Perimenopause & hormones

[Dogmama]

So here's what I'm wondering for you ladies who've been there, done that. If you have always had an easy time with menstruation and no PMS, do you think you have a tendency towards an easier time with menopause? I'm hoping that's the case.

With no scientific backup, I do think that is the case. I've always had horrible PMS - to the point that I planned my wedding in the middle of my cycle. My perimenopause has been really hard too.

My thoughts are that if we are more sensitive to our hormonal fluctuations, we'll have more problems. At least, that's my experience.

[Dogmama]

Took the patch off today. It has kicked my lupus up and my hot flashes are actually a little worse. No sleep at all last night - I was up every hour totally drenched. My hands are swollen (lupus) and my joints ache. I can't take any more lupus med, I'm at my limit. My rheumatologist says it's very common for hormones to crank up lupus.

Oh well, at least I don't have to obsess about the breast cancer link. I've had my period for 44 years & that's a lot of estrogen.

Coyote, I don't drink a lot of caffeine. I mix decaf/caf 50/50 & have maybe two cups a day. I think the hot liquid kicks up the hot flash too. What a great way to start a day - sweat dripping down your back.

I can go from normal to sweating in under a minute. I don't think my stove gets hot that fast. Maybe I'll start cooking eggs on my forehead & save electricity.

[Triskeliongirl]

I have been perimenopausal for a long time (I am 50 now, no uterus but still have ovaries). I find vaginal estrogen cream does the trick for me. My undersanding is that it is much safer than oral estrogens. Perhaps you should discuss this option with you doc.

[Tuckervill]

Dogmama, sorry to hear about your bad night. That would absolutely shut me down.

Karen

[sundial]

Maybe I'll start cooking eggs on my forehead & save electricity.

That's just a miserable existence. My massage therapist sells a product called Progestone cream. This is a bioidentical cream that helps relieve symptoms of menopause--hot flashes, moodiness and headaches. She swears by it. Perhaps this could help you relieve your Lupus symptoms as well.