Menopause is the pits!

[kellyg403]

Wow...I am not glad we are all going through this but I am sorta glad I am not going crazy. Well, crazier.

I have been having issues for about a year, I am 44 now. My mom and her mom never made it to the menapause years as both of them had cancers that required surgery to remove all of those female organs. So I have nothing to go on, as they say family history is important to know when you should hit menapause.

I have all the same problems, some days I feel like any moment I will cry...like I used to feel the week before my period started. Now I probably feel like that 2/3 times a week. Sleeping evidently is not going to happen. I fall asleep fine but I am awake everyday by 3 a.m. No matter the time I go to bed. I have the heart racing, the memory loss etc. The only thing I have not yet experienced is hot flashes. I have night sweats that come and go but so far no hot flashes so I guess I should count myself lucky. I also want it to end. I think my family does too...

Kelly

 

[Ohiodislover]

Has anyone taken Black Cohosh or drink Primrose Tea? I read somewhere that this helps the hot flashes.

I've been taking the GNC menopause pack of vitamins for a couple of months. I've been out this week, and trying to wait till the 1st of the month to go get more, because I have a GNC discount card.

I'm stopping by GNC after work today. As I am typing, I am in my nightgown, it is 65 degrees in my den, and I am dripping sweat. Discount or no discount---I NEED MY DRUGS.

I'm 43. The s/s started right at my 43rd birthday. insomnia, moodiness, and hot flashes seem to be the worst. That, plus a period every 2 1/2-3 weeks, or every 5-6. It varies, which of course is SO convenient --URG!

Here is a link to the vitamins

http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3073297


Women's Ultra Mega® Bone Density without Iron and Iodine - a scientifically designed multiple vitamin and mineral formula that emphasizes key nutrients for bone health. The premium formula boasts similar attributes as our traditional Women's Ultra Mega but is enhanced with 1000 mg of calcium, 800 IU of vitamin D and 40 mg of clinically studied MBP®, a protein complex derived from milk, shown to support natural bone building.*


Menopause Formula - An advanced isoflavone formula that features standardized soy isoflavones and Isolase®. Natural soy isoflavones act as mild estrogens and may help manage hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.* Isolase® is a patented enzyme system. Laboratory studies indicate that Isolase® can significantly increase the availability of soy isoflavones.* This formula is enhanced with black cohosh, a popular herb studied in German clinical trials and frequently recommended for hot flashes.

Evening Primrose Oil - supplies a natural source of the omega-6 fatty acid Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). GLA provides dietary support for cardiovascular system function, healthy blood lipid levels and healthy joint function.* It also helps to maintain smooth, healthy-looking skin and acts as a precursor to prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that help to regulate the body processes, including hormone balance.*


Fish Oils - Features cholesterol-free, purified, lemon flavored fish oils. Fish oils are a natural source of DHA and EPA, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help support normal, healthy cholesterol levels and are necessary in the maintenance of normal blood pressure.* Individually, EPA is important for circulatory system health, and DHA provides support for healthy triglyceride levels.* In addition to the numerous heart health benefits, fish oil also supports joint health, helps to maintain healthy looking skin and supplies DHA which is required for optimal eye and brain function.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
As a dietary supplement, take the contents of one packet daily.


Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 -Day Supply
Servings Per Container 30



Warning: SEE MANUFACTURER'S LABEL FOR
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION
AND SUPPLEMENT FACTS PANEL.

Contains black cohosh which is not to be used while pregnant or nursing.




KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN

Contains: Fish

Contains: Soybeans, Milk and Wheat.
To view the Label you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. You can download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader at: http://www.adobe.com/acrobat/readstep.html

 

[DisnyMama]

I forgot about the memory loss...SEE!!!! But I've got it double as I have to take Topamax or Dopamax as we call it to help prevent migraines. Most of the time I will be in mid sentence and that one word is right on the tip of my tongue but my brain will not let it come through and I know what it is. My son has to finish alot of sentences for me. PATHETIC!

 

[kellyg403]

I forgot about the memory loss...SEE!!!! But I've got it double as I have to take Topamax or Dopamax as we call it to help prevent migraines. Most of the time I will be in mid sentence and that one word is right on the tip of my tongue but my brain will not let it come through and I know what it is. My son has to finish alot of sentences for me. PATHETIC!

Yeah..it is a running joke around here that if I am talking to somebody and I stop in midsentence its because I forgot what I was talking to you about. I just stop and sometimes I just stand there until I walk away. My 15 yo ds says sometimes a 5 minute conversation with me is like a game of wheel of fortune...he has to fill in the letters until he figures out what the word is.

Kelly

 

[elan]

Thanks OP for the thread. Another menopauser here.

I didn't know about the memory thing. Thanks for mentioning it. I was starting to worry about it. I'm dry, bloated, fat, tired, depressed at times and unable to take any kind of hormone for help. I might have to go to WDW.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Oh thank goodness alot of you are saying your memory is affected. Geesh, it drives me up a wall.

My kids are to the point where "hey mom do you remember?" and then they say, oh forget it.

The dryness is really bad right now. I am on the verge of hemorrhoids. This just blows.

I will trade the the hot flashes for the dryness anyday, I think.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My 15 yo ds says sometimes a 5 minute conversation with me is like a game of wheel of fortune...he has to fill in the letters until he figures out what the word is.

Kelly

Your DS described me to a T.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

That is funny.

I told my 12yodd that if she has anything important that she must write it on the calendar. I am guaranteed to forget anything that is not written down.

 

[Rose&Mike]

I forgot how old I am and posted the wrong age yesterday. DH and I had a 10 minute conversation about it. I really think I'm losing it sometimes. Does the memory thing get better or is it gone forever?

 

[gulf breeze]

I forgot about the memory loss...SEE!!!! But I've got it double as I have to take Topamax or Dopamax as we call it to help prevent migraines. Most of the time I will be in mid sentence and that one word is right on the tip of my tongue but my brain will not let it come through and I know what it is. My son has to finish alot of sentences for me. PATHETIC!

Now this is one reason I'm looking forward to menapause. In my early 30's I started having migraines 2 times a month at least, sometimes more. They would last any where from 3 days to a week. One would show up about the time I was ovulating, which was no fun as we were trying to conceive. The next one would be a day or two before my period. I tried several meds to prevent the migrains but the side effects were worse than the headaches. In my early 40's my Dr. put me on Topamax The side effects of that to me were awful!! Talk about mood swings Now that my periods are few and far between so are my migrains. My one wish last year when we went to DW was to make it with no migrains and I did it!!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I forgot how old I am and posted the wrong age yesterday. DH and I had a 10 minute conversation about it. I really think I'm losing it sometimes. Does the memory thing get better or is it gone forever?

So how old are you?

If I remember I will keep you posted.

 

[kellyg403]

That is funny.

I told my 12yodd that if she has anything important that she must write it on the calendar. I am guaranteed to forget anything that is not written down.

Oh yeah, most definitely writing anything important on the calendar is welll....important. Sometimes it takes me a few minutes to write an email. I have everything in my head to write and sometimes I will sit there trying to remember the word I was trying to use in a particular sentence.

To put it mildly I think it is the worst part of it. I do hope that I get some of it back..or it is not so glaringly obvious to those around me!

Kelly

 

[kellyg403]

I forgot how old I am and posted the wrong age yesterday. DH and I had a 10 minute conversation about it. I really think I'm losing it sometimes. Does the memory thing get better or is it gone forever?

So I guess it will be o.k. to admit that last year I had myself convinced I was 44 already until someone asked what year I was born in. Then I did the calculations and realized I was younger than I thought.

I would tell you that I would help remember too but trust me, it probably is tooo big of a responsibility for me!

Kelly

 

[Pakey]

I forgot how old I am and posted the wrong age yesterday. DH and I had a 10 minute conversation about it. I really think I'm losing it sometimes. Does the memory thing get better or is it gone forever?

I'm all the way through menopause but the memory is still gone. Honestly, I've been blaming the memory loss on chemo, I call it chemo brain. Maybe someone else here will report better news that the memory comes back as the hot flashes go away.

Mine is so bad that I told my staff that they should have me sign all weird instructions I give them because the next day I might blame them for doing something stupid and swear that I never told them to do it that way.

 

[lustergirl]

Oh thank goodness alot of you are saying your memory is affected. Geesh, it drives me up a wall.

My kids are to the point where "hey mom do you remember?" and then they say, oh forget it.

The dryness is really bad right now. I am on the verge of hemorrhoids. This just blows.

I will trade the the hot flashes for the dryness anyday, I think.

So hemorrhoids are a symptom as well? Well mark that on my list.

 

[bethd]

Glad to know I'm not alone. I had a partial Hysterectomy (kept my ovaries) 6 years ago at age 43. Never had a problem until this past year. My memory is gone, I cry at TV commericals, gained 10 pounds, have night sweats and hotflashes all day long and my husband and son walk on egg shells around me as they don't know what will set me off. This is a horrible way to live. I do have a Gyn appointment in early August and I am hoping the Dr. will have some magical treatments to help. I am also going to research the GNC vitamins.

The memory loss is the worse. Today is my 49th Birthday and when a friend asked me this morning how old I was, I honestly could not remember if I was 48 or 49. That's sad.

I'm glad I found this thread and hope I remember to check back in.

Beth

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Anyone try bioidentical hormones?? At 48 still having normal period but am noticing some of these signs, particularly the forgetfulness. Also anxiety. I did start taking calcium and magnesium which I read can help with anxiety and it does somewhat (also really helps with menstrual cramps for anyone still having period). I was planning on doing natural type herbs, vitamins, diet etc., but I was worrying and was curious about experiences with bioidentical hormones. I really don't want to do regular hormones. Thanks for any info.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Today is my 49th Birthday and when a friend asked me this morning how old I was, I honestly could not remember if I was 48 or 49. That's sad.

I'm glad I found this thread and hope I remember to check back in.

Beth

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I'm turning 49 in Dec and altho still having normal period really noticing the forgetfulness thing, so glad also to know I'm not alone.

 

[Feralpeg]

My memory started going when I was in my late 40s. I did not have any other symptoms of menopause until after my complete hysterectomy when I was 50.

The first thing to go was names. There were people I have known for years. I wouldn't be able to remember their names. That hasn't changed. If you ask me the name of someone or something, I will not be able to tell you. Then, a half hour later, the answer will pop into my mind.

I have determined that my mind is so cluttered with miscellaneous memories that a lot of information had to be shuffled off to auxiliary storage. When I need to remember something, the little person I sent to retrieve it must search through tons of old stuff to finally find what I need. It takes him a long time to return with what I need.

The good thing about living in Florida during menopause is that no one looks funny at you when you are having a hot flash. They think you're just hot! I personally feel I am partially responsible for global warming!

 

[LoveDopey]

Now that we know we're not alone in our misery I'd be curious to know what people are doing to alleviate some of these symptoms. The GNC vitamins sound like something I'd definitely like to look at further. I know several ladies at work who swear by black cohosh but I never remember to buy any

I went out and bought 2 twin size blankets for our king bed. Now when I'm so hot at nite and throw the blankets off my husband doesn't have to shiver.

By the way, I went for groceries this morning, forgot my list, drove home to get it and forgot why I came home.