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From: MaryW
Date: 08-16-2005, 08:30 AM (1 of 20)
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Does menopause begin after you have not had a period in one year? I am confused, I have had hot flashes for a couple of years now. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: toadusew
Date: 08-16-2005, 09:22 AM (2 of 20)
Mary, I'm no expert, but I can tell you what happened to me when I entered menopause. In my case, it started at age 42. For about a year, I had noticed that my periods were lighter and different than they had been. All my life I had been regular with periods, but I began missing one here and there. I also noticed other symptoms....I was extremely irritable, the least little thing could set me off. I went to my doc and she did a hormone panel, which confirmed that I was entering menopause. I think I had a few periods--very irregular--for about the next 6 months to a year, and then one day, they stopped. I did take HRT--orally at first, but that didn't set well with me, so I switched to the patch, which as much better. I then had more problems and eventually had a complete hysterectomy this past January 31. I feel better than I have felt in years! Now I'm on an estrogen gel (rub it on my arm every day) and feel well.  I'm a little confused about when menopause is complete as well (my doc keeps indicating that I'm still "in" menopause), but I'm guessing, and mind you, I'm just guessing, that menopause isn't "complete" until the symptoms go away, and I think that can take 5-10 years, depending on the woman. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: tiedyejudy
Date: 08-16-2005, 09:26 AM (3 of 20)
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Does menopause begin after you have not had a period in one year? I am confused, I have had hot flashes for a couple of years now. Mary, I believe your doctor can confirm that - as I recall, I was in 'peri-menopause' for about a year until my doctor pronounced me in menopause. He did a couple of blood tests over that year which measured my hormone levels. As for your hot flashes, I used a supplement called 'Soy Care' which was available at my local drug store to reduce the hot flashes. It contains natural soy isoflavones, which reduced the discomfort. You could probably get similar relief by eating soy beans, which are quite tasty. I chose not to go on HRT because of a family history (both sides) of breast cancer. I have not had to take the supplement for the past few years, and no longer have the hot flashes, so hopefully there is an end in sight for you too! Judy Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78 
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From: dmoses
Date: 08-16-2005, 09:39 AM (4 of 20)
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This site has some good basic information. Menopause Guidebook (www.menopause.org/edumaterials/guidebook/mgtoc.htm) Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 08-16-2005, 09:44 AM (5 of 20)
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Mary, I had a partial hysterectomy about 12 years ago. They told me I would be going through menopause later in life. I started having the hot flashes and all the other symptoms about 3 years later, but the doc said I am not in menopause. I am still going through all of these wonderful symptoms. Not much works for me, so I just grin and bear it. One doc told me that I would never go through what he called a complete menopause. The stress in my life plays a big part of it. I guess I am so use to the stress I think it is normal. Go to the doc and have him run the blood work that can tell you if you are pre-or in menopause. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: Sailorliz
Date: 08-16-2005, 01:29 PM (6 of 20)
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Mary, Everything that I have read and what my Dr. told me is that you are in Perimenopause (the change) when you experience the symptons of the change. (Such as hot flashes and being moody). You are menopausal (once you are through the change). They say a rule of thumb is one year of no mensus (I don't know if I spelled that right). Also, if you have the blood work done, it will give you a better idea of where you are at. How long it takes is different for every woman. I'm about half way there according to my last test this past spring. I take HRT and love it. If I didn't, I'm sure I would be in a mental institution or prison, as my significant other would not be here today. LOL 
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 08-16-2005, 04:25 PM (7 of 20)
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Well I stopped having periods when I was 15. (polycistic ovaries). I had hot flashes off and on for yrs. They put me on provera to have periods. (stuff made me fat, but I felt better) at 40 I took myself off the provera, started making me ill 24 hrs a day. Since then I've had regular periods for the first time in my life. (I'm now 50) I still have regular periods. My Dr says I might NOT have hot flashes.( my normal temp has gone up to 100 and has stayed there for 6 yrs now) I've been told I'm in peri-menopause, I might not go through 'regular' menopause. So I'm still waiting for something, but I don't know what.... (family history will mean nothing...my grandmother had a hystrectomy at 24 and my mother at 36) For me it's all gonna be a surprise....much as the no periods at 15 and regular ones at 40.... So I wish you luck in finding out !!! 
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 08-16-2005, 08:19 PM (8 of 20)
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My Dr said he would do the blood test on my this year during my yearly well woman checkup. My Mother was forced into menopause by a total hystroectomy. I recently stopped taking the pill....my hubby said it was making me moody...go figure. I think that is called PMS~  , anyway I am looking forward to finding out how close I am to "the change" so I will be ready for it.  By the way great web site!! mgf~
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: suesodyssey
Date: 08-23-2005, 08:32 AM (9 of 20)
| I was forced into menopause at age 27 when I had a complete hystorectomy. I was put on HRT immediately. Had some hot flashes until the hormones got regulated, but was on HRT for 25+ years. Then all the warnings started coming out about HRT and the problems with heart attacks and strokes and CAD. Last year in November at age 58, I had my first heart cath and had two stents placed. I had another cath done in January with another 2 stents placed. Besides my being raised on "fried" everything and lots of beef and dairy, I was also a smoker for many years. Between the fried stuff, lots and lots of beef and dairy, smoking and being on HRT for over 25 years, my arteries started clogging. If you are on HRT, talk to your doctor about the adverse affects that have been found over the last few years. I went from taking no medication to taking 6 prescriptions a day. But the alternative is not what I want to think about. At least I know my heart is strong, just have lousy arteries! |
User: suesodyssey
Member since: 03-29-2005 Total posts: 86 |
From: Sailorliz
Date: 08-23-2005, 08:50 AM (10 of 20)
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Yes, I talked with my Dr. I'm not taking the HRT that was in question during the study. Also, I don't smoke, live an active lifestyle, and try to eat healthy. I'm considered low-risk. I was reluctant at first to try it, but none of the natural remedies was helping me. Once I got my HRT regulated, I felt wonderful. My Dr. also pointed out that women don't think about the "BC Pill" having the same risks as HRT. How many of us used the pill in our younger years? I think it is a personal decision for each and every woman. Some of us have more problems than others and that is where HRT is helpful. Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386
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From: grandmasue
Date: 08-23-2005, 06:39 PM (11 of 20)
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My family almost "ordered" me to go to the doctor and do something about my "hormone issue". So I did. Yesterday all my test results came back and everything is good, I am as heathly as I can be. Then the news that shocked me (!) I am not even in peri-menopuase! After dealing with hotflashes, unable to sleep at night and snapping at my loved ones I was sure there was an end in sight. I delivered the news to my DH and told him no menopuase in sight, that he was just married to a real B_tch. And that things would probably get worse when I did start peri-menopuase. And with a smile he looked to the sky and asked DEAR GOD to help him thru this. I ended up being diagnosed with stress and anxiety issues. A working mom of a 15 yr old DD...how could there be any stress or anxiety!?!?!?!?!? Grandma Sue
------------ At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!" |
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004 Total posts: 138 
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 08-28-2005, 08:36 AM (12 of 20)
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I feel your pain!! I have a 15 year old as well and I know all about the stress and anxiety! I keep telling my 11 year old to take notes on what and what not to do. Good luck~ I know we will both make it!!! mgf~
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288
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From: Sancin
Date: 08-28-2005, 07:28 PM (13 of 20)
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Have any of you had the experience of going through menopause and having a daughter start her periods?
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: MaryW
Date: 08-29-2005, 09:19 AM (14 of 20)
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Teenage girls are a hand full, I know. Your second daughter is too smart to make the same mistakes as your oldest. She will make all different ones, mine did. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: LauraM62
Date: 08-29-2005, 09:24 AM (15 of 20)
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Have any of you had the experience of going through menopause and having a daughter start her periods? Yep! My headaches started getting much worse this summer, my oldest teen driving me crazier, she is now at college, my middle dd really starting the PMS thing, my youngest dd starting kindergarten, me I thought I was losing my mind! I started having trouble with remembering things too! Went to doctor, he kind of laughed, did blood work, and yes menopause had started for me! So there was an answer for the high strung teeth grinding feelings I was having LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: MaryW
Date: 08-29-2005, 10:37 AM (16 of 20)
The memory thing is really bad. I know I have been embarrassed lots of times because I could not recall something so simple. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: mamadus
Date: 08-29-2005, 01:55 PM (17 of 20)
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just a suggestion... don't automatically think that memory issues are related to menopause or perimenopause.... have your thyroid levels checked just in case... (ask me how I know!!) seems a lot of us end up with thyroid problems as we approach menopause... and it can really wreck havock in more ways than one!! just my 2 cents... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: Longblades
Date: 08-30-2005, 09:19 AM (18 of 20)
| Make it four cents as I know what mamadus is talking about. Hyper or hypo thyroidism can really throw you out of whack. Right now I'm pretty sure my synthroid dosage needs increasing but I keep forgetting to make a doctor's appt. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 08-31-2005, 09:25 AM (19 of 20)
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I agree, my doctor actually did a complete blood work up. They had actually found that I was also pre-diabetic last year, I have been doing the diet. But according to the blood work my diet either needs to be stricter and/or I need to be better at my exercise. I have actually done well, diabetes is heavy in my family, my mom was 23 when diagnosed. So doctor said I have done well at putting it off this long, but when it comes to genetics said it is hard to put it off any longer after 40 (boo hoo). Now just working off staying off any drugs for it as long as possible. just a suggestion... don't automatically think that memory issues are related to menopause or perimenopause.... have your thyroid levels checked just in case... (ask me how I know!!) seems a lot of us end up with thyroid problems as we approach menopause... and it can really wreck havock in more ways than one!! just my 2 cents... MO LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: maps
Date: 09-08-2005, 04:07 PM (20 of 20)
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wow... what a time to discuss this one, i have a 24 year old and a 10 year old both girls.... the 24 year old is getting married in june of 06 and graduating from college this december, and i'm in the 5th week of recovering from a total hysterectomy hot flashes about doubled since the surgery, i go to the doc this friday, tomorrow.. hopefully get something... if i remember of course... haha!!! and i haven't been in the best of moods here lately.. oh well i just keep on going, stress is at the top of my list right now, daughter has about 500 people to invite to wedding most if not all family and extended family, so i'm off to work hopefully after tomorrow if doc releases me, my grandmother is now 98, helping take care of her, and hubby goes for another scan for his leg (blood clot) this month and hopefully it will be starting to disolve, last scan 6 months ago showed little if any change, it will be 2 years this november he was diagnosed, doctoring with him, and my own surgery, i need to give my sewing room a good dusting and start sewing again, just for the stress relief, i think stress and hot flashes kinda go hand in hand the older we get?? i have had night sweats for about 4 years before surgery and now have them allllllll the time, thank goodness for air conditioning, i would have been absolutly crazy the last 4 or 5 weeks without it. hopefully some relief starting tomorrow... oh by the way i quit smoking last october also... 3 days of the lozenges and i was done, i still don't consider myself a non smoker because i would still love to have a smoke every once in a while, less and less every day, but it is still tuff, i haven't had one in 11 months so hopefully someday i'll think as myself as a non smoker, i can't stand the smell of them anymore so i think that helps..
Marge
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User: maps
Member since: 06-18-2003 Total posts: 152 
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