Community


  Forum Tools
Forums  | Register | Login

Photo Gallery |  Member List |  Search |  Calendars |  FAQ |  TOS |  Disclaimer |  Ticket List | 

Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [People] >> Women Only >> Women ONLY - Personal Issues >> Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support
Jump to post #:
Page: [1] 2 3 4 5   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 8/31/2007 2:47:02 PM   
Memaw.


Posts: 2921
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline 		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 ), 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".

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

_____________________________

~Kimmie

When you go through menopause they don't tell you what you are becoming.
I think I'm becoming my Dad.
Post #: 1
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 8/31/2007 3:08:24 PM   
Memaw.


Posts: 2921
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline 		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.

_____________________________

~Kimmie

When you go through menopause they don't tell you what you are becoming.
I think I'm becoming my Dad.
Post #: 2
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 8/31/2007 3:30:07 PM   
Memaw.


Posts: 2921
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline 		A Quiz and Information to check symptoms.

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

_____________________________

~Kimmie

When you go through menopause they don't tell you what you are becoming.
I think I'm becoming my Dad.
Post #: 3
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 8/31/2007 6:36:23 PM   
peace77

 

Posts: 1177
Joined: 4/18/2005
Status: offline 		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
Post #: 4
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/1/2007 12:29:02 AM   
Memaw.


Posts: 2921
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline 		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.

_____________________________

~Kimmie

When you go through menopause they don't tell you what you are becoming.
I think I'm becoming my Dad.
Post #: 5
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/1/2007 5:23:12 AM   
manda59


Posts: 5221
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline 		Just as an aside here, in the UK we call them hot flushes not flashes.

Thought someone somewhere might like to know.



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?!

_____________________________

"WAY TO GO Manda! ....Excellent advice! You've done it again!"
(BlessedMamaofmany, June 2008)
Post #: 6
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/1/2007 7:54:20 PM   
Hischild1994


Posts: 3286
Status: offline
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.


I knew that but I still associate the word flush with a toilet.

I prefer to call them power surges.

Some medical personnel tell me that I'm perimenopausal and others tell me that I'm not.

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.
Post #: 7
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/2/2007 11:33:35 AM   
Memaw.


Posts: 2921
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline
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!

_____________________________

~Kimmie

When you go through menopause they don't tell you what you are becoming.
I think I'm becoming my Dad.
Post #: 8
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/2/2007 6:05:11 PM   
Kath


Posts: 15956
Joined: 2/28/2005
Status: online
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!

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.

_____________________________

{Get Fritz's Room and Board newsletter! Sign up here
Post #: 9
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/2/2007 10:19:23 PM   
Hischild1994


Posts: 3286
Status: offline
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!


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!
Post #: 10
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/2/2007 11:37:48 PM   
zoebob


Posts: 8871
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: land of limbo
Status: online 		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.

_____________________________

L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
Post #: 11
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 1:58:05 AM   
Focusing


Posts: 5211
Status: offline 		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?

_____________________________

Sam

"You're my nightcap"
Post #: 12
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 2:55:39 AM   
Memaw.


Posts: 2921
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline
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!

_____________________________

~Kimmie

When you go through menopause they don't tell you what you are becoming.
I think I'm becoming my Dad.
Post #: 13
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 7:42:44 AM   
Hischild1994


Posts: 3286
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Memaw.

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


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.
Post #: 14
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 11:42:38 AM   
VisitorinWaiting

 

Posts: 814
Status: offline 		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.....

_____________________________

Hebrews 11:13,16 "...They said they were like visitors and strangers on earth...they were waiting for a better country, a heavenly country." (NCV)
Post #: 15
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 12:09:57 PM   
zoebob


Posts: 8871
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: land of limbo
Status: online 		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.

_____________________________

L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
Post #: 16
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 3:23:55 PM   
Hischild1994


Posts: 3286
Status: offline
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!"
Post #: 17
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 5:27:58 PM   
Focusing


Posts: 5211
Status: offline
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.

_____________________________

Sam

"You're my nightcap"
Post #: 18
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 5:33:40 PM   
mutinywxgirl


Posts: 12844
Joined: 4/29/2005
From: west coast of FL
Status: offline
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!

_____________________________

When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.


THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!!!!!!!
Post #: 19
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 8:24:12 PM   
Memaw.


Posts: 2921
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline
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.

_____________________________

~Kimmie

When you go through menopause they don't tell you what you are becoming.
I think I'm becoming my Dad.
Post #: 20
RE: Peri-Menopause and Menopause Support - 9/3/2007 8:28:30 PM   
Memaw.


Posts: 2921
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline 		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