| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Jun 04 2005 : 11:56:56 AM
Hi Girls, I have recently had an experience I'd like to share and I'd like to know if anyone else has felt this way. I am 53 years old, havent had periods in 3 years. I am told by my Dr. I'm now on the "other side". POST MENAPAUSE!! I went through all that for a total of 15 years. I started with little things in my early 30's but it started to get bad around 38 to 40. I never took anything that wasnt natural during it EXCEPT for 4 months when I did think I was losing my mind. I need s/thing to take the edge off. It was low dose but 4 months was all I needed. I was scared, my biological mom took off & left my dad and us (6 kids) when she was going through it. Thats what THEY said it was a/way. But I want to comment on what my Dr. called the "OTHER SIDE". I will and should, she said, go through things with my body that may frighten me a little. Weakness, getting up slower,need more calcium, need more this and need more that. I HAVE FIRED MY GYNO!!!!!!!! I dont think I have EVER felt better in my life!! Yes I may move a bit slower in the am, who doesnt?? I do more now and not just physical. I've got more confidence, dont sweat the small stuff anymore that used to blow my mind. I would rather be 53. I dont ever want to go back. I DO LOVE every wrinkle, they all mean something. I have earned every ache and pain that I do get. I dont want to slow down yet, I hope I never do. I literally run circles around most people I know. I feel smart, funny, and yes even sexy. I NEVER felt all this as a younger woman. I am proud of me, of my age, of the things I do. Yes I want to do more, if its Gods plan I will. BUT no damn DR. is going to tell me to be afraid of the things to come. I want to embrace all that comes, the good and the bad, but I want to do it with strength, grace and dignity. Not be afraid. I hope and pray I always feel this way. I love older people, especially women, I could sit and listen for hours to what they have to say. To me they are more beautiful and inspiring then anything else. I just wanted to know if others felt good after they crossed over to the "OTHER SIDE". Michele
"she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands". Prov. 31:13 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| EnchantedWoodsGirl |
Posted - Oct 10 2007 : 3:41:31 PM
I had a total hysterectomy in my early 30's - I would not stop bleeding no matter what they tried all I can remember is feeling exhausted all the time and having pain so bad that I had to go to the ER for shots of Demerol for the pain. Although I was supposed to be left my ovaries, I awoke to find out that the dr had taken them too -I had fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis- you name it it was pretty much going on. It was a tough road to hoe - thrown into menopause. So many things to consider that back then I did not think about. I was on hormone replacement for many years and am now back on them again with the original estrogen with added testosterone.
I have also added many herbal treatments into my life. Soothing tincture of Motherwort for my nerves - lemon balm for boosting the immune system -
Infusions made from red clover and milky oats are wonderful additions to the changes in my body - also, nettles is great. Nothing tastes as refreshing as a cold glass of red clover infusion. I feel good about all things herbal but I also need to find a balance so that I can once again be comfortable during intercourse - anyone with the hysterectomy pretty much knows what happens to the vagina as we get older (I am now heading towards 49)the walls thin and tear quite easily and intercourse can become quite uncomfortable. The quick moisture we once had when being aroused is hard to muster.
I suggest a great book on menopause called Menopausal Years by Susun Weed - filled with great inspiration stuff and herbal remedies for just about any menopausal symptom.
My hysterectomy was something I needed to have done. I could not go on bleeding non-stop. I felt so free to finally be rid of my period. I did not look at my hysterectomy the way my mother did - she saw it as a loss of her womanhood - I saw it as a launching pad (excuse that awful pun) to a new, and free me.
Sometimes, yes, a health practitioner is necessary - as are the yearly papsmear even though you have had a hysterectomy are still an important part of our lives. But as this thread seems to follow - we have to take an active part in our own healthcare. We have to be informed and not be afraid to let our doctors know that we read and we do know there are options other than what they pitch at us. We are ultimately in charge of our own health (nonwithstanding genetics and acts of God)and we need to stay in charge. We need to have a partnership with our doctor - to both be on the same page so to speak.
My Goddess, let me get off my soapbox hehehe - just look at this rant as a healthy outpouring of menopausal energy  and love!
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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| therusticcottage |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 10:51:36 AM
I love menopause! Not having to deal with periods is the best thing that ever happened to me. I did have some issues with hot flashes and night sweats but they are pretty much gone now. I chose not to do HRT but make sure that I get calcium every day and also take a multi-vitamin. Peri-menopause was worse for me than the actual menopause. The mood swings were awful. I thought my family was going to move out. During that time I was on a soy protein suppliment and took herbs that were helpful. Just glad that I'm on the other side now.
Love Jo's reverse puberty idea -- I know that I'm in that!
http://therusticcottage.wordpress.com
Visit my Etsy Shop! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com |
| junkjunkie |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 08:13:58 AM
This a good thread! I've been on the 'other side' since 1999. I'm 53, and I guess I started a little early. My sister starting going through menopause in her late 30's. I've been lucky so far as far as physical symptoms go...I don't have crying jags, in fact I rarely cry anymore. I can be moody, as have been all my life, but no worse than before. In fact, my moods aren't as explosive as before in my younger days, but I still get a little depressed. I do take Prozac, so that probably has helped. I try to eat simply and healthy and always been conscience of my diet. I don't and won't touch hormones, but that's just me, I don't feel like I need them, and I do get flushed and hot flashes, but they aren't too bad. All in all, menopause hasn't been that bad for me, but I do seem to forget things a lot easier. And best of all.....no periods!! My perimenopause was a real pain, literally. My periods were sporatic from very little spotting to very heavy with a lot of cramping. I'm glad to finally be through all that. I like getting older, being in my 50's. I feel I'm understanding myself more, but still have a way to go.
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
| ponyexpress |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 07:36:09 AM
Not having heard the context in which you heard your doctor's words, I can't comment on his/her motives. But I can understand what the doctor might be saying. Some of the changes I have been experiencing have been and could continue to be a little frightening. The weakness, or the joint pain, for instance. Do I interpret these as a symptom of impending menopause or something more serious? The crampy feeling and lower abdominal discomfort....is it part of my body changing or is it a symptom of cancer. My mind can go from zero to sixty in a heartbeat - I can either dismiss something as annoying and uncomfortable or be convinced that I have a life-threatening illness.
So perhaps that is what your doctor meant....some of these changes may be frightening because we haven't experienced them before and need to put these changes into context. I am more active and involved now, at 51, than I have been for years. I volunteer with our Humane Society large animal rescue ranch two days a week and I feel better on those two physically demanding days than the other five days. Not saying that I don't need an Advil or two now and again, buy hey --I've got at least 15 years on most of the other staff!
If the physical and mental changes are a trade-off for the wisdom and maturity gained over these past 51 years, then I think it's a fair deal, at least for me. Of course, you might want to check with my husband. He might have a different take - at least on the emotional roller-coaster aspect! ;-)
I've learned that it takes as much time and energy to wish as it does to plan.
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| CountryBorn |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 7:54:46 PM
Michele, I am on the other side of menopause also. I have never felt better in my life and I really mean that. I will be 59 in November. I was through menopause at 47. These have been 12 great years. I forsee me having many more! Good for you for listening to your own mind and knowing yourself so well!
Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| Annika |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 10:13:24 AM
Jo, I've been saying to everyone that Menopause is like going through Puberty backwards. only your knees don't work as well and You've learned a lot more swear words. RP it is!
Annika |
| jo Thompson |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 09:48:01 AM
I made up a new name for menopause "reverse puberty" I think RP will be the new rage, you get thinner, your breasts shrink, all the boys want to date you...... I'm going through RP and the worst symptom I have is my big mouth. I'm working on that......
I've read Christine Northrup, she has alot of great points. It's really all about taking really good care of yourself instead of running around in circles taking care of everyone except you. It helps to have a wonderful understanding husband and family.
So here's to RP, because why does everything have to be about MENopause.... jo
"life is drab without a lab"
http://web.mac.com/thomja/ |
| Cheryl |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 07:54:50 AM
Lynn, Those are very good suggestions. I think you have to experiment until you find what works for you. I know the more I exercise the better I feel and staying away from sweets which can be very hard at times!
Cheryl
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 07:16:28 AM
Thanks for the recommendation on Dr. Christine Northrup, I am heading for Alibris as soon as I finish this post!
I'm 51 and I can see my body is changing, but so far it's been subtle changes, not extremely noticeable ones. I have a lot more severe cramping with my periods lately, but they don't last as long, but they're more frequent. I sometimes sweat at night, but usually it's on hot nights, and I occasionally have intense "hot" flashes - (I get sweaty, clammy, and weak, feel like I'm going to pass out) but because I had bariatric surgery seven years ago, I get similar reactions whenever I eat or drink something sugary -- so I'm having trouble distinguishing if I'm in that peri-menopause state or if something else is happening! Maybe the book will help.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| greyghost |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 7:03:08 PM
Gals, I am nowhere near the change yet, but I thought I would post anyway.
I've had a terrible, terrible time with Aunt Flo my whole life. Until recently, when I switched to vegan and eliminated dairy from my diet. I actually had my first "accident" because I didn't have any symptoms, Flo usually came in screaming before. It makes sense - all the hormones given to cows DO make their way to us, and those hormones do affect us, apparently they really affect me - they wanted to diagnose me with endometriosis, they were so bad.
And, I got away from tampons. I hate pads, I really do. Then I realized getting rid of those helped me. Then I learned that some manufacturers of feminine products add potassium to the pads and tampons during the bleaching process, to make you bleed more and use more product. I use natural, undyed pads now.
So my question is, do you suppose some of women's troubles with the transition are because of dairy, and the products that have been tampered with? |
| Cheryl |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 07:56:06 AM
I love all the advice. I will be 47 in Nov and I am having night sweats, hot flashes and the occasional I am going to kill you feeling. I don't mind getting older but these last few months have been trying! Dawn I will have to read that book. I can't wait to be on the other side of menopause! and either can my husband :)
Cheryl
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 10:47:33 PM
Michele Great points that we each have different and unique bodies and we need to take care of them and do what is best for us. I think I would have done the ame thing that you did with the doc, going forward and not reading just the doom and gloom report.
I have read parts of Dr Northrups book, also Silent Passage. There is so much more out there now, to just let us know what some of our choices are.
Being active in our health care is important. I started having hot flashes at 38, I am 50, soon to be 51. Drat, periods haven't stopped yet....ahhhhhh
I like this stage in my life, and how I feel about myself. Yeah, I have those days that oh my, who is that in the mirror....cause in your head you still look like you did when you were 18.....lol truth, I earned every one of these smile line wrinkles, and the gray hair, okay I confess I love the color red and I do mean love so I color it, but that gray hair is earned as well.
So there are challenges and the emotions, dear Lord, thank you for blessing my husband with a great deal of humor.....even he has his moments.....
I love that you are discussing this.....great job girls
Enjoying life. |
| ddmashayekhi |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 8:13:58 PM
I strongly recommend anyone over 35 to read Dr. Christiane Northrup's book "The Wisdom of Menopause". It answers a lot of questions & even helped me to understand my mother better. Back when she went through it in the early 80's there wasn't much information available on the subject.
Dr. Northrup also has a PBS special on this that gets aired a lot, hopefully you can catch it. Good luck finding a doctor you are happy with!
Dawn in IL |
| Alee |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 5:16:55 PM
I sent you an email! I hope I didn't ramble too much :D
Nora and I are over our colds so anytime next week would be wonderful apple time! :D
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
| Annika |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 4:51:43 PM
Alee, were you aware of your angel status?
That would be so sweet, I am very grateful
We need to go on a wild apple hunt some time soon girlfriend! ;)
Annika |
| Alee |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 3:35:45 PM
Annika-
There is a female doctor here in town that is fabulous and she is open to different therapies to make our lives easier. She is very sweet and non agressive. You might consider going to the doctor. If you can make your life a little better with some care, I think you are worth it!
If you want I can email you the name of the doctor I am thinking of.
*hugs*
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
| Annika |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 12:35:16 PM
I'm in early menopause. I have really awful night sweats and hot flashes..I haven't had a P. in 4 months I am trying to decide if I need a doctor to tell me what I already know. I guess it would be useful to find out if i am other wise gynocologically ok. I Detest going to the doctor. I am on Neurontin for panic disorder, and it helps a lot with the hot flashes and agitation
just thought I'd pipe in.
=)
Annika
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| BamaSuzy |
Posted - Jul 03 2005 : 08:34:31 AM
Oh----and YES----I agree this is a GREAT TIME in our lives!!!!!
You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt! |
| BamaSuzy |
Posted - Jul 03 2005 : 08:33:09 AM
I had an emergency hysterectomy nearly three years ago (am now 53) and so went crshing into menopause....but the only problems I've had have been some hot flashes and weight gain....and I'm working on the weight....I get lots of exercise here on the farm! (I had to have the emergency hysterectomy because I almost bled to death suddenly....)
I am forced to go through everything naturally because I am so tremdously allergic to practically every medication and most herbs!
I agree that some medication may do some folks good for a temporary time (like the four months stated in this original list) but I think we all too often feel like medication is the answer to most ALL our problems, not just health. As for taking medication for diabetes and things like that....a lot of health problems are caused by our diets and lifestyles... my mama's family are almost all EXTREMELY OVERWEIGHT and all suffer high blood pressure, diabetes, lymphedema in their legs, and countless other problems....
We as women need to take charge of our own health as much as possible and do whatever we can to maintain good health....even when we require treatment by a doctor and medication we need to make sure that we understand exactly what we're taking and why we're taking it....
You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt! |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Jun 10 2005 : 07:04:15 AM
hi girls, bramble you do make good points, as I said I did take something for about 4 months. I felt like I was losing my mind. It took the edge off and then I went back to natural alternitives. my point wasnt about whether one should take something for menapause or not it was about Dr.'s and their additudes. I think women should do whats best for them. My menapause lasted a long time, I did bleed for more then 45 days and had to have a very painful biopsy. Im glad that part is over but I look forward to the next phase of this thing. I feel Dr.'s like the one I had, who make women feel afraid of whats next should be in another field, NOT medicine. We all have to do whats best for ourselves I just happen to feel IF I can do it without all the medicines and with a more natural product or method, Im going to try that first, which I did. I then went w/ the replacement for a few months & back to natural. it worked for ME, not everyone. Thanks for the input. Michele
"she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands". Prov. 31:13 |
| bramble |
Posted - Jun 09 2005 : 08:46:19 AM
Hi everyone and thanks for your input. As I enter this phase at 45 the road seems unknown and scary, already filled with hazards. I have always assumed I would approach this time with tolerance and patience.
The reality is that I am faced with things happening beyond my control ( and believe me I have tried). I think our bodies normal progression is a natural and good thing and that the less we interfere most of the time the better. But we should never shut out informed and educated information because it makes us uncomfortable
or fail to act on what we have learned.
As for age.... I wear this face proudly with whatever you see on it . A shallow person would see age spots, freckles, scars, lines and wrinkles from too much sun in my youth. What I hope a more enlightened person sees is compassion ,kindness, humor and the soul of a trusted friend, with a little mischief thrown in for good measure. I am a canvas that life(hopefully) has more time to embellish upon. We are all works in progress until the day we die, so why should we feel as if it is all over at a certain age.Every day we have is a gift and how we use it makes all the difference. Age has never been relevant.
(At 87 my grandfather referred to someone that I didn't recognize and I said "Who?" He said, "You know ...that OLD man up the road!"
I hope at 87 (God willing) I am thinking the same way! )
with a happy heart |
| KJAMES |
Posted - Jun 09 2005 : 07:02:37 AM
I WILL BE 56 NEXT WEEK AND HAVE BEEN HAVING HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS FOR THE PAST YEARAND A HALF OR SO. HAVEN'T HAD A PERIOD IN 142 DAYS, WHICH BEFORE THAT I WAS A REGULAR AS CLOCK WORK. DR. TRIED TO TELL ME LAST YEAR THAT I WASN'T STARTING THE CHANGE YET. HELLO, BUT IF YOU HAVE BEEN HAVING HOT FLASHES FOR A WHILE WHAT ELSE WOULD IT BE. ANYWAY I PUT MYSELF ON BLACK COHOSH AND IT REALLY HAS MADE A LARGE DIFFERENCE. DON'T REALLY HAVE TIME TO WORRY ABOUT GETTING OLDER, JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE BLESSED ENOUGH TO LAST THIS LONG. HOPE THAT I HAVE ANOTHER 40 OR 50 PRODUCTIVE YEARS LEFT. STILL GOT A LOT OF THINGS THAT I WANT TO DO.
I WISH THAT SOME WOMEN WOULDN'T PUT SO MUCH WORTH IN YOUTH AND GREAT LOOKS. SEEMS LIKE SO MANY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE INSIDE IS WHAT COUNTS. ONE THING I WILL SAY ABOUT GETTING OLDER IS THAT IT HAS MADE ME STOP AND ENJOY EVERY DAY. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF OR THINGS YOU CAN'T CHANGE
Trust in the Lord with all your heart |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 08 2005 : 6:23:33 PM
A lot of my girlfriends and I turn 50 next summer. To "celebrate" this milestone and the next best 50 years of our lives we plan on a trip out west( kind of ala Thelma and Louise) but not that wild and not in a convertable. Thinking of backpacking and climbing a mountain...not sure which mountain at this point. I need to start getting in shape. This has always been a goal for me. I have heart damage from a childhood bout of Rhumatic Fever when I was 12. I have functioned well, but altitude can be tricky for me. It is a dream of mine.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| cecelia |
Posted - Jun 08 2005 : 5:42:22 PM
I do agree on deciding what we do to our bodies, etc. There are diseases which have to be managed with medicine and pharmacological interventions. I just do not think that bodily processes which have to do with "normal" aging, i.e. menopause, should be thought of, and treated as a disease. If you do have problems, night sweats, etc. than by all means use whatever you need to cope. Try natural sources first, and read and inform yourself before doing anything.
Cecelia
ce's farm
"Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery" Victor Hugo |
| goodmojo |
Posted - Jun 08 2005 : 4:40:44 PM
Wow! Great posts, all. I love the way you feel about being 53, Michele. It's funny, the older I get the more I feel good about being me - not that I didn't before, it's just that I am so much more happy with who I am. I am 47, going through menopause, and I confess I did a ton of reading about it (Christine Northrup is great) and after making up my mind I went to see an endocrinologist, and I am now on "bio-identical" estrogen therapy. Please, farmgirls, don't be upset! I just feel that I made the best decision for me - I feel ten times better, and I do not regret my decision. I am also taking a very small amount of testosterone because my levels were so low they were not even in the normal range for women. I really respect a womens decision and inner strength it takes to go through severe (or mild) menopausal symptoms using natural treatments. I tried them and, unfortunately they did not work for me. I eat organically, exercise 6 days a week, get lots of sleep despite working about 80 hours a week in my own business and have a beautiful 13 yr old daughter - my life is full of love and I am very thankful for that.
One more thing - I have decided that for my 50th b-day I would like to do a half-marathon (seems as I get older the thought of a full out marathon makes me grimace) but I would really like to accomplish this. Does anyone else have a similiar milestone dream? Has anyone ever run a marathon or half marathon? I would love some tips on how to train - seein as how I have a couple years (Godwilling and the creek don't rise!) I should be able to make it!
Thanks everyone!!!
goodmojo
I came to this planet for the french roast, and the chocolate, of course..... |
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