joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88 
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 3:55:46 GMT
all as a result of menopause!
I'm dealing with the hot flashes that make my ears as hot as the surface of the sun.
I'm dealing with the intermittent, unpredictable periods.
I'm dealing with the insomnia even though I'd give my right arm to have more than 4 hours of sleep a night.
But the hormonal mood changes are killing me. My husband, whom I adore, is in his office hiding from me because I am volatile - happy one moment and hateful the next. I've worked for a company for almost 18 years but today I almost quit because of a little annoyance with a coworker. I was unkind to my 15 year old son who didn't warrant even the slightest reprimand. I am moody and cry at the slightest provocation. This is not me!!! I am kind. I am thoughtful. I am the pleaser and peacemaker. At this moment I don't even like myself and don't blame my family one bit for running for cover when I walk through the door.
I am scheduled with my PCP next week but I know he's very conservative when it comes to HRT and I predict he will be reluctant to prescribe it for me.
Do the mood changes ease as time goes by? Please, someone tell me there is hope.
Jo
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 11, 2015 4:00:05 GMT
I'm sorry. I haven't gone through it yet, so I can't give you advice or even hope, but if your PCP isn't doing what you need/want, can you get another?
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Deleted
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Oct 6, 2024 6:24:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2015 4:02:20 GMT
I did NOT write this post! This is JoinUtah at one time and I remember her name before that. She is an ancient Pea.
I do have big mood changes. I do have the rest of the symptoms. I am losing my mind! I am seeing the specialist in less than 3 weeks!
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:07:00 GMT
I called two endocrinologists today but they aren't accepting new patients. I'm going to call around tomorrow to others in my area. In the meantime I am sending myself to time out so my family doesn't get a dose of my moodiness. I'm constantly reminding myself to chill out but oh my goodness, it just overtakes me! I feel like I am battling demons!
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846
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Post by georgiapea on Aug 11, 2015 4:08:04 GMT
If your current doctor does not want to Rx an HRT, please, see another doctor. I have taken Premarin since 1976 with no side effects. There is no need for us women to suffer with menopause. My heart hurts for what you are going through.
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:10:54 GMT
I did NOT write this post! This is JoinUtah at one time and I remember her name before that. She is an ancient Pea. I do have big mood changes. I do have the rest of the symptoms. I am losing my mind! I am seeing the specialist in less than 3 weeks! I am lost - does someone think I am a troll? Or you? Yes, I was a pea at TwoPeas. I've made many dear friends from 2 Peas in real life. Jo |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 11, 2015 4:11:47 GMT
May I ask how old you are? I just turned fifty and am wondering when it is going to hit. I honestly hoped I would make it to retirement before the hot flashes hit. I had a hysterectomy but left the ovaries intact in 2007.
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Post by elaine on Aug 11, 2015 4:13:01 GMT
I called two endocrinologists today but they aren't accepting new patients. I'm going to call around tomorrow to others in my area. In the meantime I am sending myself to time out so my family doesn't get a dose of my moodiness. I'm constantly reminding myself to chill out but oh my goodness, it just overtakes me! I feel like I am battling demons! Be prepared (not that it will help with the moodiness) but most endocrinologists have months' long waiting lists. Since they treat diabetes (very common) and thyroid disorders (not uncommon), they are usually swamped and probably won't triage a HRT patient as an emergency, so it will probably take more persistence and patience than you have right now. (((hugs)))) i hope one you get in to see someone soon, or that your GP is willing to pursue it with you. |
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:12:55 GMT
If your current doctor does not want to Rx an HRT, please, see another doctor. I have taken Premarin since 1976 with no side effects. There is no need for us women to suffer with menopause. My heart hurts for what you are going through. Thank you. I never understood how difficult menopause can be. |
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Deleted
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Oct 6, 2024 6:24:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2015 4:13:24 GMT
No I remember you from Two Peas years ago.
(I always complain about my stupid menopause symptoms so I wanted to make sure everyone knew you are you and not me. I complain about this stuff all.the.time.)
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:16:20 GMT
May I ask how old you are? I just turned fifty and am wondering when it is going to hit. I honestly hoped I would make it to retirement before the hot flashes hit. I had a hysterectomy but left the ovaries intact in 2007. I am 45. I wondered if I started the process early but my research says I'm within the range for normal age. |
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:17:55 GMT
No I remember you from Two Peas years ago. (I always complain about my stupid menopause symptoms so I wanted to make sure everyone knew you are you and not me. I complain about this stuff all.the.time.) lol...I see.  |
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Aug 11, 2015 4:21:09 GMT
I don't know how you feel about medications, but perhaps you could get a Rx for anti-anxiety medication, or whatever might assist with that?? I haven't have issues with menopause but do have depression and anti-depressants have made a huge difference for me.
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 11, 2015 4:21:35 GMT
May I ask how old you are? I just turned fifty and am wondering when it is going to hit. I honestly hoped I would make it to retirement before the hot flashes hit. I had a hysterectomy but left the ovaries intact in 2007. I am 45. I wondered if I started the process early but my research says I'm within the range for normal age. You definitely are. I just wondered. |
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:23:58 GMT
I don't know how you feel about medications, but perhaps you could get a Rx for anti-anxiety medication, or whatever might assist with that?? I haven't have issues with menopause but do have depression and anti-depressants have made a huge difference for me. I'm open to try anything at this point. I'll talk to my PCP about it. Thank you! |
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julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
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Post by julieb on Aug 11, 2015 4:26:59 GMT
My DH and his friends (with wives all in early 50's) call it "Angry Wife Syndrome". I've had it for about 3 years and I don't see it letting up anytime soon.
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Post by Pahina722 on Aug 11, 2015 4:31:15 GMT
My conservative PCP refused me any HRT because of my family's history of ovarian and breast cancer. However, she never bothered to suggest having genetic testing done to see if I carry the genetic markers for it that my mother does. Thankfully, the OB-GYN who did my hysterectomy did suggest the test. As soon as she found out that I don't carry the gene, she put me on HRT. it's amazing how much better I feel. I never had huge mood swings, but I did become snappier with everyone. For me, the worst symptoms were the hot flashes and (  ) vaginal thinning/dryness. Did I mention how much happier DH is because of the HRT.  |
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:31:53 GMT
My DH and his friends (with wives all in early 50's) call it "Angry Wife Syndrome". I've had it for about 3 years and I don't see it letting up anytime soon. Oh, that's not good! I really will be a lonely old lady living under a bridge! |
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Deleted
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Oct 6, 2024 6:24:51 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2015 4:36:27 GMT
If your doctor won't go for hrt for you without a good reason, and an endo takes to long, look for a gynecologist.
What you are experiencing will eventually ease up... but eventually could be 5-10 years!
A small dose of antidepressants helps some women with the irritability/mood swings so if there is a big reason to not go the hrt route consider that alternative to see if it at least helps the irritability.
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julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
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Post by julieb on Aug 11, 2015 4:37:41 GMT
My DH and his friends (with wives all in early 50's) call it "Angry Wife Syndrome". I've had it for about 3 years and I don't see it letting up anytime soon. Oh, that's not good! I really will be a lonely old lady living under a bridge!
They won't abandon you! Are you having hot flashes? I rarely have them anymore and when I did I used Progesterone cream, Evening Primrose Oil (a pill) and Vitex Berry (also a pill). I have a great pharmacist who is very informative on natural vitamins, etc. and it worked wonders.
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:39:42 GMT
My conservative PCP refused me any HRT because of my family's history of ovarian and breast cancer. However, she never bothered to suggest having genetic testing done to see if I carry the genetic markers for it that my mother does. Thankfully, the OB-GYN who did my hysterectomy did suggest the test. As soon as she found out that I don't carry the gene, she put me on HRT. it's amazing how much better I feel. I never had huge mood swings, but I did become snappier with everyone. For me, the worst symptoms were the hot flashes and ( ) vaginal thinning/dryness. Did I mention how much happier DH is because of the HRT. My family's history is what will cause my PCP's reluctance too. Did your insurance cover the genetic testing? I heard it is very expensive and may not be covered. At this point I would pay almost any amount of money to have a treatment. Glad you are better! Being a girl is no fun at times. |
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Post by gryroagain on Aug 11, 2015 4:39:36 GMT
Elannah, I too could have written this post, so I get what you meant!
Angry wife syndrome sounds about right. I am one crabby mama. I can't take hormones for a clotting/vein issue. It's not in full swing but already ugly. Perhaps the dr will prescribe some nice Valium for, oh, the next 10 years. Otherwise I too may end up divorced, unemployed, and abandoned by my kids. I have been researching herbal type stuff that may help, but Valium would be quicker. I may as well be a zombie for 10 years, it's better than a wraith.
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:45:58 GMT
If your doctor won't go for hrt for you without a good reason, and an endo takes to long, look for a gynecologist. What you are experiencing will eventually ease up... but eventually could be 5-10 years! A small dose of antidepressants helps some women with the irritability/mood swings so if there is a big reason to not go the hrt route consider that alternative to see if it at least helps the irritability. In all seriousness, I could not endure 5-10 years like this. I feel like someone else is in my head. I can't control how I feel or how I react. I'll ask my friends for recommendations for a gynecologist. I had issues with my last one and I've just been seeing my PCP for my yearly visit. I'm not opposed to antidepressants and my PCP might consider that course of treatment. Maybe until I can get into a specialist at least. |
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:49:49 GMT
Oh, that's not good! I really will be a lonely old lady living under a bridge!
They won't abandon you! Are you having hot flashes? I rarely have them anymore and when I did I used Progesterone cream, Evening Primrose Oil (a pill) and Vitex Berry (also a pill). I have a great pharmacist who is very informative on natural vitamins, etc. and it worked wonders.
I know my family loves me but right now they just don't like this version of me. Yes, I definitely have hot flashes! And my ears turn as red as a fire truck and are hot to the touch. I'll talk to my pharmacist about those suggestions. Thank you! |
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joinutah
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by joinutah on Aug 11, 2015 4:53:06 GMT
Elannah, I too could have written this post, so I get what you meant! Angry wife syndrome sounds about right. I am one crabby mama. I can't take hormones for a clotting/vein issue. It's not in full swing but already ugly. Perhaps the dr will prescribe some nice Valium for, oh, the next 10 years. Otherwise I too may end up divorced, unemployed, and abandoned by my kids. I have been researching herbal type stuff that may help, but Valium would be quicker. I may as well be a zombie for 10 years, it's better than a wraith. Oh, I am sorry you're having this too! Good luck on your search for help. |
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Post by shaniam on Aug 11, 2015 5:23:39 GMT
I'm 46 and right there with you. I'm so grumpy I don't even like myself most days. So tired of maybe I'll have a period this month maybe not. Just get over it already! The baby making factory is closed up! No need for all this nonsense anymore.
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Post by utpea on Aug 11, 2015 5:56:50 GMT
I was put into menopause at the age of 30 for medical reasons. It hit me like a ton of bricks. The antidepressant Rx, Effexor, has helped quite a bit, especially with the hot flashes. Hope you find some relief.
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Deleted
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Oct 6, 2024 6:24:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2015 5:59:06 GMT
I take Effexor. It's nice. It makes the world better. Not perfect, but much better.
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M in Carolina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,128
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Post by M in Carolina on Aug 11, 2015 6:15:32 GMT
I had a hysterectomy at 29 that included the removal of my remaining ovary--I was in perimenopause already. I was really worried about the hot flashes/etc. because I can't take hormones because of my clotting disorders. My pain control doctor lined up a ganglion nerve block to stop hot flashes even before I had my hysterectomy. Ganglion Nerve block study I wasn't part of the study, but my doctor was the first doctor to offer the block in the area of Chicago where I lived. I still had a rough time, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it would have been. I'm not even allowed estrogen or progesterone cream, and the vaginal thinning/shrinking is driving me crazy. I'm going to have to find someone to give me the cream--even if I have a high risk of a PE. I'd rather have 5 years, feel normal--not like if I walk too much the friction will cause my groin to catch fire, and have the amazing sex I used to have with dh than live 15 -20 years in the desert right now. Keep on the vaginal dryness and go to your gyn at the first sign of loss of elasticity. Nobody told me, and I'm in bad shape now. Dh has been suffering from very low testosterone and nerve pain in his groin, so we were on hiatus anyway. I had to fight tooth and nail to get the hysterectomy because I'm so high risk--I had precancerous cells in my uterus and my bio mother died at 42 of uterine cancer. I wanted the surgeon to go ahead and lift my bladder up so I didn't have to go through another surgery. She refused. Guess what's falling down to my knees? I'm hoping the bladder dropping is causing a lot of my vaginal problems--I feel like when they took my cervix out, they made my v half as long as it was. The things we women go through... men wouldn't stand a chance of putting up with this crap. I really wish I had been more forceful and hadn't "waited and seen" if things improved and wasted so much time when I first went into menopause. I got blown off. Thankfully, I have good doctors now. |
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Post by christine58 on Aug 11, 2015 11:25:15 GMT
Just a thought...you're in perimenopause. Menopause is when you have not had a period for a year---two more months and this will be ME~~ Coincidently, I have my yearly OB/GYN visit in October..YAY!~~
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) vaginal thinning/dryness. Did I mention how much happier DH is because of the HRT. 
Southern Side eyed Pea 
