Mean-o-pause
My dear friend is going through pre-menopause. I hate it for her. She says she feels like she falls into a deep pit and can't get out - suddenly, without warning. It's awful; foggy brain, tunnel vision, roller coaster mood swings, hot flashes, sudden sweats, tears...this sucks. It must be some sort of cruel joke. *frown*It would seem that pre-menopause or peri-menopause consists of the actual symptoms preceding a cessation of monthly menstruation. So, menopause is when it's all actually over...which is where we are all pretty eager to get to, especially when experiencing the dreadful roller coaster to get there.
And the worst part for my dear friend is that she feels awful that she is causing irritation to those closest to her. In reality, those who love her the most just want to help her feel normal and part of life again. Her hormones have taken her hostage and won't let up. Ack!
Oh yeah, there are lots of treatments and opinions out there. Talk about feeling like a lab experiment! There is no way to know if a treatment, whether chemical or herbal, will work until she tries it. And then, when something actually helps, there is no way of knowing whether it's going to keep working; all the options seem to have a funny way of helping at some times and not others. How frustrating for all involved.
And, the kicker? It would seem that some women get hit harder than others. So, you will hear some say, "Oh, I didn't really ever go through any menopause problems...blah, blah, blah..." Good grief! Not fair. *stomping foot* I hate to watch my friend suffer through while others breeze through it without even noticing. And, there is no guarantee or inkling of when this will end.Unfortunately, I have no solutions or even good ideas on the matter. My heart breaks for every woman who silently suffers with this horrible head trip.
In searching around for some good quotes, I found some funny ones...
Unless of course you wanna see us in action!
My husband, being unhappy with my mood swings, bought me a mood ring the other day so he would be able to monitor my moods. We've discovered that when I'm in a good mood it, turns green and when I'm in a bad mood, it leaves a big red mark on his forehead!!Next time he'll buy me a diamond...duh!!
Comments
Still in the throes of it this morning, unfortunately... though, I was able to laugh at the funnies! :o/
I'm just 49 and I will not experience menopause, at least not for a long time.
You see, my mother died of ovarian cancer (she had to get a hysterectomy which threw her IMMEDIATELY into menopause -- no fair, we just can't avoid it!) and her mother died of it, too.
My sister and I had the "Gilda Radner syndrome" -- both at very high risk for getting it. And the CA125 test is best for identifying risk of breast cancer, hit-or-miss for ovarian.
My sister, who is 5 years older, had the two kids she wanted and had her ovaries removed.
About 5 years later, I had mine removed. I was 41 or 42, sheesh I can't remember!
Because of this, I started taking a hormone every day and have since then. I feel great but I do worry about the eventual side effects by the time I hit 60.
Would I rather have my ovaries instead of hormones? Heck, yeah. I'd rather my mother had lived past 53 and seen her grandchildren.
I hope people don't think TMI, because these are all issues dealing with women's health issues, which affect the men in our lives, too.
For your friend, because it is so horrendous for her, I suggest asking her doctor about hormone therapy. There are very low dose hormones out there, and maybe even taking one every other day would help. Just my opinion.
None of us want to be miserable and mean to those around us.
It is hard to know what might help but talking to your doctor might give some options, and they have free samples, too!
My prayers for your friend and for all of us as we age.
Just, it just seems like yesterday I was watching the movie, "It's wonderful being a girl"!
Thanks, Susan, for your wonderful comments. They are not TMI - I think this is an issue that bears discussing and requires support. :-)
Re hormone therapy - so far I've managed to miss it but have threatened my body that any death defying symptoms and I'm there like shot. I know that there are some mild tablets out there and my way of looking at it is the Lord is quite able to protect me if I really need this help- my times are in His hands and He is well able to counter balance any other effects. When I'm ready to go home to Him - I'll be off after all - what is the point of staying any longer than necessary?!
Meanwhile girls pampering myself does help - long bubbly lavender baths, lavender oil on my neck - plenty of dark chocolate, a glass of wine and plenty of walks....they are not always the answer but they make things more bearable! The killer for me is the lack of sleep and night sweats so I sleep in and the rest of the world can wait......
Don't know if I am much help but I will be praying for Lisa and anyone else who has this trauma to go through...... xx
But I would like to offer that my M-I-L sings the praises of her naturopath. MIL says she could count all of her hot flashes on one hand! Another friend of mine greatly influenced her symptoms by self educating re: natural products and noticed that when she ran out of something she could really tell the difference. (B vitamin complexes, evening primrose, etc.)
Just think on it for a while, a couple of visits to a respected naturopath for a personalized recipe of plant based relief.
I have a great naturopath in Tacoma, let me know if you want her name, but there are many qualified in the phone book!