I,ve been post for 5 yrs after hyster with BSO past 3 yrs suffer with severe anxiety, crying, not feeling like myself, dizziness, internal and external shkes at times, severe flash,s, hardly laugh. I,ve posted before but never in the post menopausal site. Can any of you relate to these symptoms? When do we get our life back? I can,t take HRT or ADP due to sideeffects.

I'm not post but thought you might want to follow the link in my signature to see the results of our ongoing survey.

When you say side effects was that from one type of hormone replacement or did you try others?

I've been post 2 1/2 years and have the same symptoms and lately so irritable and down that I just want to lock myself in a room, by myself and forget there is a world out there. I do take Prozac, anxiety med but not any hormone therapy.

Dear "surreallife'
Since being Post Menopausal since age 39,an now 58 would be locked in that room with you if it weren't for my Prozac.Xanax and HRT.
Maybe if you looked into Bios it might help you.
Am very sad that you are suffering this way.
Search for help
Do not give up
Ask any questions,come back and we will all try to give you as much support and practical advice that we have
You are not alone,sweet friend.

Warmest Hugs
Elizabeth

I have tried 5 HRT,s including Bio, Scared to death to try ADP as sideeffects to those also

Dear 'little lil'
As you are unable to take certain Meds. bacause of bad side effects What about some natural Herbal Compounds>such as St.John's Wort great for depression and the shakes.
Try to see a Doctor practising Alternative Medicine.There must be something to help you
It hurts my heart to know you are suffering this way.
Please do not give up till you are able to find something that helps you.
Some ladies have also had success with Acupuncture.

Warm Wishes
And lots of Luck
Elizabeth

POST MENO BEEN HELL FOR ME!!!! ONE DAY AT A TIME MY DEAR SISTERS....
(((((((char)))))

DITTO!

I'm post nearing 2 years.

Still have the occasional hot flash and night sweats. Still suffering the palpitations but have been checked out and all is normal,,,,still hate it. I must have anxiety because it really scares me and bothers me. My waist is still thick and have not been successful at losing weight for many years.

My moods have been stable.

Post for at least 5 years (I am 59 this month) and oh please tell me when this will end!! Hot Flashes, Anxiety, sadness, headaches, and general tiredness. I am soooo fed up with it all. These feelings did go away for a short time, but now they are back and I am spending most of my time surfing the internet for help. I have tried so many *natural* remedies which aren't helping me at all. Perhaps I am not giving them enough time. I just want all this to go away *NOW*. I am on Synthroid for hypothyroidism, and BP meds. I take the occasional Xanax which really help to calm me down. I feel like I am just going round and round in circles with this. I don't care what they say about Menopause not being a disease....If I had a disease I would probably be able to get more help than is offered for this HORRID thing.

I,m in the same boat, and I,m sorry they say Meno is not an illness well if it makes us feel this bad it is an ilness!!!!

I'm not post, but I can relate to everything you say except for the hot flashes. I was on paxil when this started, tried cymbalta, and lexapro, now I'm on zoloft and it's been nearly three weeks with not much improvement. My heart hurts for all of us that have to go through this. I'm sure there would be a name for a menopause related disease if doctors had any idea what to do about it. Doctors don't tend to name, or even check for, things they don't know how to treat. I was just posting a few days ago that I wish there was a hospital or clinic somewhere that really specialized in illnesses related to female hormones.

I,m where you are send me a post we could give each other support Thanks

I'm your age also and these last few months have gotten worse. I have 3 days of surges and a lot of heat. I can feel my insides changing. I just hate how it effects the mind.
It's harder on you when staying in control is so important. The guilt of all the things going through your head is a pain.
Take care!!

i am 2 year post and things are just getting worse im in a really bad place at the moment

If you want to chat click on my name then hit send message

Hi Little Lil....tried to send u a post but I keep getting an error that say's I am not allowed to use this feature??? Any ideas?? What am i doing wrong??

Madhouse, I am 2 years post as well. There are days and even weeks and months I feel that the symptoms have subsided and then BAAM; here they come again. At the risk of sounding like gloom and doom, I have had it with hot flashes, anxiety, and sadness. I want my old self back; the person I was pre-peri, but I am afraid that person is gone forever. I just have a lot of trouble accepting this new person that now looks back at me from the mirror. Who is that old person; the one that can cry at the drop of a hat and can no longer handle work or daily life pressures? Where did that young, strong person go? I can't seem to find her anymore.

I want my old life back!!!!! The one I had 4 years ago before all this started. I can not find a way to accept that it is gone and that this is my life now. I guess if we accept this new life it would be admiting that we have given up. I guess that is why there are so many of us out here looking for answers. I hope we find them.

I am also 2 years post...am 49 (hurtling towards that big number here soon).......I have had a lot of anxiety, depressive episodes (which I must say have not been helped by circumstantial situations) insomnia and erstwhile hot spells, because of overworked adrenals.......but....I have had some periods of feeling much better, unfortunately they come and go and I too just want to get to a place that I can be happy in. I have tried a lot of alternative things, but am now trying just a good old positive attitude, meditation, vitamin C, D3, Omega's and an adrenal support....hopefully I can keep it up and can report that all is well...or should I say dream!?

...heard someone say on a radio show this morning that they are glad to be a man.......well, sometimes I wish I was one too!!!!!!

Dear Ladies
Was Post at 39 and am now 58
I still use HRT and it works well for me.My Gyno. is not amused so I tell him to try 20 years without Testosterone and report back
I know a lot of ladies prefer to transition naturally but I have found nothing natural about it.Wish I had the choice of Bios. but they are not available in The Middle East.
The dose I take is moderate and I exercise,stay away from alcohol and junk food.Yoga helps too.,but no-one can convince me I would have made it this long without my Hormone supplement
A year or so ago,I had the bright idea to slowly wean down.Big mistake!Insomnia,sweats,mood swings all back with a vengence.So back on them I went.
Am well read,do my research and know all possible health risks but I can safely say I am more of a health risk without them.
I wish all of you find peace in comfort no matter what you decide for yourselves.
All the best
Elizabeth

I am 2 1/2 years post and things are better at times and then it goes back to ground O. Maybe it's not getting better, maybe I am just getting use to it !! And what's the deal with that big blob of fat around the middle above my waist ? When I sit down it rolls over my pants no matter what size they are. I miss being 49, even then I had a child 2 years old and had my figure and could still wear a swimsuit, now I have on a tent and still uncomfortable. I will be 58 in Nov and I don't even reconize myself anymore !!!
To better days

Please anyone going thru this post-menopausal hell, give me a pm. Would love to have friends to talk to about it. I thought it would be better by now 56 in a few weeks , 3 years post in Dec. Whats going on!

(((((((((Hugs))))))))) to all

Is there anyone out there that is doing better since post????? This post is bumming me out! I've been in peri for about 7 years now with anxiety, panic, etc.....I thought once I hit post it would get better. Maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones.....it could happen!

I don't like to say it but in some ways I think you ladies who have a normal menopause have a more prolonged one than someone like myself, who had a surgical one at 54. I am not saying worse, because I think surgical menopause can be more severe, but here is the difference. Once the ovaries are gone-they are gone. There is only one way and that is down. The going down is ghastly and terrifying but once you reach the bottom that's it. You can level off and then hopefully the only way is up!

In a natural menopause, I believe the ovaries can mess about for years. So you may get a whole year of everything stopping, no periods, not many flashes and then hey-your ovaries decide they will push out a little spurt and of course it sends the body back into symptoms again.

I have bottomed out now and after 3 1/2 years I am feeling so much better! The only time I feel rough now is if I play with estrogen-even a little bit of cream makes me feel really ill. So obviously my body has adjusted pretty much and there are no more surprises for me.
Having said all that-I wish I still had my ovaries (sigh.....)

janet c

Janet, I think you're right. I read that in natural menopause, the ovaries continue to produce estrogen in "fits and starts," while all the time there's a lessening amount, which is what causes the ongoing symptoms. I'm glad you have gotten used to "life without estrogen," as I have. I'm about seven years post and I feel great. I was finally able to get my weight down lower than it was when I was young. I've been running now for two minutes at a time, and slowing to a fast walk if I have to "rest." But then I force myself to run again for two minutes. I've always wanted to be a runner, but I couldn't do it when I was younger--too many distractions and somehow I didn't have as much tenacity as I seem to have now. I do it for an hour every day and get up to over four miles in total distance. When I was younger, I seemed to have a much more emotional relationship with food (maybe just a neurotic relationship). I was forever trying to lose weight and then gaining it back again; always fighting with myself about whether or not to go off the perpetual diet I seemed to be on. Often I would go off, for a long time, like years, and I was always overweight. Another good thing about getting rid of estrogen is no more migraines. I used to have horrible migraines when it was time for my period, and they got really bad in peri when my periods became irregular and I didn't know when I'd get one. I work full time and was always in fear of one of those hammering headaches because I was rendered unable to do anything but go to bed and try to sleep. If I could do that, sometimes the headache would go away, but it was the only thing that worked and having to go to bed in the middle of the day could be pretty inconvenient if I was at work. I don't have the mood swings anymore, either, thank goodness. I feel the same every day; it's an even keel now, and I'll take it. When I was younger, I could feel great when the estrogen level was right, but there'd be a crash and then I felt awful, so it wasn't worth it.

I'll take post meno any day; life is calm now and I feel the same every day. I used to have to plan things around my period sometimes, but now any day is good and I no longer have to buy feminine protection products or bring them with me if I travel, etc. It just seems like life is free. I do think there's menopausal zest, too. I don't have that crashing fatigue that I had in peri. I never thought I'd feel good again, but I do--better than before. Life without estrogen is freedom!!

It is good that you are feeling so well! You will be an inspiration to anyone here that thinks it will never come to an end!

I like the fact that I usually feel the same every day too.
I have been playing around with a little estrogen cream lately (necessary) but honestly-it makes me feel dire! The other day when I was getting all anxious and worked up over something, it reminded me of how I felt when my hormones were out of balance-which was for most of my life actually
Estrogen really feeds my anxiety and insecurity and I start being a hypochondriac again.
I therefore don't use ERT (unless I really must use the cream for dryness) but I do supplement regularly with a little testosterone. As I don't have my ovaries I need it for MY post menopausal zest which ladies who keep their ovaries will have naturally. It works for me. I swim three times a week, cycle and walk. I am always on the go and have lots of interests.
I agree-life without estrogen is freedom

janet c

I was interested to read about your experience with the ERT. A couple of years ago, my doctor prescribed Premarin cream so I used it twice a week for about a year and then it seemed like I could get by without it, so I did. Went for my routine check after not using it for a long time and the doctor mentioned that I needed to use it, so I tried again but keep forgetting, and don't care too much for the feeling of moisture the next day, if you know what I mean. I never noticed any other side effects, though. I didn't realize that the post-meno zest was due to testosterone; interesting! I was hoping I didn't have any more testosterone because when I was younger I had problems with very light facial hair (which I HATED) and sometimes when I got really angry, I wondered if it was from the testosterone. I'm glad you're doing so well; you, too, are an inspiration.

Thanks sweetie

Apart from anything else we need testosterone for our sex drive as well as energy. It becomes more dominant in post menopause because estrogen levels drop so that accounts for the zest !

I am so very sensitive to all estrogens. A dot of Premarin cream makes me depressed for about a week after use and estriol makes me sob. Estradiol causes me extreme anxiety AND sobbing. I can use my testosterone though-it makes me feel good

I also have the same reaction to estrogens now.
I stopped BHRT over a year ago and do feel happier and more balanced emotionally.
I have tried to reintroduce it on a few occasions for the benefits of bone health, elimination of hot flushes/sweats etc, but it makes me feel terrible - sad, weepy, dizzy, fuzzy headed and emotional (to name a few), even at low doses. It makes me oversensitive and I start rehashing old hurts. I also feel irritated with my husband when I am on it.
It is not always the 'happy' hormone as sometimes touted, and in my case it has the opposite effect.
I think the 'merry dance' between all hormones comes into play and it can be hard trying to find that right balance, because sometimes the goal posts change and what may be working for you at one stage, may not necessarily work for you further down the track.
So just go with what feels right for you at any given time and sometimes that does mean adjusting the formula and coming up with a new equation.

Remy

I am post now. My last period was April 2007 so does that mean I'm over 1 year post or 2? I got really ill during the peri stage over 3 years ago and I am still suffering with a daily headache (first I got diagnosed with Tension/Migraine Headaaches then I got diagnosed with New Daily Perisistent Headache). I also felt like my ears were covered over and eyes sight was constantly blurry and I also developed tinnitus. I thought I was going insane. It felt as though I was looking through distorted glass. I have terrible hot flashes still and I sweat all the time now doing the smallest things. Just 2 days ago I could not cool off, I My anxiety was really good until 3 years ago too, as I had the problem all my life. I've tried 10 ad's over the eyars, just 2 in the last few years, and I got weird side effects from all the ones I've tried. I also tried HRT, BHRT for short periods of time. So I have to take anxiety medication daily to make it through the day. Even on my medications, I experience extreme derealization. I walk around feeling like my head isn't attached to my body. I also have bouts of sinus tachycardia in the middle of the night. Thank God nothing to terrible since April. I've also developed some health issues in the last 3 years too and I thought I had been taking care of myself but probably could have done a better job. So there you have it. I'm better than I was 3 years ago but I am not the same and it's scary feeling so bad every day. I'm a person in a recovery program for 26 years and I'm grateful that I didn't go that route to help me with this pain I've been in with all of this. I take it a day at a time. I sit here with a migraine headache on top of my daily headacehe. I try and remember that there are other who are so much worse off than I am and try to be grateful every day for something...and that's not easy. I just started easing back into working out....slowly. I'm gonna add some yoga to my schedule to see if it helps with this anxiety. Praying for all of you who are suffering so much.

My anxiety and depression, and panic also got worse. I'm 7 yrs post and 46 yrs old. I can't get any relief....

Your post has touched me, I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. April 7th was my date also and I too am still having a difficult time with anxiety, pain ect. I will be praying for you.
Glenda

Hi Ladies, Its been awhile since I posted.

I am post-meno 3 years now...I will be 53 next month. None of my complaints have been severe on their own...but when they all add up...ugh. I still get some night sweats once a night and upon waking, but the Simply Sleep I take to get a good night's sleep has really helped. I get about 3 hot flashes a week. My moods are more low and negative internally (I put an outward positive face) and I am prone to worry and overthink.

My major complaint --weight gain. From January 2008 to May 2008, I put on 10 pounds. Felt fat (I was 25 pounds over what my max should be) But then in August I put on 20 more pounds in one month!. It seemed every day my clothes were tighter and I was doing nothing different! From that point despite effort to the contrary, I gained another 15 pounds.

My max weight should be 140 and I found myself weighing 200 pounds. I did not even ever weigh 200 pounds pregnant! I began a weightloss and workout plan 5 weeks ago. I have lost 13 pounds. I have 47 moreto lose

I am going to be speaking to my dr. about having my hormone, thyroid levels and adrenal functions checked. I believe I may need testosterone, but I want my dr to check for other deficiencies too.

I take a multi-vitamin, 1000 calcium w/ 800 Vit. D, Flax seed oil capsules, Glucosamine Chondroitin, 81 mg aspirin and a sublingual 2500 B-12 daily. I started taking the B-12 for memory and it worked so well and quickly.

I just had my yearly. I have my referral for my mammogram and DEXA. Two years ago in my "baseline" DEXA I was diagnosed with Osteopenia. I refused to take Fosomax (or any other similar med). That is why I went on the calcium/vit. D supplement. I am in generally good health.

If I could only get the weight off!!!!

Keep in mind that the women who are sailing through post menopause feeling great probably aren't looking for answers on the internet. People with problems will be the ones looking for relief and support and will find this place. So don't get discouraged.

I had very few peri or menopausal symptoms. Felt warm sometimes, had a few years of "early waking", nothing very bad. My last period was 8 years ago (I'm 57), and I've had a natural menopause - no surgery. But as time went on I lost more and more of my libido and my "zest for life". The couch became my favorite place to be - especially the last 6 months or so - and I was always very active before. I would say I'm doing worse "post meno" and I think it has to do with extremely low testosterone. The doctor I went to doesn't seem to believe in supplementing just testosterone, so I'm on estrogen, testosterone and progesterone in compounded form. He did do full testing of many things - both blood work and saliva tests. We'll see how it all goes. :-)

I just joined this site and also had a hysterectomy. Mine was 6 years ago and they took everything out. Had symptoms for 3 years but then fine for last 3 years. Now this year having trouble sleeping, stomach issues, fatigue, horrible headaches, anxiety, you name it I have it. I thought that since had everything taken out in surgery that the hormones were gone and this could not happen. Is it possible to have symptoms start up again? Is that what you had happen?

KARK

Hi Kark,
I was thinking little lil had a hysterectomy, and was post meno for a while. She has posted on the POST MENOPAUSE HELL-O topic, also. All the ladies who have posted there seem to have a lot of the same symptoms, whether they had a hysterectomy or went through naturally. The symptoms just started accumalating after menopause for me. I stopped sleeping(which became a major issue), digestive issues(not pretty), headaches - with other head sensations, anxiety would be the biggest nightmare as it causes or adds to the other symptoms, some depression, mood swings, the warm and cold surges that feel like electricity.
The boards are less active now due to the hoiday. Others will reply. I will reply to your post at POST MENOPAUSE HELL-O, also. You are not alone in this.

Meno Stuff

Kark,
I never had a hyst. but I did go through meno early at 39 and told I was post. I never had symptoms back then maybe a little anxiety, but now 7 yrs later at 46 I'm going crazy with anxiety/depression, loss of appetite, insomnia etc.... I'm wondering if this is from meno striking again or just really bad stressors I've manage to go through this past yr. I'm just so tired of all this. I've read many woman go through this again or it just never went away. I'm with ya here and keep posting. It helps....(((hugs)))

I wonder why no one in my area seems to have heard of going through meno again. Sounds like you and I are both going through it for a second time or as you say it just never went away - maybe it was taking a break on me for the last 3 years. You're right it so helps to read what other women are going through and post and get those frustrations out.

Kark

Janet c,
This is interesting, that you believe the ovaries can mess about for years in a natural menopause. The surgical menopause definitely could be more severe. I compare myself to my neighbor who had the surgical menopause, but kept her ovaries. She had a horrible time for 5 years, just hid away in her house, and like you estrogen made her feel really bad. All at once, she had a complete turn around and her symptoms are gone. I had a natural menopause, and my worst symptoms came in Post. I had fibroids that my doctor said delayed menopause for me, and found out once I was Post , that my ovaries were still almost normal size. While the fibroids were shrinking, there was a quick reduction in size of the ovaries. Could this explain why I had extreme symptoms hit, once I was Post, comparable to my neighbor? When you bottomed out, was this gradual? My symtoms seem to be easing up some, but I am afraid they could return.
You mentioned in a later post, using Testosterone. Is this safe for ones told not to use estrogen? What type do you use?
This gives me hope that the end of this will come, hopefully tomorrow. Help with this, anybody?

meno-stuff-
With respect- Your neighbour could not have had a surgical menopause if she kept her ovaries. Surgical menopause IS removal of ovaries-with or without a hysterectomy. It is the sudden drop in hormones when they are removed that causes the severe symptoms. Having the uterus removed is not relevant. Your neighbour was probably going thru the menopause anyway. Every woman experiences it differently so I don't think you could compare your experience with your neighbours.

My surgical menopausal symptoms were very severe and did not go up and down like normal peri. I suffered with perimenopause symptoms for many years before I was diagnosed with my cancer so I know what that is like too! My periods were actually winding down so I was on the home strait before my diagnosis.

Nevertheless I suffered terribly after surgery. I have never had hot flushes and anxiety like it! I lost all my stamina-I would feel faint at the drop of a hat and as time went by I completely lost my libido and I became sexually numb. I actually began to feel like a child-almost asexual. I lost all my zing and zest It was very hard and not something I would wish on anyone
Once I started the testosterone everything changed for me and I gradually got back to being my normal self-in fact better in some ways because it brought my levels up to those of a young woman!

Of course as I said before-once its over with surgical menopause its over, but the getting there is very gruelling.I feel fine these days but it has taken almost four years!

With regard to your symptoms returning-this was the point I was making in my earlier post. Yes I do think that this is what can happen in normal post menopausal women. The ovaries continue to push out low levels of estrogen for years after menopause. They do not stop completely. Sometimes they can have a surge and then it can throw the body into a loop again. This is why you will often see posts on here from ladies who stopped their periods years ago-then suddenly they have one out of the blue with return of other symptoms!

The testosterone I use is Testogel for men. I live in UK and we do not have compounding pharmacies here. If you live in US you should be able to obtain a T cream especially made for you in lady size doses. I, myself make up my own by mixing a tiny drop with cream or lubricant.
I would definitely recommend it, because even though it is a local treatment it will go into your bloodstream too and it will make you feel good.
I still don't see why you couldn't have a tiny bit of estriol cream too. It is not strong like estradiol (Estrace or Vagifem) and it actually has a protective element against cancer. I don't use very much of it myself. I only use a tiny dab twice a week and I still use Replens internally. Maybe you could ask your doctor if you could have estriol to be used very sparingly. It is very safe. The other vaginal creams are way too strong so this is probably why your doctor doesn't wish you to use them.
Hope that helps

janet c

Hi janet,
Thank you for explaining this about surgical menopause. I think my neighbor was already in Peri when she had the hysterectomy. I am so sorry you had to suffer through all this, along with the cancer. It seems so unfair, but you seem to have a very healthy attitude. I would probably sink into a dark depression, but I guess when you are hit with a major event such as cancer, your mind is totally focused on getting rid of that horrible intruder.
The Testosterone sounds like a winner, if it makes you feel like normal self again. I could use some Zing and Zest for libido. Mine is there, but some giddy-up would be nice.
I get tired of feeling like (Jekyl and Hyde), so I look forward to bottoming out and at times feel some normalcy returning. So it is Ups and Downs for a lot of women, and our families are along for the wonderful ride. This is scary, a possible period returning. UGH! I will think positive.
If I can use the estriol cream locally and only a small amount, and it has the protective element, surely this would be acceptable by my surgeon. He did tell me this particular tumor would not likely return, as it has been over 10 years.
The Testosterone in small amounts would hopefully not make me hairy like a monkey. I think that I read ( small amounts for ladies ) prevents this.
As someone mentioned somewhere about drying up like a prune, I guess this is what happens. Even my eyes are dry.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these Questions for me, as I do not get that much information from my drs. When you mention menopause, they seem to want to run, or hand me a prescription for the next anti depressant ( they just do not work for me).
You have given me hope that this will end, and brighter days ahead!
Thank you for your kindness,
Meno Stuff

Does anyone have their hormone levels checked? I have not had any since my hyster 6 years ago. Is it beneficial to have a hormone panel done and see where you stand? When I last saw my Gyn in September and mentioned all the symptoms I was having she suggested the Estroven and Vitamin E. Since it has been so many years I was not really interested in hormone therapy (I don't think) but don't know if there are other options out there. Someone mentioned testosterone - what does this help with? Any info appreciated.

Kark

Kark-
Most likely-if you are anything like me-you would probably not be able to tolerate HRT after so many years so you are probably making a wise decision. I have not had my hormone levels checked but without ovaries I doubt there is much of anything there naturally.

Now-testosterone. That is another matter!
I am completely unable to tolerate estrogen- as I said- probably because I went too long without it. I started using testosterone about 18 months after my surgery however. Apart from losing my libido, I felt as though I had lost my persona. I was like a meek little child, with no spirit or energy in me. I asked my doctor if I could try T (I was not allowed estrogen at that point anyway) and she prescribed it for me.

I was lucky to get it as most doctors will only prescribe it if estrogen is prescribed along with it.
Well it brought me alive again in all sorts of ways. My energy and confidence soared, my brain sharpened up and my sense of humour returned. Yes, my libido also came back although sex was not the same without estrogen. It was too cold and mechanical for my liking.

However apart from that I have nothing but good to say about it. Where estrogen makes me weepy and anxious, testosterone makes me courageous and happy.
Apparently it strengthens bones and keeps the heart healthy, so it is worth using a low dose for those reasons alone.

A small amount is also apparently is converted by the body into estrogen-although if it does then I do not have any bad side effects from it! These days I hardly need to use it. It builds up and stays around for quite a long time. I am very fit and well and have more energy now than before surgery. I can use a tiny bit of vaginal estrogen now which helps make intimacy more like it should be.


If you are interested in trying it, then I recommend you find out as much as you can beforehand. It is a very powerful hormone and a little goes a very long way. Too much can make you feel terrible-agitated and bad tempered-so it is important to go slowly with it.

Hope that helps

janet c

Dear Char,
I thought post would be so so much easier..........NOT the anxiety is worse and digestion is awful.
I feel like most days are another day of hell.
I cant sleep and certain things I eat make me sick. I would love to correspond with you maybe it would help. You can contact me at Samplegirl@aol.com
thanks

[quote name='peemomma' date='Aug 5 2009, 10:13 AM' post='301987']
Post for at least 5 years (I am 59 this month) and oh please tell me when this will end!! Hot Flashes, Anxiety, sadness, headaches, and general tiredness. I am soooo fed up with it all. These feelings did go away for a short time, but now they are back and I am spending most of my time surfing the internet for help. I have tried so many *natural* remedies which aren't helping me at all. Perhaps I am not giving them enough time. I just want all this to go away *NOW*. I am on Synthroid for hypothyroidism, and BP meds. I take the occasional Xanax which really help to calm me down. I feel like I am just going round and round in circles with this. I don't care what they say about Menopause not being a disease....If I had a disease I would probably be able to get more help than is offered for this HORRID thing.
[/quot

Wow!!! I thought it was just me till I read this post. I thought it must just be my nerves that I feel like this as I too am 5 yrs. post. I've tried just about everything as well. Never know what the day will bring me. The anxiety is enough to kill me and I can never achieve total calm without taking meds. No help in site for me either. Well please contact me I would love to have someone of the same post time frame to talk to. I would so appreciate it. Samplegirl@aol.com

It has been a while since I posted but have a bunch of questions about what other women have experienced. I have found that stress is my trigger and when I get stressed, could be over a little thing, all my symptoms come roaring back. I had managed to get to a fairly tolerable stage but then got anxious about a snow storm that was coming last week and the thought of having to drive in it made me all anxious. Well the storm came and went, roads are fine but the stress is full blown as are the symptoms. The first thing I get is trouble sleeping as I am stressed no matter how much I try to relax. Once I have 2 nights without good sleep I fell horrible. So here goes.

1) Yoga is frequently mentioned as helping symptoms and I am trying but so far can only get through some basic poses. Are there any specific yoga poses that anyone has found that helps reduce the stress levels? How about the breathing techniques, do they help?
2) Someone had mentioned taking calcium/magnesium supplement at night to help sleep. I tried this but instead made it much worse. It seemed to wake up my stomach and did not sleep all night. Anyone else had this happen? A glass of warm milk did the same thing.
3) I had tried vitamin B complex a couple times, always taking it with breakfast but found that even taking it early in the day, it kept me up all night. Anyone else?
4) I have tried meditation and if I am fairly relaxed to begin with it works pretty good. But if I am stressed I can not seem to un-stress so does not work. Any suggestions?
5) Trouble sleeping is my biggest problem and where all my other symptoms come from. Any sugestions of what has worked for others.
6) I don't have hot flashes like I use to years back. Instead I need the room temperature kept really cold. My house is at 62 degrees and I am comfortable in just a blouse and sweater. If I put the temperature up to a normal 68-70 degrees, it feels like it is 90 to me. Is this still considered a hot flash, part of this whole menopause thing? Everyone else thinks I am nuts for having it this cold.
7) I have been taking Estroven, the one for Energy, and it really helped for that. But, like I said not for the temperature. I am thinking of changing to the Extra Strength version. Anyone have experience with either of these or switching from one version to another.

As so many have said here, finding what works for others is so helpful so any answers to my questions are much appreciated.

Kark

I'm 58 and 8 years post. I really don't have any problems anymore. It was horrible going through peri and meno, but now things have calmed down.

Here's what worked for me:

I eat one and a half Revival Soy bars every day. I've been using Revival now for almost ten years. I am a vegetarian and the soy is my main source of protein, plus it has helped me to have energy and a feeling of wellbeing.

I still get hot flashes but have learned to ignore them. They are worse in the warm weather but I've had them in cold weather, too. I just accept that I'll always have them and shrug it off.

I take no hormones of any kind. I opted to go on Lexapro (an AD) because my husband went on it. It didn't do anything really tremendous but I do think it helps me with a more positive outlook.

I take 10 mg. of blood pressure medicine because I'm still working full time (hope to retire in two more years) and I get stressed out about small stuff, but that's always been the case with me, even when I was young.

I have osteopenia and have taken Boniva for that for four years. My last bone scan showed improvement and I'll continue the Boniva for one more year or so--whenever my doctor tells me to stop.

I lost the excess weight by eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and following a kind of Weight Watchers menu plan, but allow myself one "cheat" day to go out for lunch and have dessert. Otherwise, it's too hard to stay with it every day.

I run over four miles a day now and am working on getting to five miles but that may take me another year. I think the running has helped me most of all; I sleep soundly now after having horrible insomnia for two years in peri. I know people may laugh at me at the gym because here's this old lady huffing and puffing on the treadmill, but I don't care. I'm in better shape now than I ever was.

thanks CSG .. I was an avid hiker even climbed mt whitney twice and did some technical climbing in the cascades ,, now Im a couch potato,, I hurt everywhere and my body has become not only my prison but my enemy. I cant wait to be where you are and back at it again ! thanks for the HOPE ! !!!!

Didgens, wow--you're a climber?? I could never do that. It has taken me FIVE years to be able to run/walk four miles in an hour. Do you take Vitamin D and get enough calcium? I was taking aspirin twice a day for aches and pains until we started taking a Vitamin D every day. It's amazing how the aches and pains have subsided.

I'm sure that with your ability to climb, you will be in good shape really soon. I started walking at the mall and only did two miles in an hour. Then I went to a fitness center and started using a treadmill but it took me a year to get to three miles in an hour; now I'm at 4.18 miles/hour and hoping to see five miles maybe in another year. It hasn't been fast but I keep working on it.

I used to .. in a previous life ,, but I do have dillusions of summiting mt whitney again .. when we did our trip we met a woman who was over 60 ,, and she has been doing it every year since she was like 30 or something ,, she was absolutely amazing .. I wanted that to be me ,, My love for the eastern sierras is tremendous and its where i find my solitude ,, we arent going this spring because I just dont feel up to it. but knowing I will feel good enough to persue the mountains again gives me hope ! thanks