Menopause is the pits!

[Promomx2]

I would love to be a 8. And it's sooo frustrating. I have NEVER had a problem with my weight, lost easy after 2 pregnacies. I'm 48, haven't had but 2 periods since May a year ago, weight was 140, then last winter snuck up to 150 now I'm looking at 162!!. And when I graduated from high school, I was 98 lbs. My dr. just put me on hormones for the hot flashes and I'm scared it's going to make my weight go higher.

 

[tar heel]

I'm 53 and apparently not even close to through menopause. I can't believe how may of the symptoms I have. Just this month, I've had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound to confirm that the problem is cystic breasts (on the list) rather than masses and been treated (ongoing) for anemia.

No one has mentioned what happens when you start losing the fat content in your breasts. I was worried about sagging -- didn't realize they were going to disappear!

 

[DJT]

My doctor prescribed Boniva for osteoporasis Anyone here take this - any side effects?

TIA

I'm really interested in this, too. My doc told me two years ago when I had my last bone scan that she would probably put me on osteoporosis medication next time. I didn't go for an exam last year. I'm due to go in a couple months for my next exam. I don't want to take medication for osteoporosis. She had also told me that because I have LPR (like acid reflux only it goes onto my vocal chords) that there are certain osteoporosis meds that I can't take so she will have to be careful. I have read about side effects and it concerns me.

I'm 62. Started menopause at 51. Started my periods at 14. The hot flashes haven't stopped completely but they have slowed down considerably -finally. Still get hot several times a day but at least I can handle it now. It has been awful. The insomnia hasn't subsided at all. After trying several things, I have found MidNite, an OTC sleep aid that was developed by a doctor for his wife, for her to keep on her night stand and take any time of night. No hangover feelings in the morning, etc. I usually cut a tablet in fourths and take 1/4 before I go to bed. I can actually get to sleep! It's wonderful and DH is happy because now he doesn't feel like he's sleeping in a ship, or with a tumbleweed, etc.

I tried all the advertised supplements, etc. for night sweats and hot flashes and it seemed some would work for a month or so (probably the placebo effect) but then they fizzled out and I was back to square one. I never took hormones. Didn't want to take a chance on that.

My mom said she never had hot flashes. My DSis started menopause a couple years ago and she had a few hot flashes for maybe six months. So I was the lucky one who got them ALL.

As far as the memory problems, my theory has always been that having kids caused my memory problems.

Donna

 

[Poohbear123]

I had a Hysterectomy 5 years ago, still have ONE Ovary, but I think that one is not too good. Having an Ultasound next Month. I have intense HOT FLASHES and now I am experience irritability...ANYTHING can set me off, and I am NOT happy about it. So, I asked my Male Dr. and he prescribed Premarin...only its not a generic, so it will cost me 60 bucks! Looking for another alternative....any suggestions?

 

[lustergirl]

Glad to see this thread was resurrected. I have had such a crappy week. My body has been so achy, neck and back have been so stiff. Most days I am ready to come home from work and go right to bed. I can't get this weight gain under control and that itself bothering me something fierce. I have noticed facial hair and sometimes my cheeks itch really bad- I wonder what that is about??

 

[Ohiodislover]

Glad to see this thread was resurrected. I have had such a crappy week. My body has been so achy, neck and back have been so stiff. Most days I am ready to come home from work and go right to bed. I can't get this weight gain under control and that itself bothering me something fierce. I have noticed facial hair and sometimes my cheeks itch really bad- I wonder what that is about??

I've been itching as well. Never thought of it as being yet another s/s. This sucks so bad. I have all the same issues as you. I saw a pic of myself the other day, and I looked fat and pregnant.

 

[Snowysmom]

Menopause is definitely a challenge. Luckily I have not had the hot flashes that so many other women have. I have had one minor one. The main problem I have is insomnia. I can get to sleep most nights but wake up and can't get back to sleep. I am so tired and cranky the next day. I don't want to go on sleep meds . Also, aches and pains bother me but those are probably age related more so than menopause related. I am happy to be rid of periods so that is a plus.

 

[lustergirl]

I've been itching as well. Never thought of it as being yet another s/s. This sucks so bad. I have all the same issues as you. I saw a pic of myself the other day, and I looked fat and pregnant.

Exactly. Try exercising 6 days a week, walking every day, and watching what you eat and gain weight topping it all off. Not good for the self moral. This morning I was at the gym and didn't even take my kickboxing class. I worked out regular using weights and the treadmill. While class was going on I went into the room for private use and close the door and did some yoga stretches laying the mat on the floor.

 

[Belle0101]

Hey my fellow menopausal friends ... I found a freebie we can all send for!
http://www.menopauserx.com/eznewsletter/signup.php

"Sign up for the FREE MenopauseRx Survival Kit to receive free educational materials, full size samples and coupons for products to relieve menopause symptoms and address pertinent health concerns."

 

[Serena]

I was glad to read the symptoms. My memory is gone and I don't remember the last time I had a good nights sleep.

I thought I was going crazy. lol This makes me feel better.

 

[JessicaR]

Hey my fellow menopausal friends ... I found a freebie we can all send for!
http://www.menopauserx.com/eznewsletter/signup.php

"Sign up for the FREE MenopauseRx Survival Kit to receive free educational materials, full size samples and coupons for products to relieve menopause symptoms and address pertinent health concerns."

Thank You - Done

 

[dogodisney]

I am so happy that I found this thread! It will be nice to have others to commiserate with.
I have many of the symptomes from the list posted. Up until this past year my cycles were pretty regular. It was coming a little late, then a didn't have it for a couple of months, then it regulated again, but this month has been crazy. I had started on the 16th, ended on the 21st and started again on the 27th and still have it. I have neverhad this before and I just turned 48 on the 17th. So Happy Birthday to me. I'm hoping this will be the big hurrah and I'll be done with it for good!

I have the kit that the PP put the link to but I put it away when I got it a couple of months ago. I guess I better pull it back out.. There's no denying this stage of my life any longer.

 

[Promomx2]

I was thinking of going to the library to check out a book or two, does anyone have any suggestions on good/bad books?

 

[pklein09]

I've been an emotional wreck for over a week. I has post-partum with the last 2 kids (now ages 9 and 11), and was on prozac for that. I take prozac now for really bad PMS. But I'm emotional in the middle of my cycle, so I know it's not PMS. I read through the list of symptoms, and I have a few of them....memory loss, insomnia, tender breasts, and allergies (which I've never had before). I have my annual inspection in 2 weeks (as long as I don't have my period), and I'm going to talk to my doctor. I can honestly say I don't like myself. My kids are suffering, and my husband it too. Except DH has enough stress of his own - I can't remember the last time he was in the house before 7:30 pm, and he leaves the house at 5:50 am. It's like I'm a single parent to 4 kids. I'm stressed! I need this stuff like I need a hole in the head....

Thanks for listening to me vent....

 

[Rose&Mike]

I've been an emotional wreck for over a week. I has post-partum with the last 2 kids (now ages 9 and 11), and was on prozac for that. I take prozac now for really bad PMS. But I'm emotional in the middle of my cycle, so I know it's not PMS. I read through the list of symptoms, and I have a few of them....memory loss, insomnia, tender breasts, and allergies (which I've never had before). I have my annual inspection in 2 weeks (as long as I don't have my period), and I'm going to talk to my doctor. I can honestly say I don't like myself. My kids are suffering, and my husband it too. Except DH has enough stress of his own - I can't remember the last time he was in the house before 7:30 pm, and he leaves the house at 5:50 am. It's like I'm a single parent to 4 kids. I'm stressed! I need this stuff like I need a hole in the head....

Thanks for listening to me vent....

I find my "symptoms" are much worse when I'm really stressed out. Try (I know it's got to be hard) to find a couple of hours to do something for you this weekend. I'm sorry it's so hard right now. Maybe even if you have your period you should keep your doctor's appointment. It sounds like you really need to talk to someone about how you're feeling.