CosmoQueen, Isn't this the craziest stuff? Who would've ever dreamed that your hormones could mess up so many things. And I'm like you: Why aren't doctors on top of this? I went to the ER 7 times in 5 months, and not one time did one even suggest that this might be my problem. I changed doctors in January and she has helped me so much. And does chocolate make it worse? I've been eating some every day! Maybe I'd better stop. But I crave it SOOO much!!

As long as it's not bothering you - go for it. If I have chocolate, it's one of my triggers to set off the acid reflux.....yuk! I usually wait to take a Zantac until I feel that acid creeping up on me, just because I hate taking pills! There is so much contraversy regard drugs these days that I just try to stick it out on my own...which leaves me feeling crappy most of the time, so sometimes I cave in. I did my AM Yoga this morning and that really does help...it's a short 15 minutes of stretching that truly makes you feel good and I've heard that Yoga does help the digestive system. Have you ever done Yoga?

Well Hells Bells, I started stomach problems in January this year, almost a year since starting HRT. The HRT was a God send just to let you know, but this gastric issue had me doubled over in pain for a couple of weeks. Now its sporadic at best.

My doc first thought it was gallstones, then maybe an ulcer. I had the ultra sounds and the upper gi series. I go to see my doc for my yearly physical and the results of it all and will ask if this could be hormonal. I will not be happy if this is another hormone issue. I feel like crap and am sick of the lump diagnosis.

And to add insult to injury, I have gained weight because the pain is like a gnawing hunger and I keep hoping that eating will make it better. Its only making my jeans tighter and that is not a happy place.

Me too Luciee! I get this empty, void and then gorge myself in whatever I have available (be it carrot sticks or chocolate) - then I feel like crap and get mad at myself. I am working on controlling that Pig Out urge now....I am trying to eat only good things and keep the portions to a reasonable amount. As of yesterday and today...so far so good. I've have gone up a jeans size and just watch the scale go up and up....it gets very depressing....but I keep fighting despite the odds!!! LOL

Lucie & Cosmo Queen, as I'm reading your posts, I just finished off a big Reese's cup! I have absolutely no willpower anymore!! But if I don't eat, like you, my stomach goes into spasms. And then if I eat the wrong thing, look out! I would love to quit taking meds. I guess I will after this perimenopause is over, if it ever is!

That's ok, just don't have any more! We have to fight this beast!! ; )

Wow, I am so surprised that this may be another symptom. As I mentioned, I go see my doc today to discuss all of this. I will let you know what I find out.

Thanks for sharing ladies, its great to know we are not alone and its not all in our heads.

CosmoQueen, You're right! I've been feeding the beast. Now I've got tostart fighting it!!

Luciee: About the stomach problems, I don't really believe it's directly caused by hormones, just not sure. But definitely the anxiety and stress has caused it, which is directly caused by the hormones. My anxiety level was definitely over the top, which can cause all sorts of other problems. But let me know what your doctor has to say.

Thanks so much! God bless!

I'm glad I seen this thread because I DO believe that changing hormone levels do affect the GI tract and this is why...almost two years ago, I lost my voice and was referred to an ENT and then to a GI. They diagnosed me w/GERD. To make a long story short, I was put on almost every antacid medication and none worked until Nexium or at least I think it worked because it had been 5 months w/o my voice and don't know if it was just ready to come back or the med did it. It's the kind of reflux that causes erosive acid to travel all the way to the voicebox and usually occurs more at night. I have had this for the past two summers (always starts in June) and really praying this year isn't another....BUT what I'm getting at is this all started right before menopause type symptoms. I rarely ever had to take any antacids until all of this...trust me I UNDERSTAND the issues GERD causes. I just think there must be some link between the two.

Best of luck to you all with acid probs...I know it really sucks!!

Well, here come some different symptoms again! I've been having aches and pains in my joints, and my memory is just shot! I can't believe how quickly things can change. I just wonder what is next.

I ache all over constantly. Now my arm is going numb when I am in bed...very irritating. I'm guessing it has to do with bad circulation - I just don't get it. How do woman survive this time of life?

This has been a recent problem with me also and I never ever had it before. I eat so well and healthy. I have trouble believing it is related to my diet.

I am scheduled to have an endoscopy but I think I will be cancelling the appointment, as things are better now. Haven't had the problem in a week. Coincidentally, my change for the better came when I took a homeopathic remedy for a cold. My homeopath treats me for hormonal issues as well. It turns out the remedy she gave me for the cold is also a remedy for heartburn, etc. I really think this is what helped me. Go to homeopathyforwomen.com. Her name is Debbie Lacurse. 845-656-0651.

Furthermore, doctors will always give you medicine. Antiacids eventually work against you. I will only take one occasionally if needed. Other than that, there has to be a better way. We don't just want to cover symptoms, do we?

Some people swear by 2 tbs apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it. This has helped me, but not long term. Try it for an acute attack. But for long term, you might want to go the homeopathic route. So far, so good. Fingers and toes crossed.