Hello Ladies,
I've read through many of the menopause threads here but I'd like to hear more from those of you who have reached this wonderful transition from perimenopause to menopause. What kind of symptoms are you having and how are you dealing with them? I think what I really need is commiseration. I'm 54-1/2 and until 53-1/2 thought I was going to breeze through menopause. I've now missed three cycles and my GYN, after reviewing blood tests, says I'm "there". I have strange symptoms that don't seem connected and even my GYN says she doesn't know if they are all menopausal, but "could be". Besides the unbelievable night sweats, I'm having sinus problems (kind of like a sore throat), severe digestive problems, back aches, pelvic aches, ankle aches and this last week a headache that won't quit. I've had all kinds of tests and the gastroenterologist thought I'd need to give up my gallbladder, but those test were normal. For now I'm on strong acid reducers and that's helping somewhat. Sometimes I just feel downright awful. I am riding and it's the only thing that's keeping me connected to my old self. Sometimes I ride strong, sometimes (like today) I barely slog through 20 miles. Last year at this time I was cranking out 200 miles a week including a weekly 50-75 mile "hill ride". That seems like another lifetime.
I tried OTC natural progesterone cream and I think that contributed to my digestive problems and made me feel depressed, so I stopped. My GYN wants me to try HRT (Duavee). It's funny though that all of the common side effects listed for the drug are symptoms I am already having! Right now I am using soy and black cohosh. It may be helping a little but not enough. My husband is in favor of the HRT. He wants his wife (and riding buddy) back. I never thought I would use HTR but I'm about to cave in and give it a try. My GYN says try it for four months. Someone told me that athletic women can go through worse menopause. Is that true? I'm a lightweight, about 112 pounds at 5' 6-1/2".
Please share your own thoughts and experiences. I'm getting a more than a bit desperate.