genuinegirly

Hey ladies, I know our forum has some mature women who either are experiencing menopause or have "been there, done that". Well, this thread is for you.

Tell us about your experiences with menopause.
What was the most frustrating part about menopause?
How did you cope with the changes?
How about sleeping through night sweats and hot flashes?
Did the swings and lack off sex drive drive you bonkers?


I'm currently undergoing a hormone-blocking treatment for enodmetriosis, which gives this 20-something the rare experience of a 6-month temporary menopause. The best way I can think to describe it is slow torture. My breasts lost all perk, hot flashes and chills force me to dress in layers, and my interest in sex is nil. At first I kind-of liked the lack of sex drive - with my mind off of sex I found myself thinking more about my academic pursuits and research. Then I had the fun experience of my husband actually initiating sex, that was novel! Then there is the mood swings. The other day I went from reflecting on how happy i was with life to wanting to sit alone and cry. The negatives far outweigh the benefits of menopause. I'm really not looking forward to dealing with the real thing in a couple of decades.

__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

jewels

No one wants to take this one on? Hmmphh. Okay, here's my spin.

When I was in my late thirties, I'd been through a year or so of night sweats when a conversation struck up with my 60-some-year old co-worker who had a daughter just a few years older than me. She told me her daughter began to take Promensil (a soy-based natural attack) in her late thirties. They were natural and wouldn't harm me so I began taking them regularly after I did some research. I took them faithfully until I was in my mid-40s. They did help and my symptoms lessened, but somewhere just before that, the symptoms became more severe again and I began to purchase progesterone, using the cream 2 or 3 times per week.

Other than night sweats and occasional mild flashes, I never had much in the way of symptoms. Moody? Ha. I'm always moody, always been moody. Sexually, my appetite's never ever waned. Somehow I just think that's me, personality overpowering hormones, ya know?

My period stopped at some point in my mid 40s for 3 or 4 months, then I had one final period and that was that. I had visited a gynecologist during that timeframe who told me that according to my bloodwork, I was in the early stages of menopause. Maybe my blood didn't know what my body had been through, but I really haven't had much, if anything, in the way of symptoms within a few months of that last period.

I know I didn't want to take any prescription medications, so I chose to go all-natural and have been fine with the results. For me, it wasn't very dramatic. Maybe the red clover for all that time really helped, who knows? I still have the same desires and still think I'm 17 at times.

Your experience may differ. We're all different and have different experiences that just may influence how it goes.

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We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

Starkizzer

I am going to be at a loss when I get to that point in my life. My paternal grandmother had a hysterectomy and some other stuff I am not clear on, after her third child.

I have not spoken to my mother's side of the family since I was a child and I do not plan on it. I have no idea if or when my mother went through menopause nor do I know anything about her mother. All I know is her side is bat shit crazy and I am hoping I managed to miss out on that part.

I will have to read this thread and take mental notes on everything.

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Frivolity, at the edge of a Moral Swamp, hears Hymn-Singing in the Distance and dons the Galoshes of Remorse. ~Edward Gorey

kaerlyon

Hi Genuinegirly

I have endometriosis too and I had the same treatment twice. I didn't remenber for my breasts and no problem for the sexuality (before I had an another treatment, a pills' treatment, It had cut sexuality and it's so horrible, I stoped it after 2 days ). But I remember the warm. I had a point in the center of my body and just after I seemmed my face was red ! But I apreciate the artificial menopause because I hadn't pains.

genuinegirly

Jewels, thanks for being the first to respond

Nice to meet another woman who has undergone the same treatment!

__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

snuggy

Low levels of estrogen may result in osteoporosis and bone loss. Changes in cholesterol levels may result in high risk of heart disease.
Prevent your menopausal problems by following these steps

Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease.

Do not smoke. Cigarette use can cause early menopause.

Eat a low-fat diet.

Get regular exercise. Resistance exercises help strengthen your bones and improve your balance.

If you show early signs of bone loss or have a strong family history of osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about medications that can help stop further weakening.

Take calcium and vitamin d.