perimenopause

[jas]

Hello ladies, I am 47 years old and just was wonder what others have experienced or are now going through.

Here is a little of what I have been going through in the last year or so. Years and years ago I had panic attacks, I got through them and they went away for years. Well in the last year they have come back pretty steady, Also along with quite a few irrational fears and phobias. Trouble falling asleep, foggy thinking. My periods have been way heavy. Nothing like when I was younger. I don't have hot flashes or anything. Hope I don't get them either!!!

I just had a mammogram a week ago (second digital one) they told me then that they call back 95% for additional views. Well I got a call to come back. Of course fear sets in. In my younger years I never really had much breast discomfort during periods. Only when I was breast feeding and was full. Well now they are sore sometimes. More fear. I have tried to schedule the mammo three times. This darn storm Fay has caused 3 appointments to be cancelled. Next one is monday.

I don't know why I didn't equate some of these symptoms to perimenopause before. I got online after swearing I wouldn't to check out breast pain. (I can get myself in a tizzy) But I did and I am glad I did. Many of things I have been going through can be attributed to this stage in a womans life.

I thought I was losing it mentally and emotionally. My 15 year old would joke about it and I would laugh it off.

I did tell my pcp about the anxiety and low feelings (he is a male) He right away gave me a script for anti depressants. I didn't take any or get the script filled. He never even remotely said anything about perimenopause or even to check it out.

Well just needed to get this off my chest and see what others have or are going through.

Thanks in advance
Jean

[Grandma Lewis]

Welcome to the word of being a mature woman. I can certainly sympathize with you in some regards.

As I entered perimenopause, my anxiety increased to the point that I too sought help from the dr. He prescribed one of the "newer" anti depressants and gave me a sample. It didn't take much research for me to reject that one and call and request Buspar. I have a real issue with most antidepressants and certainly an issue with "newer" drugs. Fortunately, the Dr. called in the Buspar. When I went in for my annual "gotta go in or else we won't refill" appt, I mentioned that for about 3 days after first taking the Buspar, I was euphoric. The Dr. said it was probably a sure sign that my hormones were out of wack. I was so euphoric that I went to get a haircut at one of the 10.00 place and when she butchered my hair I said "It's ok, it'll grow back" She offered to reduce the price, and in my euphoria, I said, that's ok and I paid full price and tipped her.

I don't want to go the hormone route for the hot flashes so I take Black Cohosh. I won't say it stops them, but it certainly makes them manageable.

From what I've read about breast issues, cancer is not painful so the fact that you are uncomfortable is a good sign. I don't have this issue now, but did when I was younger and I found that it happened as I nearing the time for my period to start. I also noticed that I was retaining fluid at the same time, so asked for a mild diuretic. Fortunately, the doctor came through for me but you might try eating broccoli. When I retain fluid now, I eat a good serving of broccoli, which is a natural diuretic.

Sleep disturbances are very common with perimenopause. At first I would take a couple of benedryl to sleep through the night. After the Dr. gave me the Buspar, I stopped the Benedryl. The Buspar has a mild tranquilizer so it helps me sleep more soundly. I have found that I have to get up to go potty in the middle of the night, but I go right back to sleep.

To read some of the internet postings about Buspar can be kinda scary but at least it's been around long enough to be generic and there's no major lawsuits. I will add that to take it twice a day makes me quesy as it affect my vision, I take the full days dose at bed time. the other good thing about Buspar vs other anti-depressants/anti-anxiety is that Buspar does NOT cause weight gain. In fact I lost ten pounds when I started taking it because my stress level went down.

There are a couple of very good books on Perimenopause that I can recommend.

Dr Christina Northrup-The Wisdom of Menopause
Ann Louis Gittleman-Before the Change, Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause.

Good luck.

[jas]

thanks so much for answering. I don't know why I didn't add these symptoms up much sooner. It is a relief to know that I am not on a slow slide into total mental instability!

I really do appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions.

Jean

[daughter of pearl]

I am almost 45, and about 6 months ago, I went to my doctor to tell him that I was not sleeping properly, couldn't remember things well, and had trouble focusing at work...also was having terrible headaches the first day of my period every month...he said "it's the hormones"...I said "Them again?"

I have been on anti-depressants for many years, so that wasn't the solution...he suggested black cohosh and a good bcomplex vitamin...he also said to come back if things got overwhelming and we would figure it out together (yeah, he's one of the good guys!)

Damn hormones!

[jas]

I am almost 45, and about 6 months ago, I went to my doctor to tell him that I was not sleeping properly, couldn't remember things well, and had trouble focusing at work...also was having terrible headaches the first day of my period every month...he said "it's the hormones"...I said "Them again?"

I have been on anti-depressants for many years, so that wasn't the solution...he suggested black cohosh and a good bcomplex vitamin...he also said to come back if things got overwhelming and we would figure it out together (yeah, he's one of the good guys!)

Damn hormones!

most everything I have read has suggested the black cohosh and good vitamins. I will be taking a trip to the health food store soon.

You can be sure now that I am pretty sure what is going on that I am going to mention it to my doctor.

Thanks for sharing

[happimommi]

I am 40 and I honestly thought I was going crazy the last few months. Finally figured out that it was perimenopause. I had a hysterestomy at 36, so no periods to worry about, but since I still have my overies, the hormones are on a roller coaster ride. I told my DH that the AC must need to be fixed because the house is so hot. He laughed and said the house is freezing. Ah, the joys of getting older.

[PrairieRose]

I had my works all jerked out at 25. Been on hormones every since (I'm 48 now) so perimenopause never was a problem. Now Menopause at 25 that was a problem...... I feel for you gals....and if they ever try to take my hormones away.....I feel for them

[jas]

Thanks guys for sharing you experiences. It helps hearing what others have been through and I am not alone. When I thought I was going nuts I really did think I was alone. Now I know I am among a distiguished group of great ladies