That is how I started and now have hot flashes...bad!! I have even started to miss periods. I am 41 years old. The other day I sat in my room and cryed. My husband came in to see if he could help. I told him when I figure it out, I'll let you know. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR which really helps with the mood swings and depression. I just want help with the hot flashes. I am going to work with tank tops and my co-workers think I'm crazy. I just look at them and tell them wait and see. It's not you. You can get help and talk about it with other people. With this support site, you will see that you're not the only one going through this. I just hope it does not go on too long. I am going to an OB/GYN to see what my options are. I don't want anymore children so I am thinking I might have everything removed and keep the ovaries. We'll see.

Well that's interesting. I'm on Effexor XR, too. I don't know how long you've been on it, but it has been proven to help with hot flashes. Maybe not in all women, though. It has helped me with the depression and mood swings somewhat, but I still cry for no reason and I'm tired all the time. I just started HRT - short-term - to see if any of my symptoms improve.

I've said that about surgery, too. But, that's pretty drastic. Then you will be in surgical menopause and still have problems I think.

Good luck. It's worth discussing with your doctor if you're suffering that much. I'd be interested in knowing what he/she suggests.

I went into the hospital as a result of this very thing. I have the depression, mood problems and occasional hot flash as well.

You went into the hospital for depression? That's what I'm afraid of - sometimes it gets so bad, and I know most of it is my hormones. I had to stop the HRT because of bad side-effects. Now I don't know what to do. Are you OK now, Terrys?

hi,i'm new to the group,definately not the hot flashes and crying.I had surgery years ago and they left my ovaries,saying it would help with the change.huh,i've had horrible hot flashes for years now.I've alway's been cold natured,my daughter hot,now I sweat and fan and she thinks it's funny.Like DQuint,I tell her to just wait her day's coming!I also take Effexor,and it does seen to help me .I don't want to take hormones,I don't trust them,so I guess i'm doomed.It's great to be here!

Hi Grammy ~ yes, Effexor does help with the hot flashes. I'm not crazy about hormones either, but nothing seems to be helping with the emotional side of it. We'll see, I may give the patch more time. Hope those flashes get better for you, and welcome to the group.

Thanks Ginny,Everyones different I guess,but I sure wish I could find something that would help.Besides cold showers! lol

I can relate to u. I have so many crying spells and the depression is getting harder for me I'm on hormone meds and have been on them for almost 6 weeks and yes they have helped some what with the hot flashes but they r not helping with the crying spell and the depression. I started a finding differnt things to do to get my mind on other thing to see if that will help its worth a try. If u need to talk feel free to talk with me. Take care and God Bless
Pam

I am 46 and just the last 2 years my bouts with depression in the fall and winter have been horrible. I have had 2 operations called ablasions where they burned the linging of my uterus to get my periods to stop or lighten up. I am a tough cookie an neither one of them helped all that much. Maybe some what lighter and shorter but still there. I recently have missed 2 periods thought yippy its over but nope it revisted me this month. I also started sweating terrrible at night not every night but allot of them. I can never get my gyno to ck me for menaopause she says since i have periods i am not in it. and She tells me there is no test to see if you are pre menapausal. My depression is horrible and mood swings horrible. anxiety is way out there too. Do any of you know is there a test of any kind that can tell if you are in the beginning of this horrible thing? Thanks.

I'm 44 and I started going through pre menopause 3 years ago when i went in and told my doct my systoms he told me it sounded like premenopause.I went full blown after I had my full hystroctomy almost 3 months ago they told me after my surgrey i would crash and first i had only got the hot flashes and when i went for my 2 week check up that is all I had after 6 weeks I have crashed all I do is cry at the drop of a hat and depression is bad the doct put me on a hormone pill but is only helping with the hot flashes...I would check out another doct and see what they tell u..Take care and god bless.
Pam

Hi Iresh and Pam ~ thanks for your posts. It just reassures me that this is menopausal related. I thought I was going crazy!

Iresh ~ it sure sounds like you are perimenopausal. I went through this for a long time with irregular periods. There is a test called FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone - I think). I had this in early 2006 and my results at that time were 54.8, which is in the postmenopausal range! I'm still not technically postmenopausal, because my periods have not stopped for one year straight. But, this time it has been nine months. So your hormone levels may be low. I know mine are. I just have to find the right treatment. There are many out there, and from what I've heard, it's trial and error.

Pam ~ Can I ask what you are taking? Do you have any side-effects?

The crying and anxiety are symptoms that a lot of women go through. It's horrible.

I am on Estradiol 1 mg once aday and yes there r side affects and they r dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, stomache upset, bloating, weight changes,increase or decrease intrest in sex, breast tenderness, may go away during treatment.. so far I have been good and have not got any of these. have any other questions feel free to ask.
Pam

Dang I just want to jump off a cliff now. LOL this is horrible Like being depressed off an on for years isnt enough now I have to add these possible syptoms to the pile. UGGGGGGGGGGGGggggggg

Pam ~ That's great that you haven't experienced any of those side-effects!

Iresh ~ I know, but not everyone experiences all the side-effects. If one doesn't work for you, you can always try something else. That's what I'm going to do. If the crying/depression doesn't stop, I have no choice. I can't deal with the emotional side of it anymore, because it is completely taking over my life. I have some decent days, but sometimes I just start crying and feeling like dying. It's terrible. BTW ~ don't jump off a cliff - lol - you can get help.

Ginny

I couldn't stop crying. I was hysterical. I became suicidal and was hospitalized. I am on antideprepressant to control this now. My gyn says this may improve after menapause - i take this to mean after i complete menapause - my periods stop.