Menopause Support Group
Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.
Well, I had my last period Mar., 2008. I went on HRT Sept, 2008. On Antidepressants and Antianxiety April, 2009. Over the years the s/s have ebbed and flowed. I have never been w/o some type of problem. Been to therapy. Seen a Psych NP. Last night I had to throw the cover off 4 or 5 times. I'm thinking.....Really? I am a Faith based person and have people telling me to give Post Meno problems, Depression and Anxiety which I never had before 2008 just to give it all to God. I don't know how. I've been on 3-4 different HRTs. Had to change when $$ went up. 2 different antidep. Lexapro and now Effexor ER and one Antianxiety prn- Lorazepam.
I can't imagine anyone else out there w/10 years of problems. If there is let me know.
If not, please let me know what YOU would do. My doc gives me about 5 minutes when I have my annual. She is the only menopause specialist in my state. I'm thinking about just making an appt. with her for a "sit down". I did that 3 years ago and about all she did was draw blood for an estrogen level. But, she was sympathetic. I think that was when I went on combipatch and last year the price on that soared. No insurance coverage for it. It seems NOTHING really helps the big 3. Hotflashes, Depression and Anxiety/Panic.
I don't know what to do anymore.
Anything you write will be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Sue
You are so not alone. You are not the only believer, I know who is going through this. Sounds like you've run the medical gambit. I've been through this, too. You and I know that there is no substitute for resting in God. Try entering a Sabbath rest for a period of time each week and spend time renewing your mind and heart in the Word. Go to Bible,com for more resources. There are reading plans for women that handle issues like this.
Now for medical stuff. I used estroven, ashwagandha, and thyroid support. I also have the phytoestrogen cream which is natural and herbal based. I use vitamin E and collagen, I also watch the calcium intake. NOw is when we need more n order to avoid osteoporosis.
Now the hard part. All the younger women may support you if you can explain this, but the men in your life will not get it. They will keep on expecting you to breeze through and it's not possible. I pray you will find a place of serenity.
Here's a bit of humor for you. We usually go through a lot of night sweats. I did not have many of those. Instead I'd go up like a flaming torch on the inside; I kept asking Jesus if he was mad at me!