Menopause and Relationships

[PamNY]

I didn't feel much of anything from menopause.

I'm sure you know this, but I think it's a good idea to consider that hormones might have nothing to do with moods and other issues.

[Crankin]

My moods didn't change at all. They *did* change when I had miserable pms and I always gauged it by how irritated I felt by my students. I had horrible physical symptoms and menopause was welcome. Too bad I had a 10 yr. hell of peri, with increased pms symptoms. I had hot flashes for about 5 yrs. after my periods stopped. I just drank lots of water and ignored all of it.

[Wasp]

I can totally relate to the hot coal comment....here's my story

I first noticed odd symptoms about 3 yrs ago. It first started with huge mood swings, I would get really really pissed off (which scared the crap out of me) then at the other end I was in tears for no reason I could understand. I would withdraw myself from social situations when I could feel the mood swings coming on which my co-workers and friends started to find odd, but I just didn't want to tell anyone what was happening. I actually thought I was going crazy, because normally my moods are pretty consistent . Then everything started to hurt and ache, my joints felt like they needed oiling. Then the hot flashes started. I get two different types of hot flashes. One type feels like the broiler has been turned on, I get super hot, face flushed, visible facial sweat, and it's over within 30-45 seconds (thankfully). The second type is when the broiler stays on high for hours. It's totally insane, the longest one I've had has been just over 3 hrs. I tried HRT and ended up with side effects that were worse than the hot flashes, so for the last 8 months I have taken nothing. For me taking Tylenol helps a bit with the long hot flashes. I started gaining weight, and found myself not wanting to do anything. I sure didn't want to move as everything hurt.
I took a survey test on menopause symptoms, I have 29 out of 34 symptoms. (how wonderful for me!).
I also have issues haveing hot flashes at night, lack of sleepis a huge problem when I can't stand it anymore, I'll take a sleeping pill. For me lack of sleep triggers migraine headaches which put me out of commission for up to 3 days. So not sleeping is not an option for me.
Menopause is the reason I bought my first bike, cause when your outside pedaling away with the wind in your face who feels any hot flashes? It's awesome relief. Now I alternate between my hybrid bike and my road bike and I'm riding at least 20 miles daily.
My hubby (god bless him) Is really supportive, never complains when I have the A/C jacked in the house to the point he's freezing and has to wear a jacket.
Apparently i can expect these symptoms to continue for years to come. Woo-hoo! How awesome is that?