Hi to all with a note of encouragement. I have been going through menopause for over a year now but my symptoms got really bad about 9 months ago. Since then I have had at least 20 symptoms or more. On that list have been: anxiety, jitters, suicidal depression at one time, burning sensations of the mouth and skin, LOTS of muscle and joint pain, flu-like symptoms, constant brain chatter, hypervigilance to figure out what to do!...and the list goes on...

I went on bio-identical hormones but after 3 months and some lab work found out that the hormones had made me quite estrogen dominant and I felt lousy! At that point, and after reading as much as I could about menopause and talking with some older gals that had already been through this, I realized that although nothing about this feels normal - it actually is a normal part of a womans life and that it DOES have an end! The body is initially in shock by the loss of hormones - but if you treat that body with lots of TLC such as good nutrition, proper rest and exercise - even if it is moderate, the body does adjust and symptoms start to fade.

My symptoms are so much better. I am not out of the woods because they can flare up if I do too much...but wow! they are better! I was so depressed back in December with so much anxiety but that has improved 80% These symptoms do pass.

Here are some of the things I have done: I eat a paleo diet. Mostly veggies and some meat, eggs and a tiny bit of low glycemic fruit. This diet incorporates plenty of good fats which also help the bodies production of hormones.

I have posted this several times but here are the supplements I take for hormonal help: Pytoestrogens in the form of flax hull lignans, st johns wort, ashwagandha and maca.

I walk everyday. Between walking at work and after work I log about 4 miles daily. These are not hikes or stenuous walks. Those are still too much for me to recover from. These are just divided up good , steady walks. These have been a life saver for my mental health! I could feel miserable all day then take a walk and feel better immediately. It is my mind and body happy time and the more I do it the more my body "remembers" that this is the unwind and de-stress time. So I automatically relax when I am walking. I have also been doing Qi Gong daily which may be a great option for those that cannot walk alot. There are even you-tube videos of seated Tai Chi and Qi Gong videos on YouTube.

The point is that in order to get through this it is vital to be proactive! Trust yourself first and listen to your own gut about what to do. Pray to God or your higher power for guidance and then listen for answers. Running from doctor to doctor takes your own power away. Focus on what YOU can do for YOURSELF and start doing it. Once you realize that YOU have the power to get through this - you will automatically feel better by being the one in charge. In the end you only have yourself to rely on anyway.

I wish everyone lots of healing today. There is an end to all of this - just keep your faith and look inward.

Love,

Susan