Generalized menopause anxiety thread: ask a question, get an honest answer

[Guest]

I thought we could do with one. Please, no phonies, flaming other people's choices, or attempts to "cheer up" the cute little 40 year old kiddos.

 

I'll start:

 

Does it REALLY get better or is that just something you say because you think it will help us get through one more day without becoming a danger to ourself and others?

[freesia]

Listening in, bc I really, really hope the anxiety goes away.(And in the mean time L-theanine works great!)

 

Ethel, I think I am following you around. LOL

[TranquilMind]

I thought we could do with one. Please, no phonies, flaming other people's choices, or attempts to "cheer up" the cute little 40 year old kiddos.

 

I'll start:

 

Does it REALLY get better or is that just something you say because you think it will help us get through one more day without becoming a danger to ourself and others?

Yes, it gets better.  All through your 40's, your periods get heavier and heavier, and then get shorter.  Eventually, they start coming farther apart and shorter. Finally you are having one every few months, and then they stop.  Happy Dance.  Of course I was well into my 50's before that happened. 

[Moxie]

Yes, it gets better. All through your 40's, your periods get heavier and heavier, and then get shorter. Eventually, they start coming farther apart and shorter. Finally you are having one every few months, and then they stop. Happy Dance. Of course I was well into my 50's before that happened.

Is there any reason an ablation would be a bad idea??

[Guest]

Listening in, bc I really, really hope the anxiety goes away.(And in the mean time L-theanine works great!)

 

Ethel, I think I am following you around. LOL

 

Googling it and putting it on my credit card because I can't do Xanax. Thank you.

 

[freesia]

Googling it and putting it on my credit card because I can't do Xanax. Thank you.

This is the one I take:

http://www.amazon.com/Enzymatic-Therapy-L-Theanine-Vegetarian-Capsules/dp/B0013OUH8W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405556478&sr=8-2&keywords=l+theanine

 

I take it once a day. During the premenstrual period I need it twice a day and if I take the second dose right before bed, it helps me not wake at 4 am and not be able to get back to sleep.

[Joyofsixreboot]

Ok, serious question, please be gentle. I am 51 and I have zero signs of menopause. Nothing. All my friends are done and over and I'm waiting to get a hot flash. Something. My MD says no need for concern until 58! I was hoping to be done with birth control decisions, etc by now. Please, someone tell me their experience with a slow slow down.

[trulycrabby]

Is there any reason an ablation would be a bad idea??

 

I recommend doing some research on ablation over at hyster sisters. There are good and bad things about it; I believe an ablation makes it more difficult to detect uterine cancer, so if you are high risk for it and/or have family memvers who have had it, then it is not recommended.

[chocolatechip]

Ok, serious question, please be gentle. I am 51 and I have zero signs of menopause. Nothing. All my friends are done and over and I'm waiting to get a hot flash. Something. My MD says no need for concern until 58! I was hoping to be done with birth control decisions, etc by now. Please, someone tell me their experience with a slow slow down.

This happened to a friend. She had ZERO pre menopause/menopause symptoms into her 50's. Then finally, she just stopped; never cycled again. Ever. 

 

So there's hope!!!

[FriedClams]

I don't think I'm too far into it (44) but I find that cod liver oil makes a huge difference in my heavy monthlies. This month I didn't use it - ugh. I'm back on it!!

[Janie Grace]

Wow, I have been enlightened. I am pushing 40 (very soon) and have been wondering what the deal is with these heavy periods. I had no idea that started happening. Where is the health teacher when you need her?

 

[AmyontheFarm]

I was just on a website ( http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/)  and of their 34 symptoms, I have 13.  I haven't tracked my cycles in years because they never were consistent.  I just printed out a calendar so I can start tracking them.  I know they have gone from being 7 days long down to 4 days and not anywhere near as heavy as they used to be.  So, it will be interesting to see how often I am having them.  Just reading that site helped me realize that I'm not going crazy.  I wish the generation in my family ahead of me would talk about this, but they won't.

[mom2myboys]

Is increased anxiety about life in general a symptom of menopause? Or do you mean anxiety about going through menopause? 

 

I am 42 and my periods are actually lasting one day less but coming closer together. (instead of 28 days, my cycle is 26 days.) Peri-menopause or just some hormonal shifts? 

[mom2myboys]

Mine got heavier for a while too, but have gone back to what was normal for me. 

[elegantlion]

I had heavy periods most of my life, then in my late 30s I had really, really heavy ones for a few years. I had a few hot flashes in my early 40s, not sure if it was related to location (we had moved to the south) or real menopause. I'm 47, my periods are regular as everything, but they vary in intensity from almost nothing (comparative to heavy) to almost heavy. Cramps have lessened and are generally not debilitating as they used to be. Instead of every month being a royal pain, about every 3 months are a pain. I've had one period that started later than normal, but I was also a bit anemic at the time. 

 

My mom was done by the time she was my age, I'm so ready. I've noticed my hormonal moods have switched, I don't get really anxious, but I get very depressed about a day or two before and about a week afterward. 

 

 

[Susan in TN]

Listening in, bc I really, really hope the anxiety goes away.(And in the mean time L-theanine works great!)

 

 

Is this a real thing? Because I will be sooooo relieved if it is. The past couple years have been so full of irrational anxiety, I've thought I was losing it.

 

Add to that, after 25+ years of steady 32-day cycles, I'm down to 23-day, much heavier cycles. I've done searches to figure it out and have concluded that I must be a 14yo. Where is that kindly school nurse?

[Guest]

 Just reading that site helped me realize that I'm not going crazy.  I wish the generation in my family ahead of me would talk about this, but they won't.

 

Then let's do it for our daughters. I was going to completely give up all forms of activism (online or otherwise) until after ds's 18th birthday, but I just feel so strongly about this one that I want to make an exception.

 

If I disappear, the menopause police have probably caught me and committed me to an insane asylum the way they did my Gran! That's why she gets a "get out of jail free" card for not wanting to talk about it.  <----- obviously I've currently got #20-23, which are not helped AT ALL by my #19 but I am so glad to be (hopefully) done with increased libido which is less common than decreased but also a symptom and nowhere near as fun as it sounds. I might well be done with periods too, but I've had so many false alarms I don't keep track any more and that doesn't mean I'm done with meno so I don't even care any more.

[mom2myboys]

For me, it was life in general.  It was almost like a "mid-life" crisis, but just anxiety over everything!

 

I have noticed that my anxiety has increased off and on lately. Hmm. And I have woken up a few times in the middle of the night recently and that is unusual for me. Maybe things are starting. IDK whether to be happy or sad about that though...

[MooCow]

 

Is there any reason an ablation would be a bad idea??

 

I recommend doing some research on ablation over at hyster sisters. There are good and bad things about it; I believe an ablation makes it more difficult to detect uterine cancer, so if you are high risk for it and/or have family memvers who have had it, then it is not recommended.

I had one done when youngest was under 2. My lining grew back. Finally gave in and had a partial hysterectomy almost a year ago. Best thing ever.

Except now I get "mini" flows. Sigh.

 

PS hyster sisters is awesome, great information!

[Guest]

Is increased anxiety about life in general a symptom of menopause?

 

Yes, but I was making a pun and hoping that younger ladies would be more likely to click if they thought I meant anxiety about starting meno. Either one works, whatever people need to talk about.

 

The anxiety can get bad enough to leave a person housebound for months or years, apparently, but I would advise against going into that much personal detail on a parenting forum unless you can use terms like "My friends' neighbour's cousin's hairdresser's roommate's brother is very worried about...."

 

Xanax is commonly prescribed instead of estradiol, even in the 21st century.

 

 

[AmyontheFarm]

So, wait.  The desire to never leave my home could be from menopause?  Seriously, in the past 3-4 months there have been times I haven't left our property for weeks at a time.  I got away with it because I sent my 18dd to the grocery store and either I or another kid was too sick to go to church so I stayed home.  I wasn't recognizing it as anxiety, more as a desire to not deal with idiots driving and the like.

[mom2myboys]

Yes, but I was making a pun and hoping that younger ladies would be more likely to click if they thought I meant anxiety about starting meno. Either one works, whatever people need to talk about.

 

The anxiety can get bad enough to leave a person housebound for months or years, apparently, but I would advise against going into that much personal detail on a parenting forum unless you can use terms like "My friends' neighbour's cousin's hairdresser's roommate's brother is very worried about...."

 

Xanax is commonly prescribed instead of estradiol, even in the 21st century.

 

 

Well, the pun worked.  ;) 

 

I definitely feel anxious about menopause. Not really looking forward to it, even though I understand it is part of life. But my cycles which have always been like clock-work since I was 12 have been changing over the past year and a half or so. I guess I should learn about it so that I can be ready and proactive about managing it. *sigh*

 

I also had no idea that increased anxiety in general could be a symptom. I actually don't know much about it at all. Thanks for starting this thread. I am learning quite a bit already. :)

[Scarlett]

The anxiety is why I take hormones. By age 45 I was done-- no period for well over a year.....but the anxiety was unreal. Unfortunately it coincided with a horrific divorce and much of the divorce crap was mixed in with the menopause. MyDr. Prescribed an AD during my divorce.....after 3 months I came off of it and discovered the anxiety returned. So he tested my hormone levels and yep.....I was done. He prescribed low dose hormone and I am fine with even half dose.

 

My anxiety was a distinct physical manifestation...it was as if bugs were crawling up my head.

[wintermom]

I'm 47 and menopause symptoms aren't apparent, though I've been having some very explosive "toddler temper tantrums." Could it be hormone related or am I just behaving like a big baby?  

[Happy]

I was sent crashing into menopause by chemo a couple of years ago. I was 54 though, so time wise okay. The hysterectomy I had last Dec put a cap on it.

 

My biggest changes were in my s*x life. Brewing TeA with dh is a bit different than it used to be. The words v*ginal dryness do not adequately convey the situation. Sahara and no elasticity. (Just telling it like it is...) Lack of desire is another biggie. (I see why we spay and neuter animals...boy it just takes s*x right out of their minds...)   Because I'm a br*ast cancer survivor, I can't take any hormones at all. Bummer...but we are committed and creative so our TeA life continues.

 

I do have anxiety...I notice it's worse when I feel bad or when I'm tired. Real Estate is such a calm profession, too. :closedeyes: Some days I really have to tell myself to deal with things one at a time. Just do the next thing...If it gets overwhelming, take a nap, or a walk, or have some protein.

 

I also have to watch for some more than mild depression...also worse when I feel bad or am tired. The cure for a lot of short term issues in my life is a nap. I've promised myself to not make life changing decisions when I'm tired.

 

I can't take hormones, but I can watch what I eat, take vitamins, do yoga, and take walks. I can count my blessings. I have a full, rich, and happy life.

[Lady Florida.]

I thought we could do with one. Please, no phonies, flaming other people's choices, or attempts to "cheer up" the cute little 40 year old kiddos.

 

I'll start:

 

Does it REALLY get better or is that just something you say because you think it will help us get through one more day without becoming a danger to ourself and others?

 

Mostly yes, it gets better. I was getting several panic attacks a day for a while. I took lorazepam during that time. I still carry it with me in case I get one, but I can't even remember the last time I had one and probably will not ask my doctor for a new prescription. Once I was fully post menopausal they seem to have stopped.

 

Almost everything else gets better too (see below for the one not so great thing). Hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia ended, and mood swings stopped (mine were worse than PMS mood swings). 

 

The one thing that no one told me is how everything gets drier. And I do mean everything. There's the TeA aspect (did I get the euphemistic spelling right?) but that's not all. Dry skin and dry eyes are a problem too. That's the only thing I don't like about being post menopausal. 

 

Everything else does get better. Really.

[Serenade]

Yes, it gets better.  All through your 40's, your periods get heavier and heavier, and then get shorter.  Eventually, they start coming farther apart and shorter. Finally you are having one every few months, and then they stop.  Happy Dance.  Of course I was well into my 50's before that happened.

How old? I read the average age is 52. LOL....I wondering how long this could go on and still be sorta normal. I'm 51, BTW, and I'm joyfully having a longer time between periods at the moment. This is after bleeding for over 3 weeks straight on vacation. Oh joy.

[Serenade]

My MD says no need for concern until 58!

58! Ack! So I might still be in for a lot of waiting....

[PollyOR]

I had night sweats for a long time (a year?) before I realized what was going on.

My flow is heavier.  Cycle is shorter - 25 days down from 28.  I used to cramp one day, now I cramp three.  

Night anxiety a few times in the past year.  It was scary!  

I had hot flashes at night for a couple of weeks about a month ago.

Sometimes my cycle is a week late.  Sometimes it lasts for seven days.

 

There isn't a clear pattern.  It isn't as bad as I had imagined so far, but I dislike the unpredictability.

 

I'm wondering how long this going to last?  I'm 50 and I'm ready to be finished.

[Onceuponatime]

This topic is very timely for me. I'll be 50 this year and would really like for everything to be done. I usually get bad headaches and extreme fogginess on day 1 of my cycle. I'm anemic. I have 24-26 day cycles that are shorter with an occasional 17 day one once in a while. I can never sleep past 6 in the morning, and am often awake  at 4. I rarely get hot flashes. If I do they are at that 4 in the morning time. Whatever time I wake up, my heart is usually racing or pounding. During the day I sometimes get what I call a "slow burn" instead of a hot flash. The rest of the time I am cold.

 

Naps are a life saver. Some days I could nap half the day. Other days I am restless and can't sit still. Dry skin- yes, I can no longer use soap products. Dry eyes- yes, especially at night. Other dryness- not yet. The biggest worry for me is the anxiety. I've always been a low level anxiety person and mostly manage it by planning ahead then charging through and ignoring how I feel. I hate surprises. Now, the anxiety has been ramped up a notch. I still manage it the same way, but have become much more reluctant to leave home. It doesn't help that I feel perfectly fine when I exercise, but my heart can start racing when I'm sitting still or lying down. 

 

My mother left my father when she was my age. I don't want to do anything so drastic, but I think I understand her better now. I also understand why some older women become cantankerous and don't have a filter on their mouth. One of my great grandmothers is famous for going after my grandfather (her Son-in-law) with a baseball bat and being generally unapproachable for 2 years.  My mother wasn't done til 52. Two more years of this sounds very depressing, 6-8 years probably would drive me bonkers.

 

What is also discouraging is I have some real issues I would like to address in my life, but I don't want to be one of "those" women, who were thought to have "lost her mind" at a certain age.

 

Sometimes I feel like a hormonal 13yo and others I feel like I did when I was 8 months pregnant. I've had mild acne for 3 years. Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, guess I'll go eat worms.

 

So far all I've done that has actually helped is manage what I eat better and exercise more- reducing sugar and carbs, reducing over all quantity of food I eat, easy yoga and aerobics.

[Scarlett]

This topic is very timely for me. I'll be 50 this year and would really like for everything to be done. I usually get bad headaches and extreme fogginess on day 1 of my cycle. I'm anemic. I have 24-26 day cycles that are shorter with an occasional 17 day one once in a while. I can never sleep past 6 in the morning, and am often awake at 4. I rarely get hot flashes. If I do they are at that 4 in the morning time. Whatever time I wake up, my heart is usually racing or pounding. During the day I sometimes get what I call a "slow burn" instead of a hot flash. The rest of the time I am cold.

 

Naps are a life saver. Some days I could nap half the day. Other days I am restless and can't sit still. Dry skin- yes, I can no longer use soap products. Dry eyes- yes, especially at night. Other dryness- not yet. The biggest worry for me is the anxiety. I've always been a low level anxiety person and mostly manage it by planning ahead then charging through and ignoring how I feel. I hate surprises. Now, the anxiety has been ramped up a notch. I still manage it the same way, but have become much more reluctant to leave home. It doesn't help that I feel perfectly fine when I exercise, but my heart can start racing when I'm sitting still or lying down.

 

My mother left my father when she was my age. I don't want to do anything so drastic, but I think I understand her better now. I also understand why some older women become cantankerous and don't have a filter on their mouth. One of my great grandmothers is famous for going after my grandfather (her Son-in-law) with a baseball bat and being generally unapproachable for 2 years. My mother wasn't done til 52. Two more years of this sounds very depressing, 6-8 years probably would drive me bonkers.

 

What is also discouraging is I have some real issues I would like to address in my life, but I don't want to be one of "those" women, who were thought to have "lost her mind" at a certain age.

 

Sometimes I feel like a hormonal 13yo and others I feel like I did when I was 8 months pregnant. I've had mild acne for 3 years. Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, guess I'll go eat worms.

 

So far all I've done that has actually helped is manage what I eat better and exercise more- reducing sugar and carbs, reducing over all quantity of food I eat, easy yoga and aerobics.

(((Hugs))). Please go see your doctor. Your symptoms can be managed. There is just no reason to live this way.

 

Btw, I totally agree that many of the woman who leave husbands for no apparent reason have hormonal issues. It sounds insulting until you have experienced said symptoms. The anxiety was the worst for me. It would often turn into rage. I didn't want to take hormones but I knew I couldn't go on like that.

[sunflowerlady]

When I read about perimenopause and menopause, the books said that periods would become less regular. In my mind, I interpreted that as less frequent and farther apart. Makes sense, right?  After all , you are heading to the point where they stop coming, so it stands to reason that they will gradually get farther apart. Well, I was in for a surprise. :huh:

 

Less regular can also mean more frequent. There have been times they have been two weeks apart. Also there have been times I skip a month. The problem is the unpredictability. Never knowing what to expect. 

 

No hot flashes yet, but PMS is back with a vengeance.  Oh, and trying to lose weight? My body is fighting me big time. Low carb doesn't even work any more. :cursing:  :glare:

 

 

[Angie in VA]

I am going to pore over this thread, but I first I have to thank the OP. THANK YOU, Iron Ethel!!!

 

I only got out of bed yesterday when I needed to. I hadn't slept well the night before (helping a friend in a bad situation, so late to bed, and insomnia + mild hot flashes all night) and wondered if being tired contributed to my feeling so low yesterday. I only got of bed to take the dc where they had to be. If dd had her license, I'd have stayed in bed.

 

I have a theory of why couples move when they retire. Some might think they move to a smaller house since they're empty nesters, or they want a smaller yard that requires less maintenance. Some might think they move to a place that has lower taxes, or they just want to be closer to their grandchildren. I say nay, nay. 

 

I believe it's because the wife has either told off everyone she knows and/or has embarrassed herself crying in public, and once she is through all that menopausal stuff, she wants a fresh start. At least that's why I'd move. Only I'd want to lose weight first and really be a different person!  #daydreaming

 

 

So, thank you, Iron Ethel. Yesterday was a really bad day. Now I am armed with info to help me get through this. 

[Farrar]

Does everyone or nearly everyone really get the heavier periods?  I've read that, but I just can't imagine mine getting heavier than they have been in the past.  I mean, we're talking not able to go out because I need to change out every half hour.

 

My mother was done really young and I think I'm headed that way too.  I've gotten uneven in my times.

[Onceuponatime]

(((Hugs))). Please go see your doctor. Your symptoms can be managed. There is just no reason to live this way.

 

Btw, I totally agree that many of the woman who leave husbands for no apparent reason have hormonal issues. It sounds insulting until you have experienced said symptoms. The anxiety was the worst for me. It would often turn into rage. I didn't want to take hormones but I knew I couldn't go on like that.

Are there non-hormonal options? I'm at risk for breast cancer.

[Scarlett]

Are there non-hormonal options? I'm at risk for breast cancer.

At risk how? My mom and sister are bc survivors so I thought I would NEVER take hormones. But guess what? I am. :). I decided that my quality of life is important...more important than a risk of something that might never happen.

 

My doctor agrees. He put me on a low dose and I even take only half of that. He was surprised I can manage my symptoms on half of what he prescribes.

 

Really...you need something. What you described is horrible.

[Scarlett]

Does everyone or nearly everyone really get the heavier periods? I've read that, but I just can't imagine mine getting heavier than they have been in the past. I mean, we're talking not able to go out because I need to change out every half hour.

 

My mother was done really young and I think I'm headed that way too. I've gotten uneven in my times.

That heavy of periods is concerning. Have you mentioned it to your doc?

[shukriyya]

This is a great thread. A book that I find both empowering and very practical is herbalist Susun Weed's, 'The New Menopausal Years'. It's chock full of specifics for almost every possible symptom you could have but rather than seeing menopause through the lens of pathology she sees it as a time of stepping into a different kind of power. She doesn't romanticize it, she's straight up about it.

[Onceuponatime]

 

 

 

I have a theory of why couples move when they retire. Some might think they move to a smaller house since they're empty nesters, or they want a smaller yard that requires less maintenance. Some might think they move to a place that has lower taxes, or they just want to be closer to their grandchildren. I say nay, nay.

 

I believe it's because the wife has either told off everyone she knows and/or has embarrassed herself crying in public, and once she is through all that menopausal stuff, she wants a fresh start. At least that's why I'd move. Only I'd want to lose weight first and really be a different person! #daydreaming

 

.

I can totally relate to wanting to move and start over. I'm pretty sure that will be something I push in the future, even if it is10 years away.

[Farrar]

That heavy of periods is concerning. Have you mentioned it to your doc?

 

Doctors never care.  And they're not like that anymore, not post-kids.  At least, only a few times.  I've been appreciating that things have gotten consistently lighter.  To think they'd get heavier, especially heavier than ever...  oy.  I'd probably pass out from blood loss or something.

[Scarlett]

Doctors never care. And they're not like that anymore, not post-kids. At least, only a few times. I've been appreciating that things have gotten consistently lighter. To think they'd get heavier, especially heavier than ever... oy. I'd probably pass out from blood loss or something.

Oh ok. Well if they were still that heavy I would say find a new doctor. My mom had periods that heavy and she ended up with cervical cancer...or uterine. I get the two confused.

[TCB]

I would be really interested if anyone has successfully used anything  non- hormonal for the dryness issue. I have youngish children, so am nervous about taking hormones due to the increased health risks. But the TeA aspect is causing some marital friction - pun intended - and I would really like to find a solution, or at least a help. TMI but the usual local lubricants just don't seem to agree with me.

[Farrar]

Oh ok. Well if they were still that heavy I would say find a new doctor. My mom had periods that heavy and she ended up with cervical cancer...or uterine. I get the two confused.

 

Hm.  Good to know.  I usually get paps on time and they're always normal, so I'm thinking it's okay.  I had endometriosis pre-kids so I'm sure that was a part of it.  Maybe that makes a difference.

[Scarlett]

Hm. Good to know. I usually get paps on time and they're always normal, so I'm thinking it's okay. I had endometriosis pre-kids so I'm sure that was a part of it. Maybe that makes a difference.

Yes paps are vital. My mom only went to the doctor at age 30 because her 24 year old sister had just died from uterine cancer.

[tori@thehomefront]

I apologize if this should be a spinoff thread, but I'm wondering if anyone might have insight into early menopause? My cycle is long, but pretty regular, however a lot of the other symptoms discussed above fit me to a tee.

 

(Edited for misspellings)

[Onceuponatime]

At risk how? My mom and sister are bc survivors so I thought I would NEVER take hormones. But guess what? I am. :). I decided that my quality of life is important...more important than a risk of something that might never happen.

 

My doctor agrees. He put me on a low dose and I even take only half of that. He was surprised I can manage my symptoms on half of what he prescribes.

 

Really...you need something. What you described is horrible.

My mother and grandmother had breast cancer. It's funny, I was thinking it wasn't so bad because it certainly isn't as bad as the time I had post partum depression and I lived through that . Looking back at my post, it does seem a little off, lol. The truth is, I'm very afraid of the hormones because of the risk.

[Angie in VA]

My mother left my father when she was my age. I don't want to do anything so drastic, but I think I understand her better now. I also understand why some older women become cantankerous and don't have a filter on their mouth. One of my great grandmothers is famous for going after my grandfather (her Son-in-law) with a baseball bat and being generally unapproachable for 2 years.  My mother wasn't done til 52. Two more years of this sounds very depressing, 6-8 years probably would drive me bonkers.

 

 

Sometimes I feel like a hormonal 13yo and others I feel like I did when I was 8 months pregnant. I've had mild acne for 3 years. Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, guess I'll go eat worms.

 

 

A friend and I were talking about this recently, how several women we know (some mutual friends) threw in the towel during menopause. I've seen couples split after the last kid reaches 18, but now I'm thinking that it may have coincided w/ the throes of menopause. Interesting.

 

The bold above? Yep!

 

 

[Scarlett]

My mother and grandmother had breast cancer. It's funny, I was thinking it wasn't so bad because it certainly isn't as bad as the time I had post partum depression and I lived through that . Looking back at my post, it does seem a little off, lol. The truth is, I'm very afraid of the hormones because of the risk.

You have to decide of course. Have you discussed it with your doctor? Print out your post up thread to get across to him the severity of your symptoms.

 

The risk of bc is quite different from having had cancer. My mom for example can never take hormones again because her cancer was estrogen fed. I don't have cancer, haven't had cancer and so the hormones are a benefit/risk question...I decided the benefit outweighs the risk.

[shukriyya]

I would be really interested if anyone has successfully used anything non- hormonal for the dryness issue. I have youngish children, so am nervous about taking hormones due to the increased health risks. But the TeA aspect is causing some marital friction - pun intended - and I would really like to find a solution, or at least a help. TMI but the usual local lubricants just don't seem to agree with me.

Have you tried coconut oil? Looking at the section on dryness from the book I mentioned upthread...

 

Comfrey root sitz bath

Chickweed tincture--for its cooling effect

Motherwort tincture--to increase moisture and thicken the walls

Vitamin E

Plantain root

Essential oil salvia sclarea

 

These are just a few of her suggestions but without the dosages, cautions and context.

[dtsmamtj]

Does everyone or nearly everyone really get the heavier periods?  I've read that, but I just can't imagine mine getting heavier than they have been in the past.  I mean, we're talking not able to go out because I need to change out every half hour.

 

My mother was done really young and I think I'm headed that way too.  I've gotten uneven in my times.

 

I did - they kept me in the house for up to 2-3 days at a time.  I ended up having a biopsy done and my OB ended up doing a mini-DNC right then and there to see if it would help.  It did help, those cycles were less often. 

 

I was only 38-39 when things started changing for me.  My doctor told me I was "too young" to be having female issues like these so he did nothing.  Fast forward after three horrific miscarriages and one pregnancy to term my new OB was furious that this had been untreated.  My mom failed to enlighten me - having this information of family history would have been enough to spare me four years of **ll!!  My girls know everything now.  I plan on reminding them and telling their future husbands so they can be of support if/when the time comes.  I have a friend whose husband didn't believe her when she started having female issues because she was young :cursing:  She is getting the help she needs now and her husband is very supportive.  Although at mid-late 40s the cycles have ended the rest of the side affects are still alive and kicking :glare: but am grateful for my medication. :hurray: 

 

T