Hi everyone, I am a newbie from Sydney Australia.I hope I am posting this in the right forum. I am very worried about these symptoms and would very much appreciate any advice.I am 46 and a half.About a year ago I noticed my periods were shorter and lighter and more painful, however I still have them regularly.About 3 months ago I started having mild hot flushes when my face feels really hot for a few seconds. Also, for the last 3 months on and off I have developed these wierd skin sensations that are totally freaking me out. I have light pins and needles on and off in my hands and feet, that sometimes extend to lower arms and legs. Tingling rushes in varying areas, Ive had them in my legs, arms, head , shoulder and lower back. Little pricklings that occur in different places.Hot and cold, wet patches that last a few seconds.Crawly feelings like there is an insect on me. Little electrical buzzings. And the wierdest one of all is the feeling like raindrops are falling on my skin, sometimes one or a splatter. This sometimes can feel like fizzy drink under the skin.All these symptoms come and go, nothing for 2-3 days then back again,also they move around to different places.I feel like I am going mad. I am terrified I have MS. I am going to a neurologist this week to be checked out, but thought I would check here to see if anyone else has had anything similiar.Thankyou so much....wishing you all well.....Alleyact from Sydney.

Hi Alleycat, I'm on the opposite side to you in Perth. Don't worry about the tingling. I have that on and off now for about 2years. The symptom you describe of an insect crawling on your skin is a common peri menopause symptom. I think if you read the postings from this area you will find a lot of skin things happening. I can relate to all that you talk about. Still go to the neurologist for your own peace of mind and make sure that you tell them all the things that you are experiencing. I have seen one as well and he came up with nothing. I found this site as many by accident and found what I am having is the same symptoms as other women. I told the neurologist about this site and never got a reply, so I don't know if he looked at it. I find it really amazing that the man can be in this field for 20years and couldn't tell me that this was peri meno. Surely they see women with these things often. I'm about the same age 47 . Periods are late, very light etc. Reading your posting is about me!! Keep reading what everyone writes and it may make you feel better. Goodluck with your appointment Cheryl

Hi alleycat

Welcome. I've had most of those weird feelings too, the tinglings, pins and needles, things crawling on me but I also think the weirdest one is feeling raindrops on your skin. I have even looked up and looked at my skin closely to see if it had drops on it. Definitely weird!!

HI Alleycat!

Welcome You have come to the right place. Power Surge is the place that will keep you sane. It sure did for me.

I have the electrical shock type of feeling in my left arm. I first it reminded me of a acupuncturist putting a needle in wrong and hitting a nerve.....then there is the spider crawling on arm, hard, etc. feeling. Since I have a problem with bugs, this syptom is bad to deal with.

My worst Peri symptom is internal tremors.(which started off with twitches)

Anway, go to the apt. just to ease your mind and then come back and let us know how you do.

You can hang out with us. We are a fun group of girls

Jenny

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Hi everyone

Choco, you are so funny...."where so you get your information from" LOL I got that list of fthe internet but first I had read this post off a medical information Board which is why I went searching for symptoms........ Here is the post I read


"When the Lyme bacteria spread within the body, they burrow within the cells, preferring nerve tissue. There they use up tremendous amounts of OUR magnesium to live and reproduce.

This depletes the magnesium within our cells. Since all the enzyme processes in the cells use magnesium, everything gets thrown out of whack.
When magnesium levels are low enough, cardiac arrythmias can result.
People get internal tremors, buzzing, odd skin sensations, muscle twitches. It can drive you nuts.

Supplementing the magnesium can help.
Lymies at LymeNet have said that intravenous magnesium and magnesium injections have helped dramatically.
Soaking in an Epsom Salt bath will help, because the skin can absorb magnesium.

I thought it was interesting and yes the syptoms are very peri (hey that rhymes)

Hey at this point, I'm not going to leave 1 stone unturned! LOL

I am being really good about taking my chinese herbs...I still have the tremors but I have to report like tikigirl says...they are in the background.

Who knows it could just be th timing of my cycle but soon I will have a better idea. I am on day 19 of my cycle so I should be starting my issues soon.

Does anyone have any ideas of what they want is to work on? I wanted to work on the food (alkaline thing) but with the holidays soming, it might not be a good time. Does anyone have anything else we can focus on???

Choco, I read you telling Polly to go to a reflexologist..do you have any idea of how I could find one? I know where you live people are more advnaced, where I am at they are lucky they are out of caves LOL I have just never seen one advertise around here.

I haven't tried that yet and I would really like to.

I think that is it for now. I'll write again tomorrow

Jenny

PS I am getting snow everyday....the wind shill is -5...I think this is bad for my health...I think I better move soon! LOL

Hello Alleycat,
I'm fairly new too and miles away in Belgium( I'm a Brit abroad!). I hate to tell you but I've suffered with the same symptoms as you ( post meno ) for about 3 years now. It's not much fun but I think they go away eventually. Mine aren't as bad as when I first got them. I don't think it's worth talking to doctors about it, they think you're just making it up half the time or they test you for various diseases and when they fing nothing wrong just don't understand it and treat you like an idiot to boot. The pins & needles stuff is the worst, I sympathise.
The thought that it was Lyme's disease, as I've just read here, sent me scuttling off to a web site about it, but I don't think it's that at all. Just stuck with a particalarly nasty case of menopausal symptoms. I tried HRT ( several in fact) and they made little difference to it. I wouldn't recommend HRT as I think it made my symptoms worse every time I came off it. I wish I had discovered this web-site when I was first peri-meno then I wouldn't have been so anxious back then. Just knowing that it's the menopause and that you are NOT getting sick, just changing. It is called THE CHANGE after all. It might make you feel like you are turning into a creature from another planet at times, and it's no joke, but there is an end to it I believe. "Beam me up Scotty," is all I can say. That's what it feels like. Anyone else??????And no I'm not nuts.

Hi Ya Alley,...Welcome to Power Surge Hun,..

I will just Ditto what they other gals have told ya. I have had/still get all that you have described and then some! <_<

Yep it sure sounds like you are entering the world of peri/menopause Hun.

even by the sounds of your screwy periods...I can so relate to that as well.

I like your description of raindrops on the skin...I had called it "birdsh*t" and looked for pigeons and other fowls falling over head or if I had walked under a wire. (Even while in my house and stores) because at times thats what peri feels to me...like someone has dropped a load on me from somewhere..

You can scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on other underlines areas to get so much more infomation on this unpredictable journey we now are walking...OR out in the main menu too and you will be able to read, read, read your little heart out to gain more knowledge to help ya through.

Of course, read and post and respond to other womens posts as well.

By all means , also get your testing done hun, it will help you have a peace of mind like Choco said.

Again Welcome aboard!

DaMomma~

You are just way too funny for your own good! ROFL! Only you would come up with the description as you did about pigeons and other fowles.....ROFL You must be a riot to hang out with

Jenny

Thankyou so much everyone for your replies!!!!!I woke up this morning feeling so scared about going to the neurologist tomorrow, but now I feel hope that I dont have some awful disease like MS.....and it is just perimenopause. I am particularly amazed that some of you have had the raindrops feeling, when I first got it I was convinced it was raining. I would think, "How strange, a sun shower!!!" Sometimes one big wet cold splotch, other times multiple small drops, like its sprinkling on one area for a second. I too would look up at the sky and ask people"Is it raining???"When I first had them inside, I began to worry!!!!!! How truly bizarre. Will post on my neurologist appointment....he will most likely want me to have an MRI to rule out MS etc. I guess I have to face whatever is to be as I have 3 kids to look after and I am a single mum . .. feeling a bit scared.....but more hopeful.....Alleycat from Sydney

Alley...please fogive me, but can I call you Meow...?Anyways Hun,..I can sooooOOoooooo relate to you as well in the single mum department..I have 6 urchins...the 3 oldest have moved out on their own..well the 2 oldest share a townhome with 2 other firends and the other dd lives at her BFs Moms..I still have 3 at home..ages DS of 16, DS of 14 and a DD of 7....

We can cheer each other on ok..and YES please do let us know how things transpire at the docs!

(Whispering to Jenny3Js only now, NO ONE ELSE CAN READ THE FOLLOWING!!!)...hmmm, to be honest with ya Hun, I surprise myself at times what off the wall things my mind comes up with when I let it go

Hi, I am new to this site, but have found it very interesting. I am 55 and was on HRT until 2 years ago. I originally started on it when I was 45, as then it was the 'in' thing to prescribe for any woman in her 40s, with whatever complaint she had! I have always been an anxious person. I suffered problems with panic attacks about 6 years for a short time, after a particularly difficult phase of my life, but I fortunately overcame this. For the next 4 years I was relatively fine on the HRT. However, since I came off the HRT I have encountered one problem after another. First I had dry eyes, then aching legs and neck. The hot flashes too seemed to come and go. This last year I have continued to a varying degree with these, but the worse problem I have had in the last 3 months is this vibrating feeling at the pit of my stomach, and occasionally in my ear lobe ( the doc. looked at me as if I had gone loopy!) Sometimes the feeling continues down my leg/s into my foot. I have mentioned to the doc that I am worried about MS , but was told by her, and the physio that she has sent me to with the leg/neck problem, that my syptoms are negative, not positive which one would have with MS. -Touch wood, I have had no numbness or weakness. Nobody has suggested that this vibration feeling could be related to meno, but has not given me any answers either! - To cut a long story short, this site has made me realise that I am not alone with this problem, and also gives me a a possible answer. As I am obviously not in peri-menopause, would like to know if anybody else has had similar problems after coming off HRT. Thanks again for this wonderful site.

Pippi..me me me!! I have been off them now since Aug. and now just take vitamins, minerals and herbs...(Im still in peri)

huney,..I was put on them when I was 38 when I had 20 some different symptoms. then in June, I was in my Drs. office and was telling her how some of the symptoms were starting back up...she then informed me that we would have to up my dosage and also that in order for me to NOT have these symptoms I would mostly have to be on them the rest of my life!That the HRTS actually postpone menopause!

EGADS! I thought to myself, "Girl you dont need to be dealing with this in your 50's nor 60's!!!" So I then started the weanin process....

Well Huney let me tell you,...it has been one hellava ride!

Though I will say, the last couple of weeks havent been as intense as in the end of Sept, and Oct..had ahhh, umm, whats the word?....

Hi everyone...Well, I survived my neurologist appointment and listed all my wierd symptoms....pins and needles, tinglings, hot or burning patches, electrical buzzings, insects crawling,wiped with wet sponge feelings, raindrops or fizzy drink bubbles on skin, pricklings, needle stabs etc etc!!!!!! He said he really didnt think I had MS but will send me off for tests[ MRI of brain and spine and visual evoked test] because he is not God, and its best to be 100% sure....although he said it does not sound like MS because Ive only had sensation symptoms and no other MS symptoms, the clinical exam was normal and MS does not move around from one area of the body to another and come and go.[he said in MS this would be very unusual...they are never prepared to say never]I told him my periods were shorter and lighter and I was having hot flushes and could perimenopause cause these symtoms, and he came straight out and said that was not his area and he had no idea.At least he was honest!!!!I feel somewhat releived, but will not relax entirely until I get the all clear on the MRI. Also, I wrote to Dr Warner on this site, and he said all my symptoms are perimenopause and I should try bioidentical hormones...What do you all think?????He also said dont bother seeing a neurologist!!!Blessings to you all......Alleycat from Sydney

Hi Alleycat, to be honest I wouldn't take anything apart from the usual magnesium,calcium and evening primrose. But that's my opinion. I don't think anything but the magnesium will help, as it's said in JennyJJJ's report. I found Remifemin, has Black Cohosh, great for hot flushes and anger. I felt angry at times for no reason. I stopped taking it because I was getting what we call "zapping" and I thought it may have been causing the zapping, but no! It's still happening. I personally think we may just have to ride these symptoms out and accept it as part of "the change"! But saying that I like to be involved in our study group to see if there is an answer to the sensations. You know Alleycat I read the postings again and now realise I get the wet patches on my skin! I didn't think anything of it, thought it's just the nerves and didn't realise that other women get it as well. Thanks. Why I think I'ts to do with our neves is when I had panic attacks 5years ago, I was highly alert (flight or fight) and was so on edge that my scalp felt wet. I had a permenant feeling that my head was wet, the nerves in my scalp were on edge. I will never forget that feeling. So my point is that I think this whole tremor, wet skin, zapping, fingers and toes tingling and any other one I have missed is the nerves. Everything that is happening is close to the surface of our skin. So where do we go from there?

Jenny JJJ, Try a Natural Therapist they may be able to help you. Maybe your local pharmasist ( can't spell it) will know. Look on the internet for someone who's into reflexology you may find someone close to you. Cheryl

I agree with Choco. I think this is just how peri is for us and we just have to ride it out. I've been to a few different GP's and all said they felt it was peri. None of them mentioned seeing a neurologist, but there was a time I was considering it. I'm not going to bother with it now since I think it's pretty obvious it's peri.

I don't know much about MS, but from what I've heard, people who have it KNOW because their symptoms are obvious to them and to doctors. Same with ALS, Parkinsons, etc. My grandfather had Parkinson's and I remember the tremors he had. What I'm experiencing is nothing like that. We also have to remember that these diseases are RARE, but they are hyped in the media and it causes a lot of people to get very upset over something they most likely do not have. If you watch your local news, you'll probably think you have a good chance of being killed in a shootout at a convenience store because that's all they talk about! But the chances of that actually happening are pretty rare. Just have to keep it all in perspective.

Meow...Aka AlleyCat..Hun, If going and having the MRI and the other tests would give you a peace of mind, and wont cost ya aarm and a leg in doing so...I would do it..I did just for those reasons when I was first getting peri...and Im glad I did..because when the other symptoms were happening I was able to ACCEPT and tell myself that it /is my hormones...believe me, Im even tired of saying that to myself, but it is truth that I can use to fight the fears...

I used to have a saying of.. F.E.A.R. = False Evidence Appearing Real for my signature....and boy going through peri we need all the amo. we need to combat these crazy *ss symptoms....

Im glad your Dr..was honest with you too!

Hugs Hun...

Hi there,

I'm a new member, too. I also have been having the weird sensations on my skin, including the tingling, vibrations, and other weird symptoms. I've been having high anxiety and have had a few anxiety attacks in the last few months. I had a 2 hour MRI of my spine yesterday and towards the end I had a major panic attack. They had to pull me out of the machine.

I'm so glad I found this forum. I, too, thought I had MS. The neurologist did all the tests and said I was fine. Of course, I didn't quite believe him since I am somewhat neurotic about my symptoms.

Has anyone has fluttering in their ear? That's the latest.

By the way, I'm 51 and haven't had a period in 5 months.

REading your posts makes me feel so much better.

Thanks for being there.

Jeanne

Hula..oh yeah...Bats, Birds or butterfly...whatever they are..this is common too..I have that and I know a few others on here too Hun..

Jeanne,

I am in peri and 48 years old but I am having a really difficult time also...my latest is the ear thing going on, I hear whinning, flushing sound, etc. I've have been hearing things before but this past week it has been very consistent.

Do you find yourself being more sensitive to noise or does things seem louder to you at times?

Take care and you are not alone.

Plumeria

Plumeria,

I have had the whoosing, too, but mine is mostly fluttering at odd times.

Are you from Hawaii?

Jeanne

Hello everyone and this is for Pippin,
Like you I am 55 and have been on HRT in the past for several years. I also am postmeno but having all these symptoms mentioned here tingling etc,etc. I last came off HRT in Feb of this year, my doctor thinks these symptoms should have cleared up by now but they haven't and they're worse than before. I have read on the net that a recent survey had found that some women get rebound symptoms when they come off HRT. I think we're just unlucky and that this is what has happened. I'd like to know how long these symptoms last as it's driving me nuts. I do think that whatever it is is affecting the nervous system and I just hope it goes away eventually.

Hi, thanks antique for your reply. Sorry to hear you have got same symptoms - pretty unpleasant are'nt they! I have been off HRT for nearlty 2 years, but the various symptoms have changed a bit. The vibrations/ flutterings (whatever you want to call them) have been around for about 3 or 4 months now - somedays worse than others.

I notice that Hulagirl54 ( a newbie like myself) has had these feelings in her ear. I have also but in the lobe part, -not inside - doctor looked at me as if I had gone loopy but I was only trying to explain things! It does seem to have subsided in my ear now - it only happens occassionally.

But, I still get the vibrations in the pit of my stomach and sometimes in one foot.

This site gives a lot of comfort in the fact that you discover there are so MANY of us with similar problems. - We are are all inclined to think the worse, but perhaps it is just our bodies trying to tell us that we are changing.

Anyway, here's to better times ahead for all of us, hopefully!

Hi Pippin, You're the first to reply to something I've written- thankyou.
I started getting all this 'electric' stuff as I call it, a couple of years ago. My doctor tested me for all sorts of diseases and then gave up on me and told me to ignore it all. Now that's the hard bit. It's difficult to function when your insides are doing their own thing. This website has really helped because I know there are lots of us having a really hard time and although that's not good at least we can reassure each other. I would like someone out there to say that they had all these types of symptoms postmeno and that after x years it stopped. DOES it stop????? I thought that when my periods stopped 5 years ago that that would be it, but it isn't--the symptoms continue adn I do wonder if taking HRT has made things worse or even postponed the symptoms 'til now. What do you think?

Hi antique, I've always been led to believe that taking HRT only postpones menopause symptoms. I think if the HRT makes the estrogen, which declines as going through peri/meno, then it's prolonging the inevitable. All the symptoms you have we all go through at one stage or another. My ear thing is the ringing moreso the left. I thought I may have tinitis through using machinery while making jewllery. But have found out that the ringing can be just part of the peri/meno symptoms. I take part mainly in the internal tremors study group. You are welcome to join us and read all that is printed.
Sometimes you may not get a reply to your queries as we are all on different time slots.
I'm from AUS so if you are in USA we are 12 hours ahead of you, when you read our postings we are asleep and visa versa. Anyway I hope you find the areas interesting, I did and still do. Cheers Cheryl

Thanks Choco. How do I join the forum about internal shaking? I'm newish and a bit of a novice on here.I'm in Belgium so inbetween USA & Australia!!

Hello again Choco,
Just had a moment there ,was already in the right place!!! Brain fog too.

Gals, My dr. did tell me HRTs DOES hold off the symptoms,..and the natural process!!!

She told me, when I went in because my symptoms were starting to come back, that I would have to have my prescription upped and that this would be an on going process, also that I would more than likely need to be on them the rest of my life if I didnt want to experience any of them. I decided I wanted to go off them and i tell ya what...my symptoms have come back with a vengance, like when I had first started taking them a little over 3 years ago now...and then some have been really wild rides...since weaning off of them....I CAN / Will share that they are settling down now..and Im sure dont wanta go that route again....

This has got me wondering here too, Im thinking that this ..these whacked symptoms have become more and more "common" than before in years back..I wonder if maybe because Birth Control Pills, and other hormone altering products has been used so much now, just because of the times and that we have it and our kin folk ladies did not...?

I Had taken BCP and I also had the Norplant rods for 5 years...during those five years..it was a very common side effect to have some sort of period for even 3 mos. straight, and break through bleeding all the time!!! My longest was 78 days long!!!

I also have been noticing that not only in my family, that we women that have had our tubes tied..there has been a short period of time..(when I say short I mean within in 2-3 years) that they have started some kind of hormonal changes....enterin peri..

My neice had hers tied 1 1/2 years ago...and she is only 22..(she begged to have hers done because she has twin boys, that were 2 and a little girl..and she didnt want more....

She hasnt as of yet, but time will tell..especially since it is very common for us women folk on my moms side to start in our mid 30's...

The Flappin sensations, I also get at different spots on my body also...under my eyes...on my arm.., on my breast...etc...it can even be seen with your eye. like there is something under the skin that is trying to "hatch" its way out all most..hehe..there is no pain involved though...intrigues me..and my kids when they see it...

Hello Damomma,
Oh boy have you had a hard time. Why don't doctors tell you that HRT postpones the agony??? Mine said it didn't. It's hard work being off it I can tell you!! I've got a friend who is on Prempac C ( UK stuff) and she tried to stop in the summer but she couldn't cope so went back on . She's been on this stuff for 8 years and I think she's in for a hard ride when she HAS to come off. What a nightmare!! Do you get cold shivery feelings with your tingles? I do. Then hot flushes with prickling and a load of other stuff, like burning mouth & ringing/whooshing in the ears. Oh what fun! I feel a lot happier today talking to you all on this topic THANKS

Antique, I sure do hun(as far as the symptoms you were asking)...sometimes there will be 4 to 6 different symptoms going on at the same time..

We will make it!!

Hi ladies,
I too had the fluttering in my left ear. It was driving me crazy as I was thinking that my tremors were now affecting my eardrum. One day during a massage she was working on my head and started applying pressure behind my earlobe. All of a sudden it sounded like someone was crinkling cellophane in my ear and then it felt like water was dribbling out of my ear, like after a swim. She explained that I had congestion in my ear tube and since she could feel it so she worked it out. I never even mentioned any of this to her until after the fact. I haven't had a flutter in that ear since. She said you can actually do this yourself. Just apply pressure behind the earlobe and run your finger along the jawline to move it.

I've had some good luck in reducing the tremors with the herbs the Accupuncture doctor put me on. Somedays they're there, other days they're gone or in the background. My GYN has heard of tremors with menopause and said his patients get relief with HRT. He gave me an Rx for Bi-est, which I'm still holding on to just in case the AP can't give me complete relief.

I'm so glad for this website. It sure has alleviated my anxiety over these bizarre symptoms!

Hi Ladies, it sounds as though coming off HRT is as bad as coming off anti depressants! My auntie was on HRT for years and had a blood clot in her leg, they said it may have been due to her taking HRT for so long. I can't take it as another auntie has had a masectomy and the HRT could increase my chances of breast cancer. They don't know if it would effect me as they are not sure how it works down the family line. I'm not taking the chance anyway. I'm hoping the way things are now that this is the end of the line, if this is the worst then I will put up with it! I agree with what DaMomma had to say on the HRT issue. We haven't had the pill and HRT around long enough to know how it effects women. I don't think women said much about symptoms of peri/meno years ago as they would have probably locked them up. Can you imagine going to a doctor with tremors and panic attacks a century ago, they'd put you in the loony bin! Women now I think are realising that you just don't float through menopause with the odd hot flush, so they are wanting answers and help to make it easier.

I did have a bit of a scare though. I went for the old pap smear and had a call from the surgery that I go to. The nurse said my cells have changed and to come back in a year not 2 for a check. My heart went in my mouth at first until I thought of what she said. Also there could be several reasons for the change thrush (no) inflamation, when she did the test it did hurt for the first time, so I'm hoping that's the cause.If there was a problem they would have called me back or had another test in 6mths, well I hope their right! I will look around this site and see if there is anything on this subject. All the rubbish that we have to go through! I will be pooping myself when I go for the smear next year. I have known and do know people with cancer and so it gives you a fright!

Anyway I've had my bit to say at the moment Cheers for now Cheryl

Antique, I think there are some doctors that dont even read up on things...I truely do...when the folks come in with their free, new samples and the product becomes a "buzz" word in the medical scene...

they pass em out, without educating themselves....then we do the same and not become educated with the information given in the product nor asking the pharm. for infomation. That is a BIG reason why we need to be an advocate for ourselves as well!!!

Choco, I had cervical cancer back 22 years ago. It was found when I found out I was pregnant with my first child too! That was a huge terror believe me. Nothing could be done other than a small biopsy, and even then I passed such huge clots, I thought I was miscarrying..but we made it through. After he was born and 3 mos. later, I have the freezing procedure done, but it didnt get it..then they did the lazer thingy...it has not returned.

I have had a couple of smears that have come back "abnormal" then had the pap done again...to only come back normal. Because if this, I go in for paps every 6 mos.

ALSO both my sister and her DD has had it!!! But we 3 are ok hun...looney, but ok none of the less

Hi DaMomma, I checked out the area about pap smears and felt a little better. Just have to put it out of my mind. It will take awhile as I think of it every now and again. How old are you? I'm 47, but still feel 30, except when I have to get up if I'm sitting on the ground Cheryl

To go back to the HRT topic if I may ladies...I was on HRT until about 3 years ago, having taken it for approx 8 years. When I stopped, IT started! Most of the symptoms I've read about on PS smacked me one by one and I thought I was going crazy, dying or probably both.

The same thing happened to my girlfriend when she stopped HRT. This was interesting because she was post menopausal at the time, but started again with the hot flashes in a bad way. She stopped the HRT because she had developed fibroids and was in a lot of pain. The fibroids have given no trouble at all since she gave up the HRT.

At NO time had any Dr told me that I may be postponing the inevitable - OK I could have asked but hey, you trust Drs don't you? I did ask if I should come off them gradually as I heard this was the best thing to do but was told that no, just stop, you'll be OK OK I was not!

DaMomma you are so right, we are the guinea pigs for the latest medical "miracle" drug and sadly, some of our Drs either don't know, or don't tell us everything they should. TG for Power Surge

Hi alleycat
Join the club I have been getting the feeling of bugs crawling under my skin and the electric shock feelings I ended up at the pychiatrists. Am I glad I found this site
I have had scans blood tests doctors making me think I am crazy when all it it, is the perimenopause. I say all it is it is very scary and srtessful but with support from all the girls I feel much better in my mind now so hold on. I also thought I had M.S. or something it's great to know I amnot on my own

Merry Christmas Everyone,
Just like Perribel I too had been on HRT for a while and wasn't warned that the symptoms can come back much worse when you come off. I wouldn't recommend going on HRT now, not after my present experiences with all this tingling and pins and needles stuff.I'd like to join the survey that Choco was talking about. Anyone else?

Hello everyone,
Just looking at the posts here again today and I agree choco about your comments on women in the past. In the last century they WERE put in the loony bin. It's a good job I didn't live then because I'd be there I think: unless I kept quiet about it- no chance!
Spelt your name wrong yesterday Peribelle, sorry. Like you my symptoms returned with a vengeance when I came off HRT. I'd been on four different types trying to find something that suited-----I regret trying as I think I'd be free of some of these symptoms by now otherwise.
I am beginning to think though that there aren't any solutions to our problems, there may be answers mind you which would put our minds at rest ( if only we can continue to cope with the symtoms ).
HRT does stop the hot flushes & night sweats, but it DOES NOT stop the internal tingling, tremours etc.
I started taking magnesium/calcium HUGE tablets a week ago, due to the comments on the posts, and I think it has helped slightly. Anyone else found that this works a bit? Don't think it's a cure mind you. I suppose Damomma's asleep now? Anyone in Australia on line? That's what Damomma told me to do-- good idea Damomma! You make me smile- great humour- I like your style.

Hi antique, I take calcium and magnesium, don't know if it works but I'm not going to stop them just incase! Remifemin stops the hot flushes as well, I found it to be good for them. I stopped taking it as I thought they were causing me to "zapp" but have now realised that it's my nervous system as I think they are connected to the internal tremors. I do have have a few flushes, if they get bad like before I will go back on to them again. I take evening primrose as well, they are supposed to help. By the time you take all the supplements it costs a fortune each month. So I try and keep a lid on the amount I take.

Where are you from antique? I'm in Perth When the girls get back from their holidays which should be soon we will get together in the study group. Cheers Cheryl

Hello Choco,
I'm from the UK but I live in Belgium at the moment. What is Remifemin? I've never heard of it. Is it like Redclover? I tried that , didn't do any good and was expensive. I tried evening primrose oil too, but I'm allergic to the stuff. In fact since I've been menopausal I've found that I am allergic to lots of things and I never was before-- drat! I've tried all sorts of alternative products, but nothing worked for hot flushes & night sweats except HRT and I don't want to go back on that stuff again. I agree with you that we can't get the same support as they seem to get in America, less so in the UK and not much happening in Belgium I can tell you! I have to use the internet for most supplements because the strength of things here is minimal.My hot flushes aren't as bad as they used to be when I first stopped HRT, but they are around every day, it's not too bad in the winter. It's snowing here today, I expect you have sunshine?
Nice to talk to you, I really appreciate this website don't you?
Bye for now Antique X

HI
I'M FROM UK AND FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS HAVE HAD THE SUNBURN - ELECTRIC SHOCK FEELINGS ALL OVER MY BACK AND NECK NOW GOING TO MY ARMS.
AT FIRST I WAS VERY WORRIED BUT AFTER READING THIS SITE AND HEARING FROM DAMOMMA AND CHE CHE I FEEL MORE REASSURED.
I AGREE WITH ANTIQUE IN THE UK THERE IS NOT MUCH SUPPORT OR HELP WITH THESE SORT OF PROBLEMS.
ALI

Antique, I've also found that I'm now allergic to all sorts of stuff. What a pain. I've been taking evening primrose for years and haven't developed an allergy to that thank goodness (fingers crossed!) as I'm sure it helps with the hot flashes.

Welcome Ali, from cold and frosty UK.

Welcome Ali this website keeps us all sane!
Hello Peribelle.
Cold & frosty here too.
I had a colleague at work going through menopause who developed some really nasty allergy to tree pollen. I wonder why we get like this?
I don't think there's any money in research for doctors to bother finding out.
AntiqueXX

Hi antique, remefemin is Black Cohosh a plant they use for the hot flushes. You should be able to get it as it's well used over in Europe, developed there and in use for over 40yrs I think. Look it up on the internet under the brand name or Black Cohosh may also be in other women's tablets. I have known that they add Red Clover and it together. Sorry I thought you asking about Australia you were from here.
We are warm here at the moment not as warm as it should be due to, so they say, global warming. Normally it's around 30c but it's more around 25c, which is great for flushes. You are lucky being cold they don't seem as severe as when the weather heats up. Mind you with the snow I think it would be a bit too cold! Love to see it one day though.

Hi ASmardina, Peribelle, Maybe if you look in your phone books for "Women's Health Services" you may find something. We do have support here in AUS but for the run of the mill symptoms, hot flushes, anxiety etc. A lot of Doctors listen, some have no answers and some think we are nuts! I have told a neurologist I saw as I thought I had some disease, about this site I don't know if he looked at it as they are busy with sick people. I like to think he did. I would love either to write a proper peri/meno book or research it but don't have the knowledge or know where to start and surprised no one has done it. Anyway we can still help each other Ciao Cheryl

Thanks choco,
I was asking about Australia because America was asleep at the time and I was hoping for a reply. Thankyou for replying.
I've got to go to the UK for New Year and will be off line soon. Going to my mother in law's does not fill me with happiness. I know who will be doing all the work. I should never have learned how to cook- or else cook badly there's a lot in that!
She can be annoying because she is one of those who keeps saying " Oh! I sailed through my menopause " Drives me nuts. Anyway enough of that.
Hope you have a great New Year down there.
Antique

Oh dear antique

Hi antique, have a good new year even if you have to put up with the MIL. Have a few drinks and then sail through the night. Mabe drink the whole time your there then they won't ask you back

Hi Peribelle, I didn't realise how good our medical system was here until I've read a few postings from you guys and the ladies from USA. We have a bit of a wait sometimes to see our GP of choice, maybe a couple of days. But if you have to see someone they now have after hours appointments at the hospital (which is new) or the hospital during the day. Also we have lots of natropaths, natural therapists (can't remember how to spell them!) etc to turn to. They do cost more but sometimes our private health cover helps. Also we get about 10mins to see the GP, can make longer appoints if needed. I won't poo poo our health system again!

6c is freezing, how do you cope with it! We are cold here at the moment and it's 20c, unusual for this time of the year. Have a great New Year and I'll see you in 2006.
Cheers Cheryl

Lovely and warm today...8C!

Happy New Year everyone.

Hello Everyone & Happy New Year,

I survived the visit but I am SO glad to be home & so is my dear husband!
Hope you enjoyed New Year?

Glad to be back,
Antique

Hi antique, glad to hear that you are fine. Happy new year

HI EVERYONE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
WENT AWAY FOR A FEW DAYS OVER NEW YEAR - BACK NOW.
IT'S AMAZING ON NEW YEAR'S EVE THE CONSTANT BURNING ALL OVER MY BACK WENT AND WAS GONE ALL THE TIME I WAS AWAY. AS SOON AS I GOT NEAR TO HOME IT GRADUALLY CAME BACK. IT'S NOT AS BAD BUT STILL THERE.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ?
COULD IT BE NERVES AND NOT PERI ?
ALI

I have the burning too on my back, but also down my arms. My doctor said it's peri and I've noticed both when I'm stressed and when I'm not, so I tend to think he's right.