Menopause & Perimenopause

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum, but not iVillage. Six years ago, I had blood work done, because my periods were horrendous, very painful, heavy bleeding etc etc. Well, my results came back and my Primary physician said that I was in the Gray Zone for Perimenopause. He then puts me on BCP. Well ... to make a long story short, I got pregnant (We tried for 14 years to conceive another child after our last, and this did it!) Anyhow, we love him to death! Okay, back to my question...

I have been waking up every night wet under the breast area, and in the middle of my back (I would assume hot flashes?) I have many many symptoms for menopause, but the one that is the worst is no ENERGY! I only get a few hours of sleep a night, because I can't get to sleep until super late ... and then I'm taking 3 hour naps during the day. Is this normal during perimenopause, or am I getting into the menopausal stage. I will be 42 this Nov ... I feel like I'm much much older! I just want my old body back! Do any of you have suggestions on what natural things I can take, because I am scared to take HRT or BCP!

Hopefully you ladies can be my crutch through this ... my DH has no clue what I'm going through, and I refuse to explain to him, because he has no clue ... he is always telling me how lazy I have become! Yes, there are times I just feel like crying. I do have many other things going on related to hormone issues, but this main one is a huge issue for me.

I'm so sorry to be venting, when I'm only trying to ask for support!

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Hi Marjorie,

Venting is definitely allowed here!  As I often say--we don't have all the answers but we do understand!!!!!  Fatigue is definitely a part of this--I'm sure Cheryl (cl-coldfingers) will probably post to tell you that that has been one of the worst symptoms she has had!

Have you checked out the Menopause Oasis yet?????  The link is in my sig-line.  There you will find a list of symptoms (and most ladies find that they have some that they never associated with peri or meno--I know I did!) as well as other info and tips on dealing with all of this.  There is even a place there FOR MEN that you might want to refer your dh to! Honestly, if men went through what we do, there would be much more known about peri and meno and much better treatments for the symptoms!!!!!   There is info on the "natural" approach but also some interesting info on hrt you might want to check out.  Seems the WHI study that was halted a few years ago and set us all back on our heels was actually very poorly run--but it sure had alot of women going off hrt and has created alot of fear about hrt.  It may not calm your fears, but it's always good to find out all you can when making decisions.  The ladies on the board will do everything they can do to help support whatever decision you make!

Please feel free to post anytime--whether it's venting, asking questions or just commenting!

Rhea

Hugs to you Rhea,

I printed out a pdf on symptoms, so hopefully DH will have a better understanding. I didn't realize how many symptoms of menopause I have (Over half of them). I actually think I'm more scared too, to be going through this (alone) in my home!

I think with support, I may just get through it!

Thank you so much for the link ... I'll continue reading on that website, and I'm sure I'll be back here venting!

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Hi and welcome to the board.  As Rhea said, the fatigue or lack of energy is my worst.  I could deal with the no sleeping if when I did sleep I felt refreshed the next morning!  <sigh>  I have found supplements that do help me.  The problem is I can't tell it till I don't take them.  One year I ran out, and thought I'm still tired and what is the point.  I didn't order more.  That was a couple of weeks before the 4th of July.  So, on the 4th we went to the park to see the fireworks.  Setting in the park, with them going off over my head, I about went to sleep!!!  I thought that is WRONG!!!  I thought what was different and it was the supplements.  I came home and ordered them.  Paid extra for shipping to get them here faster!  I am still tired... <sigh> 

I am now surgically post menopause and still deal with the fatigue.  I have never taken hrt.  I was on bcps before my surgery.  I really think I want estrogen.  It is the women who go on hrt that get beyond this.  I have lived this way for about 15 years....  I'm sure it isn't what you want to hear, but at least you will know you are normal and not alone in this. 

Post anytime with questions, to share, vent, or just hang out... someone is usually here!!!  And remember.... you are NOT alone!!!

co-cl Menopause and Perimenopause Board
co-cl Menopause and Perimenopause chat (on hiatus!)
co-cl Diabetes Board
cl Hysterectomy and Alternatives Board

 

For more info on menopause and perimenopause visit:
cl-klrambo's Menopause Oasis

Remember....you are NOT alone!!!!!

Cheryl, thanks for replying. It's an awful feeling, not wanting to do anything. It's not that I don't want to ... but I just have no energy to do anything. It's as if my metabolism just stopped, plus I've quit smoking April 4th ... so it seems as though it's worse.

You know, I've never had my tubes tied or anything surgical ... and someone told me that menopause won't be that bad since I've not had anything done, well ... they're liars!

I don't want to go on HRT or BCP, but if there is something safe out there I'll try it. Definitely afraid to do BCP, with my luck ... I'll end up pregnant again!

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