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.
Hello! I'm visiting from the bereavement site but I wandered here to ask ya'll a couple of questions, unrelated to that particular site. When I had insurance, my dr. said I was going through menopause. I'm 53 and take only vitamin D/calcium, and omeprazole for heartburn. I had hot flashes last year, went away and now back with a vengence. I've taken a few over the counter "remedies, to no avail. I don't know what's going on but now, when I'm not sweating, I'm freezing, to the point of crawling under the covers. My body seems to be doing one or the other constantly. Have any of you ever experienced this? Also, when I awaken, my fingers are numb and in the waking up process, are very painful. I don't know if that even has anything to do with the other but with no insurance, I'm open for suggestions. Thanks.
deleted_user
HI, Beatrice! While menopause can provide a range of symptoms and maladies, two things come to mind. Thyroid is one thing that regulates body temp, and older women in particular are vulnerable to lower levels of the stuff your thyroid gland puts out, so that is one thing to check. The coldness and numbness also makes me think of a friend who was diagnosed with an artery disorder - PAD, I think - peripheral artery disease? Good luck with finding some relief! So sorry to hear about your dad - I lost mine at 13, and still think about him every day! : )
beatrice99
Thank you so much for your reply. I will try to check into these two possibilities as soon as I can. I didn't have insurance at my last job but, I quit that after my Dad died so now I'm job hunting with no income. I just couldn't concentrate and I worked in some pretty hazardous conditions. I am going to a local clinic at the end of the month for a pap but usually when you go there, they see you for one thing and make you come back in a month or two so if it's anything serious, I may be joining my Dad before I can get any help. Thank you also for mentioning my Dad. I am so lost without him. I have lost 25 lbs., which I look better but, feel worse! I lost my Mother when I was 19, 34 yrs.ago. All I have left is a brother and cousins. My brother I tolerate...my cousins-what cousins? Same goes for the people I found out weren't my friends!
deleted_user
When you get pap mention menopause symptoms. If they give you a script for a generic hormone replacement Wal-mart has a program that greatly reduces the price for those without coverage. Grief is so tough. I dread losing parents. God bless.
beatrice99
Thanks again for offering me advice. My former gyno., when I had ins., as well as the dr. at the clinic, said because I'm a smoker, I was not a candidate for HRT but, I have heard so much negative publicity, I don't know if I'd take them anyway. Ihanks for your condolences, also. My Dad was 95 and doing well(or so we thought). He chose to go to the nursing home because of the 24/7 attention. Anyway, I grew fond of his roommate and after my Dad passed, I continued to visit him because he had very little local family. Unfortunately, I attended his funeral yesterday. I feel like I'm becoming an expert on dealing with death. It has definitely changed me but, I'll be okay.
deleted_user
wow, I'm so glad you brought this up. I too go from being hot to freezing and quite often wake up with numb fingers. I will go and get my thyroid checked! I am so sorry for your loss. My grandpa passed away a couple of years ago, he was 89. He lived quite a life and was surrounded by his kids when he passed. Death is a natural part of life, but I know this is very little comfort to the ones who get left behind. My dad passed when I was in my early twenties(18yrs ago) and some days I the feelings of loss can be so overwhelming. He never got to meet my three beautiful sons, who he would have been devoted to. Good luck to you and try to find joy in the little miracles of life. Sending love and light : )
beatrice99
Thanks for yet, more words of kindness. I'm glad to see I am not the only one with the same problems. I'm sorry that we are going through this, though. I will try to coax my dr. at the clinic to check my thyroid but, I expect I'll just receive another appt. for a month or two down the road. Until my appt. on the 31st, I can only hope it goes away on its' own but, I really don't think it will. There's always hope. I've often heard, miracles do happen!
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