I have lurked on the boards for a while now and am glad to know that I am not the only one going through this nightmare. I am 52 years old, have been 6 months without a period and have recently been diagnosed w/ Hashimoto's thyroiditis (having been hypo for about the last 10 years). I have a benign uterine polyp, 3 huge fibroid tumors, and a strong family history of breast cancer. Last time I was tested my estradiol was 2, FSH was 87.7, and progesterone 0.1.
I have ALL the 34 symptoms of menopause plus some more that are not listed. I have been to a total now of 17 different doctors since Aug. of 08 when all this began. I had a complete crash after a major stressor and went into a deep depression. The thing about this that is the worst is the overwhelming feeling of not being able to cope. I CANNOT handle ANY stress whatsoever. Everything looks so weird to me and I feel so "detached"... Anyone else feel this way? I don't feel like myself at all and it is scaring me. I was on zoloft for 2.5 years about 4 years ago after a major stressor put me into depression, did fine on it w/ no side effects, went off successfully because of major weight gain. Then 7 months later another major stressor put me into the worst depression along w/ panic and anxiety like I had never experienced before. Went back on zoloft, but this time could not take due to extreme side effects. I found out that anti anxiety meds make me depressed and antidepressants make me anxious. Besides this time I want to get to the root of the problem and not cover up symptoms with a pill. (It is like I have no "reserves" to handle the changes that come w/ meno.)
So, I go to one of the pioneers in BHRT and begin transdermal BHRT...could not take this regime so he tries another and could not take this either because it made my thyroid symptoms so much worse. (I could not handle the progesterone at all.) I am up a creek w/o a paddle. If they treat the thyroid, it makes my meno symptoms worse and vice versa. Low estrogen and low thyroid both cause emotional troubles and I have them both!
I am so scared. I don't know whether to check myself into a mental hospital or what. I have no close family other than my husband... he has been very supportive, but is about at the end of his rope. He said I am going to have to find some help because he cannot take this anymore. I feel so trapped and do not know what to do. My idea is that my adrenals are shot and probably need to address those before addressing the other hormones. I cannot go on much longer. I truly feel I am losing touch w/ reality, especially since I have had to stop driving and I am here in the house alone every day.
Is this the peri/meno, hashimoto's, or zoloft withdrawal from 2 years ago? Did zoloft permanently damage my brain so I cannot cope now? I sure do hope not!
Sorry this is so long, but I need some support so badly and would you believe there are no meno support groups in my area! Thank you so much for listening.
Full Version: New Here, Please Help
what is your most disturbing symptom,, the one you absolutely must deal with (although the others are annoying we just plow through them)
QUOTE (didgens @ May 19 2009, 03:36 PM) 
what is your most disturbing symptom,, the one you absolutely must deal with (although the others are annoying we just plow through them)
The worst or most disturbing symptom is the depression/anxiety and feeling of not being able to cope. As well as this feeling of panic. Everything is so overwhelming. It is like I was fine one day and a basket case the next. Evidently I had a very abrupt drop in estrogen along w/ the thyroid issue and possible adrenal problems. Every avenue I have taken has ended up in a roadblock. My next step is to do the saliva cortisol test and send it in... still awaiting the kit to come in the mail. Then need to find a doctor who can treat the adrenals and thyroid. I think BHRT is out because I still have my uterus and I just cannot take the progesterone. It made me absolutely DIZZY, more DEPRESSED, and just crazier than I was. Now I am dealing with the "withdrawal" of the few weeks on the BHRT. I just do not know what to do!
QUOTE (mood_swinger @ May 19 2009, 06:16 PM)
I have lurked on the boards for a while now and am glad to know that I am not the only one going through this nightmare. I am 52 years old, have been 6 months without a period and have recently been diagnosed w/ Hashimoto's thyroiditis (having been hypo for about the last 10 years). I have a benign uterine polyp, 3 huge fibroid tumors, and a strong family history of breast cancer. Last time I was tested my estradiol was 2, FSH was 87.7, and progesterone 0.1.
I have ALL the 34 symptoms of menopause plus some more that are not listed. I have been to a total now of 17 different doctors since Aug. of 08 when all this began. I had a complete crash after a major stressor and went into a deep depression. The thing about this that is the worst is the overwhelming feeling of not being able to cope. I CANNOT handle ANY stress whatsoever. Everything looks so weird to me and I feel so "detached"... Anyone else feel this way? I don't feel like myself at all and it is scaring me. I was on zoloft for 2.5 years about 4 years ago after a major stressor put me into depression, did fine on it w/ no side effects, went off successfully because of major weight gain. Then 7 months later another major stressor put me into the worst depression along w/ panic and anxiety like I had never experienced before. Went back on zoloft, but this time could not take due to extreme side effects. I found out that anti anxiety meds make me depressed and antidepressants make me anxious. Besides this time I want to get to the root of the problem and not cover up symptoms with a pill. (It is like I have no "reserves" to handle the changes that come w/ meno.)
So, I go to one of the pioneers in BHRT and begin transdermal BHRT...could not take this regime so he tries another and could not take this either because it made my thyroid symptoms so much worse. (I could not handle the progesterone at all.) I am up a creek w/o a paddle. If they treat the thyroid, it makes my meno symptoms worse and vice versa. Low estrogen and low thyroid both cause emotional troubles and I have them both!
I am so scared. I don't know whether to check myself into a mental hospital or what. I have no close family other than my husband... he has been very supportive, but is about at the end of his rope. He said I am going to have to find some help because he cannot take this anymore. I feel so trapped and do not know what to do. My idea is that my adrenals are shot and probably need to address those before addressing the other hormones. I cannot go on much longer. I truly feel I am losing touch w/ reality, especially since I have had to stop driving and I am here in the house alone every day.
Is this the peri/meno, hashimoto's, or zoloft withdrawal from 2 years ago? Did zoloft permanently damage my brain so I cannot cope now? I sure do hope not!
Sorry this is so long, but I need some support so badly and would you believe there are no meno support groups in my area! Thank you so much for listening.
Getting your thyroid normal should not make your menopause symptoms worse, it should help. I have a thyroid issue and was recently anxious, etc., and have had my meds adjusted accordingly because I'm still not through menopause. I have had thyroid deals since I was a kid. I would suggest you go to a endocrinologist and explain what's happening. Regular MD's just don't have the expertise in that area and thyroids can be a touchy thing to control....and it takes time. I believe the detached feeling is anxiety.....deep breath and just let it pass. The more you divert yourself, and NOT concentrate on the problem, the better you should start feeling. I've been there too!
Retriever 2
I have ALL the 34 symptoms of menopause plus some more that are not listed. I have been to a total now of 17 different doctors since Aug. of 08 when all this began. I had a complete crash after a major stressor and went into a deep depression. The thing about this that is the worst is the overwhelming feeling of not being able to cope. I CANNOT handle ANY stress whatsoever. Everything looks so weird to me and I feel so "detached"... Anyone else feel this way? I don't feel like myself at all and it is scaring me. I was on zoloft for 2.5 years about 4 years ago after a major stressor put me into depression, did fine on it w/ no side effects, went off successfully because of major weight gain. Then 7 months later another major stressor put me into the worst depression along w/ panic and anxiety like I had never experienced before. Went back on zoloft, but this time could not take due to extreme side effects. I found out that anti anxiety meds make me depressed and antidepressants make me anxious. Besides this time I want to get to the root of the problem and not cover up symptoms with a pill. (It is like I have no "reserves" to handle the changes that come w/ meno.)
So, I go to one of the pioneers in BHRT and begin transdermal BHRT...could not take this regime so he tries another and could not take this either because it made my thyroid symptoms so much worse. (I could not handle the progesterone at all.) I am up a creek w/o a paddle. If they treat the thyroid, it makes my meno symptoms worse and vice versa. Low estrogen and low thyroid both cause emotional troubles and I have them both!
I am so scared. I don't know whether to check myself into a mental hospital or what. I have no close family other than my husband... he has been very supportive, but is about at the end of his rope. He said I am going to have to find some help because he cannot take this anymore. I feel so trapped and do not know what to do. My idea is that my adrenals are shot and probably need to address those before addressing the other hormones. I cannot go on much longer. I truly feel I am losing touch w/ reality, especially since I have had to stop driving and I am here in the house alone every day.
Is this the peri/meno, hashimoto's, or zoloft withdrawal from 2 years ago? Did zoloft permanently damage my brain so I cannot cope now? I sure do hope not!
Sorry this is so long, but I need some support so badly and would you believe there are no meno support groups in my area! Thank you so much for listening.
Getting your thyroid normal should not make your menopause symptoms worse, it should help. I have a thyroid issue and was recently anxious, etc., and have had my meds adjusted accordingly because I'm still not through menopause. I have had thyroid deals since I was a kid. I would suggest you go to a endocrinologist and explain what's happening. Regular MD's just don't have the expertise in that area and thyroids can be a touchy thing to control....and it takes time. I believe the detached feeling is anxiety.....deep breath and just let it pass. The more you divert yourself, and NOT concentrate on the problem, the better you should start feeling. I've been there too!
Retriever 2
Welcome to PS mood swinger!
Boy...I know that there are so many people here that can relate to you, so feel comfort in that you are not alone.
I took zoloft after the birth of my daughter almost 9 years ago....I took it on and off over a 3 year period and each time I went on it I had terrible side effects....thought I was going mad...had terrible depersonalisation episodes.
After a lot of stressful events over the last 5 years I have had really bad anxiety....moved to another country where I knew no-one and then started getting every symptom in the book related to peri and really awful anxiety...insomnia, panic attacks, constant hot spells at night etc.,.....my adrenals have been in a constant state of alert as my cortisol levels are high...and pushing out too much E, P and T.
I work with a Dr. at an alternative health practice and she has been helpful. I am now on an adaptogen for the adrenals to try and balance the stress hormones (my periods stopped summer 2007, I am 49)....I suggest to you to get your assessed via a saliva test and find someone you can work with to help you heal.
If your adrenals are shot then it can take months or even up to 2 years to balance them.
I am taking advice from the book 'Adrenal fatigue, the 21st century stress syndrome' by Dr James Wilson.
I am also taking daily 2 x 1000mg C, vitamin B complex, Omega 3 liquid form, a hormone balancing concoction and apple pectin (my BM's changed when all this c**p began!).
I'm sure you've read all this before, right?.....just wanted to tell you that you are not alone.
Oh, and I also do meditation daily which is helping A LOT to calm me.
Good Luck and let us know if you want any further help and advice...don't lurk anymore!!!!
Caz
Boy...I know that there are so many people here that can relate to you, so feel comfort in that you are not alone.
I took zoloft after the birth of my daughter almost 9 years ago....I took it on and off over a 3 year period and each time I went on it I had terrible side effects....thought I was going mad...had terrible depersonalisation episodes.
After a lot of stressful events over the last 5 years I have had really bad anxiety....moved to another country where I knew no-one and then started getting every symptom in the book related to peri and really awful anxiety...insomnia, panic attacks, constant hot spells at night etc.,.....my adrenals have been in a constant state of alert as my cortisol levels are high...and pushing out too much E, P and T.
I work with a Dr. at an alternative health practice and she has been helpful. I am now on an adaptogen for the adrenals to try and balance the stress hormones (my periods stopped summer 2007, I am 49)....I suggest to you to get your assessed via a saliva test and find someone you can work with to help you heal.
If your adrenals are shot then it can take months or even up to 2 years to balance them.
I am taking advice from the book 'Adrenal fatigue, the 21st century stress syndrome' by Dr James Wilson.
I am also taking daily 2 x 1000mg C, vitamin B complex, Omega 3 liquid form, a hormone balancing concoction and apple pectin (my BM's changed when all this c**p began!).
I'm sure you've read all this before, right?.....just wanted to tell you that you are not alone.
Oh, and I also do meditation daily which is helping A LOT to calm me.
Good Luck and let us know if you want any further help and advice...don't lurk anymore!!!!
Caz
checking into mental ward wont help!! trust me been there done that got t- shirt......... you must keep stressing in your mind that its all normal hormone realatied feelings and you are not gonna die or go crazy !!! imagine going thru all this with no insurance- as i had, i got married last month just to get insurance ( how romantic ) we were dating 22 yrs tho so it was time !!!! please come here and vent your troubles and sorrows and yes even some joy now and then !!! misery loves company !!!
Hi mood swinger! You have found the right place to be. I am sure there are some ladies who are more knowledgable on the subject than I am who will reply to your post. I have felt a lot like you. I was curious on not treating your thyroid. I found out I had hashimotos last year and my endo is not concerned that the antibodies are not in the thousands. My last thyroid blood test labs came back normal so she said fine-see you in a yr. I think my adrenals are a problem, too. The last time I saw her she did say something about if I was given some med that it would make my symptons worse like anxiety, can't sleep at night, etc. I did have blood tests for adrenal/cortisol last year and it was okay. My endo does not do the 24 hr saliva test unless they suspect Cushing's disease. It will be one year this month since I have missed a period. I am 55 and am not on any hrt. Can I ask you what your thyroid antibody levels are? TSH? FT4? TT3? My endo does not do FT3. I feel like by what I read I should be getting my thyroid treated. I am going to find another dr on the thyriod/adrenal issues. Thanks and hang in there! Pam
Hello, everyone!
Hang in there, mood swinger! I'm 52, also, and have gone 3 months now without a period. I haven't had the mood swings quite as severe as yours, and my symptoms have been mostly manageable, so far. That said, the anxiety is really hard.
Please know you're not alone. So many women are going through what you're going through. BTW, husbands can be sooo insensitive. They never have to go through what we go through, and it's not fair of any of them to give up on us or refuse to help. But we're here for you!
BTW -- speaking of anxiety over so many issues . . . has anyone out there simply stopped having periods (maybe over the course of time), without having to take HRTs or do anything else about it?
Hang in there, mood swinger! I'm 52, also, and have gone 3 months now without a period. I haven't had the mood swings quite as severe as yours, and my symptoms have been mostly manageable, so far. That said, the anxiety is really hard.
Please know you're not alone. So many women are going through what you're going through. BTW, husbands can be sooo insensitive. They never have to go through what we go through, and it's not fair of any of them to give up on us or refuse to help. But we're here for you!
BTW -- speaking of anxiety over so many issues . . . has anyone out there simply stopped having periods (maybe over the course of time), without having to take HRTs or do anything else about it?
QUOTE (pemmy @ May 19 2009, 04:16 PM)
Hi mood swinger! You have found the right place to be. I am sure there are some ladies who are more knowledgable on the subject than I am who will reply to your post. I have felt a lot like you. I was curious on not treating your thyroid. I found out I had hashimotos last year and my endo is not concerned that the antibodies are not in the thousands. My last thyroid blood test labs came back normal so she said fine-see you in a yr. I think my adrenals are a problem, too. The last time I saw her she did say something about if I was given some med that it would make my symptons worse like anxiety, can't sleep at night, etc. I did have blood tests for adrenal/cortisol last year and it was okay. My endo does not do the 24 hr saliva test unless they suspect Cushing's disease. It will be one year this month since I have missed a period. I am 55 and am not on any hrt. Can I ask you what your thyroid antibody levels are? TSH? FT4? TT3? My endo does not do FT3. I feel like by what I read I should be getting my thyroid treated. I am going to find another dr on the thyriod/adrenal issues. Thanks and hang in there! Pam
Hi Pemmy,
It is amazing how the adrenals and thyroid go crazy during peri. If the adrenals are not functioning properly, then the thyroid hormone cannot get into the cells. I have been on thyroid meds (synthroid) for the last 10 years, but just now was tested for the antibodies and tested positive... I just remember that it was off the charts (over 1,000). When my estrogen went down really low, I did not need as much synthroid, but did not know that this was what was happening. My TSH kept going down, down down. I was so revved up I felt like I had to be running all the time. The TSH finally went to 0.7, my regular doctor took me off the synthroid (which now I realize was a big mistake) and 6 weeks later my TSH had shot up to 28. Then I felt like someone had let the air out of me and all my joints ached so badly. I am back on the meds now and under an endo's care. You should try to find a doctor who will do the Free T3 as well. I have always read that if all they care about is the TSH to find another doctor. Thanks for replying--it is such a support to know others understand and care. P.S. I am just doing the cortisol saliva test on my own and will send into the lab. If it is really low, I will have to find a doctor who treats the adrenals because this current endo does not believe in saliva testing.
QUOTE (Sweet Bugaboo @ May 19 2009, 08:27 PM)
Hello, everyone!
Hang in there, mood swinger! I'm 52, also, and have gone 3 months now without a period. I haven't had the mood swings quite as severe as yours, and my symptoms have been mostly manageable, so far. That said, the anxiety is really hard.
Please know you're not alone. So many women are going through what you're going through. BTW, husbands can be sooo insensitive. They never have to go through what we go through, and it's not fair of any of them to give up on us or refuse to help. But we're here for you!
BTW -- speaking of anxiety over so many issues . . . has anyone out there simply stopped having periods (maybe over the course of time), without having to take HRTs or do anything else about it?
Hang in there, mood swinger! I'm 52, also, and have gone 3 months now without a period. I haven't had the mood swings quite as severe as yours, and my symptoms have been mostly manageable, so far. That said, the anxiety is really hard.
Please know you're not alone. So many women are going through what you're going through. BTW, husbands can be sooo insensitive. They never have to go through what we go through, and it's not fair of any of them to give up on us or refuse to help. But we're here for you!
BTW -- speaking of anxiety over so many issues . . . has anyone out there simply stopped having periods (maybe over the course of time), without having to take HRTs or do anything else about it?
Welcome to PS, Mood Swinger! You've come to the right place for support and answers. I'm sorry I can't address your anxiety problems myself as I have no real experience with them but I wanted to tell you that you have our support. We are all in the same boat only our symptoms might be different. Just want to tell you to hang in there ... it'll get better with time.
BTW, Bugaboo....I've apparently done the "simply stopped having periods" part (I think). I'm 54 and had my last period starting March 5th and it was the "mother of all periods". Prior to that I've been regular and like clockwork since stopping BCPs a couple of years ago. Since that period in March I've had absolutely nothing to indicate I will have another anytime soon. After that period I suddenly and pretty much out of nowhere had a collection of "pregnancy" symptoms all at once which lasted about a month. Then almost as suddenly as they came, they went away. Sort of like a "last hurrah" of hormone surges. My hormone levels are all very much postmenopausal (incredibly low levels of everything but FSH which is just shy of 30) and my NP thinks I might very well be "done". If this is the case I've gotten off very easy because while that month of horrible symptoms was awful, I can honestly say the only other symptoms I've had are hot flashes and some vaginal soreness after sex. I've got a prescription for Estrace vag. cream to get filled but otherwise I'm not on anything except vitamins and an herbal preparation for the hot flashes. If that's all I have to do I'm incredibly lucky. Anybody else out there have this experience?
QUOTE (mood_swinger @ May 19 2009, 03:16 PM)
I have lurked on the boards for a while now and am glad to know that I am not the only one going through this nightmare. I am 52 years old, have been 6 months without a period and have recently been diagnosed w/ Hashimoto's thyroiditis (having been hypo for about the last 10 years). I have a benign uterine polyp, 3 huge fibroid tumors, and a strong family history of breast cancer. Last time I was tested my estradiol was 2, FSH was 87.7, and progesterone 0.1.
I have ALL the 34 symptoms of menopause plus some more that are not listed. I have been to a total now of 17 different doctors since Aug. of 08 when all this began. I had a complete crash after a major stressor and went into a deep depression. The thing about this that is the worst is the overwhelming feeling of not being able to cope. I CANNOT handle ANY stress whatsoever. Everything looks so weird to me and I feel so "detached"... Anyone else feel this way? I don't feel like myself at all and it is scaring me. I was on zoloft for 2.5 years about 4 years ago after a major stressor put me into depression, did fine on it w/ no side effects, went off successfully because of major weight gain. Then 7 months later another major stressor put me into the worst depression along w/ panic and anxiety like I had never experienced before. Went back on zoloft, but this time could not take due to extreme side effects. I found out that anti anxiety meds make me depressed and antidepressants make me anxious. Besides this time I want to get to the root of the problem and not cover up symptoms with a pill. (It is like I have no "reserves" to handle the changes that come w/ meno.)
So, I go to one of the pioneers in BHRT and begin transdermal BHRT...could not take this regime so he tries another and could not take this either because it made my thyroid symptoms so much worse. (I could not handle the progesterone at all.) I am up a creek w/o a paddle. If they treat the thyroid, it makes my meno symptoms worse and vice versa. Low estrogen and low thyroid both cause emotional troubles and I have them both!
I am so scared. I don't know whether to check myself into a mental hospital or what. I have no close family other than my husband... he has been very supportive, but is about at the end of his rope. He said I am going to have to find some help because he cannot take this anymore. I feel so trapped and do not know what to do. My idea is that my adrenals are shot and probably need to address those before addressing the other hormones. I cannot go on much longer. I truly feel I am losing touch w/ reality, especially since I have had to stop driving and I am here in the house alone every day.
Is this the peri/meno, hashimoto's, or zoloft withdrawal from 2 years ago? Did zoloft permanently damage my brain so I cannot cope now? I sure do hope not!
Sorry this is so long, but I need some support so badly and would you believe there are no meno support groups in my area! Thank you so much for listening.
I have ALL the 34 symptoms of menopause plus some more that are not listed. I have been to a total now of 17 different doctors since Aug. of 08 when all this began. I had a complete crash after a major stressor and went into a deep depression. The thing about this that is the worst is the overwhelming feeling of not being able to cope. I CANNOT handle ANY stress whatsoever. Everything looks so weird to me and I feel so "detached"... Anyone else feel this way? I don't feel like myself at all and it is scaring me. I was on zoloft for 2.5 years about 4 years ago after a major stressor put me into depression, did fine on it w/ no side effects, went off successfully because of major weight gain. Then 7 months later another major stressor put me into the worst depression along w/ panic and anxiety like I had never experienced before. Went back on zoloft, but this time could not take due to extreme side effects. I found out that anti anxiety meds make me depressed and antidepressants make me anxious. Besides this time I want to get to the root of the problem and not cover up symptoms with a pill. (It is like I have no "reserves" to handle the changes that come w/ meno.)
So, I go to one of the pioneers in BHRT and begin transdermal BHRT...could not take this regime so he tries another and could not take this either because it made my thyroid symptoms so much worse. (I could not handle the progesterone at all.) I am up a creek w/o a paddle. If they treat the thyroid, it makes my meno symptoms worse and vice versa. Low estrogen and low thyroid both cause emotional troubles and I have them both!
I am so scared. I don't know whether to check myself into a mental hospital or what. I have no close family other than my husband... he has been very supportive, but is about at the end of his rope. He said I am going to have to find some help because he cannot take this anymore. I feel so trapped and do not know what to do. My idea is that my adrenals are shot and probably need to address those before addressing the other hormones. I cannot go on much longer. I truly feel I am losing touch w/ reality, especially since I have had to stop driving and I am here in the house alone every day.
Is this the peri/meno, hashimoto's, or zoloft withdrawal from 2 years ago? Did zoloft permanently damage my brain so I cannot cope now? I sure do hope not!
Sorry this is so long, but I need some support so badly and would you believe there are no meno support groups in my area! Thank you so much for listening.
Everyone,
Thank you for replying. It helps to know that others care and that we women are in this thing together.
by the way, since I am new here.... how do you just reply to a post without the quote? I tried to with this one and don't think that it is. Thanks! I hope we all have a better day today.
love and hugs,
mood_swinger
Click on FASTREPLY or ADD REPLY and you won't get the quote. 
mood swinger...
Synthroid just might not be the right thyroid med for you. There is a website called about.com where you will find all the info you ever needed to know about thyroid disease. It is a very interesting site. http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/l/blforum.htm
There are many very intelligient women here who can help to guide you in the right direction. You have come to the right place!
Welcome.
Dee
Synthroid just might not be the right thyroid med for you. There is a website called about.com where you will find all the info you ever needed to know about thyroid disease. It is a very interesting site. http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/l/blforum.htm
There are many very intelligient women here who can help to guide you in the right direction. You have come to the right place!
Welcome.
Dee
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