Menopause & Perimenopause

I know it sounds simple,  BUT..  I went off BC pills (Yaz)  due to increased, uncomfortable bloating.  Had taken them for 8 months.   Had  light to normal periods after each 21 day pill pack.   Was off for a few weeks, and felt fine,  when BAM!!  I started getting hot flashes that increased in amount per day and intensity.  They were mostly at night,  and were worse after alcohol, spicy foods, etc.   ALL the classic aggrevaters I had read about in the OASIS.   

It was early fall, and I was hot, almost ALL the time.  I wanted windows opened, fan on,  when my husband was comfortable.   

Bottom line,  after less than 3 weeks,  I couldnt take anymore   I dont know how some of you girls go through all this,  I have read posts, and I KNOW some of you are WAY stronger than me!!    And I went through 3 completely drug free  labor and births (unless you count the pitocin that made it hurt more!!)    I just was NOT doing menopause well, not by any stretch!!   

Sooo,  long story short,  I went back on BC,  but this time Femcon.   I didnt think it would work because it took a week to feel relief,  and it came slowly.  The hot flashes decreased, but didnt go away completely till 2 weeks into my pill pak.    OMG  what a HUGE relief.   I now feel back to my normal self.  The only thing I notice different is I am still drier "there"  

OH,  btw,  I am 52.   I just ended this pill pak 4 days ago and still no period,  so maybe I am starting the year before menopause?    Also, when I was off the pill, for that 5-6 weeks?    I did not get a period.    

IDK  if this works for others,  but I am hoping this will be all I need.   Please respond if you had a similar situation.   I keep wondering if there is one better way than another.  I read many posts about hormone therapy, bioidentical, creams, etc.   Wondering if there is a better way,  and why?   For now,  I am SOO happy to feel good again. 

Ah, bcps, are actually the usual way to deal with peri.  The bcp shuts down your hormones and over rides them.  Some women have taken prempro with similiar results.  It takes trial and error to find the pill that works sometimes.  I took the pill until I had my hysterectomy.  It did not take away all my symptoms but I could live with most of them on them. 

You won't know if you have hit menopause without going off the pill for 3 months and checking your hormones.  Fun huh?  not!

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

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

 

 

 

 

Hello, lindabeth57, and welcome to our board.  I hope for you that this pill will be your ticket through this portion of your life's journey.  For some it is, for others it is only for a brief span of time that it helps to any degree.  May you be one of the ones it truly helps!  If your symptoms *do* begin to return please speak to your doctor about adjusting your dosage.

This part of our lives can last what seems like forever for some!  Some of the lucky ones just suddenly quit having periods and never have to deal with any of the other symptoms (or so they think!!); others begin perimenopause and do not reach actual menopause for up to 15 years!  Then there are those who never really get past *all* of the indicators/symptoms.  Normally we tell gals that it takes one full year without having a period to tell them that they have reached menopause (just a point in time!!), but with you taking BCPs and them regulating your hormone levels it will be a bit more difficult for you to know for sure when you have "arrived". You may have to come off the pill again for a few months to see just where in this journey you really are.

I read your response in another post and find I am terribly curious as to why you do not want your DH to know you are dealing with peri-menopause!?! If he is the loving and caring person you indicate he is, I am sure he will understand and be willing to help you as best he can as you travel down this path of life. I'm not saying you are *wrong* in wanting to keep it from him, I just have trouble understanding it!! LOL   There is a "Men's Page" at our Menopause Oasis that you might want to check out and use information from if you do decide to share this with him!

Good luck, and please know that you are welcome to come here any time ~ to vent (it really does help!!!), to ask questions, to share experiences, or to just hang out with other gals who understand and care....

Co-cl for
Menopause & Perimenopause Board
and
Fifty & Up Board

A list of Menopause related links at iVillage 'Total Health' are listed here...

 

You are loved ~~ far more than you may ever know!

Thanks for the welcome, also from Cheryl.  About the coming off BC for 3 months to know where I am in this process,  THAT will have to wait a while.  I was miserable with the symptoms!  Mine was really "just" hot flashes,  and I dont even think they were that intense, compared to posts I have read here.  I feel so bad for the girls that are having sheet- drenching night sweats and really suffering more than I was.  I was reading alot on this site when I was off BC and wanting to know what to expect.   

I am happy that going back on new BC  got rid of my symptoms COMPLETELY.   I will definately go to my gyno if it doesnt last.  I know I am on a low dose pill,  so the hormones could be raised. 

As for the other post, IDK, I just want to FEEL young, and normal.  I know this is normal for my age,  but I mean the normal I was used to before I was diagnosed.      I have chronic leukemia (not acute)  so I have to deal with feeling like a bit of an invalid when it flares up.    I guess this is something I can actually CONTROL,  unlike my illness.    He is so supportive of my feelings when I am feeling sick,  that I dont want to add any more to the pile..  KWIM?      

I guess I just like feeling like the ME I was before.  

Thanks again,  Even though my symptoms are gone,  I do like a place I can come where we are all going through the same thing, even if in different ways.  See,  I am not TOTALLY in denial  LOL

OH,  also,  HOW do I make my type larger and colored like yours?   I clicked on the tabs?  but - nothing.  Help? 

Are you on a pc or a mac?  I know that there is a difference.  If you have a pc at the top of the box where you type, there should be 4 boxes.  paragraph, font, size color.   Highlight the text an then go up to the box.  Do the drop down for size and it should show numbers.  I do 4.  Again the same with font, color etc. 

If this doesn't help, let us know.  Kt may be better at explaining what is going on. 

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

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