I had a stroke at 46 which was the result of 10 months of non-stop menstrual bleeding for which I was put on Loestrin. The Loestrin did not work at all and after taking it for about 3 months, it caused a stroke. Since it turns out I have a high propensity to clot, something that 25% of the population has but is not usually tested for, the Loestrin led to a clot which cause a hemorraghic stroke and landed me in the hospital for 7 days. While stroke is a potential side effect of Loestrin, I never really believed an RX designed to help could also potentially kill me. You hear or read the list of side effects but never consider it will happen to you. While I came out ok from the stroke, I am now on blood-thinners for life, I was depressed by it for a while. The blood thinner of course also affects bleeding, which continued while in the hospital and for 4 more months after. Finally leading to a partial hystectomy to stop it (uterus removed but still have ovaries). So...I assume the non-stop bleeding was the first sign of perimenopause. I've read that it can take as long as 10 years to finally get thru it, I am assuming that I may still be going thru it, even tho I'm 53 now. BUT, more and more issues keep popping up and I am just so tired and even sad at times, I don't think it is a physical "sadness" if that makes any sense, it just a sadness about how my body has betrayed me and is falling apart it seems. So if anyone out there is trying to deal with menopause after a hysterectomy, please let me know. I'd love to know that I am not experiencing out-of-the-norm symptoms and finally get a sense of comfort. I can go into detail with all my symptoms if someone is willing to listen.

Thanks!