Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (Full Version)

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Memaw. -> Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (8/31/2007 2:47:02 PM)

I am 45, and going through what the Dr believes is Peri-Menopause.

I wanted to start a thread for those of us who don't fit into the younger women concerns such as trying to conceive, breast feeding, things like that.

I hope for this to fit the needs of the "mature" woman (not saying anyone who isn't menopausal isn't mature, but I didn't want to use the term "elderly" either[8D]), My hope for the discussion is to provide information to each other, symptoms, remedies, support and maybe sometimes, just a place to cool off from a hot flash and have a glass of "whine".[:D]

So, am I the only one on board this train?



Memaw. -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (8/31/2007 3:08:24 PM)

Some definitions taken from WebMD.

Premenopause. Some experts feel that this term should include the entire reproductive period up to the final menstrual cycle whereas others consider it to refer to women on the cusp of menopause. Their periods have just started to get irregular, but they do not yet experience any classic menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness. A woman in premenopause is usually in her mid-to-late 40s. If your doctor tells you that you're premenopausal, you might want to ask him or her how he or she is using this term.

# Perimenopause. This term refers to women who are in the thick of menopause. Their cycles may be erratic, and they may begin to experience hot flashes and vaginal dryness. On average, women are about 47 when they hit the perimenopause stage.

# Menopause. This refers to your final menstrual period. You will not be able to pinpoint your final period until you've been completely free from periods for one year. Then, you count back to the last period you charted, and that date is the date of your menopause. Note: After more than one year of no menstrual periods due to menopause, any vaginal bleeding is now considered abnormal.

# Postmenopausal. This term refers to the last third of most women's lives, ranging from women who have been free of menstrual periods for at least one year to women celebrating their 100th birthday and beyond. In other words, once you're past menopause, you'll be referred to as postmenopausal for the rest of your life.



Memaw. -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (8/31/2007 3:30:07 PM)

A Quiz and Information to check symptoms.

I must be the only one on this train...[8D]...Oh well, I'll just talk to myself until someone else shows up.[:)]



peace77 -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (8/31/2007 6:36:23 PM)

Kim,

The definitions that I have seen have been different from what you have listed

Here's one similar to what I've seen/heard before
quote:

Perimenopause, or pre-menopause is a transitional stage of two to ten years before complete cessation of the menstrual period. Its average duration is six years, and can appear in women from 35 to 50 years of age


SIGNS OF PERIMENOPAUSE

The following are symptoms women have reported. This information is not intended as a substitute for talking with your health professional.

Menstrual cycles become shorter, longer, or unpredictable

Flow becomes heavier or lighter

Low blood sugar

Fatigue several days before menstruation

Weight gain

Decreased sex drive

Headaches - from mild to migraines with aura and visual distortions

Dry and/or itchy vulva, clitoris

Increased incidence of yeast infections


I struggle with several of these symptoms. My periods are rather unpredictable, flow is much heavier, weight
creeps up and up even though I don't think I eat any more than before. Sometimes get itchy and I've haven't had enough natural lubrication for several years.

I tried asking my Mom when she went through menopause when things started changing but she didn't remember.

I took the test in your link. I have mostly moderate, some severe and few mild.



Anne



Memaw. -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/1/2007 12:29:02 AM)

These were taken from the same site as the Quiz.

Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance:
Fatigue
Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates
Weight gain
Hot flashes or night sweats
PMS
Feeling depressed or overwhelmed
Mood swings or irritability
Insomnia or restless sleep
Headaches
Loss of desire
Fuzzy thinking
Digestive issues
Stiffness or joint pain
Anxiety
Heart palpitations
Breast pain
Urinary dysfunction
Hair loss/dry skin
Vaginal dryness
Irregular periods
Fibroids

~~~
I don't know if genetics play any role in menopause as my mother was still having a period or two a year when she passed away at the age of 66.

I was sitting outside this afternoon, nice cool breeze wafting ever so gently across my skin when out of nowhere I started sweating.[&:]

My face got hot, my neck got clammy, I began to feel like I was a lobster in a pot of boiling water.
THIS IS NOT FUN![:@]
I am finding out that I have sweat glands in areas that should not have sweat glands!
And I am now officially 2 weeks late on my period this month.[sm=aside.gif]



manda59 -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/1/2007 5:23:12 AM)

Just as an aside here, in the UK we call them hot flushes not flashes.

Thought someone somewhere might like to know. [8D]



I'm 48 and may or may not be peri-menopausal yet. My periods are more regular than they've ever been, and I have fibroids, but that's about it. I don't have any hot flushes or sweating or whatever.

I have actually had a number of the symptoms on your list for what seems like yonks, so I wouldn't know if they were symptoms of the peri-menopause, or my insulin resistance or my hypothyroidism!!

We just have to get on with it, don't we?!



Hischild1994 -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/1/2007 7:54:20 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: manda59

Just as an aside here, in the UK we call them hot flushes not flashes.

Thought someone somewhere might like to know. [8D]


I knew that but I still associate the word flush with a toilet. [:D]

I prefer to call them power surges. [sm=thumbsup.gif]

Some medical personnel tell me that I'm perimenopausal and others tell me that I'm not. [sm=silly.gif]

quote:

# Menopause. This refers to your final menstrual period. You will not be able to pinpoint your final period until you've been completely free from periods for one year. Then, you count back to the last period you charted, and that date is the date of your menopause. Note: After more than one year of no menstrual periods due to menopause, any vaginal bleeding is now considered abnormal.


My aunt hadn't had a period in well over a year. She was in her late 30s. Very early menopause is very common in my dad's family. She went to the dr. when she missed her second or third period and the best explanation was that she was in menopause. About a year later she went back to the dr. for a physical and she told the dr. that if she didn't know better, she would swear she was pg. The dr. finished her physical and did some tests. The dr. called her on the phone a few days later and told her not to swear because she didn't want the baby learning that kind of language inutero. She was nearly 4 months along. LOL!
Her oldest dd was married and pg., her second dd was unmarried and planning her own wedding. My aunt was so thrilled to be experiencing a pregnancy with two of her daughters. Her younger two daughters thought they were nuts.
My uncle said that he didn't know what he was more excited about- having his first two granddaughters or holding his first son.
The babies were all born within two months of each other.

Just thought I'd share.



Memaw. -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/2/2007 11:33:35 AM)

quote:

My aunt hadn't had a period in well over a year. She was in her late 30s. Very early menopause is very common in my dad's family. She went to the dr. when she missed her second or third period and the best explanation was that she was in menopause. About a year later she went back to the dr. for a physical and she told the dr. that if she didn't know better, she would swear she was pg. The dr. finished her physical and did some tests. The dr. called her on the phone a few days later and told her not to swear because she didn't want the baby learning that kind of language inutero. She was nearly 4 months along. LOL!
Her oldest dd was married and pg., her second dd was unmarried and planning her own wedding. My aunt was so thrilled to be experiencing a pregnancy with two of her daughters. Her younger two daughters thought they were nuts.
My uncle said that he didn't know what he was more excited about- having his first two granddaughters or holding his first son.
The babies were all born within two months of each other.


Roberta,
My youngest brother is 11 months older than my son...
He is 3 years younger than the oldest grandchild.
It is a very very...did I say very weird thing to see your Mother pregnant WHEN YOU KNOW HOW SHE GOT TO BE IN THAT CONDITION![8D]



Kath -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/2/2007 6:05:11 PM)

quote:

(not saying anyone who isn't menopausal isn't mature, but I didn't want to use the term "elderly" either ),


I should say not! [sm=nosestuckup.gif]

quote:

On average, women are about 47 when they hit the perimenopause stage.

I'm 51 and my gyno was shocked that I'm not getting any closer to menopause. I just want it over (and my period just started today too)[:(]

For a while I was having erratic periods, 45 days between, then 28, that sort of thing, but now it seems to have regulated itself again. But I still get night sweats and some of the other stuff. I am so ready for this to be over and done with.



Hischild1994 -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/2/2007 10:19:23 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Memaw.

quote:

My aunt hadn't had a period in well over a year. She was in her late 30s. Very early menopause is very common in my dad's family. She went to the dr. when she missed her second or third period and the best explanation was that she was in menopause. About a year later she went back to the dr. for a physical and she told the dr. that if she didn't know better, she would swear she was pg. The dr. finished her physical and did some tests. The dr. called her on the phone a few days later and told her not to swear because she didn't want the baby learning that kind of language inutero. She was nearly 4 months along. LOL!
Her oldest dd was married and pg., her second dd was unmarried and planning her own wedding. My aunt was so thrilled to be experiencing a pregnancy with two of her daughters. Her younger two daughters thought they were nuts.
My uncle said that he didn't know what he was more excited about- having his first two granddaughters or holding his first son.
The babies were all born within two months of each other.


Roberta,
My youngest brother is 11 months older than my son...
He is 3 years younger than the oldest grandchild.
It is a very very...did I say very weird thing to see your Mother pregnant WHEN YOU KNOW HOW SHE GOT TO BE IN THAT CONDITION![8D]


Yup.
I never experienced that with my mom because she had a hysterectomy when I was 8. However, I was about 14 or 15 when my aunt got pregnant. Gosh, she was near 40- I didn't know that old mature people still did THAT!



zoebob -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/2/2007 11:37:48 PM)

Well, I'm 36. I have had some night sweats. Even if I don't have them I still need a very cool room to sleep in.
My period is going more sporadic. Used to be every 28 days down to the time of day they started. Now it's anywhere from 3.5-4.5 weeks. It's been like that for a year or so.
I definately have the total exhaustion for a day or two before I start. Actually lately I get a burst of energy for about 24 hrs before I start but the 24-48 hrs before that I feel like I could sleep for the whole time and that I never wake up.
Definately more migrains.
I keep getting tempted to get one of those at home tests to take.



Focusing -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 1:58:05 AM)

Good thread ... I get my period every - oh let's see - it could be 15 days or 26 days from day one to day one. [:(] I never know when I'm going to start. My periods are much heavier than they used to be, and a lot of chunky stuff. And my cramps - well, let's just say I rarely ever take any pain reliever, and after taking 4 the other morning, I found myself scrunched down against the bathroom wall crying at work. [:(]

Sometimes I get a rush of hormones and feel really really hot - it's usually in my chest and face (and I'm not talking about blushing). Is this what you gals get, or is it a whole body thing? It's a very strange feeling.

A friend of mine mentioned that she had that surgery done to stop her period, and not only does she not have the inconvenience any more, but she also doesn't have the cramping like she used to. I'm not sure I want to go that route, but admit I am considering it. Especially after two heavy periods with severe cramps all within the month of August. [:(]

Does anyone have any insight on this surgery? Comments?



Memaw. -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 2:55:39 AM)

quote:

Sometimes I get a rush of hormones and feel really really hot - it's usually in my chest and face (and I'm not talking about blushing). Is this what you gals get, or is it a whole body thing? It's a very strange feeling.


What I experience is feeling hot from about the mid chest area and up. My hands will also get real sweaty but it mostly is my neck and face area. I will get real hot on the back of my head to where my hair is soaked.

The only surgery I can think of that your friend might be talking about is a >HYSTERECTOMY<, is that it?

BTW, why is it that all the "women things" have "men" names?
MENstruation, MENopause, HYSterectomy....and last but not least
HEMmorroids![:D]



Hischild1994 -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 7:42:44 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Memaw.

BTW, why is it that all the "women things" have "men" names?
MENstruation, MENopause, HYSterectomy....and last but not least
HEMmorroids![:D]


ROFLOL!

Sam- could you mean that maybe your friend had an ablation? That doesn't stop periods, but it is supposed to make them much, much lighter.



VisitorinWaiting -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 11:42:38 AM)

I have to say that I didn't read all the posts, but I was going to start a new thread to ask my question...but saw the word "Menopause" and said, "Maybe that would be the best place to post my question..."

Alright ladies...I'm totally stupid on this issue. I'm 29 and have NO IDEA what menopause is. I know that my mom went through it and had hot flashes and stuff, but other than that, I have no idea. She went through it early, as did her mother, so doctor has told me to look for it early... What is early for it? What are the age ranges for having it? What does it do? What is it for? What happens afterward? Does it affect your cyle? I feel so stupid for not knowing anything, but my mom and I weren't really that close for me to ask her, and I feel stupid for asking other ladies in person...and I didn't want to type it into a search engine and weed through what is right and what is not...so help me, please.....



zoebob -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 12:09:57 PM)

Menopause is when your periods stop. Eventually you stop having your periods. As you get to that point there are numerous symptoms people experience:

Their periods get more irregular either in how often they come or how heavy the flow is, etc

Hot flashes: get very hot all the sudden

Night sweats: same type of thing but at night

Very emotional

There are lots more symptoms. It is usually a process of going through the symptoms for several years before you actually stop having your period.



Hischild1994 -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 3:23:55 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: zoebob
There are lots more symptoms. It is usually a process of going through the symptoms for several years before you actually stop having your period.


Don't you wish we could just go with Archie Bunker's idea when Edith was going through "the change."

Archie: "If you're gonna change just hurry up and do it now!" [:D]



Focusing -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 5:27:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hischild1994
Sam- could you mean that maybe your friend had an ablation? That doesn't stop periods, but it is supposed to make them much, much lighter.


Yes, she had an endometrial ablation. There is a doctor here in Phoenix that has a procedure that claims it pretty much stops your period - you may have just a little bit of light spotting from time to time, but my friend said she doesn't even get that. The doctor's website says it's an "advanced technique of radiofrequency and is one of the leading gynecologists trained in this sophisticated minimally invasive procedure that treats and permanently removes the inner lining of the uterus." Obviously, it seems like a dream, but you know what they say about if something seems to good to be true ...

I'm wondering if anyone here has had it done, or if you've looked into it and decided against it and why. It's not as drastic as a hysterectomy. There's no "recovery" time, just take the day off and the next day you can return to all your normal activities.



mutinywxgirl -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 5:33:40 PM)

quote:

I am so ready for this to be over and done with.


I am SO with you on this, Kath!!!!!

I'm 46, and for me, mine are now more regular than ever. I used to have NO idea when mine would start, but I can pretty much tell. But, I've also started getting pretty bad cramps (for me, at least), however, they are significantly shorter (down to 2.5-3 days). I also have night sweats - I can wake up with the pillow soaking.

So yeah, I do have some of the symptoms, and I cannot wait for it to be over!



Memaw. -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 8:24:12 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SamTrustsGod

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hischild1994
Sam- could you mean that maybe your friend had an ablation? That doesn't stop periods, but it is supposed to make them much, much lighter.


Yes, she had an endometrial ablation. There is a doctor here in Phoenix that has a procedure that claims it pretty much stops your period - you may have just a little bit of light spotting from time to time, but my friend said she doesn't even get that. The doctor's website says it's an "advanced technique of radio frequency and is one of the leading gynecologists trained in this sophisticated minimally invasive procedure that treats and permanently removes the inner lining of the uterus." Obviously, it seems like a dream, but you know what they say about if something seems to good to be true ...

I'm wondering if anyone here has had it done, or if you've looked into it and decided against it and why. It's not as drastic as a hysterectomy. There's no "recovery" time, just take the day off and the next day you can return to all your normal activities.


I haven't heard of it before.



Memaw. -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 8:28:30 PM)

Endometrial ablation


From Here

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) and other instruments to destroy (ablate) the uterine lining, or endometrium. Endometrial ablation can be done by:

* Laser beam (laser thermal ablation).
* Heat (thermal ablation), using:
o Radiofrequency.
o A balloon filled with saline solution that has been heated to 85 C (thermal balloon ablation).
* Electricity, using a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode.
* Freezing.

The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.
What To Expect After Surgery

Endometrial ablation is usually done in an outpatient facility or hospital. The procedure may be done using a local or spinal anesthesia, although general anesthesia is sometimes used.

Recovery requires from a few days to 2 weeks.
Why It Is Done

Endometrial ablation is used to control heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding when:

* Bleeding has not responded to other treatments.
* Childbearing is completed.
* You prefer not to have a hysterectomy to control bleeding.
* Other medical problems prevent a hysterectomy.

How Well It Works

Approximately 90% of women will have reduced menstrual flow following endometrial ablation, and up to half will stop having periods.

Younger women are less likely than older women to respond to endometrial ablation. After an endometrial ablation, younger women are more likely to continue to have periods and need a repeat procedure.

Young women may be treated with either gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-As) 1 to 3 months before the procedure. This will decrease their production of estrogen and help thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
Risks

Complications of endometrial ablation are uncommon but can be quite severe. They can include:

* Accidental puncture (perforation) of the uterus.
* Burns (thermal injury) to the uterus or the surface of the bowel.
* Buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
* Sudden blockage of arterial blood flow within the lung (pulmonary embolism).
* Tearing of the opening of the uterus (cervical laceration).

What To Think About

Endometrial ablation is not recommended if you have a high risk for endometrial cancer. Regrowth of the endometrium may occur.

Do not consider this procedure if you plan to become pregnant in the future.

Although this surgery usually causes sterility by destroying the lining of the uterus, pregnancy may still be possible if a small part of the endometrium is left in place. Birth control of some form is required if you have not completed menopause and do not wish to become pregnant.



mutinywxgirl -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/3/2007 9:05:04 PM)

I do know someone who had this procedure earlier this year. Aside from mild cramping afterwards, she was back at work after only a day or two after the procedure.



Hischild1994 -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/4/2007 7:33:05 AM)

A friend of mine had it done several years ago. She said that it needs to be done again like every 10 years or so.



um_lilly -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/4/2007 1:12:43 PM)

I will be 34 yrs. old in 15 days and I am menopausal due to a hysterectomy. Sept. 22nd will make a full year that I've not had a period.

I've dealt with the night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, etc.

Thank the lord for HRT! I'd be crazy if I didn't have it.



wareaglekd -> RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support (9/4/2007 1:37:46 PM)

I'm 46 & started my irregular periods at 39. I've been able to keep my periods pretty much at 3-weeks apart using progesterone. Night sweats only started about six months ago. I developed interstitial cystitis when I was 41 & have read that it can be attributed to hormonal changes. Periods do get rather heavy & it can be a pain because I work a job that it's hard to get up & take breaks often, so I have accidents. I really wish bigger pads were still around. I need them, so I don't have to worry about changing so often. I can get by on 2 to 2 1/2 hours, but if I go longer, there will be a problem. So, my white wardrobe is virtually nonexistant. I do have problems w/ headaches, but have never determined if they are related to the change. I did have a cyst removed recently from a frontal sinus which seems to have helped, but I still have quite a dependency for caffeine in the mornings or I'll be in trouble. If I go too long & get a headache, I'll have problems for a few days. I've only had 2 full blown migraines & I don't ever want to experience that again. They are too horrible!

Otherwise, I'm surviving. I truly feel this is an important time in a woman's life & you have to be close to the Lord during these years. W/o Him, you are bound to have severe issues afterwards. I feel my mother has gone completely bonkers since menopause & doesn't have a very good relationship w/ the Lord. I had a panic attack last fall that taught me to always be in close relationship w/ Him at all times.

Take care ladies! kd



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