His and Her Health

I'm 39 now and have been having menopause symptoms since I was 31. Seen dr and she drew blood and told me I was early to be in the peri stage, however, given the fact I started my period when I was 12, and had my first child at 14 (second at 15 and third at 20) beginning so early wouldn't be so unusual. Your thoughts and opinions? And yes, I've experienced all the menopause symptoms. Its all in the attitude and your acceptance of this time of your life. For myself, I refused to believe it or accept it, which explains why I still have a period a couple times a year. The only thing I can't quite control is those night sweats. Being made a grandmother at 35 didn't help. Well...at least my daughter waited till she was over age 18 and living out of my house. And no hrt, though I do take some perimenopausal support. I've only started doing that in the last 2 years, when I went almost 8 months without a period. They help, but I musta tried 6/7 different kinds.
comments?

It's a common myth that you're too young to be menopausal in your 30's and 40's. Even though most women begin menopause between ages 45-55, going through menopause earlier isn't a possibility. You mentioned you experienced a lot of symptoms, but you have accepted these symptoms, but the most bothersome are night sweats. Night sweats also wake you up, may cause interrupted sleep, and as a result you feel terrible the next day, have mood swings, crying jags, etc. If you are still having your periods, however, your doctor may also want to check you for other medical problems, i.e., thyroid problems, as well as others. Your doctor may go over several prescribed medications with you which help with hot flashes/night sweats (antidepressants; clonidine (a blood pressure medication); neurontin (antisezure medication); as well as other medications. I usually tell women to keep a diary to discover what may be triggering the hot flashes/night sweats. Certain foods (spicy) can trigger hot flashes, as well as alcohol,; even what you wear to bed, fabrics like nylon, polyester and acrylic can make you feel even warmer. Learn to relax and meditate. And, exercise. Women who work out report fewer episodes of hot flashes/night sweats that women who are sedentary. I also was asked to be on Good Morning America in Aug, 2006. Here is a clip from the show which will give you other tips.
www.abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2314998

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Thanks for the tips. I actually have learned to keep my feet out from under the covers. Seemed to help keep me cool at night. I figure when I'm around 50 or so I'll give in to the aging process Until then, I'm still playing catch up on the maturity issues. Spent most of my life raising my kids and I'm finally alone for the first time since I was still living at home as a kid. I'm NOT ready to be that old yet. Thanks...

HollandDawn- I agree when you say it's all about your attitude. Staying positive throughout the transition is the key to aging gracefully. Menopause challenges even the strongest individuals! Having a good attitude can give you tremendous energy and strength to make this a positive, productive time in your life.

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And no hrt, though I do take some perimenopausal support. I've only started doing that in the last 2 years, when I went almost 8 months without a period. They help, but I musta tried 6/7 different kinds.
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So, do you take HT for your symptoms? What have you tried 6 or 7 of?

Tried 6 or 7 different otc menopause support pills. Seems the right ones will regulate my periods but the cheaper ones do nothing for me. I found an excellant one that - taken every day- regulated my periods, stopped the hot flashes and took off some of the weight I seemed to gain. Unfortunately, they no longer sell it- though who made it I don't know. It was called rejuveneux, or something like that. If anyone knows the makers or correct spelling of this product, I would appreciate hearing from you. I've tried the cheaper, more popular kind but have had to start on more expensive types. I compare ingrediants of those that didn't work for me to others. I found my current one after trying 3 others and it started my period in just 2 days (after not having one in 5 months), but would still go back to the rejuvenuex if I could find it.
Like I said, I'm too young in my own mind to want to deal with this till I'm 50 or so. All in the attitude and refusing to accept that I'm getting older.

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