Hi! I am new here and really don't know what I am doing. Maybe if I start this thread or topic I can get around a little better.
I am 56 years old. I had my last period two years ago, December. I have hot flashes. They are not too bad but I don't like the feeling when they are coming on.........a throbbing in my head and ears. I also get palpatations and sweating. I don't have the night sweats bad but I have them. I have vaginal atrophy and when my husband attempts intercourse I have to tell him to stop. I use Replens but it doesn't help much. My husband wants to use sex toys but I think I won't be able to handle those either. How long will this menopause last? Will it get worse before it gets better.
I have no children and I wanted them so bad. Everything was fine with me when I was tested but nothing happened. I resigned myself to not having any but still cry because of it.
I hope this is ok to start a new post. Tell me if I am doing the wrong thing. I am lost here. Love this site and reading all the nice posts that are helpful and I can identify with.
Hope to talk with you all soon and know my way around

Hi Flash, and welcome

On this dryness thing: have you had a word with your doctor? There are RX creams available that help as they contain the weakest form of estrogen and are absorbed quickly and metabolized locally - as opposed to in the liver. Some doctors are skittish about estrodiol.

Doctors like to prescribe this on a declining basis (2 grams 2 times in week one, 1.5 grams 2 times a week in week 2 etc.) The theory is it will jump start nature, and thicken the tissue a little. I wound up using it daily, but we're all different in our wants and needs.

If this bothers you, there's always Vitamin E oil in the gel capsules.

Also, check the articles listed i n the upper right hand corner of the page. The hostess has compiled a pile of helpful info. The Mayo Clinic is another good source.

I'm so sorry about the children. I couldn't have them either.

Hi Flash,

I'm 47 and still having periods although they are not very regular. I have the pain and dryness too. I tried Replens, vit. E, salves, herbs and all kinds of other things. The only thing that helped me was a RX called Vagifem. Vagifem is a vaginal tablet of estradial inserted locally. Last night I was finally able to have a pain free night with my hubby! I am a bit concerned over the health risks associated with the Vagifem but my quality of life was so bad that I feel it is worth taking. I'm not sure if it is coincidence, acupuncture or the Vagifem but this is the first week in a LONG time that I have been able to work all day and still feel good in the evening. I hope this helps you in making a decision.

I have never had children either and I know how you feel

Power Surge has really helped me with all my peri issues plus some. I hope that you have the same positve experience here.