Dealing with The Change: Women Share Their Experiences

[krzymomof4]

Have any of you been through "the change" or "Pre Change"?
I know I am young for this, 36, but some women in my family have went through it early. My mom has been going through it for over 8 years.
My question is did you lack motivation, etc? I don't much care about squat anymore, the house could fall down around my ears and I don't think it would phase me much. I am tired all the time and don't sleep well at night.
Has anyone had this experience or am I loosing my mind?

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Due to some unwise medical decisions by doctors, I am in peri-menopause at the age of 36 and I have had issues with severe fatigue, pain, foggy mind, hot flashes, insomnia, (yes with severe fatigue, it goes in cycles) etc... I have been on Hormone Therapy for almost 2 years... I stopped taking it to see if I still needed to take it, and after 30 days my body unanimously asked me to start taking it again. I take the bio-identical hormones... I take Progesterone and Testosterone (I call that one my macho man in a bottle) LOL

 

[krzymomof4]

I have had night sweats, but they are infrequent. My cycles are really messed up anyway. Go for 2-3 days. off for 1-2 days, back on for 1-2 days. Then it seems like I do it all over again. I have also started to get a migraine the first full day of my you know what. LOL

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I deal with the same thing- the hormones helped with that! I have too much estrogen... my body doesn't feel like making cortisol, testosterone or progesterone on it's own...

 

[Ginger428]

I went through mine REALLY early...was totally finished by the time I was 40. Sorry, but I guess at the time I was working WAY to much (7 days a week) to notice...

 

[krzymomof4]

I went through mine REALLY early...was totally finished by the time I was 40. Sorry, but I guess at the time I was working WAY to much (7 days a week) to notice...

Well....you are no help at all now are ya

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Well....you are no help at all now are ya

funny!!

 

[pamperedlinda]

Have you had your thyroid checked?

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Have you had your thyroid checked?

Yes, and interestingly enough SEVEN doctors said it was fine... Thanks for asking though, Linda!

Oh, wait,,, you weren't asking me, were you? Oops! :blushing:

 

[krzymomof4]

The last time I had it checked was about 3 years ago. According to my OBGYN, all my bloodwork came back fine. Levels, etc.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

The last time I had it checked was about 3 years ago. According to my OBGYN, all my bloodwork came back fine. Levels, etc.

Google Hypothyroidism, and read up on it.

The frustrating thing is that most DR's, as long as your thyroid is active, will tell you that it is fine. There is more and more info out there about underactive thyroid, and how much it can effect you, but the medical community continues to rely on old data and information.

I was told by 2 different DR's that my thyroid was fine...but finally went to a DR who said my thyroid was underactive. I now take a natural Thyroid medication (Armour Thyroid) and it makes all the difference in my life. I have found that you have to fight for your health with some DR's....and keep searching until you find a DR who doesn't just give pat answers!

 

[susan g]

These are also symptoms of depression. You can be depressed and not even feel sad. You may want to consider that if your thyroid is not the problem. With 4 kids, I'm sure it's easy to get overwhelmed and a little burned out (I only have 3 and I feel that way sometimes). Good luck!

Your MD should be able to check about perimenopause with a blood test too, so ask next time you go.

 

[pcchefjane]

I have been "pre-menopause" for over 10 years! I think my hot flashes and sleeplessness have a lot to do with my stress level. Right now, I have been out of work over 3 months and am working my PC but it is not at the "support" level right now. My DD & SIL are having some financial problems due to their "own bad decisions" according to my DD but add my bills to theirs plus DD not getting about $600 a month in income right now due to maternity leave and it's stressful! The last period I had was in July but it was about 24 hours. I have had the "bleed 4 days; stop 2 days; bleed 4 more" thing in the past several years. All the drs can tell me is that I am "pre-menopause" and it is hereditary when you stop. Well, my sister was 61 and my Mom was 60 and I am now 56 so that gives me not much hope! According to what drs have told me, you are pre-menopause until you have completely stopped any periods for 12-18 months. I have gone as long as 11 months... It's not fun. Just keep a fan close by!

 

[chefshawna]

The last time I had it checked was about 3 years ago. According to my OBGYN, all my bloodwork came back fine. Levels, etc.

I have found that bloodwork for your thyroid is rarely accurate in detecting a problem with the thyroid. My sister had thyroid cancer and her blood work was always fine, I am having surgery on Monday to have mine removed for possible cancer and my bloodwork has always been fine. I hear a lot of people say there bloodwork never came back abnormal, yet they had problems. Not that I am in anyway saying you have thyroid cancer!!! It is very rare! I am just saying that you should ask them to do further testing of the thyroid if you continue to feel this way and don't get anywhere with the menopause meds!! Good luck!

 

[kathijenkins]

I was 29 when I started having problems. I got the DepoProvera shot after my last child & apparently my body reacted very badly. It literally shut everything down...I had no estrogen, progresterone, testerone, nothing & that was after only 1 shot!! So after fighting with my doc for what felt like forever & not having a cycle for a year, they finally sent me to a GYN specialist & the hormone replacment started. After 6 months of no progress, that doctor sent me to a fertility specialist. I felt like such a loser going to that one...I mean here's a room full of women trying to conceive & then me who's just trying to get a cycle going. Anyway, after another 6 months, we FINALLY were able to "jump start" things again. Now the kicker...my cycles aren't what you would call normal & they can't guarantee I'll make it to 50 having cycles but for now at least my "plumbing" is trying to work. And the last time the doc got the bright idea to start me on OCP to control some other issues, guess what? It shut down again!!

And for info google perimenopause...there's a bunch of sites out there with info, what questions to ask, support you name it. But I highly recommend keeping that fan near by & a washcloth handy to wipe your brow!!

ETA-here's one website that may help...http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/guide-perimenopause

 

[MissChef]

Oh Leslie, Thanks for starting this thread! I don't feel so alone anymore! It's times like these that I am so appreciative of this board! It can be very educational as well as supportive!
It's nice to know I'm not the only one, although, I don't wish this on my worst enemy! I feel so old and tired and I often feel like I don't even care about some things that I should be paying more attention too, like cleaning the house! I need to loose weight and exercise, I think I'm bigger than I've ever been and in this last year I feel so disgusted with myself. I want to be healthy and I try to be but dang it's so hard to motivate myself to exercise compared to what I use to be able to do! After I had my son, I got into such great shape, and then I let it go!
I must be going through the change because I have such weird patterns! I will go for days staying awake late and then days sleeping more, basically trying to catch up!
Anyway, more later, I need to finish the laundry and try to go to bed!

 

[Ginger428]

Well....you are no help at all now are ya

Alrighty Then!!

 

[raebates]

Definitely check on your thyroid.Another thing to try is progesterone cream. One of the first hormones to go is progesterone. Creams are available at most health food/alternative medicine/supplement places. It's not particularly expensive. You just rub about 1/4 teaspoon into your skin. I noticed a difference after about 3 days. It helped me to sleep better, which made a huge difference. But, it also seemed to even things out for me. The great thing is that if it's not what yo need, you just don't see any difference. My adviser told me that if I didn't see any change after a week to discontinue using it. (She also told me to bring it back. She's the shop owner, and she's great.)Just know that you're not alone. Peri-menopause can happen naturally as early as your 20s. And, of course, medical menopause can happen at any age due to surgery or injury.

 

[chefkristin]

Ladies, I just need to say please be careful of the HRT (hormone replacement therapy). This can cause a lot of other problems and one of them is strokes. My mom had a stroke while she was on it and they immediately stopped it. Now she has to suffer with the hot flashes but at least those won't kill her. They did find out that she had a hole in her heart and they did repair that but there is so much stuff out there pointing to the HRT being a culprit as well and adding to the issue. Just be careful. Oh and mom is fine thank god! She is my miracle.

 

[krzymomof4]

I am going to see my dr about the thyroid thing.
Does anyone know if having a hysterectomy helps or makes it worse?

 

[cwinter474]

I am going to see my dr about the thyroid thing.
Does anyone know if having a hysterectomy helps or makes it worse?

YES, so much better, at least for me!!!! Wonder now why I waited so long. I was 37.

And for me (I am a lucky one) NO HORMONE Replacements needed

 

[janetupnorth]

Leslie - I suggest you keep a journal of your symptoms, maybe log your diet/sleep and when things happen. Then push your doctors for an answer. I can think of many things it COULD be - that's why some doctors have such a tough time...trauma is easy - it obviously breaks, you fix it. Internal medicine is a pain - everything interacts. Here are some thoughts including things above:1. Thyroid
2. Depression
3. Lyme's Disease
4. Vitamin/Mineral deficiency
5. Low Blood Pressure/High Blood Pressure (HBP causes hot flashes) and note that you don't have to have EXTREMELY HBP to have issues here.
6. Early menopause or other female issues.
7. DiabetesOn hysterectomies - don't get one unless you need one. For those who need them due to issues, it is a blessing, but it forces your body into menopause and you usually HAVE to take hormone replacement. If all the plumbing is just fine there, my personal philosophy is let it be and let nature take its course. Not knowing anything about your medical history there it is best for you to discuss with your OB/GYN. Those who get a hysterectomy just to end their "female cycle" have other issues they encounter.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I am going to see my dr about the thyroid thing.
Does anyone know if having a hysterectomy helps or makes it worse?

Just be aware that your Dr may very well tell you your Thyroid counts are fine. (even if they are low) Do some research on Thyroid counts, and ask to see ALL of your counts.

http://www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html

http://thyroidz.net/

 

[MissChef]

Leslie - I suggest you keep a journal of your symptoms, maybe log your diet/sleep and when things happen. Then push your doctors for an answer. I can think of many things it COULD be - that's why some doctors have such a tough time...trauma is easy - it obviously breaks, you fix it. Internal medicine is a pain - everything interacts. Here are some thoughts including things above:

1. Thyroid
2. Depression
3. Lyme's Disease
4. Vitamin/Mineral deficiency
5. Low Blood Pressure/High Blood Pressure (HBP causes hot flashes) and note that you don't have to have EXTREMELY HBP to have issues here.
6. Early menopause or other female issues.
7. Diabetes

On hysterectomies - don't get one unless you need one. For those who need them due to issues, it is a blessing, but it forces your body into menopause and you usually HAVE to take hormone replacement. If all the plumbing is just fine there, my personal philosophy is let it be and let nature take its course. Not knowing anything about your medical history there it is best for you to discuss with your OB/GYN. Those who get a hysterectomy just to end their "female cycle" have other issues they encounter.

I second this strongly!!! About 4-5 years ago, I got (I can't spell the medical name!!) one of my ovaries removed and 1/2 my tube, from a cyst that had grown over my ovary and had basically swallowed it! A little while later I was talking to my sister who is 5 years older than me and had a hysterectomy about 6-7 years ago and I was saying that they should have just took everything! And she said "Oh, heck no!!! No, you don't want that!" She proceeded to tell me that it had been no cup of tea for her, because she refused to take the hormones and because of it, she has no sex drive and is having a lot of trouble controlling her weight, (even worse than me!) But she said she'd love to feel the desire for sex again, but she just looks at her man like "whatever!" I feel sorry for the both of them! My DH would lay down and die if I never gave him any and acted like nothing turned me on! Shoot, I'd want to lay down and give up too, if I couldn't feel that desire for him anymore!!! Yikes!
So that is what I've heard anyway! So it has always made me want to keep the things I do have!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Leslie - I suggest you keep a journal of your symptoms, maybe log your diet/sleep and when things happen. Then push your doctors for an answer. I can think of many things it COULD be - that's why some doctors have such a tough time...trauma is easy - it obviously breaks, you fix it. Internal medicine is a pain - everything interacts. Here are some thoughts including things above:

1. Thyroid
2. Depression
3. Lyme's Disease
4. Vitamin/Mineral deficiency
5. Low Blood Pressure/High Blood Pressure (HBP causes hot flashes) and note that you don't have to have EXTREMELY HBP to have issues here.
6. Early menopause or other female issues.
7. Diabetes

On hysterectomies - don't get one unless you need one. For those who need them due to issues, it is a blessing, but it forces your body into menopause and you usually HAVE to take hormone replacement. If all the plumbing is just fine there, my personal philosophy is let it be and let nature take its course. Not knowing anything about your medical history there it is best for you to discuss with your OB/GYN. Those who get a hysterectomy just to end their "female cycle" have other issues they encounter.

Mine turned out to be Lymes Disease, which the DR believes brought on the thyroid issues (When gone undetected, Lymes begins to effect internal organs and systems) and Epstein-Barr virus. (also most likely brought on by the Lymes, which compromised my immune system.)

It took 7 years to get the correct diagnosis - mainly because Dr's in Michigan, until very recently, didn't test for Lymes.

That is why I stress that you need to be the greatest advocate for your health - and never give up or give in to a diagnosis (or lack of one) if you feel like it's just not right!

 

[krzymomof4]

I am going to go to my regular doctor first. I feel she takes me more seriously. Don't get me wrong, I love my gyn, but I think sometimes he doesn't get it. After my 3rd son I told him that I was having some issues with anxiety and he wanted to put me on Prozac. I said no thanks. After I hemmorrhaged after my 3rd and 4th, he wanted to "take it all out", because I was having flash backs and was afraid everytime my period started. Then I wouldn't have to worry about it.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I am going to go to my regular doctor first. I feel she takes me more seriously. Don't get me wrong, I love my gyn, but I think sometimes he doesn't get it. After my 3rd son I told him that I was having some issues with anxiety and he wanted to put me on Prozac. I said no thanks. After I hemmorrhaged after my 3rd and 4th, he wanted to "take it all out", because I was having flash backs and was afraid everytime my period started. Then I wouldn't have to worry about it.

I would definitely go to a Dr who takes you seriously.


I don't think I would ever go to someone who wanted to give me Prozac, or perform major, extensive surgery - just for convenience!

 

[raebates]

Good reminder, Kristin. HRT isn't for everyone. Thankfully, progesterone cream isn't considered HRT. It's considered a supplement--kind of like taking vitamins to help make sure you get what you need.

A complete hysterectomy (where they take both ovaries as well as the uterus), will take you immediately from peri-menopause to menopause. It's a big step and not to be taken lightly. As for whether it makes things better or worse depends on the problems you're having and their source.

 

[colegrovet]

my wife started with the "Pre" around 35/36 which was followed by other female problems. at 38 she had the baby making parts removed..

 

[ChefBeckyD]

my wife started with the "Pre" around 35/36 which was followed by other female problems. at 38 she had the baby making parts removed..

Can I just say, Terry, that you are a very brave man to jump in on a menopause thread!

 

[ragschef]

I am going to see my dr about the thyroid thing.
Does anyone know if having a hysterectomy helps or makes it worse?

Unless you're bleeding uncontrollably or hemorrhaging or dealing with excruciating pain, there is no need for a hysterectomy. I'm 29 and a, pre-menopausal and was diagnosed at 27. I have severe fatigue, night sweats, mood swings (GALORE), and irregular cycles. I asked about surgery and other options and I went to a specialist and got a third opinion as well... All of them told me that surgery was not neccesary. However, I've had two doctors tell me that if I had sex a little more often, I would probably come oput of the pre-menopause. Lack of sex can do so many things to your body. I'm not trying to gross anyone out or give too much info, but I"m stating what my doc told me. Depression played a big part of my not getting enough you know... We had financial problems and the stress and thigns going on, I just didnt feel like it. Now I could live my life out in celibacy and be pretty content! But I do have to tell you that me in the act is a very painful activity due to health issues that spawned from my pergnancy. Long story, short, Get check by a specialist if your GYN isn't doing anything for you.

 

[colegrovet]

Can I just say, Terry, that you are a very brave man to jump in on a menopause thread!

95% of my friends are female... so for me it' "been there done that".. I hear it all from them... so it's no problem.

 

[Jennie4PC]

I worked for a dr who knew that thyroid tests came back basically normal. So he started 2 things he went off symptoms dry skin, hard to lose weight, dry and brittle hair, and other things I cant remenber. He also started a saliva test. When people did blood work and it was normal he would do the saliva test and it came back showing the #'s were messed up.

 

[krzymomof4]

I will definately voice my concerns about the blood numbers being accurate. The last time I had my levels checked they said my harmone levels were fine, but I could tell that I was about to loose my mind so something was out of whack.

 

[pamperedlinda]

Do your hands tremor?

How do your eyes look (physically) - have you noticed if they have a 'buldging' look or seem to have changed shape a little - not sure if you can tell in this picture, but one of my eyes is more of a round shape looks like I'm staring. The other one is more normal and oval shaped.

 

[pamperedlinda]

Also, do you ever feel like your heart is racing? These, along with my last post, could be related to your thyroid.

 

[krzymomof4]

My eyes are okay, but I have had "spells" when my heart feels like it is going to beat out of my chest, but I was always told that that was due to my anxiety disorder.

 

[tabnat80]

I have a cousin in her mid 30's that's going through the change right now. So, it is possible. I would make an appointment with your obgyn to get your levels checked. Good luck.

 

[chefshawna]

I guess what we're all saying, is make sure you go to a good doc and don't stop until you get an answer that makes you happy and helps you!!! When you're talking about hormones, it is hard sometimes to find out what's going on. I went through a time in high school were I would have hot flashes, migraines, sweat really bad, etc. My doctor never did figure out what it was and just put me on medicines. I went back and forth on those for a while and then stopped taking them. I wish I would have gone to a better doctor and gotten to the root of the problem then!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I worked for a dr who knew that thyroid tests came back basically normal. So he started 2 things he went off symptoms dry skin, hard to lose weight, dry and brittle hair, and other things I cant remenber. He also started a saliva test. When people did blood work and it was normal he would do the saliva test and it came back showing the #'s were messed up.

Basal Body temp is one of the things my DR uses to determine. I had to chart for a week what my temp was each morning before I got out of bed. I used a thermometer under my arm, and checked it. If your temp is consistently below 97 degrees F., then that is a big indicator of hypothyroidism.

 

[raebates]

Hmmm, mine usually runs low. I'll have to check that.

 

[Jennie4PC]

he did the basel temps also.

 

[Jean DeVries]

Have any of you been through "the change" or "Pre Change"?
I know I am young for this, 36, but some women in my family have went through it early. My mom has been going through it for over 8 years.
My question is did you lack motivation, etc? I don't much care about squat anymore, the house could fall down around my ears and I don't think it would phase me much. I am tired all the time and don't sleep well at night.
Has anyone had this experience or am I loosing my mind?

Ahhh....things are starting to make sense now. I've had the exact same symptoms, especially the extra tired and not sleeping well ( a problem I've NEVER had before).

It all started when I started the Lupron for my pain, which may or may not be endometriosis. Lupron puts you into chemical menopause.....

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Ahhh....things are starting to make sense now. I've had the exact same symptoms, especially the extra tired and not sleeping well ( a problem I've NEVER had before).

It all started when I started the Lupron for my pain, which may or may not be endometriosis. Lupron puts you into chemical menopause.....

Yuck Jean!:yuck::yuck::yuck: Like you haven't had enough to deal with lately!

 

[Jean DeVries]

I know.

Thank God my boss is, at the moment, being understanding about it. My productivity/concentration at work hasn't been stellar of late. Especially since during the first month on Lupron, the pain is supposed to be worse. It's been REALLY bad the last three weeks, only two of which I was on Lupron for. I'm about to go nutso from the pain, but hopefully this will eventually help.

If it doesn't, I'm off to a different doctor, because it's not endo. I have no idea what else it could be, but if it doesn't go away soon, I'm gonna need a psychiatrist, because I will have gone off the deep end.

 

[TammyStar]

LOL Voting for Jean for President!

When my Mom was alive she voted for my Dad for president for every election.

Thanks for the memory

 

[crystalscookingnow]

Just wanted to post about the hysterectomy... Not all types of hysterectomy send you into menopause. I just had one done in April & my doc was able to leave my ovaries. It's not the uterus/cervix that creates the horomones. It's your ovaries. As long as those are there, you won't have trouble.

Things are actually way better for me since my sugery. Sex , desire, not as cranky... I'm only 30 & wish I could have done it sooner.

 

[krzymomof4]

No dr for me this week. We had severe storm damage and a lot of places won't have power for up to 10 more days. Guess I will try next week.

 

[pjpamchef]

When asking for your Thyroid tests, make sure they run them all!! TSH, T-3, T-4, and then have them check the antibodies for Hashimoto's. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's at age 13. It is an auto-amunne where your body attacks your Thyroid. Mine stayed somewhat in check until I had my second child, and then it went into overdrive! I walked around like a zombie for 3 years thinking my problems were all in my head, because my Dr was only checking the T-4, and it didn't show the problem! Once they ran the right tests, they bumped up my Synthroid from .05 to .1, in small increments and that took about 6 months!