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Here's to Your Health: Menopause, HELP! I need encouragement |
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Catherine L
True Blue Farmgirl
408 Posts
Cathy
Newton
Texas
USA
408 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2011 : 09:38:56 AM
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I am 51 and beginning to go through menopause. After reading the 34 symptoms on the internet I am a little depressed. It makes me feel like I am about to fall apart physically. I know women have been going throught this change since the beginning of time, but I could use a little encouragement to know my life isn't over. I know you who have gone through this are probably laughing about now, but maybe you know what I am feeling. Cathy
~Catherine~ Farmgirl 2428 |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2011 : 10:35:08 AM
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Cathy, laughing with you, not at you!!! I am soon to be 57 and have been thru menopause for about 7 years now. I remember one nite at work, on break, sharing with some close co workers how I was feeling sad, angry, restless, cry at the drop of a hat........and then began to cry! They both started uncontrollable laughter and then told me what I was about to start! Mood swings were my worst part. Thankfully I am mostly over that part. Although I do have depression quite a bit, it is not really menopause related. The internet is a wealth of info, but sometimes, often, it gives all the worst scenarios. So be careful. I Promise, there is life before, during and after menopause. Getting older with the aches and pains and the menopause symptoms is not all fun at times. But honestly, my mid 50s are beginning to become some of my better years. Especially with the help of farmgirls sisters, I am learning to accept myself for what I am and want to be and it is a Great feeling. For menopause symptoms, there are many good natural products that ease some of the symptoms, moods, hot flashes, etc. Stay here with the farmgirls and everyone will be of help and encouragement. You will be ok!
Farmgirl hugs and blessings to you, Linda
www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
Edited by - prayin granny on Feb 16 2011 10:36:46 AM |
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Catherine L
True Blue Farmgirl
408 Posts
Cathy
Newton
Texas
USA
408 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2011 : 11:29:18 AM
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Thanks, just reading your reply made me cry
~Catherine~ Farmgirl 2428 |
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2011 : 1:55:31 PM
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I'm finally over the most annoying symptoms. Still have a hot flash once in a while, but not the mood swings and night sweats. They were the worst! I couldn't take hormone replacement, so I toughed it out. Believe me, it's not fun, but it's not a disease, either! I just take the attitude that I'm just now coming into my own. I'm wise, I'm grounded, I'm not suffering PMS or sweating pregnancy, I'm happy.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep. Rumi |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 04:39:32 AM
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Catherine, I know what you mean...one minute I am crying, the next I want to punch something! I copied a link to a post on "Mental Pause" for you to enjoy and laugh with us about. http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=39663 You will see that you are not alone!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/ farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult. - E. B. White |
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Catherine L
True Blue Farmgirl
408 Posts
Cathy
Newton
Texas
USA
408 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 06:20:21 AM
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Thank you, Diane. I did laugh and have a smile after reading the posts. Cathy
~Catherine~ Farmgirl 2428 |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 08:13:06 AM
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Catherine - one of my dearest friends was having a terrible time with this. Raging, mood swings, night sweats, sleeplessness, lack of concentration, poor memory, etc. She had them to the max, too. It was horrible. She finally sought out a doctor who works with bio-identical hormones. I don't know much about them, but I swear to you, once she was on them, it was like night and day - she was her happy old even-keeled self again! She found out the names of others in our area who worked with them, and apparently a nurse practitioner at one of the local doctors' offices also works with them. I highly recommend looking into it. Like I said, I honestly don't know enough about it to go into detail, but I do know it changed the quality of her life for the better - and that of everyone around her - immensely. I'll be looking into it myself when the time comes. :) - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 11:59:16 AM
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Just remember what you read is a list. It doesn't mean you will have every symptom. Nor does it mean you will have them as hard as the next gal. Each person will have their own if you will menopause. I have night sweats like crazy but not so much the mood swings. Some days are better than others. Just think all the women before you have survivied it! Just some thoughts from someone in the middle of it!! I plan on making through to the other end!!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2875 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2875 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 1:24:09 PM
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Cathy I take Amberen; it has helped tremendously. It is a combo of amino acids & minerals. It improves the communication between the brain & the ovaries & basically "fakes" the ovaries into thinking they are producing hormones. I did quite a bit of research before trying, & read some trials on it, & so far have not found anything terribly negative. YOu take for 3 months, then off for 3, then on for 3 etc. I am almost to the end of my 3 months off, after taking from Sept to Nov. I am having some flashes, but nothing like they used to be. I will start my 3 month regimen again Feb 28th. It is $99 for 3 months, so basically $200 yearly. Well worth it for the relief. The best thing for me was that it lifted that permanent fog that made me unable to think. Here is their website http://www.amberenonline.com/menopause.php
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coffeemom
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Melody
Carlinville
IL
USA
160 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 2:58:13 PM
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All of your comments are great and true! I am 54 and have been post-menopausal for about 6 years. My symptoms were't as bad as others, but they were bad enough for me!ha One thing I can say is that I am totally free. Free from that monthly "curse," free to be myself, free to do as I please, blah, blah, blah....... Now, I'm still married, have two grown sons, and two old cats who all survived menopause with me, but it really did change my life for the better and that is what you have to keep telling yourself. It will get better and you have all of us to help you through it! So, carry on!
Love to you. Melody Farm Girl #833 |
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2011 : 3:51:29 PM
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Catherine- I went thru menopause due to surgery. But I do know that progesterone, from the health food store will help. It is a cream. I also use black cohosh, also from the health food store. I still sweat easier and did gain weight [will be working on that this year], But feel normal!
God Bless Angie-amomfly #1038 |
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Catherine L
True Blue Farmgirl
408 Posts
Cathy
Newton
Texas
USA
408 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2011 : 06:43:17 AM
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Thank you to every one for the encouragement; I am so happy to have such a wonderful group of ladies as friends. I will survive!
~Catherine~ Farmgirl 2428 |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2011 : 07:02:02 AM
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Catherine, It was pretty easy for me. Just hot flashes, wear loose clothes and a cold wash cloth at night when one comes on is a live saver, and I always sleep with the window opened, a little or ar a lot depending on the weather. some of it is positve thinking. For some of us its not a big deal for others not as easy. But we all make it.
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2011 : 4:41:28 PM
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I'm still on the young side of 40 and not liking that much either!
Have had intermitant symptoms for about a year now. Some sweating, and super bad mood swings.
It's a proud right of passage, (as in with age comes wisdom) but makes me sad to know I'm getting older, and my parents still older yet.
that's where physical activity really helps. I can't wait for spring and gardening season again!
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KathleenL
True Blue Farmgirl
84 Posts
Kathleen
Littleton
Colorado
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 11:40:27 AM
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I've been in menopause for two or three years now and the only really bad symptom I've had is hot flashes. They weren't too bad during the day but some nights I couldn't sleep because of constant heat. A month or two ago I heard of a herbal product and using that has changed things around. I rarely have hot flashes during the day, generally just when I get really hot because of the temperature in the air. That seems to set off a hot flash. At night I might wake up once or twice because of a hot flash. I get a good night's sleep and am no longer exhausted from lack of sleep.
The emotional mood swings happened more at the beginning. They came about a year before my menstruation stopped and lasted a year or so after then.
If you're interested in the herbal thing here's the link. http://www.jingherbs.com/Winter-Yin/productinfo/112/
Kathy
Kathy |
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Ingrid
True Blue Farmgirl
432 Posts
Ingrid
BC
Canada
432 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 2:01:52 PM
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Turning 47 this year and started about two years ago. Mostly mood swings, trouble sleeping and hot flashes. Found that daily exercise that makes you work up a good sweat works for me as well as lots of fruit and veggies. I also have tried really hard to reduce stress and clutter in my house so I don't feel overwelmed. Not sure if this will help but the best thing about nowadays is women are allowed to talk about this now. I remember my mom telling us four girls that she was told it was in her head. You are not alone in this fun journey and remember this doesn't mean we are getting "old" we are just getting better like fine wine. LOL.
Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do! |
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eriko
Farmgirl in Training
15 Posts
barb
old bridge
nj
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2011 : 12:54:04 PM
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Hi: I'm only 44 but going through the change myself. Keeping active/going to the gym and lifting weights has helped me tremendously. (though I am sure working on a real farm, not in an office, and chopping wood, carrying water outside would help me more). I've changed to a paleo diet (no grains, legumes, processed foods, small amounts of grass fed dairy) that's helped tremendously with body aches, hot flashes, etc. My favorite tip is that I keep 2 small plastic water bottles in the freezer, each wrapped in a bandana. If I feel a flash coming on in the middle of the night, I scurry to the freezer and grab my chilly cuddle buddy. It's frozen, but since it's cloth covered and ready to use, it's not so bad to clutch to my chest and stomach in a fiery emergency. Also, making tea with sage, the kind you cook with, helps a lot. I make it ahead and keep it in the fridge and also freeze some in ice cube trays for extra cooling power! Hang in there! -Barb |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9341 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9341 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2011 : 5:26:03 PM
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Catherine, i started having menopausal symptoms when I was 38. I just turned 49 last month and do not have much of anything anymore. I had night sweats, hot flashes(still have those on occasion) mood swings and memory loss. All of these things subsided as time went on. I used progesterone cream, also known as Wild Yam cream, faithfully. It worked wonders for me. I called it my happy cream. When going through menopause our bodies don't produce as much estrogen but they also don't produce progesterone and the idea is to balance those hormones. I read a great book by Dr. John Lee called "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" I highly recommend it. It helped me understand so much about the new season of my life. Lots of women have very few symptoms, and most are just an annoyance not a real problem. I do remember the mood swings and crying at the drop of a hat. That is where the cream was extremely helpful to me. Put me on an even keel so those didn't happen.
farmgirl sister#43
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce, Or a trouble is what you make it! And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts, But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2011 : 6:09:25 PM
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My doctor tells me that the "what your doctor won't tell you" books are a great money-maker for the author but have done a dis-service to women, and recommendations - progestorone cream- can cause disruptions to hormonal balance that can in themselves affect cancer probabilities.
I am going through a lot of symptoms and dr. tells me hormone levels show I am post-menopause but still experiencing symptoms.
I look at the video posted earlier on this link and think "this is too good to be true"
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 |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9341 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9341 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2011 : 11:38:47 AM
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Brenda, the author of that book passed away some time ago. It's advice worked for me to keep me sane during that time. I think everyone has to research and do what is best for themselves. Progesterone cream( the wild yam form not synthetic) worked at getting me balanced out. I know women, my daughter included, who have used this form of progesterone to balance the hormones in order to become pregnant, it worked for her also. Best to do research and glean what you can and leave the rest. We are all different and many things affect us in different ways. What works for one may or may not work for another.
farmgirl sister#43
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce, Or a trouble is what you make it! And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts, But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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debtea2
True Blue Farmgirl
1853 Posts
deborah
nutley
nj
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2011 : 5:59:45 PM
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i too am going thru the CHANGE...lol and the night sweats are the worst thing for me i keep ice water and a spray bottle of cold water and spritz myself its helps alot did not have any other symptoms no mood swings or depression and i was under alot of stress too but 7yrs and still those stupid night sweats i'd be afraid if we all got together we could melt the polar caps...LOL my poor DH i freeze him out at night with all the windows open and the fan going i really should sleep in another room. but oh well i've put up with his silly moods so this is pay back grab another blanket baby. sorry it kind of funny cause my sister and i are close in age and her DH is dealing with the same thing as my DH..so its funny when were together and talk about them freezing. just wanted to give you a giggle. blessings Deborah
inch by inch we find our way jersey farmgirl #1330
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SweetTsEarthlyDelights
True Blue Farmgirl
92 Posts
Tina
Old Town
Florida
USA
92 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2011 : 5:40:52 PM
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UGGGGGGGGG Ok Girls, when do you know your starting Pre-menopause. I have been more emotional than usuall. I have had heart palputations and crying cycles. Stress and feeling depressed. I still have my period and I am 44 turning 45 this July. I sometimes feel soooooo angry at the stupidist things. I am moody as it is so I feel like Im worse. Then I have to work with 20 yr olds who are so ignorant and childish it drives me nuts.I am so happy I found this. Now I can vent :) HELP!!! Tina
http://tinasartisticramblings.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyTee?ref=pr_shop |
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jackie v
Farmgirl in Training
32 Posts
jackie
easthampton
ma
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2011 : 5:56:01 PM
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Cathy I feel for ya' !!!! I'm only 47 and perimenopausal. But along with the lack of hormones I'm also lacking my brain ! I've actually started to write down some of the things I do that are utterly ridiculous and funny. Some day I hope to sit down and have a good laugh. But at the present time I'm not finding it overly funny. I'm thinking about talking to the doc about it at my next physical...wait..what was I suppose to talk to her about? Aaarrgghhh!! |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2011 : 6:11:19 PM
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Hi Cathy! I went through surgical menopause 10 years ago when I was 35. It was a really hard time for me because I had friends who were still having babies. It was hard for them torelate to what i was going through. Exercise and a balanced diet helps tremendously. Lots of water to drink helps me have a clear head. I have to say that the biggest thing had to do was to be easy on mself. I had to learn to forgive myself for my "forgetful" moments, I had to allow myself a good cry now and then. I had to give myself permission to go through the changes not just physically bt mentally as well. I never regret having the surgery - it saved my life. I just choose to think that i got a head start onthe best part of life!
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" ~Gandhi |
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violetrose
True Blue Farmgirl
960 Posts
Ruth
Epworth
GA
USA
960 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2011 : 08:47:31 AM
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I was at an Amish Store last Saturday and the lady the owns the store told me she and many of her customers use: Yoder's Good Health Recipe for all kinds of health issues, she uses it for Hot Flashes. I personally don't know anything about it. Their web is: www.YodersGoodHealthRecipe.Com I went in to buy Cider Vinegar with The Mother in it and she told me about this. Think I will try some, just because. They have a two month money back guarantee on it :) Hugs, Ruth
Farmgirl Sister # 1738
God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us!
St. Augustine |
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Here's to Your Health: Menopause, HELP! I need encouragement |
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