Does this end? I am pm'ing now, not sure how long, possibly 7 years, severely the last 2and it's not getting any better. Try something, feel ok for a day or so, then right back at it. So what's menopause? Is the only difference is that I stop having my periods? I am so brain fogged right now, please forgive me if I am making no sense (nonsense) Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks for listening, Kay

HI Kay

Welcome to PS where most of us all brain fogged at one time or another

Firstly you are making sense - hormones dont make sense - you do! And you dont need to ask forgiveness - wade in and dont worry about what people think.

I have only been at this for a year - but I know some girls on the site have had symptoms longer so will be able to offer you better support than I can and advice

All this talk about avarage age for this and that and average number of years it goes on just mask the variety, intensity and length of symptoms that we all get.

Seven years sounds very tough - are you on HRT? I guess you mean 7 years post - I am only 5 months no bleed and am counting down the days already - one thing I have noticed is there is no cetainty in this - I have to take each day as it comes and stop waiting for my life to start again

I do hope it lifts for you soon Kay

Mele

Hi Mele,

Thanks for responding. No I'm still pm'ing, I guess, irractic periods still..very few and far between. I'm guessing about the 7 years, periods starting skipping back in 1999, I thought because of being a single mom and my oldest was graduating high school, and several other things going on, but I do remember back then feeling doom and gloom. I hope to find out officially on Thursday where I am at in all this. Made appt with general practioner, can't seem to get the gyno to believe what I'm going thru, says I'm too young. Has offered some suggestions for the hot flashes, but doesn't seem to want to discuss mid life change treatment. I am hoping to get better results for gp, at least get some numbers,but who knows. It sounds like many docs, male or female are not too open to menopause. Next I will go to holistic doc, I've been trying to treat myself since I can't get anywhere with gyno, but I'm worn out and so is my check book, or should I say check card as not to date myself I'm just having too many symptoms at once too handle this on my own any more. I'm just fed up with being fed up and sooo much to do. I've decided I guess (just a few minutes ago, so we'll see how I do ) that I have to keep on keepin' on, cause most likely whether I do anything or not I'm still going feeling rotten, so I might as well get things done and try to enjoy it as best I can. Like I said, we'll see how long that attitude last! (Mood could SWING again!)

I'm just curious if there is any normalcy after we get through this. I mean, or do we get through it? Are there always symptoms from the time they start pm'ing til we take are last breath? I am rambling..... Now I guess I know why my great aunt always said "it's hell to get old"! I thought she was kidding!
I'll go now.

Thanks for listening, Kay

If this is what is it going to be like being old - then it is hell!!!

I have seen many girls post on this site who say it does pass with time - you do get your life back. Please please......

I am 44 and Dr said I was too young but I insisted on blood test cos I knew something major was affecting whole body - sure enough I was right - BUT I am a faded shadow without my oestrogen - I am trying to get a gynae referral to a menopause expert - not that easy here in uK it seems.

My cheque book is also suffering with me - I plug on with healthy diet and exercise - but with insomnia and breathtakingly uncomfortable indigestion - it is very hard to get on with life - very hard.

I look for reassurance that this nightmare will pass me by asap - and i pray that for you too

Mele

Sounds like we are going through the same things. I am also trying with diet and exercise, but the fatigue definitely makes it difficult. I also have acid reflux or indigestion a lot. Yesterday was the best day I've had in several weeks, wish I knew what encouraged it. Seems everything I try is coincident. I purchased some 100% cotton sheets, good ones, like suggested here and I did sleep better, not longer, but better, both nights since putting them on the bed. I also purchased some soy milk, drank 2 cups yesterday, not sure it "kicks" in that fast, but yesterday was better. I drink lots of water, I started keeping track of exactly how much since this past Thurs. I've been drinking at least 1/2 my weight in oz.'s Mood is better, aching seems to be less. It is hard to stay encourage when you do not know when the next time this stuff is going to "SLAM" dunk you. I also stayed busy last night even tho I felt bad...it also seemed to help my mood. Like I said miserable doing nothing, or miserable keeping busy, it's difficult (esp. with pain and brain fog ) but does seem to help.

I also pray for you and that there are better days a head. Hopefully today will be one for you too.

Kay

Mele, I know I've mentioned this several times on here before, but have you tried your local family planning clinic? Most of them run meno clinics also on certain days during the month. You don't have to get a referral from your doctor. You can just phone up direct and make an appointment, although there is usually a few weeks' wait. They are staffed entirely by women, most of whom are of an age that means they have first hand knowledge of all this stuff. I have found my local clinic to be excellent. I don't know if every area health authority runs them (I'm in West Sussex), but check out your phone book. It's definitely worth a shot.

Jenilou
x

Thanks Jenilou - I will try that - I will keep hammering on to my GP re gynae referral though

Mele

Have any of you had your thyroid levels checked? I am hypothyroid + supposedly in menopause, & the symptoms of both mimic one another. It is also statistically higher for women of menopausal age to become hypothyroid. Please see about simple TSH/T4 blood tests. It may make all the difference. Especially with: fatigue, brain fog, indigestion - ALL SYMPTOMS OF HYPO!!