I have been post 1 year and 8 months. I was wondering do any of you post ladies still get the hot flashes and night flushes and sweats? Also it seems I have alot of off and on nausea. I don't get it for days and then it hits me out of nowhere. Last night I woke up and my neck and chest area was soaking wet and my tank jammy top was even wet. It was cool in the bedroom. Ceiling fan on and windows opened. Please let me know if any of you ladies still have the flashes and if anyone has the nausea being post. When does it end????

Susie

only post for just over a year, but the flashes, night and day, still happen, in fact i think they are worse... haven't had the nausea for a while now...

was in a shoe shop yesterday buying a pair.. and the saleslady looked at me meaningfully, and smiled a little - i was flashing, sweaty shiny red face and all and trying to ignore it... i was the only customer, so we chatted for a while - she has been post for 10 years and still flashes! she said, and i quote 'we will never be normal again unless we take hormones, and that's dangerous' so yes... maybe it never does end?

she also said that she has tried everything on the market by way of natural stuff, promensil, remifemin, phytolife etc and nothing helps.. like me, she thought phytolife was helping at first.. i thought it was, i even bought two more month's worth, but i'm still flashing... still waking up sweaty in the morning chill...

altho.. and i don't know whether it is the phytolife, because i figured i would still take the ones i have rather than waste all that money, i think my head is better.. not so foggy, not so forgetful.. my mood is more even - i haven't cried over nothing in ages! i haven't had that anger/rage over little things that don't really matter.. i feel more willing to be active, not so lethargic as i was.. i will see if that changes when the phytolife are finished..

Hi Susie-- I've been post for a long time. I still get almost every symptom there is. The list would be much shorter if I told you what I didn't have or didn't get!! It seems in the last two years I've been fighting a constant battle of symptoms. I have begun to think that it never ends. At times it really gets me down and I have a major pity party. I had a partial hysterectomy when I was 34 so things actually began to happen not too long after that. When I really started meno is anybodys guess since I had no periods. Doc did tests about two years ago that confirmed that I am post. I'm 57 now. My poor ole bod doesn't seem to know that it's post meno and all this stuff is SUPPOSED to stop!!!!! Shelley

Oh dear ladies this is rather a depressing thread. I suppose it is what we all don't want to hear. Still, hey hoe, if it is a fact I would rather know that things will never get better than live in hopeful ignorance.
I think that it may depend on when we start the process. I am now in my 13th year because my symptoms started with horrific migraines triggered by the changes in hormonal patterns in my late 30s. I have only had the hot flash thing for the last couple of years. I suppose the difficulty is judging when it starts and when it finshes, if it ever does. I can cope with the hot flash thing because it is is merely an inconvenience compared to the migraines which could last to anything up to 4 days. Sometimes I used to ask if I could die. I am so grateful to have moved on from that stage. I had no quality of life at that stage, whatsoever. The migraines started to appear 3 times a month and my weight plummetted to 6 stone. Sometimes the neighbours could hear my screams.
To make myself feel better I look at the list of members here. It is clear that many, many ladies have passed this way before us. They no longer visit these boards and I ask myself why?
Have they just given up looking for answers and are living out there in misery?
Have they survived the journey and moved into new pastures, contented and ready to enjoy the next phase of their life.?
Have they survived the journey, are fairly comfortable and accept that things are not quite the same?
The other day at the check-out I was served by a lovely elderly lady. She was confident and indeed glamourous with her beautiful silver hair. I stopped for a moment and realised that although I would rather not get old; that is where I would like to be.


Regards,



XIII

I read in a Dr Miriam Stoppard book that you can get symptoms for up to ten years post.

I'm a few years post but the hot flashes I have now are worse than they ever were. However, when I get that nauseous feeling, I know what's coming.

I'm ten years post and I still have symptoms.... BUT! (and this is important) every body is different; and we will each pass through this phase in a different way. For me, it was my 50th birthday and suddenly no period, every symptom on the list, and a total nightmare in mind and body - no warning at all. As the years have passed, symptoms have come and gone and come back again. But each year has been better than the last and I have spent a lot of time reflecting about this passage. Am I better off than I was before all this started? Hard to say. I definitely dislike the idea of getting "old". I feel like I am invisable to the rest of the world. I hate shopping for clothes because I want to look stylish and, yes, even sexy, but I sometimes feel like a total blob. I can't find a diet that works for me. I have little energy compared to my more productive years. Minor problems often seem insurmountable. Anxiety and low-grade depression are constant reminders that I'm not the gal I used to be.

On the other hand, I have found a job that suits me quite well. My husband and I have come to support each other more through our various mid-life struggles. I have a great e-pal that I met on these boards. I have found authors that I love, gardens that need tending, two dogs that I worship, and politicians that need my support.

For too many years I had a very difficult time looking at my new world through my old eyes. But while I mourned that I now looked kind of silly in low-ride jeans, my hair started turning grey in a very cool way. For every old, crazy life style event that I used to love and now miss (like rock concerts and off-road vacations), I have found simple pleasure in new arenas (like book signings and oil painting). I went into meno kicking and screaming; and now I'm coming out of it (slowly, I admit) a little more relaxed and comtemplative and maybe even wiser. I now want to age with grace. I want a new career but with different rewards. I was once a selfish young adult and I'm now looking forward to helping others. Very weird. Very scary. But full of opportunities. Goodby bikinis, hello turtlenecks. It's either: or:

The fear and body-crazies will pass. Leave the heavy lifting to someone else. And then you're on your own to make your life full and happy. What a trip...

Keep the faith,
Matoaka

Hi Susie!
Everyone is different, so don't get depressed by what you read about symptoms going on and on...they might not!
My last period was 5,5 years ago and Ive been having symptoms since 1,5 years - so mine only started when I was 4 years post!
I had bad symptoms for a year and since then my good days outway the bad.
I have a new symptom, insomnia since 2 months or so, but on the other hand anxiety, mood swings, palps, nausea and dizziness have gone and I only get flushes at night with adrenaline surges.
I cannot tolerate any stress, that sets of anxiety, etc, so I live a very quiet life.
So, you see, things do get better. Your hormones are having their last feeble kick!
Those ladies who have disappeared are enjoying life again and we will be joining them soon and then we'll come back to say how wonderful life is!!
God bless, Jonie

Lovely wise words, thanks so much, Matoaka!
God bless, Jonie

Matoaka!!!!!!

Bravo, BRAVO!!!! I could have written your post if I had the same skill as a writer that you do! Ditto to all you say except....

I still go to rock concerts....now I just pay for my kids to go with me....what a hoot!

For those on this board who are in the midst of peri hell you are a shining example of what's to come......there is no real Nirvana at the end o the ride....but it ain't all bad!

Oh My Gosh!!! You wonderful ladies have made me feel so much better. When I go on the computer this morning and saw there were 9 posts I was suprised I guess. I do not feel so alone now being post and still going through this. I guess I was one of those that thought when the periods stop, everything is going to be wonderful. Boy was I wrong. I have never been around any women that have talked about it. I think my worse time was about the two years before my periods stopped. That is when I had the most anxiety and edginess. My husband would probably call it more than edginess. There were times when I would just fly off the handle at the smallest thing. I felt like I had non-stop PMS. I look back and am so thankful that period is over. I think then I had almost all of the symptoms. Thank you girls for sharing. I definately do not feel alone now.

THANK YOU!!!

Susie

I'm five years post and I've had a load of symptoms for the first time during the last nine months. Yes, I've had them all...BUT as I posted here a few weeks ago, I'm much better now. Time and patience. Feeling better definitely helps your mood to improve, too.

I think I'll be getting hot flashes for the full ten years. They're not bad at all and relatively infrequent, but I'm a teacher and I have one student who sits right in the front who must stare at me all day. As soon as I feel my face getting warm she'll say "Your face is getting red." My response is either, "Yes, it's warm in here," or (my favorite) "There are too many of you around my desk so sit down."

It does get better!

Helen

But I like to lift heavy! It's the one and only thing I am good at , and I like to do, besides hard, manual labor.

Oh, and I am 3 years post, but I get hot at night. Sometimes I sweat at night, too, but not very often. I pour out sweat when I work hard, though. It feels great then.

Well, one good thing, I can wear light coloured clothing on my bottom half! I always flooded or had surprise periods, so always wore black. Now I can choose (unless I have a cough or cold )

Amen on the cough thing!! Alot of times it happens right after I have emptied my bladder. I cough and wonder, "Where did that come from?, I just went to the bathroom!!"

Susie

Hi Suzie,

I am 51 and and post five years as well.............most days I feel on edge and just never really ever feel good. My problem is that I am getting the very slow digestion and diverticulous...dr. says take fiber so I do and then......the MIGRANE hits full force. I would think taking fiber will make me lose more weight and less estrogen storage in the fat. Any help???
I would appreciate it
Regards,
Betts

quote name = Simba 2 date = Sept 24th 2008

Just to add that I am almost four years since this hideous journey began in earnest. During the hot weather I seem to be much worse with the sweating. Still suffering too much for my liking. Yesterday felt just so jittery for no reason. Also, I think that if anything the nausea wears me down more than anything, along with the anxiety thing which really does destroy self confidence. Just dont fancy food like I used to because meno had affected my digestive system. Sometimes feel just at the end of my tether with it.

Love, Simba 2

How strange that I should log in today and find this thread! I am two and a half years post-really post -because I had all my parts removed due to endo cancer in March 2006.
I have been feeling very low of late and get terrible phases of anxiety. I always feel really anxious on waking and have massive hot flushes too.When I had my hyst my doctor told me the hot flushes would go on for about a year and then should stop. How she lied! Reading that they can go on for 10 years post-well, I have a long way to go yet! I will be 64 before they stop(if I live that long)
I feel so different in so many other ways too. I feel much more emotionally fragile but at the same time do not have the wonderful sweeping emotions of joy-ever. Life is just to be got through. I don't feel the same about my husband. We still have a physical relationship and due to a course of testosterone I am able to have sexual feelings again but the emotions are just gone-its all just physical.
I suffered so dreadfully with PMS for all my adult life due to estrogen dominance which is what caused my cancer. I thought I would be glad to see the end of that and I am but I feel so empty now where once I felt so full.
I am sick and tired of this anxiety. It is of the body-not of the mind because there is nothing worrying me and anyway I know how to control it when it is of the mind. This is a physical thing about which I have no control and I am so tired of it.
Sorry ladies-I am feeling so down-everything feels pointless at present.
janet c

Janet C, I do feel for you and was wondering if you have ever tried 'Maca'? It is a Peruvian root vegetable. It is supposed to help with hot flushes and libido. Might be worth a try.

Rehma

Hugs ((((((((Janet))))))))

Sorry you're feeling down. I know you've posted a lot before but I can't remember what hormonal regime you may be on. I remember you saying it was a while before you could use any hormone supplementation. I can really identify about the anxiety as I've suffered it just as you describe it and it is just horrible. Also the emotional fragility. I've found that natural progesterone supplementation in the form of cream, plus some other supplements has really helped and the anxiety and emotional fragility have gone for me now. It might be something you've already tried, but I just wanted to throw it out there in case the information was useful to you.

Wishing you all the best.

Thank you ladies for your kind messages. Basically I am not allowed any HRT unless I really cannot manage without it because my cancer was estrogen driven. I am very sensitive to all hormones and I know by the way the estriol cream effects me that I would not feel well on any more . I have acupuncture on a regular basis and have been told as I have this sensitivity I should stay away from HRT. I do try different supplements but I I always get side effects with them apart from soy. I dont think I would be given progesterone because I dont have a uterus, and without estrogen it would be out of balance. I don't mind the flushes so much-its more the anxiety and emptyness. I dont think there is much to be done about that
janet c

Dear janet c

Dear janet c

Am really empathising with how you feel.Honestly with or without Hormones and I do take HRT,that awful empty feeling followed me around quite relentlessly It made me very sort of "So what ,your'e going to die soon any way"And the Anxiety was awful.I went back on Prozac,which I was determined to wean off,and also used Zanax as needed to zap the anxiety.

It took a while but I certainly did get relief.Then I joined a Gym and literally shoved myself there and now actually enjoy it.I also take Yoga lessons and Janet they are so relaxing.I got to know a few of the ladies too and got invited for coffee.I had really hated going out of the house but again I pushed myself.At that time my greatest encourager was my oldest son who kept telling me in a cute way"Get a Life Mum"I felt kind of angry at the time but he was right.

You have been through a lot and have the full right to feel emotionally and physically vulnerable but actually you do sound depressed.Have you thought of Therapy?Sometimes an objective point of view and some thought-behaviour techniques can be quite useful.

It really hurts me to feel that you are feeling this way.Have you tried to share your feelings with your husband?He may not be able to understand as well us gals but maybe it would make him more sensitive.Perhaps you could go for a walk together or to the Movies,share a big bag of Popcorn together.

Anyway,we are all here for you,my dear.

Please keep in touch and know that things do get better
God Bless
Elizabeth

Hello again Janet

You may be contraindicated for systemic oestrogen supplementation but does the same apply to progesterone? I ask because I'm using progesterone cream without any oestrogen supplementation, other than, like yourself, using estriol cream to combat vaginal atrophy.

My impression is that doctors in the UK won't prescribe progesterone other than for the purposes of protecting the lining of the uterus. The concept of prescribing it alone for other menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety, doesn't seem very prevalent - although my GP did prescribe conventional oral HRT when I first went to her with anxiety in peri, so the idea of treating menopausal anxiety with hormones obviously isn't entirely foreign to them. In her case she just went the conventional, bulk standard route as soon as I presented with symptoms.

When I had to stop conventional HRT however because of uterine fibroids, a suspected ovarian cyst and a breast lump (thankfully benign) - all of which the GP thought were stimulated by the oestrogen in the HRT - the GP hadn't heard of natural progesterone cream (even though it's only available on prescription in this country) and offered me Citalopram to deal with the anxiety, depression, furnace-like hot flushes and complete physiological mayhem that followed abruptly stopping HRT.

Not wanting to start another drug from which I anticipated I'd later have to withdraw, in desperation I found a private doctor who specialised in the menopause. It was she who prescribed the natural progesterone cream and told me that I didn't need oestrogen to balance as I'd have enough oestrogen. As I still have uterus and ovaries, I assume that even though I don't have enough oestrogen to produce periods any more or prevent vaginal dryness, I do still produce a certain level post menopausally. I don't know if the ovaries are the only way the body continues to produce oestrogen post menopausally - I think it might be produced in other ways as well, in fat for example. Also the level of progesterone provided by the cream isn't high. The private doc told me I'd have more than enough oestrogen to balance.

For my part the progesterone without oestrogen supplementation has taken away the anxiety, insomnia, jitteryness and emotional sensitivity. However I'd stress that this is natural progesterone. When I took conventional oral HRT it contained a synthetic progestogen which was there solely to protect the lining of the uterus. Not being molecularly identical to the progesterone the body makes itself, it didn't perform the other functions progesterone performs in the body. Conventional HRT didn't remove my anxiety. In fact some of my worse periods of anxiety occurred when I was taking conventional oral HRT.

Obviously I wouldn't dream of advising you as I'm not a doctor and not at all knowledgeable about your medical situation. Also I take seriously that you say you're very sensitive to hormones. If you're reacting to the oestriol cream I can imagine how sensitive you must be. The private doctor I saw thought I was sensitive to hormones, and I did react when I first started using both the progesterone cream and the oestriol cream but these effects were temporary. If you're still getting a reaction from the oestriol cream and also react to supplements I can imagine you must be very sensitive indeed and therefore wary of introducing any changes. I just wanted to give you the information that natural progesterone without oestrogen supplementation has worked for me to remove anxiety in case the information was useful to you. I realise that you've been posting here a long time and that this might not exactly be news! If it's redundant please forgive me. I hope you get some relief soon. Seeing someone privately wasn't as expensive as I imagined btw in the case of this particular doctor.

Thank you both ladies for your thoughtful replies. I feel better just knowing that you are so caring!
Elizabeth-yes I think you are right I have been depressed. I supported my sister all through last year whilst she watched her 47 year old partner die of a brain tumour. I continued to support her all this year(he died in February) until July when she turned her back on me and to an extent our whole family. We were best friends- I could go to her about anything but now she has turned away from us so I feel the loss acutely. My youngest daughter moved away last year and I thought it was going to be temporary,but she has fallen in love and moved in with a lovely guy. The problem is that she was struck down with post viral fatigue after Christmas but she is too far away for us to visit very often. She is the light of my life and I worry about her and miss her so much. So I suppose all that hasn't helped!
I am a very active person and do lots of swimming cycling and walking which does help to burn off the stress feelings but I twisted my back last week and have been unable to do any of it for a few days!

Interactive-I am very interested about the natural progesterone cream. I used to buy it to help with PMS-it was quite expensive but at the time although it did me no harm it didn't seem to do any good either. But then I was so oestrogen dominant at that time I could probably have done with full strength progesterone!
I will definitely ask my acupuncturist if its something I could use. She approves of my using Soy. I have the added benefit that she used to be a gyn doctor so I trust her completely!
Is it Serenity cream that you are using? That is the one I used to get. I love the idea of trying it again and as long as it is safe I will give it a try. Thanks for your suggestion and I am glad to hear it works for you
janet c

Janet, I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. Those are significant events which are obviously going to have an impact on you (hugs). I hope your sister comes back to you at some stage, perhaps later in her grief process. It must be very hard. I’m also wishing all the best for your daughter’s speedy recovery back to full health. I can identify with your worry, and the fact you miss her. I hope your back gets better soon too as I know how exercise helps.

The progesterone cream I use is Pro Juven High Potency 3% Natural Progesterone Cream. So far as I’m aware, only this and Pro Gest cream which I think is 1.5% are available in the UK and only by prescription. It’s classed as an unlicensed medicine. You can order other creams from the internet though I think. Is this what you did with Serenity? I don’t know how strong Serenity is.

My doc prescribed the stronger cream because you use less of it. The dose I use is between 20 and 40 mg a day on the post-menopausal pattern which is 21 days use of the cream with a seven day break. It did take a few months before the symptoms ironed out completely but I don’t think it’s unusual for it to take a while to accustom to it. The doc also prescribed phyto estrogens in the form of Estroven and Red Clover which seem to have helped with the hot flushes (although they haven’t disappeared completely), Omega 3 oil, a calcium and magnesium bone formula with Zinc, Boron, Silica, Manganese & Vitamins D & K and Ester C vitamin C at 500mg per day. I don’t know how the other supplements might be contributing to the overall relief in addition to the progesterone cream.

However this is a programme tailored to me. The doctor revealed at one appointment that she herself takes oral progesterone in a different dose. I don’t know how effective it might be to buy a progesterone cream yourself and just start using it - although I know this is what some people do who live in countries where it’s available over the counter. The doctor took a full medical history before she prescribed this and I suspect it’s likely that for people with a different medical history she might prescribe differently. I wonder therefore if your doctors or the acupuncturist who was formerly a gynaecologist have knowledge of this or prescribe it? It might be an idea to consult someone knowledgeable and do it under their supervision considering that you weren’t allowed hormones initially after your surgery and you’re also sensitive to them. For example the doctor I see is available to contact by phone during her surgery hours if patients have any questions or worries and I did need to contact her by phone a couple of times in the early days of using the cream because of different effects, to seek advice as to what to do. These are hormones we’re putting into our bodies after all and I always like to know I’m doing it safely – although those ladies who’ve used progesterone creams on their own initiative and had good results perhaps have a more relaxed attitude to it. It’s good that you’re consulting your acupuncturist (formerly a gynaecologist) as to the safety of progesterone cream for you.

Also I see you’re already supplementing with phytoestrogens in the form of Soy. I tend to think of progesterone cream as just one part of the whole programme which is why for my part, I prefer to do it under the supervision of someone who’s knowledgeable about how all the remedies fit together in their functions. If you’re interested and if you live near London, I can give you the details of the doctor I see in pm if you’d like, or maybe you won’t need this as you can get the information from the professionals you’re already seeing.

Lastly, some of the members on this board seem not to be able to tolerate progesterone as you've probably seen, which is another reason I think to do it under the supervision of someone who knows what they're doing. If one thing doesn't work, they presumably have the knowledge of how to modify or change the regimen to something that will work better.

All the best.

Interactive
just to say thank you for your helpful detailed post and sorry I did respond before but only just found it today!
My acupuncturist thinks I should keep away from all things hormonal. She doesn't even like me using estriol vaginal cream because it makes me so anxious. Her opinion is that having a hysterectomy and BSO just speeds up the process of the menopause which is a natural event in our lives anyway. If we let nature take its course and don't mess about with hormones then the body will make what it requires naturally in time.
I am inclined to agree with her to a point but then we were never meant to live past middle age so in order to have a good quality of life sometimes we have to take things into our own hands.
I have not so far in life had much success with hormones. Even my own made me a wreck and finally turned on me and caused my cancer! I will however do some more research on natural progesterone before I decide.
janet c

you can see I joined here in 2004...and today, in my late 50s....awful hot flashes, that wake me every hour each night...awful anxiety...very tired...weak..wabbly on my feet....

I have tried black cohosh, dong quai, promensil, nothing has helped..

over the years I have been on ativan and had a terrible time weanign myself off it...have been on celexa for 3 years and then zoloft for 2...

have done a year of HRT and two years on bioidenticals....then told to get off it...that the risks were huge..

have not been on any meds of any kind for the past 3 years...and my quality of life is the pits....

when do the hot flashes and anxiety subside? and why do they...does the body actually begin to balance ...but what is there to balance if you are empty of hormones....

all the doctors I have been to do not know ....

I used to think that this generation of women will be the guinea pigs for the next, that the next generation will have answers....I dont think so anymore....

there dont seem to be any answers...

is anyone aware of any literature or recent studies to help get through this ....it is hell...

Dear Amanda

I know of two ladies who went onto success after coming off HRT.One was my sister-in-law who was on it for three years and then weaned slowly off.She told me it took about a year to feel o.k.

The second lady,a good friend of mine,was on it for six months before she went off.Also suffered for a while but seems fine now

I really believe though that all we women are so different in our response to HRT.I have been on it for many years.Then I was advised to come off it.After almost a year I could not take it anymore.The depression,anxiety,hot fashes and flushes plus insomnia.So back to Gyn,and forced him to put me back.It has taken about six months to feel reall better.I am 57 and will continue on these for as long as I wish

When I went off the HRT I did use all the herbs and vitamins possible but have to say they did not work for me.I am very healthy,quite slim and do exercise at the Gym plus Yoga.I always have regular Gyn. check ups and so far so good.

I wish you luck
Hope that you get more responses

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

elizabeth, thank you for your response....

my research has shown, that about 15% suffer severe meno symptoms...I had hoped that by age 58 this would all settle down...my first symptom at age 43 was extreme anxiety and panic attacks that seemed to come out of the blue...

over the past 15 years I have taken antidepressants, celexa, paxil, zoloft....ativan and klonopin on and off....

have taken Premarin for 6 months....estradiol and progesterone jell....with mounting evidence of risk , all gps wanted me off all hormones, only those who directly have financial gain , continued to push all kinds of concoctions and compounded mixtures....

I must say I felt amazingly well on Premarin....felt like I had unlimited energy...no anxiety..just amazing...the bio stuff was hit or miss...

I have been on NO meds or hormones of any kind for the past 3 years....the hot flashes are unbearable and the anxiety is dibilitatings...no energy of any kind...I too am very slim, no med issues other than those caused by meno..have been very active all my life, except for the past 15..still active but with enormous effort....

I have my yearly physical next week and I really dont know what to ask my doctor....he can only suggest that I go back on zoloft, or some other AD..he will not suggest that at this stage I go back on HRT..after all when you go off it , you start again to have your body adjust....and I have done without if for 3 years......he is really against any hormone replacement...always ready to pull out stacks of studies on the risks...

what I will ask him is in his experience, how long does it take for the body to adjust on its own without any med interference...in my readings, there are women who continue to experience severe symptoms till old age...I could just be one of those and in that case, what do I do to have any quality of life?

it helps just to put all this in words...thank you for the opportunity to do so....

leaving my email, in case anyone wants to penpal....

aqtwitch@hotmail.com

Amanda
If you ask your doctor again, do you think will he let you go back on HRT ?

I was not allowed HRT after my cancer and I suffered hell on earth! Three years on I am better- but not that much. So withdrawing from hormones doesn't guarantee you will eventually adjust! I was having acupuncture to help with the hot flushes and anxiety and my acupuncturist brain washed me into believing that my body would balance itself in time without HRT. She was horrified when I started playing with testosterone to bring back my libido(which it did).

More recently I have been using estriol cream and again she was horrified. However I am only using a little daily and although I had side effects at first I stuck with it and now I feel much better. I Find I am less depressed and not so much on a knife edge. Having had cancer my philosophy has changed. I would much rather have a good quality of life with a slight risk than drag along without any joy- and live longer. Why????
I have actually cancelled my acupuncture appointment for tomorrow because I feel so much better and I know she will try and persuade me to stop the hormones.

I think what I am trying to say is that-it's your body and your life. I can't see how it's better for the doctors to throw anti-depressants at you, and for them to think that it is better to do that than to give you a little of what your body needs naturally-hormones!

Maybe you could change doctors or try the bioidentical route again?

There are some women who take HRT well into old age and it does them no harm. I had endometrial cancer and I had never taken HRT or used the contaceptive pill my whole life so go figure!

I hope you find a way through all this-please try to make yourself feel better whatever it takes!

janet c

Hi to all. I have to say I don't know if this is post meno or what but I've been to the dr a bunch of times, as well as to a neurologist and 2 ent docs and they come up empty. I'm having horrific feelings in my throat (raw and burning, lump, crawling like sensations (what I think are throat contractions), and my tongue is twitchy) anyone else out there feeling any of these. I had my last period at 52 and am now 58. Would appreciate any comments. I had been feeling well for the past 3 years. I did have a major anxiety episode 3 years ago and have a history of anxiety. Thanks. Postl

Dear 'post'

I think those Hormones can haunt us well after Menopause is supposedly over because the truth is we will be Post Menopausal till the day we die.

I did start HRT when Menopausal and they have worked for me.The Gyno,feels I have been on them for too long but he knows this is my body and my choice.

When I went off them I was back to square one with Phobias ,Insomnia,Depression and a very itchy scalp.

It is marvellous that you have had three good years but you are entitled to many more.Why not get your Hormone and Thyroid levels checked to see if you need some help.

Please let us know how you go on
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

Dear janet

Wise words indeed. I completely agree with you that quality of life is something we all have a right to.I am 57 and have been on HRT for many years.I believe it saved my life and sanity.I think if I had been given it in the first place before the AD,i might not have needed the Prozac.But who really knows?.

Anyway I wish everyone good health and happiness which ever route they take

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

I have been going through all the symptoms listed plus more for the last 17 years. I am now 60 1/2 years old. Doctors have all been in a quandry...even women docs. I am so glad all of you are here sharing...otherwise I would lose my mind for sure.

I too have had a host of menopausal symptoms since it all started about ten years ago..I'm 58 now. I'm not suffering so badly these days from flushes and I sleep a bit better, but now I get tingling, ocular migraines and other 'stuff'. Hey ho. Anyway, I remember my mother suddenly announcing one day, 'It's Over!!!' When I asked her what she meant she said, 'The menopause... it's over , some women go mad you know!' Those were her ONLY words on the subject, she never discussed it, she never complained about it. She died 11 years ago before my menopause really kicked in and so I'll never know what she really went through. I'm hoping that one day it will all stop and I shall announce, 'It's OVER!' That generation of women are in their 80's now, they were tough cookies.

I bumped into lady recently that I have knew casually 25 years ago. I was astounded to learn that she is 73 because she looks amazing-hardly a line on her face, trim smart and savvy. She looks more like 55. We discussed my gyn cancer and the fact I cant use estrogen and she said she has never used HRT. She just eats well and does plenty of exercise-walks everywhere and plays badminton.
I was thrilled to see someone who has gone the natural route who cannot thank HRT for her wonderful youthful looks and demeanour. However there is one downside. She says she still gets hot flushes (at 73 ).
She paid me the complement of saying that she thought I was in my 40s. I don't think she was saying it just to repay the compliment because I get similar remarks all the time when I tell people I am almost 57.

Even if we fool ourselves into thinking the flushes are gonna stop once the transition is over maybe we just have to accept they will never go completely. HRT just delays the inevitable. It won't necessarily make us look and seem younger. I had my surgery three years ago and I still get lovely comments about how young I look. Unfortunately I still get the darned hot flushes-but hey-at least I feel well otherwise

janet c

I meant "knew casually"-thats the other problem-my brain is definitely not what it was

I'm glad this thread popped up today. I'm 2 years without a period (is that 2 years post or 1 year???), anyhow, I still have terrible night sweats and hot flashes. I've also been having tingling too and my hands are cold, especially the right. So many things changed 3 years ago when I was in peri. I go from dr. to dr. to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong. One of the latest things was my big toe on my left foot gets white and numb in the cold weather. Podiatrist not sure what it is. He did nerve and vascular test and they were normal. I even took pictures and showed him. Reynauds possibly...but he couldn't say for sure. This is all on top of the 3 year daily headache I have which I was just diagnosed with New Daily Perisistent Headache from dr's at Montefiore Headache Program. The list goes on and on. I just pray to get through all of this soon. I'm going for acupuncture treatments (again) and am taking a homeopathic remedy too. Tomorrow I'm getting tested for carpal tunnel syndrome. Keep all those suffering in my prayers.

Dear janetc

How lovely!Yes,there are many amazing ladies out there-looking good and feeling good.I know I take HRT but that is great with me.

Am honestly aware of the transition,whilst on them,as they alleviate symptoms but do not make everything just right.I can and do have an occasional hot flush ,get insomnia etc.I still have to face my middle-aged demons but that's o.k. too.

All the Best
Elizabeth

Hi everyone and thank you for the kind words of support. I've had my thyroid checked and it's OK. I'm convinced I have some kind of dystonia in my throat but when I went back to the movement specialist last week he told me he doesn't think so. That's all. These docs don't ever consider the possibility of hormones in someone our age. It's like "it's over". Even my gynecologist ( a woman) said this to me. They're all saying it's anxiety and I've made an appointment with a psychiatrist next week. I wish everyone well, Postl

It's OK Janet....we all say things that don't make sense anymore!!!

In answer to your lady friend....I actually wouldn't care about getting the occasional hot flush if I could SLEEP ALL NIGHT!....thats my main bugbear.!