Menopause and Perimenopause
By popular request there is now a forum for women's topics like menopause and perimenopause. Please feel free to start chatting in this thread or create your own.
What's to be expected when on continuous use birth control pills?
@AffyAvo I was on bc pills for a while in my 20s because of painful periods. As I recall, it kept my period very regular, but it also made me very neutral in emotions—kind of robotic. Now I take BHRT which means I get my hormones from a compounding pharmacy. I
@Zengrl I'm not sure how I would even know when I start perimenopause with being on BCP continuously. Will the mask all of the symptoms?
I feel hesitant bringing this up with my GP as I know there have been guidelines to get people off of BCPs based on some conditions, certain ages. I've actually had problems in the past with this. I need them though because of health issues and I don't want to create barriers to getting them, I want to contiue to have easy access to these at least as some of my meds are already difficult.
@AffyAvo I see what you mean. Well, the one thing is that like any meds, your body starts to fluctuate. For me, perimen meant falling asleep at my desk in my 30s, which was bizarre given I was always a Type A personality. So, normal doses of bc will no longer work the same and I suspect you would notice personality changes too. Last year I still had to have another adjustment because my hormones dropped big time (experienced by me as depression and verified in blood test). So, I guess make sure the doc is checking your levels. I use an integrative female doc who is from Europe with a lot of experience. Took me quite some time to find the right one who actually believed me. Btw, a long time ago you mentioned your health in a chatroom and recently I finally read your bio. You are kick ass! Love how you are using your own understanding of science to deal. 😊
@Zengrl Thanks! If my doctor ever does bring up a suggestion that I need to start considering stopping them I will definitely have more of a conversation with her. I do like my current GP, but having had so many switches (not totally my choice, some I could have followed elsewhere but it was further than I was comfortable with, some not even an option) I don't have the great connection that I used to have before all this happened. There's also the concern of what happens if this one leaves too and a new one picks up my chart! So I don't want to volunteer to get that conversation happen until they bring it up.
I had the fun chance of going to multiple specialists in a row because of BCP the last one ended with a neurologist looking at me with a bit of sarcasm like why are you here. Turns out we both agreed it was ridiculous though and the GPs at the clinic I was at were the issue (back then I couldn't even see one specifically) so he wrote a letter which finally solved the issue back then. At least then, I had the mental and physical energy to deal with the ping pong between referrals, doctors and fight to keep my meds in between it all. If I had to do that now, not sure how I could manage.
@AffyAvo I know topical is supposed to be safer than oral for some of the hormones, but it really is your own experience and tolerance. Bc pills at least have regulation—I just have blood tests. I understand why you wouldn
@Zengrl I think I need the oral ones though because of other health issues.
@AffyAvo Makes sense. I also tried a newer version that was a small pellet inserted under the skin of the thigh—hated it.
@Zengrl Ugh yeah, the skin inserts always sounded not so pleasant to me. With HAE birth control pills are actually a really common trigger, but not being on them seems to be a bigger trigger for me, my awesome hematologist didn't even think stopping to test it out once I knew what was actually going on was worth it. I've been taking the same combo for over 2 decades now, I have changed the method (withdrawal bleed times and none at all) and brands, but with how well it's worked I'm not willing to take the risk of switching to other options unless there's a very good reason to do so.
It's kind of funny I think every specialist I have seen has either not given an opinion on them or thinks I should carry on as is. It's (some) general practioners who take issue with them.
@AffyAvo Sounds like you are doing ok then, which is good. I will continue to keep my eyes open for HAE info. I
Hey Affy, sorry to be unable to help...but hope you get some good advice and help ❤️
I'm so glad to see this thread! Thank you for seeing my request and a huge thank you to those that made it happen 👏👏👏👏👏😊😁❤️
I'm having a horrible time with perimenopause. I never realised it would be this bad, I have had anxiety and depression over the years but nothing like this. I'm also hypothyroid which makes it difficult to try some alternative remedies as many aren't compatible with hypothyroidism.
The severity of anxiety has completely taken my life away. Some days it's even difficult to force myself to leave my bedroom I'm constantly anxious.😖😖😖
I've tried lots of things to help...
Valarian drops - mild effect but helps to just take the edge off the early morning anxiety 🌞
Progesterone cream - same as above🌞
Bach Flower Rescue remedy - think this is most useful when I have to go out, it's like a safety blanket in my pocket😬
Magnesium oil spray - helps with restless leg syndrome😴
Epsom Salt/Dead Sea salt Baths - not sure how much it helps but mentally it seems soothing😕
Vitamin B complex - no idea if this helps? 🤔😕😔😌😏
Vitamin D - same as above😕
Organic Soy products - as above😕
Essential oils - as above 😕
Currently I'm trying Holy Basil Tea or Tulsi tea.... Its supposed to help with stress as it's an adaptogen which is meant to make the adrenals cope better or something like that 😒😋
Oh joy! The fun symptoms! 😖😂
What have you tried?
@Robinatmywindow Definitely doing BHRT as I mentioned in earlier part of thread. Honestly my symptoms were so bad that I couldnt find an alternative. I tried natural sleeping pills for insomnia and they gave me such nightmares that I preferred to not sleep 😕. Recently Ive added Estradiol to the mix for my vagina as it loses its soft cells making things painful. Wish I had dine that a few years earlier. Just keep trying one thing at a time and make sure you keep a log of the results. It took me a long time to figure out the anxiety was caused by peri, so at least you are ahead of the game. Meditation and exercise have become even more important. I have an integrative doctor who is an expert on womens health which has helped a lot.
@Zengrl
Hi there 😊
Do you think the HRT has helped with the anxiety at all?
I went to see a doctor last year in April but she said that she wouldn't consider HRT until I haven't had a period for at least a year. I'm still having them approx 2/3 months apart at the moment. I am thinking of going back and seeing a different doctor, although I'm not even sure if HRT would be suitable for me as I'm hypothyroid. What upsets me is that most doctors are completely uneducated about perimenopause, I knew far more than the GP I saw last year! She was useless, her advice was, go visit a nice garden centre dear.....
I mean seriously? 🤔😏🙄😕😒😂😂
@Robinatmywindow It absolutely helped and I could tell when levels needed tweaking based on anxiety and depression. I believe I started in my 40s, which is way before my period stopped. My symptoms started in my 30s but no doc at the time believed me. Definitely search for integrative doctors. I can
@Zengrl
Thank you that's really good to know, at least it gives me some hope. I might go back to the doctors and try again then 😊
@Robinatmywindow
Awesome idea! So many women are dealing with this!
@Jill7cups if you have never dealt with it it you dont need to comment
@Lauren63 hey Lauren 7 Cups is inclusive and we encourage everyone to join in on the conversation, thanks for understanding!
@Jill7cups I apologize. My comment was insensitive and not respectful.
@Lauren63 how do you know that jill has never dealt with this ?
Happy Easter Ladies...I'm thrilled I found this topic on 7 cups...I've been dealing with menopause for about a two months.
Expreiencing dreadful anxiety over this time in my life. Aging scares me bigtime! Can't I blink 3 times and wish my early 20's again? lol...
@MissConnect Actually anxiety is one of the big symptoms. Hope you find relief.
@Zengrl Yes your absolutely right with anxiety being part of Menopause..It seems to be worse if one suffered already with. I'm coping with that by accepting it and telling myself if I'm experiencing high anxiety and shaking tell others if they notice it it's all part of Menopause. Just be myself and accept. However the dreadfull feeling in my noggin is extremely worrisome. It happens in a flash a sense of loosing myself brain fog weirdo thoughts etc. I try to calmly breath in and out cry like there's no tommorrow journal my episode all the while telling myself it shall pass. I find myself presently scared when the next one comes along....I am strong I can do this. I just get really sad about aging. On a brighter note Happy Easter to all
@MissConnect Even with hormones I find some days when I cant remember a name or word. Yes, getting old does suck, but Im finding that spending more alone time helps. You really have to take care of yourself. The one good thing is that I feel I have more clarity about my life. If you can work on something like meditation, yoga or even daily walks in a park it may help. ☺️ Just know that many women are suffering and dont even make the connection. It is really helpful that you are aware. 🌈
@Zengrl Thanks for your insight.
@Zengrl It's rather depressing about the anxiety symtom of menopause considering I've spent an entire lifetime coping with attacks.And now to be hit double whammy due to menopause...Yikes life seems not fair sometimes lol.
@MissConnect I agree about the fairness thing. When I was younger I wanted to be a guy, not like I felt I wanted to change who I was really, but just because men seemed to have it easier all around. No periods, no menopause, better work and pay opportunities. I really had to grow to like being a woman. ☺️
@Zengrl sorry I couldnt be a friend you wanted. You are the reason I dont try here to make a friend. One day you just left. No explanation to me. For a long time I gave up. But now I am getting professional help. Hope you are happy with your decision and you have a very full life. Take care. I really did enjoy talking to you. I know you wont see this, but I had to write it.
@Lauren63 I am sorry for the loss of your friend @Zengrl. They were a great person on the forums. They will be sorely missed.
I have thyroid issues, and survived the change,
I am a lifelong anxiiety and depression person as well. I just went through the worst depression in 25 yrs. It was thyroid. Got meds adjusted, and life seems doable again. I am having tiny flashes again, but functioning like a normal person is worth it!
I would strongly suggest thyroid bloodwork first. My Doc says that some ppl are even sensitive to the manufacturer of their levothyroxine. Personally, I feel (uneducated guess) that my recent plunge in levels was due to dental xrays last summer. I just asked Doc last week if this was possible, or was I trying to find blame, as humans are want to do. She said- it shouldn't have caused it- but it was possible.
@Chickadee123 Hi there..My thyroid is A+ so there's no concern thank goodness..Sorry your's is acting up..I relate bigtime with anxiety..Panic attacks as well...Extremely intense now in life. Gosh us woman go through H.E double hockey sticks don't we lol. Have a great day Chickadee..
PS went through apx 5 yrs so irritable that I got kicked out of a couple places, permanently. How Humiliating!!!!!
Happy Easter ladies...I'm thrilled to have found this topic on 7 cups. Started menopause for about 2 months and I'm Experiencing dreadful anxiety..Not coping so great with aging it scares me. Can't I blink 3 times and wish to go back to my early 20's pretty please lol
@ Hey I just wanted you to know that menopause does cause the anxiety. So definitely check out things to mitigate. I think the anxiety is the hardest part.
@Zengrl thanks for that tip. Along with anxiety do you also experience mood swings?
@soulsings. Mood swings, night sweats, day sweats. And when the drugs to help are $900 for 3 mos. because insurance doesnt cover it, you just deal with whatever you are feeling or going thru.
@Lauren63 I am sorry you are suffering all those symptoms.
I wonder how other people are dealing with it?
@soulsings dont care. My life is nothing. Talk to pt who have a chance.
@Lauren63 Wow Im curious about your meds because my hormones (I take three) from a compounding pharmacist are 200-300 for 3 months. There is a slight discount for 6 months supply. Insurance doesnt cover mine, but I cut down other spending because I couldnt even function without hormones. Its not an easy decision, but I have an integrative doctor and do blood testing every couple months to check levels.
@soulsings They used to ne severe until I chose to get hormone therapy. I remember lots of anger over little things and that is an emotion that I normally rarely experience.
@Zengrl yes I think anger is a warning sign for anyone that something is wrong.
I'm much more centered now that I'm post menopause. Plus I love being free of monthly cramps! I used to have severe cramping. But now I have zero sex drive. I was a very sensual person when younger. I'm not complaining because I'm happily single. Just wondering if it's normal.
@MotherofCats1955
I hear you, those cramps were terrible and sometimes spoiled the whole day. As far as I know reduced sex drive becomes much more common in women starting in their late 40s and 50s but also earlier when stressed out. What concerns sex life or sex drive I believe normal is how you feel about it, meaning if you do not have sex drive, it's okay and you're single too.
Hormones make me crazy. Can't live with them can't live without them
Have been in menopause for a few years. Have always had a weight problem Had some success with diets and exercise Have hit a plateau Did 2 home tests for hormone imbalance Have md apt 19th
@Ghsthntr6
Sorry you're going through such a rough time with your hormones. They can truly impact every aspect of your life and make it difficult to cope. What I find what was very helpful to me when going through menopause, was renouncing on sugar but reducing it will be already very helpful and in general a diet for menopause. Learning mindfulness and doing meditations helped me to reduce stress and see life in a more relaxed way. There are many good books on the market about dealing with menopause/hormone imbalances. One I found very helpful is "The New Natural Alternatives to HRT" form Marilyn Glenville.
Hope your apt with md goes well and there will be help. In the meantime please know we are here for you, hugs 
@amiablePeace77 Thanks so much Am hoping pcp can address what labs found
@Ghsthntr6
🤞
@Ghsthntr6
Menopause is very hard to go through… I had great results with lowering my sugar and reducing my carbohydrates. I have learned that peacefullness is imperative for the soul during menopause. Don't be afraid to walk barefoot and connect with the earth. Breathe deep and count all your blessings. I'm sending you good vibes as you go through this journey. You are not alone.
@Misty72 Thanks so much