Menopause and pre-menopause

Julie - posted on 01/28/2013

I am now 46 and have been having going having symptoms of "early menopause" for over 10 years. Taking a soy based supplement like Estroven helps with the sleeplessness and mood swings (my husband will even go buy it when I am out to help with the mood swings). Lack of drive in my case may be from too much to do and not enough willing help. I find if I have had some extra sleep (nap or sleeping in), my drive improves greatly. As far as when you will go through it, talk to your Mom or sisters to see when they had theirs. My Mom was in her early 50s as well as my sister, while I have a good friend who when through in in her early 40s like her mom.

Denise - posted on 01/24/2013

Mid 50s is the norm in my family. Soy milk is supposed to help with mood swings and other symptoms.

Kara - posted on 01/11/2013

I hope you don't either, it used to be that women were in the 50's before they started, but it seems like it is getting earlier and earlier. I am wondering if all the process foods and hormones in foods we eat cause this? Just a thought.

Crystal - posted on 01/11/2013

Im 45 & still havent started menopause & hope i dont

Kara - posted on 01/08/2013

He put me on .75 milligrams I love them

Patricia - posted on 01/08/2013

Villi-dot patches? WOW! I need to tell my friend who had a full hysterectomy and her hot flashes are out of control about this.

Kara - posted on 01/08/2013

Doctors are stupid sometimes.. even without the tests proving it you can be starting menopause! My blood test only showed slightly off balance hormone levels, but given my age and my hysterectomy.. he put me on estrogen. It has changed my life... my memory still off days, but other than that I am great!

Kara - posted on 01/08/2013

I guess I got lucky, I am 44 and had a hysterectomy and had my ovaries left in as well.. I am in menopause, but the Villi-dot patches work for me, No more night sweats and not as many mood swings! Good luck and I hope you find something that helps!

Francine - posted on 01/04/2013

Lathika, I don't understand your statement "I did not have my menopause this month".

Being menopausal does not mean having your monthly period, it means not having your period anymore when you get to a certain age in life. Was your statement more that you did not get your period this month? Your question about how to get your menopause, you enter your menopause phase later in life, although, there have been women that start their menopause as as early as 30 or as late as in their 50s.

I suggest you talk with a doctor to get more information on menopause although being 20 as you stated you still have some years ahead of you before you reach that phase in your life.

Patricia - posted on 12/27/2012

I started perimenopause in my mid thirties and now that I am in my forties it is hitting me hard. I have found the things that work for me if I remember to take them and stick to it is a little xanax at night to help me sleep and I use Emerita Projesterone cream, but they also have a estrogen one that works for those that need it. The cream helps with the mood swings and cramps.

I can go right off the deep end real easy during this time of the month if I don't do the cream. It is hard. Hot flashes the emerita projesterone does help some, but I have not found anything yet that cuts them completely out.

I have 1 week of just cramping and then another 4 day of spotting and then 3 day of bleeding and then another 5-6 days of spotting. I swear it sometimes feels like the entire month I am off because of it.

I however have found my sex drive to be pretty high and funny thing is that I have never had much of a sex drive-ha. Now my Husband is 45 and his is out the roof and I thought it would slow down- nope.

I think the thing that helps most is just eating healthier and exercise and just stress free activities. I have really learned to say No so I can stay healthy

Teresa - posted on 12/17/2012

Along with diet and exercise, I use an all natural progesterone cream with evening primrose and Vitamin E. Most of us have too much estrogen as most breast cancer is estrogen positive and the cream contains no estrogen, just natural progesterone to help balance out the other sex hormones. Works great for sleep, energy, mood, hot flashes, night sweats and weight gain. Good Luck

Susan - posted on 12/13/2012

I had a partial hysterectomy about 7 years ago, I have my ovaries. My doctor said my hormone tests were all normal but I have been having hot flashes, night sweats and crying all the time, I am 48 years old. I have been taking effexor xr for 14 years for an anxiety disorder and my doctor thinks the symptoms I am having might be depression, has anyone has a partial hysterectomy and had their ovaries die or go bad while having normal hormone tests?

Lathika - posted on 12/03/2012

Actually i had sex with my husband last wednesday. He is always busy in business. Only when he has time we have sex. And we havent planned for baby yet. Coz Iam just 20 and i dont have enough stamina to carry the baby. But i didnt get my menopause for this month. Is there any way to get menopause. Right now, My husband is out of country, I got noone here.

say me steps plz

Connie - posted on 09/26/2012

I had a blood test at 38 that my doctor said showed me as being pre-menopausal. 46 now, just a few hot flashes and mood swings, but the memory is questionable now. Period every 3 weeks, very heavy. I, too, am ready for this to be DONE, but I have a feeling mine is going to linger. My mom had periods well into her 50s and she started showing signs of menopause young as well.

Milla - posted on 09/21/2012

Sherril, i have heard a lot of horror stories about menapause too, the anger one, really surprises me - sometimes i think woman use this as a scrap goat to be angry, because there life isnt going right. i havn't had any menapause symtoms and i'm nearly 54, or maybe i'm one of the blessed ones, i think living a healthy life with a healthy diet, that means a hour of exercise or maybe even medation, can certainly go a long way of finding the balance in one self . We as humans are pack animals, but we need time to ourselves, daily.

Tracy - posted on 09/21/2012

Oh man, I have had the feeling that menopause or the beginning of it had started but my mom keeps telling me it's too early. I didn't know that maybe having a baby later in life could make it start. I am sure that I have hot flashes, and am more moody than I ever was. I thought it was because I have 2 toddlers and one is still nursing at night! I am almost 44, is that a reasonable age to start this? Would love for my stupid period to stop!

Adrianne - posted on 09/18/2012

i went through menopause at 40, been 3 years since i last had a period. I too was cranky as all get out, had hot flushes up to 10 times a day and night sweats like you wouldnt believe. i was wary about using hrt so i searched around and found a natural remedy from the health store called promensil which has fixed all my symptoms barr night sweats but i am currently taking champix to give up smoking and i think they are playing havoc with things. hoping once i've kicked the smoking things will totally settle down.

keep looking there are natural remedies out there that do work, you just have to keep trying till you find the right one :-)

being from Australia I'm not sure whether you"d have the same remedies but you'd find something similar i'm sure, good luck

Neva - posted on 09/15/2012

Sarah, you sound just like me!!! All the bad things but no good ones with the pre-menopause. I just turned 45 and have been going thru the mood swings for awhile, but this year really bad. Memory loss, badly at the moment. Oh the night sweats for about 3 years now. Sex Drive close to 0. I exercise well, eat pretty well, but would love for this to just get done.

Nausheen - posted on 09/15/2012

I am 28 .and i am suffering from Menopause.My Ovaries are not working,is there any way i culd become pregnant.or my Periods starts.can any one help me?Please.

Eva - posted on 09/30/2011

I read the posts about symptoms and think that I was always menopausal ;)

Diane - posted on 05/18/2010

I too am a over forty peri-menopausal woman. I find that daily exercise, taking Black Cohosh, and eating right has helped my symptoms. Some months are better than others, but over all, by taking better care of myself, I am feeling a lot better. Also try primrose and phyto estogen. All suggestions are natural supplements.

Marisa - posted on 05/12/2010

Very excellent advice. Having community groups such as this is a huge help. I take an anti-depressent, no caffeine and drink lots of water. I remember when I became pre-menopausal, I thought I was losing my mind. Very emotional, snappy, depressed. Now I am much better after having gone from pre to menopause and now I am more settled in emotionally. Still have occasional hot flashes but I can deal with it and know where it comes from It is the not knowing or avoid the topic that is not good for us. .

Marisa - posted on 05/12/2010

I started menopause at 48 with all of the above symptoms, and I did stop drinking caffein, had to take hormone medication and eventually once I went from premenopause to menopause I had to take an anti-depressent. I would much take something that regulates my moods and takes away any depression or mood swings. Now I can enjoy life, and my kiddos. Now I deal with meopause and puberty! Haa!

Debbie - posted on 05/12/2010

I started pre-menopause in my late forties, just like my mom. The only symptom I have trouble dealing with is the hot flashes. There are a lot of heart problems in my family, so I'm just handling it on my own.

Pamela - posted on 05/07/2010

thanks I will check the site out.

Carolyn - posted on 05/07/2010

www.progesterone.co.uk NATURAL progesterone! this is what we lack at menopause. Have a look at this site...it explains better than I can (It has helped me a lot)

Pamela - posted on 05/07/2010

the hot flashes are no joke, let me tell you. Sometimes i cant stand to have anything on. Going to sleep sometimes butt naked and that too doesnt help. the hot flashes are the most miserable thing that you would have to experience with menopause. Yes my period has stopped , thats the plus side of it all.

Pamela - posted on 05/07/2010

I know exactly what you mean about the moods swings. I am 46 yrs. old I first started going through menopause when I had an cycst removed from my ovary at the age of 36. I did talk to my daughters about the changes that i would have to go . through and still going through. They know that I am not just going crazy, they understand why my moods are all over the place at times. They just let me have my moments, quiet time by myself alot.

Suzanne - posted on 05/06/2010

I am 40 about to be 41. I think that I too am going through the same. I have the mood swings, forgetfulness and cravings. I don't have the hot flashes or night sweats yet. But my mood swing are bad.

Wendy - posted on 05/06/2010

wow i started reading all your coments and i think i better off in the dark to what going on and just flow with it. I figure i been going threw this for about 4 or 5 years now, when first started yelling my family would just disappear, same with the crying, Any ways what ever they were doing i just think of as i won , and i feel much better. Didn't think to much about it being to do with not having periods off and on , or that nasty word you ppls keep using. and would rather not . no meds of course just cruising along. and as for the hot and cold thing seems to be doing ok cause hot in the winter and cold in the summer so far. It all working out ok!

Jenny - posted on 05/06/2010

Hi Sherril, I also had a hysterectomy at 44 and was told I would start early menopause because of it. Well, I am 49 now and just recently had my hormones tested and are still not menopausal (which I wonder). I have however had one or two hot flushes already and have suddenly gained quite a bit of weight in the last 3 yrs. These to me are symptoms so what do you believe. I really identified with you when I read your message, as I am also a very happy and positive person and cannot stand it if my nature changes and I have no control over it. Have you ever considered any form of anti-depressants though. I was put onto them 2 yrs ago unexpectedly, after several huge things that happened in my life. I was totally anti as you are told that they're only for loonies etc, but that is NOT the case. Often anti-depressants are prescribed for people who are just stressed out and tired. As we grow older, esp. woman, we depleat our seratonin levels in our brain and this causes us to feel like we cannot cope anymore or as you say "like we have lost control of our life". If these levels are out of balance we just don't feel "right". Mine was prescribed for anxiety and stress, as I had been going through a rough time physically and mentally. The tablets just brought balance and I feel my old self again, being able to enjoy every moment of life and finding that I hardly ever "explode" about anything anymore. They just make you feel so 'normal' again. Some recon that when your seratonin is depleted you get all the symptoms of menopause, that is why I had my hormones tested, thinking it was that, but it wasn't. Why live with this nonsense if there is a solution? Life is here to be enjoyed, so I hope you find your answer too.

Carolyn - posted on 05/05/2010

Hi, I would like to share a natural solution to many hormonal problems. NATURAL Progesterone.
See www.progesterone.co.uk for a lot of interesting info, plus they supply a really good NATURAL Progesterone cream that I have found relieved my menopause symptoms...and it promotes increased bone density.

Rose - posted on 05/05/2010

This site really is amazing. Thank you for being brave enough to put your feelings into writing. I was told at about 40 that I was probably in perimenopause by my Doctor. I didn't get the good, periods further apart thing but instead was having them more frequently. I break out into terrible sweats which is so embarrassing when I'm out. I knew those things were symptoms of menopause. Now that I've read all these responses, it has really enlightened me on the reason for the other things that have been happening. I too figured I was just getting old or going crazy. I'm forgetful to the extreme. The exhaustion is sometimes overwhelming. And although I have experienced depression for a number of years, the sudden angry outbursts and mood swings have made me wonder if I was losing my mind. My family often looks at me strangely and wonders what happened to their mother. I am going to try some of your suggestions and more importantly talk to my family so they understand the reason Mom is sometimes batty.This has really been eye opening. Thank you.

Lisa - posted on 05/03/2010

I'm 43 and just starting menopause. I took two preganancy tests in the last month because with a 19 month old, I wanted to make sure what was going on. Yes, I've been a total idiot lately, doing stupid forgetful things...good to know it's the menopause and not old age!

Jackie - posted on 05/03/2010

I'm 45 and bipolar & had severe postpartum after having my only child 20 years ago. With the help of friends, family, my counselor, and lately, a return 2 my church family, I am persevering through a very troublesome time. I also have Crohns disease & want 2 change my diet: caffeine & chocolate, sugar & 2-pack habit of cigs/day! I know that it takes baby-steps...one day at a time, sweet Jesus; but patience is hard right now.

I am now going through perimenopause & would like any advice on what I can take, as I am on many meds & didn't take well to an anti-depressant my Dr. put me on.

Thank You,



Ontario, CANADA

Cheryl - posted on 05/03/2010

I feel your pain! Really I do!

I feel exactly the same, if it makes you feel any better!
You are not alone! Women just don't like to talk about it.
Most of the time we play off that everything is great, wonderful terrific! When REALLY, we're sad on the inside.
So I pray. And let go and let GOD.
41-42 (I forget) I'm always hot & tired.
After our 2nd child (3) seems like I had a period every 3 wks.. Got back on the pill & didn' like it! So back to bi-wkly periods.

I'm tired! Having small kids doesn't help. Before all that, I lost my job & started a new career I saw my Dr for "happy pills". They help but are not a cure all! I need to get back into the gym.

In the mean time, I try to get outside & enjoy the simple things life has to offer. This too shall pass.
Best of wishes,
Cheryl
San Antonio, TX

Cheryl - posted on 05/03/2010

Men - a - PAUSE!
" I Hear Ya!"
I'm 41 - 42 (I forget!) And boy has it gotten HOT in here!!!!
Had all my fun
Had the great job
Had the awesome body
Had kids! (now 6 & 3) and became a full time mom!
What the !#$@)$*%!
R U Kiddin' me!
This is the thanks I get!!!!

Awww, the circle of life!
The way I see it, it's God's way of making us pay more attention to ourselves. Hence, "PAUSE" !
God knows we take care of everyone else!
So relax & enjoy the ride. This too shall pass!
Just pray all those around us can put up with us until it does!
hugs,
Cheryl
San Antonio, TX

Lucia - posted on 05/03/2010

well, I have gratly benefited of taking evening primrose capsules, which in my country, Spain, we get from the chemist by the name, Dismegyn. I am 47 and had awful symptoms like getting acne all over again and really heavy periods, often two a month.
Since taking this remedy, I have gone back to normal in everything, and I am keeping my weight even without fluid retention or any other symptoms. Lucia prieto-real, Malaga, Spain

Patricia - posted on 05/03/2010

What worked for me and my moods was moving to the country and retiring. I started this stuff at 28 and it continues today at 51 but I no longer loose control. Since I stopped working I can eat my big meal alot earlier and believe me it helps alot. Also watch your cheese and tomato intake. From time to time I have bad times with hot flashes that keep me awake but its much better following the rules I have set for myself.

Tracy - posted on 05/02/2010

I have had a complete hysterectomy and i control all my symptoms with vitamins. I boosted up my B's and i take x-tra E mainly.
Before my hysterectomy i suffered symptoms horribly and my doctor feared they would only get worse after my surgery and suggested that at that time i would be considered for HRT but i considered NOT and took measures into my own hands.

Deborah - posted on 05/02/2010

Hi All
I started Menopauses when I was about 38. i am now 46 going to be 47 in July and I still have my periods, but I also still have my 20 yr old and 22 yr old daughters still living with me The dr's told me I was to young, ye right hot flashes, night sweats, Day sweats bad moods lets not talk about them just look at me wrong and I will take off your head and NOT give it back. A friend of mine told me about Black Cohosh and vitamin E and it help me out a lot. I do hope it will end soon.
I wish you all the luck in the world

Cindy - posted on 05/02/2010

I have been menopaused...not pre-meno since I was 40. I am 43 now and have no periods for the past 2 years. I can not take anything, I have no thyroid and even the thyroid is causes me problems. Trying to keep it regular. My stomach is bloated and when they say you normally have only 10 or less hot flashes in a day...NOT. My hot flashes keep me awake all night and I've been told to take one fish oil pill everyday to help with them. Unfortuneatly, I am allergic to fish!! And, I can not have wheat, another possible that I was told to take or eat. I've tried taking the essential one a day pill and I swear I gain 10 pounds! If anyone has any other ideas besides excersize I'd love to hear. My dr. seems to be clueless. He says I just have to be patient and get through it.?

Tawanda - posted on 05/02/2010

I also went into early menopause because of a hysterectomy, but my ovaries were also removed. I was on hormone medication for a year and was taken off for some medical reason I don't remember what it was. I never needed to go back on it.

I did experience what you're going through regarding going off the deep end for no reason. My doctor put me on a low dose of xanax for anxiety and it worked wonders. I've been taking it for several years and will probably always take it because if I stop for any reason the symptoms come back. I suggest you talk to your doctor about trying it.

Sharon - posted on 05/02/2010

Sherril, my Mum says she started 'change of life' as she put it, after she had me, and she was then 22! She tried lots of different things natural or otherwise and nothing really worked properly.
I menopaused at 40 but that was from radiation therapy due to cancer treatment so that is different - all my hot flushes, etc were over in a few months which was great, but I don't recommend the process of getting there! All the best with your search for a safe and effective remedy.

Gina - posted on 05/02/2010

I can imagine how difficult it must be for you . Early menopause and chronic menopause symptoms are generally caused by poor diet. Your case, however, is different because of your hysterectomy, which sends your hormones out of whack. Still, the best thing for you to do is improve your diet. :)

Debbie - posted on 05/02/2010

Read the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" and/or "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-Menopause. (Two different books.) There are several natural remedies in those two books. The one I liked best was a natural progesterone cream that works GREAT! The books are available at the public library, but I purchased mine so I would have them around all the time as a resource.

Katherine - posted on 05/02/2010

Hi Julie Merrin,
you were wondering if it made any difference on the severity of peri and menopausal symptoms in reference to the severity of PMS symptoms. Let me tell you, I NEVER experienced ANY PMS symptoms, and I'm having a heck of a time with the perimenopausal symptoms. I have had the skin itching & burning, moodiness (I'm not a moody person) headaches, muscle & joint pain, irregular periods...excuse my language but it's been hell! And I'm only 42 years old. On the other hand my sister, whom is 3 years older than me, had really bad PMS symptoms all her life, but has not experienced any peri or menopausal symptoms at all thus far. So I don't tend to think that it really matters what your PMS symptoms have been like...sorry! I wish you the best!

Glenna - posted on 05/02/2010

I will post in on this one because I use Black Cohosh and vitamin E or soy to relieve my symptoms and recommend them to everyone. You just have to find the right dosage of them for it to work for you. I started in my earlier 40's without any surgery although someone stated I started early because I smoke it - true I don't know but have ran into several women that are the same. I'm 50 now and have made it though so far without hormones and will do so as long as I can because of the side effects. I also don't believe there is any relationship between PMS or having children late and symtoms. I have talked to many co-suffering women in the last few years and nothing I have heard points to it.

Julie - posted on 05/02/2010

I am 47 years old and have not yet been experiencing the symptoms mentioned a lot here. Not looking forward to them when they do start, of course. :) Well, maybe one. I have been sweating a lot lately...but then I DO live in the tropics and everyone has been complaining about the exceptionally hot weather, so I can't put that down to hot flashes. I saw only one post here (from Deb Kellog) who says that for her menopause was a breeze. (Please God, let me be like her. :) ) I am just wondering if there is any corresponding relationship between severity of symptoms of PMS and severity of menopausal symptoms. Do women who suffered badly from PMS also suffer badly during menopause? Do women who had few bothersome symptoms of PMS tend to get off a bit easier during menopause. (If so, somehow that just doesn't seem fair.) I am just curious.

Sólrún Ósk - posted on 05/02/2010

Hi Im 53 and done with this menopausal symptoms. I used Herbalife , Tang kuei and Womans choice and Xtra-Cal. and for my "temper" Herbalifeline. Happy life. Teck out www.herbalife.com if you like it send me an email and I can send you or help you get this in a good prise. Best regards Gestsd Solrun Osk
ammasola@simnet.is www.betrileid.com