With my symptoms worsening to the point that I actually had a panic attack at work recently, I knew that I had to change something... The list of 35 symptoms, yea that was me. The worst thought and most memorable was: anxiety, panic attacks, internal shaking, acid reflux to the point my mouth constantly burned, could sleep, feeling of dread, mood swings, fatigue, what I can hot flushes, basically to the point to get out of bed was painful, and think I was actually getting depressed due to all my symptoms...

First place I went to is my soul, and what I mean by that, is turned to my spirituality and my faith. I think mainy of us do that when we think we are losing our mind. Did various things spiritual, prayers, and what I even call cleansings so to speak.

Then body. Cause I knew I couldn't get my mind right until my Body and Soul were okay...

1st I tried GNC Multivitamins, and though I must say I feel the did help, I was just concerned with the % above the RDA. So now I am on the following:

Whole Food Adult Multi for Women (365 Brand) which was very reasonablied priced. Has a great mixture of multi's, plus many minerals and herbs (also has inositil, which I had read is really good for anxiousness and perimenopause.
Triple Omega 3-6-9 (up to 5 per day)
CoQ-10 100mg (1 per day)
GNC Menopause Formula (was in my GNC Multi-pack) Black Cohosh Extract 160mcg/Soy Osoflavone 100mg/Isolase 35mg
Evening Primrose Oil 1300 (in GNC Multi-pack)
Valrium Root at bed time (1)
Probiotic (Twice a day, AM/PM - to help acid reflux and just general health)
Enzymes Digestion (Whole Foods) 2 times a day

Also replaced milk w/soy milk.

Now here is another huge key that I truly believe has made a tremendous impact on me. That's it, I have totally gone Organic, I cant pronounce it I don't eat it. Can't say that I truly change the food, I still eat all the same foods basically, but just organic, and honestly this is when I really started to feel my best. Grant it has only been a little over a week now, but I can see and feel the difference. OMG my skin is so soft, I keep touching myself (don't get any ideas....), my hair, it is so shinny, today I notice my face, my eyes that ain't all puffy, I can't tell you the last time I did not wake up w/big ole puffy eyes....

So I started to do some research on Organic vs conventional food, and again I have to say - OMG, I had no idea. Did you know how many hormones they fill us with in our milk, eggs, and meat products. Foods that we think are suppose to be good for us is loaded w/hormones, anti-biotics, you name it...

If you do anything, (and trust me I ain't here to promote no book, don't even know the guy, just bought his book yesterday at Whole Foods), try to find this book The Self Health Revolution by J. Michael Zenn. This book is packed w/all types of information, and honestly has just totally turned me totally organic. Look in your frigerator right now, go read some of the ingredients, and don't be surprised when you can't even pronouce them, and that's only 1/2 the story, ie, for example, on say an Apple I think it was something like 96% that they tested had 9 pestasides. Seriously if you don't think stuff like that is messing us up, it must be....

I honestly don't want anyone to feel the way I did, and I want everyone to feel they way I do now. When I tell you it is night and day, it is. Heck I got me Herb Garden going now, and OMG I actually clean my house and don't really care, actually feels pretty good. No lie, I can honestly say thus far, I havent felt like this in what 10 years, if not more....

To sum it up, for me, I think it is a total combination. The vitamins, the herbs, and hey don't overlook the spiritual aspect of things as well. I buy incense, candles, meditation music, what ever it takes to connect to me, my soul, my spirit, my true self... (Heck even did an old Indian Ritual BTW 1/2 indian - where as you burn sage in your home). Placebo, sure probably, but I love it just the same... And finally the truly biggest thing, watching what I put in my body... Heck I can actually have a cup or two of coffee and enjoy it once again (organic of course....)...

Sorry so long, and I know the same aint the same for everyone, but I think something can surely be taken from this. So if you were like me taking all the supplements and nothing, try organic or at the least look into what the DONT put in organic. It can only help you, and yes you are worth it.

how long have you found releive with this regime? or is this something you just started ? i dont want to be a debbie downer but unless its long term i wouldnt get to excited, ive found things dont work for very long, symtoms always come back after the placebo effect wears off !!! good luck to you


im sorry i see its only been a week, i didnt read it very slowly !!! disregard my questions !!! but keep us updated on your plan !!!

Thanks for sharing what's working for you. Looks like you've been working hard to figure out what works for you, and I think it's important to share any good news / successes. My diet is very similar, but soy bothers me... actually increases my anxiety and hot flashes. (I found out that soy has phytoestrogens, and it was upsetting the balance I was working to achieve.)

Take care,
JC

I agree organic is a great way to go but it gets so darn expensive. I buy organic meats (but only eat limited amounts of animal protein anyway) and some vegs and fruits (the varietals that get the most pesticide residue) ie - apples, carrots , etc. If I eat non organic carrots my lips and tongue will tingle and go numb about a 1/2 hour afterwards...... eeek, Anyway, good luck and let us know how it goes, JZZ

Yes it only has been a week, but it is the best response that I have thus far. I have been dealing with hormonal issues basically my life, since I was 18, at which time I was diagnosed w/endometriosis, to which surgery was no big help...

But yes I too hope that I don't fall backslide into what I was, and for me a total month will be the true testament. Especially when I ovulate, I have seriously thought I about writting a journal, so I can better evaluate my symptoms, and make any additional changes. All I know is how I feel and look now, I honestly can't believe that it happened that fast. And yes placebo, sure it's a possibility, but I also believe that as long as I allow my mind to accept these changes that I am feeling, that is the most powerful. The acidity that was in mouth is totally gone, and for me that is huge, cuz that only added to my anxiety which in turn only added to more acid production....

I truly believe that it total MIND - BODY - SPIRIT! I will continue to read uplifting books, books that bring me more and more information, and listen to CD's that constantly bring me up, and enjoy the little things like the smell of a lavendar candle. I also failed to mention that I have been walking basically everyday, and that too has done wonders to really clear your mind. I also reading that walking helps with our breathing process, and this too can effect us Dearest actually has an article on this....

Although I tell myself, and make myself believe I am cured, I also know that I may still have my days. Sure you may find me on here someday crying out OMG here it comes again, but I surely pray not. I am also researching doctor's in my area so I can find one that supports me totally on this new journey...

As for expensive, well right now it's pretty expensive bcz I have basically gotten to the point that I don't want anymore chemicals in or on my body. But to be honest with you, I spent about the same amount at Whole Foods as I did at Publix, and that even included the book that I previously mentioned, some awesome lavendar body wash (ah smells so good), and some relaxing candles.

But I will surely keep y'all posted, and yet another day still working. And actually I am little bit nervous due to the fact I am waiting a call back for a Job Interview today. But continue to take deep breathes, and keep positive thoughts and intentions flowing...

I too have gone through cycles of good and bad feelings....I too eat mainly organic, once drank ONLY soy milk, eat very healthily avoid caffeine, minimal wine etc., etc.,
but have found that something seems like its helping me, then for my 'symptoms' to return!

I am on an upswing at the moment...have been for about 6 days......must check my biorythms!!!

Caz

I say to keep doing what works for you, but don't be surprised by anything. And, I firmly believe that positive thinking does help. Maybe not a cure all but it certainly can help. And, researches have done mri's on people and found that areas of the brain "light" up when the patient is thinking or watching pics with happy or funny things. Brain didn't "light" up when gloomy or sad things were introduced. (forgive my paraphasing but I'm sure you can look it up too). Anyway, keep up the effort and the positive energy. Regards, JZZ

Hi Becca

Thanks for sharing.....very encouraging. What we eat during this time is so very important and I've noticed I'm more sensitive to foods now more than ever.
Your enthusiasm makes me want to get serious again about my eating.....I grew up at the beach in So Cal.....total health nut but having kids....moving to Texas....well life just gets busy!
Thanks again and keep us posted...

Oars

Well today was a true test, that's for sure... I realize now how much I HATE my current job, and realize all the negativity on that place. I also had a job interview today, of which I think (no, I will say went great - positive thinking right)... This put alot on me, I so want this job, for I would be working in my son's school, how freakin kewl would that be. And besides the fact, currently I work so far home and have to be there by 7:10 am.... I almost want to get on my hands and knees and say, please oh please give me the job... (but I did refrain myself... )

The funny thing how the mind works though, when I came in this morning and read the post, I was in a AWESOME place. Then no offense, just honesty, so we can all learn from each other, but when I read Dottie Downer post , that post just stayed w/me most of the day. Started to question myself, what if this is all in my head, what if this too shall end, am I jumping the gun, and there they went thoughts, thoughts, and more thoughts. It's funny how the mind will take something negative and just hold unto it, and just keep that in our subconscious. (now don't get me wrong, I realize she was coming from a honest and truthful place)... But for me it just clearly illustrates how we all need some more positive feedback, and positive outlook. I am learning thru this whole process, and like I keep saying, it is truly mind-body-spirit.

So this afternoon, after I got home from a hectic day, and so much negative emotions at work, I sat on my back porch and watched a storm roll in. Decided to have a cold glass of red wine, and just let day unfold from my head...

I write all of this, and I guess turning into somewhat of a journey, but I hope that if someone too finds what works for them, don't give up, don't let that bump slow you down. And if all possible, shut down your negative thoughts....

And yes, I can now feel myself coming back around again. I also look at the bright side, no panic, no anxiety today, sure some unpleasant thoughts, but perhaps that I just know that I am doing all that I can do to help my body, got me thru the day...

And as I write this, I release more and more of that negative emotion from my body, and I feel it come at peace....

Is there one majic potion, no, but we all must find what works best for all of us.... I also believe what we put in our bodies, and lack of supplementation plays a crucial role. Honestly I week or two ago, I would not handled this day as well. Cause after all this day had tried to put against me, I still don't feel drained our exhausted, or just plain pist off at the world. Grateful this day is done, and just be glad I am here.

Now I cant wait for the rain to clear, so I can take a nice long cleansing walk, and keep praying I get that call that I got that new job.....

Sending you postive thoughts and wishes that you get the job and continue to feel well. Best Wishes, JZZ

what I am wondering about is the EPO - I want to continue to take it; but was recently advised that there is a link between it and breast cancer...anyone else hear this???

Suzanne

Hey I haven't heard, if I see or read anything I will surely pass it on...

Hey Jzz, thanks, must be working cause I am having better day...

One more thing, I did come across this book and the following web-site. I don't know, web-site looks like they are just try to sell ya something, but the free menopause Type Questionaire...

Here's the Book... Hmm. that might be interesting read...
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display...n=9780761537496

Here's the site w/the site w/the automated questionaire.... I answer the questions as truthfully as I could, apparently I am Type 8. Something worth sharing, or at least considering. Like I said, just don't know how much of the site is more towards selling you their products. They also have a physician's link, that's kind of how I found it.... Just thought I would share, or perhaps someone else has seen this too....

http://www.yourmenopausetype.com/questionnaire.html

And just for the record, better today, body still a little tense from yesterday, but drinking lot's of herb tea and water.... Actually feeling pretty good. Here's the really weird thing I know that my period is due soon, little cramping, but OMG I am not bloated to the max like I usually am. Still a little, how should we say, moody or better yet, irritable (poor hubby), but not too bad. (well, atleast I think not that bad... LOL) Let's see how that goes the next few days...

Never heard of EPO being linked to breast cancer but I have heard that black cohosh is linked to breast cancer.

Quite honestly I think there are so many other factors that come into play that contributes to cancer.

Plumeria

Instead of just keep creating new topics, just thought I would add this here. I came across this today, found pretty interesting...

I do believe, almost 100%, my issue is low progesterone. but this covers all symptoms and the major hormones... Pretty interesting...

http://www.progesteronetherapy.com/hormone-testing.html

Actually when you add the endometriosis into the whole, for sure Progesterone. My symptoms start right about ovulation, and precede from there. But my worst is ovulation, and just before my period... At least I have a road to look into.

Hope y'all dont mind if I find something pretty interesting that I share..

Suzanne, I remembered that EPO is an omega 6 fatty acid. And also that if the ratio to omega 3 is off then it can have an inflammatory response in the body. Maybe that's why there might be a link to health probs? Googled it and came up with loads of stuff (didn't google omega 6 and breast cancer, just "is EPO an omega 6") Anyway here is a brief excerpt from one of the links. Also, I tried taking epo years ago for PMS but it made me feel irritable and crazy!!! Worse than the mild pms. (There is a family history of Migranes and Parkinsons. Now I wonder if that is why I had such a bad reaction to EPO and Omega 3 fish oil supplements (O3's give me nightmares). Anyway, I think many different things can contribute to breast cancer or other health issues. We are all very different and just need to do what works for our own body. (btw - We need the ratio of Omega 3 to be much higher than the Omega 6's. However, there doesn't seem to be a huge consensus on what that ratio should be....) JZZ


Available forms and usage
Evening primrose oil is usually sold in capsules or as a liquid. It should contain a minimum of eight per cent gamma-linolenic acid. PHAs usually take two grams a day with food, divided into several doses. People experiencing peripheral neuropathy may take doses as high as four grams. To prevent the oxidation of evening primrose oil, at least 400 IU/day of vitamin E should also be taken with meals. Evening primrose oil is now widely available and can be purchased from herbalists or from health food or drug stores.

Cautions and concerns
Evening primrose oil is generally considered quite safe. Rare adverse effects include nausea, headache and diarrhea.
Evening primrose oil may have an effect on the immune system but these results have been inconclusive and sometimes contradictory. Some nutritionists recommend that PHAs take evening primrose oil (omega-6) in combination with an omega-3 fatty acid like flaxseed oil in order to balance their intake of essential fatty acids.

Evening primrose should not be taken by people with mental illness who experience mania because it may make this condition worse. It should also be taken cautiously by epileptics or other people who experience seizures because it has been associated with an increased frequency of seizures in a few case.

Evening primrose oil should be used cautiously by people taking drugs that reduce blood clotting, such as aspirin. In theory, evening primrose oil may be less effective in people taking beta-blockers, which are drugs used to treat high blood pressure.

References
Boon H, Smith M. The Botanical Pharmacy. Kingston: Quarry Health Books, 1999.

Horrobin DF, Manku MS. How do polyunsaturated fatty acids lower plasma cholesterol levels. Lipids 1983;18:558-62.

Lands Lark. Nutrient therapy for neuropathy, 1999. Available at: http://www.aids.org/daair/

Morse PF, Horrobin DF et al. Meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies of the efficacy of Epogram on the treatment of atopic eczema. British Journal of Dermatology 1989;121:75-90.

Nemecz G. Evening Primrose. US Pharmacist 1998 Nov. Available at: http://www.uspharmacist.com/

Puolakka J, Makarainen L et al. Biochemical and clinical effects of treating the premenstrual syndrome with prostaglandin synthesis precursors. Journal of Reproductive Medicine 1985 Mar;30(3):149-53.


2002
Author(s): Lyons L

Well just wanted to give an update.... 14 days since my last panic attack, the day that I decided something had to change....

Still doing really well... honestly each day continues to get a little better than the last. Drinking lot's of water and tea. Another thing I realized I haven't craved a Soda in a week. Man I use to drink them all the time. Haven't wanted to drink any beer or anything. (But I still enjoy my even glass of red wine - ;-)

I really feel that the healthy eating along w/supplements, and just quite possibly the organics is really helping. Makes me really under if there is really something to be said what they do put in our food, and in the products thats we use. I can't believe my acid reflux is totally gone, that is huge! I was cleaning out my closet yesterday, and saw all the empty packs of Zantac and realized, wow, been like 2 weeks since I needed them, that must be record...

Energy is awesome! I actually got up a 4:15 this morning (have to be a work by 7AM); and at 6AM starting making breakfast for my husband and son... It was so funny, get my husband up about 6:30, and he is like beck what the heck are you doing.... See I have never cooked them breakfast on work day... It really felt great for us all sit around the table this morning, and have great breakfast together....

I write this mainly not to sit here and boast, it's just I want some to know that it is possible to have some good days. Again, I am not saying I will never have a bad hormonal day, but when you have had so many bad days for so long, you so appreciate the good days! So perhaps, like the next time I am ovulate ( ) - and I am having one of those days, I can come back to read my own post to remind me, that to shall pass, and not to give up...

Going to give this new routine an whole month, judging how I do, I will perhaps getting hormones tested and go from there....

Period still has come yet, starting ovulating around the 8th or 9th.. Time will tell.... I also think that when I am ovulating, I am how do you say, shooting blanks, just due to the changes in ovulation. I ovulate so soon after my period it seems... That's another reason why I am keeping the dates so I can track, hope u don't mind...

Well back to work, break over... Think of all of you, and praying that we all find what we looking for Peace, and balance, literally...

Take care, Beck...

Hi Becca ,, glad to hear your doing so well,, gives me hope !! Can you give me an example of your dietary intake daily .. ie bkfst, lunch, dinner ,, snacks ?? I saw my GP yesterday and talked to her about L-theanine ,, she had never heard of it and I showed her my bottle,, she wrote it down and was going to do some research on it. I did get a xanex prescription to see if it helps with my horrible body aches around period time.. I too find myself CRAVING salads now adays .. there must be something in those vegies my body is screaming for (oh .. and there is the occassional hot fudge sundae !) I am eating more fruit also and the days when I have my fruit for breakfast I feel much better than if I go for the traditional heavy fat laden breakfast .. This is a wonderful site and we are all our own lab experiments .. intelligent women here who want answers the doctors dont have ,, or dont have time to figure out !! thanks Becca !!

Eating lot's of Fruits up until say 11 or 12pm (love all the berries, (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Frozen lunches, but all of these our Organic. Also bring plenty of what I call munchy veggies, (cucumbers, celery, raw broccoli)
Dinner, depends, but always have veggies, good variety, ya know. and yes, making so huge salads...

Lot's of H20 (even added eletrolyte added water)
Lot's of Herbal Tea
Ice Tea's Decaff w/lemon and mint one of my favorites...

And not by design, no soda's, which is really amazing for me.... Just don't want them...

No alcohol, except for glass of red wine.

Been also clearing my mind, reading alot of books and articles on spirituality, and the power of our thoughts. Breathing has been HUGE! Sounds stupid, but I mean slow deep breathing...

Take this test. While you are typing, or read something, try to notice if you actually stop breathing. Now of course I don't mean for longs period time, LOL, I mean little stops so to speak. Try to catch that, and then a good long breath. There is a really good article Dearest has on this site, and it really has helped.

And just to make sure I covered all areas, and please don't take me for some weirdo, but you get to a point where you will try just about anything.... Someone told me to look into Space Clearing, meaning you clear all the negative energy and emotions from your home. (Hey we call Priest in to bless our home, so what would it hurt); yes I did that too. At night I try to take a little time to put on some cleansing music, I love native indian flutes, but any type of "relaxation" CD. Burn some candles, incense, usually about the time I am cleaning around the house and cooking dinner.... (Yes, hubby and child come in, and yes I get the comments, like what's up w/this stuff... I now just laugh it off, and say, it makes mommy relaxed, y'all can go out side for a little while.... LOL

Walking about 20 - 40 minutes just about every evening, that too does wonders.


All of these things really seem to be helping, and I really can't say which one. I still drink Coffee, but not near as much as before. It's just so many things.


I can't really prove it, cuz I have made so many changes, but I will put it this way, I will never go back from Organic. Now I am not saying that I wont go to dinner, or something like that, but 90% or more what I put in body will ALWAYS be Organic... I did alot of reading lately on that too, and honestly it is just plain scarey what goes into our foods, I think the FDA and RDA is honestly a bunch of bull... I have not really ate anything, except last Friday evening, and Saturday afternoon, that was NOT organic...

I think I put that book that I read about that on the orginal post here, but that book really opened my eyes to what I had been putting in mouth....

I will keep ya posted, let's see how a whole month (cycle) goes, and then I really truly know how much I have changed... But I still feel really good....

Thanks .. started buying organic milk and eggs some time ago,, get lots of organics from henrys (dont know if they are in every state) but am going to make an effort to buying more. Saw doc yesterday ,, cholesterol a little high. Will see if I can get my own combo right .. thanks for the info !!

Just avoiding the 5 ingedients Dr. Oz says to avoid will help also:

High Fructose Corn Syrup
Sugar
“enriched” flour products
Trans fats
Saturated Fats

I try to stay on the outside of the grocery isles. Everything on the inside is usually processed. You can get most everything you need without ever going down an isle (except whole wheat bread) We have no idea the effect food has on our body until we clean up our diet. It's amazing.

I'm glad you're feeling so great, Becca! Keep up the good work!!

Thanks...

The funny thing is, you start reading the labels, (honestly before I was never a big label reader); but holy cow, sooooo many products have High Fructose Corn Syrup & "enriched" flower... And heck that's not even getting into the words I can't even pronounce.... Makes ya wonder...

OMG... I KNOW!! So many "tose"'s to avoid LOL It's ALL sugar!! I have to allow way more time at the market these days. Reading labels is sooo time consuming!! That's why I try to stay outside the isles. Not a lot to read in the produce section

I would love to eat all organic or any for that matter, but I can't afford it. There are a few things I buy that are, but most not.....I rinse my fruits and veggies in a vinegar wash for 15 min or so...the acid from the vin. is supposed to eat the pesticide away and then I rinse really well...that is the best I can do for now. I will also start to pay special attn to the list above to avoid , I read lables alot, but probably am going to be suprised as to how much I eat with these things.

The breathing is a HUGE issue for me...I find myself holding my breath way too often or breathing like my mouth is a wind tunnel, but more breath holding though. I am afraid I am a prime canidate for sleep apnea, it is pretty bad, but the more I try to get it under control the worse it gets....someone said once you have to let go of trying to breath right in order to breath right, just letting it naturally flow. I have tried breathing exercises but become impatient and am not consistant when my results are disappointing after say ...2 days

Becca I have started to ovulate directly after my period also....I mean there is no gap, actually I am still spotting oftwn when I think I am(I have always had side pain so very recognizable for me, only now it is very mild) it could be day 6 or 12 depending on when my period starts to trail off. this started a couple of years ago. Maybe I am shooting blanks also, never thought about that, just assumed is I felt it it was happening as it should. HUGS Mikki

I hear you about the breathing excercise too. I just try to catch myself when I am holding my breath, and tell myself, breathe... Pretty sad when you have to remind yourself breathe.... When I get feelings of anxiousness, is again when I remind myself, take a long deep breath, hold, release.... I also like something I read from dearest, the brown paper bag method. You know breath into it brown bag when you are hyperventilating, I have done that too.

Still going pretty good, all the considered, I started my journal on the Journal Discussion, mainly so I can track me symptoms through out the month. Hoping too, that I will have good days that I can journal, so when I am not having such a good one, I can go back and read my good days.... Trying so hard to keep my thoughts positive, ya know...

All I can say is I am bathing myself is high fructose syrup....what does this do. I looked it up and found alot on obesiety(sp), but the rest just kept saying it isn't good for you.....but why other than the obvious it is sugar> I did find someting about a high fructose high menaing it gives you a buzz of some sort for sensitive people. It is things I would have never thought it to be in....probabaly becaus ethese things are so salty I guess you figure there couldn't possibly be sugar in it, but there is one particular item in my fridge that is is the first ingred. the others usually the sec. and I eat a lot of these things....the main one being ketchup...I eat it on everything and jelly with my PB and J. Does anyone know the effects this item has on us physically? Thanks Mikki

Speaking of sugar, and eating healthy, I did find these twp great articles. The first Symptoms of Perimenopause...
This article brings up the fact that restoring our stress hormone and blood sugar hormone levels can eliminate symptoms of perimenopause. That too often doctors immediately look at the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, never really paying much mind to the other homones. Now this really caught my attention because years ago, (about 32 or so), had my 1st flown blown panic attack. Dr. then dx w/panic and anxiety. Then another dr actually had me do a blood glucose test, whereas you fast, and my reading was 59. Whereas normal is 70-110. Heck I didn't even feel bad when he took my blood that day. I had done some research back then, and yes, low blood sugar does feel like and is sometimes confused as a panic attack. So there may be something to that...

I do know by me totally changing my diet, I do feel so much better than I did. Am I 100% perfect, no, but I am so much better than I had been. I am also looking into Vit D, as was mentioned on this site too...

1st article...

http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Condition...althy_Diet.aspx

Here was another article you may find of interest as well....
http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Condition...imenopause.aspx

Just found this yesterday, but looks to be some good info...