His and Her Health

Someone came to me the other day and said "I have been experiencing the worst mood swings and headaches lately. I just entered menopause and I have not been getting the hot flashes and insomnia that I hear is typical. I've been getting mood swings and headaches! Does anyone else get these? Does anyone else have "weird" symptoms (not the usual hot flashes, night sweats etc.)like I do?"

Headaches and even migraines can be caused by low estrogen levels. Many pre-menopausal women get cyclic headaches monthly during a point in their cycle when their estrogen levels are low. It is not uncommon for women to get headaches as they approach menopause due to the significant drop in estrogen.

Dr. Philip Sarrel (a menopause specialist from Yale University) actually treats menopausal women with estrogen pills under their tongue. This way, the estrogen gets into their bloodstream faster. Women have reported instant relief in as little as 20 minutes!

As far as other symptoms go, your menopuase experience is different than your best friend's, your sister's and your mom's. We hear about the usual hot flashes because a lot of women go through them but you don't necessarily have to. It really wasn't until recently that people started connecting sleeplessness, mood swings, fatigue, crawly skin or an increased menstrual flow with the beginning of menopause.

Your mood swings are also common even though you may not think them to be. Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments are available to control them. Exercise and support groups (like the Red Hot Mamas)can also help.

oh, I still get the hot flashes but the headaches are very pronounced.