Surviving menopause

[Crankin]

First, you should be seeing a gyn.
Secondly, anti-depressants have many *approved* uses besides treating depression. The dosages used for treating other conditions is usually half or less than the typical starting dose for a major depressive episode. This is a well known clinical use for some of the SSRIs, SSNRIs, and the older tricyclic antidepressants. These medications at lower doses work on neurotransmitters that can be very effective in treating a variety of things, particularly pain.
I am not sure why you or your DH would be so against this. You are not being treated for depression, but for another approved use of the medication. And, depression is a medical condition, many people have it. What are you concerned about?
A few years ago (before you were on TE, I think), I was sick with what is probably some type of autoimmune issue. I went to 3 rheumatologists and 2 neurologists. The neurologist suggested I take a low dose of amyltriptiline, an older tricyclic antidepressant. I took a 10 mg dose (the normal staring dose for depression is 25 mg) for about 3 months and it totally made the issues go away. I knew there was a side effect of weight gain, and I was able to up my exercise, since I felt better. I stopped taking the meds and I never had to use it again. But, I would, if I started feeling really awful again.
You do not need to suffer. This is accepted medical practice.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on seeing a GYN or endocrinologist who specializes in menopause. Don't just go to "any" GYN, since many of them focus more on obstetrics and younger women's issues. When I was having problems that I later self-diagnosed as perimenopause (with a great deal of certainty in retrospect), two GYNs completely blew me off.

I was seeing a doctor this summer who dismissed my symptoms, wouldn't recognize that she was out of her depth with my injury, and objected to my seeing another doctor. Guess who I'm not seeing any more. I'm lucky in that my insurance doesn't require pre-approval, though. If your PCP refuses a referral, especially if your insurance requires one, I'd think seriously about getting a new PCP.

+1 on what's been said also about not categorically rejecting drugs just because they were first approved as antidepressants. It's wise to be wary of ANY drug, and completely understand the risks and benefits before taking it, but also to understand that the side effect profile may be much milder on the very low dosages that are typically prescribed for menopausal symptoms. Personally, if I had to choose between most hormones and most antidepressants, I'd pick the antidepressant every time...

[kjay]

About 25 years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and at the time could hardly walk because of the pain. On advice from my husband, I went to a pain clinic (where I was diagnosed) that recommended an antidepressant. I balked at that but decided to try it. Well, it was an absolute miracle! My pain went away completely, and I was ecstatic. It's good to gain knowledge and to try new avenues. I was glad I did.

[Sky King]

Also consider a visit to a good naturopath. I can understand the hesitation to take an antidepressant. I tried them for menopause and yes it helped but there we some other side affects that I didn't like. A good naturopath should be able to do some testing and provide some other alternatives to help you out.

don't despair, lots of options open for you.

[azfiddle]

I don't have any suggestions- my hot flashes thankfully were helped by HRT, but I hope you will look into finding another doctor who is more knowledgeable and that you get some relief.

[malkin]

... a low dose of amyltriptiline, an older tricyclic antidepressant. I took a 10 mg dose (the normal staring dose for depression is 25 mg)...

Me too! After a spectacular concussion, I had constant, daily, incapacitating headaches; my doc suggested that I try this, which she called "tincture of nothing" and now I just have headaches now and then like a normal person.

See a specialist, and then TRY SOMETHING. If it doesn't work, TRY SOMETHING ELSE.

[marni]

all I have to offer is a couple of things that worked for me along with a bit of anectdotal info. I started taking vitamin e for pain during my periods, and found that an increased dosage of vitamin e seemd to help with hot flashes durig menopause. I also increase my intake of soy and other forms of natural estrogen like yams.

Since my mastectomy I have been taking tamoxifen which is basically an estrogen blocker so for the last year I have been pretty much in constant menopause with the sleeplessness, hot flashes, weepies etc. and have been off of the the vitamin e and soy and natural source estrogen, I have now been off the tamoxifen for a month, and while not runing amuck am at least back on the vitamin e and I am at least eating some soy and sweet potatoes. The tamoxifen woes of continual menopause are starting to ease off and I am slowly getting my life back. It will take awhile for my strength and endurance back but at least I am starting to feel a bit more optimistic and cheerful about things.

Find a good doctor, mine happens to be a gp but she is good- a sensible older irish lady, but I found her after trying several others who were not right for me. As one who is on antideptressants, I can honestly say that they have made a difference for me in spite of my denial and refusal for 20 years or so. Now I regret those lost years of not using them, but I am making up for it all.

Good luck with your search and I hope something helps soon. For some of us it was and or can be a turly miserable experience. Never let it be said that sometimes the gods or fates of life force or whatever don't sometimes have a turly malicious and nasty sense of humor.

[Wasp]

Thank you for all your kind advise. I'm definatley going to be seeing a gyn that specializes in menopause, if my current GP does not provided a referral I'll find one that will.
After some reflection about my rather large hesitation of taking antidepressants, I came to the conclusion that my hesitation stems from the way my doctor presented them to me. I asked her what happens if antidepressants don't work, what's the next option? And she didn't have one. I don't like the fact that no other options were given. I have a history of my body reacting in a negative way to medications, so for me it's always been a last resort thing, and even though I'm pretty miserable right now, I'm not at the point where I would be willing to take antidepressants as my luck I'll end up getting severe negative side effects.
The other problem I need to correct is finding a new Dr closer to home. She moved her practice 2yrs ago, and its now a 3 hr drive round trip to her office.
About the only thing I've found helpful so far is drinking large amounts of ice water.
Again, thanks for all your responses there much appreciated.

[KatzPajamas]

Keep moving. Doesn"t need to be specific "exercise". Stay well hydrated Go to bed by 10p and get that 8 hours of sleep. The best sleep is between 10-2. Avoid sugar, flour, grains, and processed foods. Remove yourself from stressful situations whenever possible; if not possible, sit back and relax your breathing and actively relax you body. All of this should great reduce symptoms, and often even eliminate them. Unfortunately menopause is a fact of life, just as PMS and a monthly cycle are....As my hubby has so kindly put it "it's like a tire fire-you can't effectively put it out, and it doesn't help to focus on it while it burns". So focus on the positive in your life and ENJOY! Merry Christmas