have come to me for this and had excellent results. Here is an article about how massage can help.



There’s no question that the bodily changes that every woman must go through during menopause are permanent. Since many people are resistant to change, this can wreak havoc on a woman’s emotions. The uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, such as weight gain and mood swings, can be so intolerable that depression may inevitably set in. Traditional Western medicine relies strongly on medications such as anti-depressants and sleeping pills to treat these symptoms, but massage therapy offers an enticing, drug-free alternative. Relieving stress and increasing relaxation can help a woman cope with and manage these discomforts with greater ease.



http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Massage-Ea...

Terolyn - posted on 01/28/2010

I am 41 and have been menopausal now for abt 3 or 4 years. My periods seem to have ceased now (7 months). Anyway last year was really hard! Flashes, mental disorientation, lethargy & severe depression. My doctor was abt to put me on Prozac prescribed some hormone stuff but I hate meds! First you MUST get the book The Wisdom of Menopause. Then from the health foodstore there's a line of products called 'Buried Treasure'. they have a product called 'Women's Change'. Absolutely Excellent! I also supplimented that with Vitex or Chaste Berry capasules. In short, I feel Great!

Venus - posted on 01/28/2010

I'm 43 and I'm in full swing of menopause I thought I could do it on my own but when the night sweats started and I wasnt sleeping and my family started steering clear of me, I decided hormone replacement might just be needed. There are a lot of natural solutions as well but for me it didnt seem to work.

BARBARA - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi Joy, I would love to hear more about this, because i have never been regular my intire life, and because of it i now have issues with my iron, as well as being told i was pre menapausel...Thanks Barbara

BARBARA - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi Bonnie, I just turned 42 this month, and i was told in dec 08 that i was in premenapause, i havent quite figured out what that means, but i know that when i start to get alot of hot flashes i eat fruit, which was a susgestion from an older friend who has gone thru it, and it seems to help, as for the mood swings i stick my head in a pillow and scream, it seem to help me from taking it out on everyone around me

Alice - posted on 01/28/2010

Vitamin E works for me with the hot flashes. It took about 2 weeks for me to notice a difference, but it was worth the wait. I sleep much better now.

Linda - posted on 01/28/2010

I am 54, and started going through menopause six years ago...finally three months now with absolutely no period. BUT I still have hot flashes. I wear the least to bed as possible (we have a 10 year old in the house so have to wear something) :))
Sometimes I turn the ceiling fan on...and throw all covers on hubby. Also have to change the pillow case in the morning, and shower. But neve rtook any meds for menopause because I have heart problem, as well as diabetes. Oh and yes, lots of mood swings...I feel them coming but can't stop them.

Andrea - posted on 01/28/2010

Yes , now I am 43 and it started last year , night sweats , depression etc , I take evening primose and it helps alot plus veggie juicing ,1st thing in the morning , the more I try to stay away from sugar the better I feel , Girl , I know the feelig, good luck

Jacque - posted on 01/28/2010

I feel your pain. I am 48 also and been going up and down with that same issue. My worst complaint was the hot flashes at night. Black cohosh has definately helped that.

Athalia - posted on 01/28/2010

Try using a NATURAL BALANCING CREAM by Arbonne. Getting amazing results! Listen to the following recording: Out of Balance? (402) 426-6969 Code 08487866#

Mary E - posted on 01/28/2010

embrace it-it has its oops but the good things list forever-no periods-no monthly cramping-no pms-no possability of pregnancy-sexual appetite,no depravity.yes there are hot flashes,yes cold sweats,maybe even mood swings.its a small price to pay for fun-and time for chapter 2 of a life well lived-gods plan was to be fruitful and multiply but chapter 2 means-fun with no consequinces,no more pain-it is a part of you so there is nothing bad about it and plus we can't change it-its gonna happen regardless of if we go through it grieving or just seeing as another wonderful side of you(you tend to get spunky)

Denise - posted on 01/28/2010

Yes I am a 48 year old and I started showing signs and symptoms last year. The hot flashes seem to be limited to nitetime for me while I am sleeping I keep my feet iin and out of the covers out to cool off in to warm up and so on. I often get up take a brisk walk through the house to cool down and have even got an icecube and rubbed it on my wrists This really does work. Now for the emotional rollercoaster thats a different story. I have always been a sentimential person and crying comes alot but I have had mood swings where I go from pleasant to super agravated and crabby when this happens I try to catch myself and I pray for GOD to go before me in my thoughts,words,and actions. I also have started using breathing exercise that relieve stress. Breathe in for 3 seconds through nose hold for a while then slowly exhale out of mouth and this works also. I pray that I never have to turn to meds and so far I haven't. Good Luck Bonnie

Joy - posted on 01/28/2010

Yes, I'm 48 and started going through it at 40. I went to the health food store and got progesterone cream. It's natural and doesn't cause cancer. I also purchased Red clover which naturally balances your hormones. Started putting the progesterone cream on one pump a day and two red clovers a day and started my periods within one month. All my hot flashes disappeared in a couple days and I feel so good. I have been on a twenty eight day cycle ever since and more regular than I was in my twenties.

Dawn Marie - posted on 01/28/2010

i am a 43 year old woman who is also going through menopause. I started when i was thirty seven.... i may not get my period, but i do get sever mood swings and had to be put on antipsycotic medication because i was miserable to live with... as far as not having my period i dont miss it and have very little affects other than night sweats and the mood swings

Carolyn - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi, I am 55 and would like to recomment NATURAL Progesterone therapy. I have been using it for 9 months, and have almost no hot flushes at night, and am sleeping better. it is also good for Oesteoporosis, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Go to www.progesterone.co.uk and you can read about it. Often women are given Estrogen, but it can be that one has Estrogen dominence, and need Progesterone to balance it. But it must be NATURAL....synthetic is not the same. There are no known side effects with natural Progesterone. Please have a look!



Regards, Carolyn Stan-Bishop

West Australia

Ann - posted on 01/28/2010

I am 39 very soon to be 40! I am in the beginning of menopause. I also take a anti depressant. About a year ago, I started noticing my mood swing weren't being just one day a month anymore. I am really having a ride on a emotional roller coaster! and major night sweats! I am not taking anything at the moment. But, There is a product that I am going to start taking that has Black Cohosh in it.

Keep Positive,

Ann

Dianne - posted on 01/28/2010

I started to go through menopause at 36. The Drs and Nurse Practitioners all said, "So sorry.", but didn't offer any help. At 51 I finally found a Dr willing to put me on estrogen tabs after checking my hormone level. I am a new woman. Can think more clearly, don't fly off the handle like I used to, and my deep bone aches and weariness have all stopped.
If you don't find what you are looking for, keep searching.

Debra - posted on 01/28/2010

HI Bonnie!!
well i am 55 and have been postmenopausal for awhile now
i did it without medication and the best advice i have for if you want to avoid hot flashes
is to avoid spicy food and alcohol !! those two things did me in every time!!

Cindy - posted on 01/28/2010

I feel for you, Bonnie! I started perimenopause several years ago and now, at age 49, am completely menopausal. I had problems with hot flashes and night sweats, plus noticed a marked difference in my skin tone and elasticity.
I tried all the herbal remedies I could find (black cohosh, primrose oil, estrogen creams, etc.) but didn't have good luck with them. I ended up going on HRT, which helped me a great deal. Another thing that helped me a lot is taking a sleep aid occasionally when I need it. I firmly believe that some of the emotional upset suffered by menopausal women is due to sleep problems. Please share your concerns with your doctor.
One thing she did recommend that has helped me a lot is to increase the soy and protein in my diet. I am not a breakfast eater, but have gotten into the habit of having a soy protein bar for breakfast. It's worked very well for me.
Please know you're not alone!

Karen - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi Bonnie: I too (wow lots of us out there) am going through these same type of issues and have at this point resorted to taking Angeliq a Progestin/Estrogen supplement. Still in the early days so not sure how it will work.
However, my neice gave me a book call Estrogen's Storm Season by Dr.Jerilynn Prior and although I have only made it half way through the book I think it may be a very good thing for you to check out. There is a link in the book to a web site that allows you to download a daily Perimenopause Diary and lots of suggestions for dealing naturally with the problems we are expereincing. . Since starting my new medication I have been using the diary and am finding just seeing patterns or progress towards actual menopause makes me feel a little more in control of my life again.
Take care,
Karen

Beverley - posted on 01/28/2010

Hi there Bonnie,
Hoping this might help! I had a hysterectomy at the age of 29, which brought on early menopause at 40! I'm now 53 and still have some symptoms and have had to, unfortunately, go on the estrogen patches to deal with it! In my case, I did have to have one ovary removed when I had my hysterectomy and that's the reason that I had early menopause and prolonged menopause. However, in the first ten years and especially the first 5, my Doctor put me on a really good, comprehensive and quite expensive Vitamin B Complex. This Vitamin B Complex, helps to reduce stress hugely and in so doing, brings down the worst of the menopause. The higher your stress levels, the worse the menopause is. It was the best thing for me and although I'm now on the estrogen patches, I still take the Vitamin B Complex as it really assists the process. My menopause is now tapering off and I won't need the patches for much longer. I do, however, intend to stay on the Vitamin B Complex. Please don't make the mistake of buying the cheapest product though, a good Vitamin B Complex is very, very important and although more expensive, works! I hope that this helps.
Bev

Hazel - posted on 01/28/2010

I had my hysterectomy at the age of 28 and believe you me I am still going thru it from time to time and I am now 43. But I do not use anything for it. I do still have my ovaries.
I think I just got use to it for been grumpy sometimes. I must admit what I do find is that I have mood swings can cannot explain them - but they normally are when I ovulate.
Hope there is someone like me out there to Lol!

Regards,
Hazel

MAUREEN - posted on 01/28/2010

I will be 55 this year, and I started going thru it at age 40, I'm thru with every thing now,everything. no meds ,nothing I took. Am doing great! Maybe I am one of the lucky ones, but If you don't need drugs don't, but I'm not a Dr, so get a ck up to be on the safe side if its that bad.

Rhonda - posted on 01/27/2010

Hi Bonnie, If the definition of menapause is the end of menstrul cycles then mine was at 35. I didn't suffer with all the hormonal issues like most women. My cycles just became very sporadic over a period of 5 years to the point that I only had one cycle once a year the last 3yrs. My mood actually improved instead of getting worse at which point I learned that I had a condition that is opposite of pms. Anyway, I'm drifting off topic...like I said my experience was hardly anything that you heard about from older women who had experienced it...but what you don't learn is that just like your child-bearing years and cycle...menapause is not something that you go thru experiencing moodiness, acting all crazy and losing that unwanted visiter that drops by every month. After all that stops there's alot of adjusting, some changes to your body that you might not notice for several years, every time I encounter something new with myself I research it and almost always can trace it back to early menapause....which annoys my husband because to him its like having the flu...you got it....you got over it....he's always saying "But you had menapause 5 years ago." But it isn't that simple, Like him, most people see it as an event that last several years and then it's over but that isn't the case. Case in Point, I'm now 42. Since experiencing menapause I've lost 6-8 teeth because without the hormones your body was providing its harder to absorb the calcium needed for strong bones and teeth. Which is also why more and more peri-menapausel women are being diagnosed with arthritis. My equilibrium was terrible for several years after my last cycle. Get you some replens because ur lining and vaginal wall is going to take a hit and will affect your sexlife and if that isn't bad enough your libido tanks. As for the unwanted hair that will arrive soon...wax regularly if you don't want that beard and mustache. Talk with your doctor and keep a sense of humor. Its just the next stage of our life.