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menopausal symptoms at 58

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lucas18
lucas18

Hi, I'm 58 and started the menopause at 50 when my periods stopped. At first I relieved because I didn't have PMT or periods anymore but now at my age I'm suffering from severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood swings far worse than ever before. I have suffered from these symptoms for years and take medication for them but everything seems just awful. Today also I woke with a start at 4.30am feeling light headed, dizzy. I'm really scared and was wondering if I should still have these symptoms at my age and could they be related to the menopause?

5 likes, 42 replies

42 Replies

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  • kat50
    kat50 lucas18

    Posted

    I'm peri menopausal and like you have suffered from depression for many years on and off. This past year has been a roller coaster of ups and dark downs. Perhaps it is just a bout of depression your going through. You might need your meds looking at. Your not on your own feeling like this. Pm me if you want a chat.
  • susan21149
    susan21149 lucas18

    Posted

    I am in menopause and have suffered from depression and anxieties. It seems that the HRTs brought on a period i have been cramping, bleeding heavily, and having anxiety issues with this 

    I am going to get checked out tomorrow from my OBGYN because the estrogen and provera should not have started a period 

    Has anybody ever experince this while on HRTs 

  • carole28488
    carole28488 lucas18

    Posted

    There are so many symptoms that are related to menopause, believe me.  I had a complete hysterectomy in 2001, and 14 yrs. later, started having the symptoms all over again.  I pretty much have my problems solved by taking Vivelle Dots, but they are very expensive...I have tried other HRT meds but nothing helps me like these patches.  I'm not sure you can take them being so young, and no hysterectomy, but I'm just letting you know that the symptoms can still pop up years after you think they are gone...Try not to stress over them..just see your OBGYN and she should put your mind at ease...
  • gailannie
    gailannie lucas18

    Edited

    Lucas, 

    I also am 58 years old, having my last period at 52 1/2.  I too thought I was in the free and clear without horrible symptoms and certainly didn't miss my period.  I pushed forward without many blips on my rador screen.

    But over these years things have dramatically changed, until I also hit a wall. Because of all this, I wound up seeing a very specialized endocrinologist who has worked with woman's menopause issues for 25 years.  (One of those dream doctors)  I have learned so much from this experience and her expertise.  So I am hoping I can pass something on to you, that might be of help.

    The first thing that you need to know, is that ALL of our hormone systems work together and support one another.  These include insulin, cortisol, adrenaline, thyroid, as well the sex steriods estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.   Menopause is the complete shut down of our sex steriod system, that while it won't kill us, it certainly effects all of the other systems.

    As one important example, once a woman hits menopause, her cortisol levels go up high and off the normal level charts.  This is the direct result of losing our estradiol and our bodies are attempting to compensate for the loss.  Our cortisol and adrenaline are our flight or fight hormones.  So no wonder woman experience anxiety!!

    Menopause is also the reason that many woman have new problems with thyroid, become insulin resistant, or even become type two diabetes after their periods stop.  

    None of these changes happen immediately or over night, but slowly as our bodies change gradually because of the hormonal turbulance.  

    So could these things you are experiencing be related to menopause, ABSOLUTELY they are.  Sometimes the outward symptoms are very vague and varied, but the underlying cause is gross changes in your hormone systems.  All of which have been affected by menopause.

    Hope this helps.   

       

          

    • lucas18
      lucas18 gailannie

      Posted

      Hi, thankyou so much for this info it's very helpful to me. I have never had it explained to me before in such detail.
    • lavina41096
      lavina41096 gailannie

      Posted

      Thankyou so much for the information..

      Im 58 and had gone through hot flushes and other symptoms two years ago.

      Thought the same..l had got through the worst...yesterday l told my Doctor...im having these surges of hot sweats and feeling like ..my anxiety and nerves are getting worse..Can this come on again from menopause..HES ANSWER WAS ...NO...That worried me as whats doing this..then l found your article..what a relief to know..l was told l cant take hormone replacement as ive had two small TIA..where you loose your speech ...balance..like a small stroke...pain in the back of head...but also told they can be a form of severe migrane.. l dont suffer from headaches at all ..reading your article l will make appointment to see my gyno ...these surges of intense heat are more severe than a hot flush...its emotionally crippling going through it...l thought l might be having a breakdown..it scared me so badly..out of the blue ...

    • mj.jarrett
      mj.jarrett gailannie

      Posted

      Gailannie

      I found your post while trying to do some research. Could you possibly share the doctors name you went to. I would love to read her research and books. 

      Regards,

      MJ

    • gailannie
      gailannie mj.jarrett

      Posted

      Certainly.  Please look for a private message, as I'm fairly certain the moderator would delete any response I might give you here.  

    • r24256
      r24256 gailannie

      Posted

      Hi, I am experiencing similar problems. Would you please send me your doctor's information also? Thank you.

  • Highlands51
    Highlands51 lucas18

    Edited

    This is all very interesting stuff...the dizziness/light headness can all be to do with adrenals...so I have heard too.   I am really am starting to wonder if it's a case of now treating the adrenals, just wonder if hrt bio or not will help.

    Gailainne, really interesting information - so really adrenals are fatigued.  Would adrenal support help?  Licorice/ginseng.  What is the answer, what do you take?

    Adrenal output can affect the thyroid too..pushing the thryoid to work harder..I believe.

    Sorry to to hear about your rotten symtpoms Lucas..

    • gailannie
      gailannie Highlands51

      Posted

      Highlands,

      Remember, the adrenals attempt to compensate for low levels of our sex steriods in menopause.    In fact, our adrenals have been involved with production of sex steriods throughout all our reproductive life.  Progesterone, estrogen and testo are also produced there, albeit in very small amounts. 

      So after menopause, the adrenals at least attempt to take over.  It is normal to see high levels of cortisol in menopause.  Under enough stress, poor life style habits and inadequate nutrition, yes the adrenal glands can become exhausted.  Yet that is a controversial issue in medicine.  Most physicians only recognize the extreme ends of adrenal gland problems, (Addisons disease low/no production, or the  high end of the scale Cushing's syndrome over production of cortisol.  Both of these disease must be treated.  My first husband nearly died of Addison's.)  

      Would adrenal support help?  Possibly, as many people do report feeling more energy and feeling better using herbs to support the adrenal glands.  Vitamin C is considered one of the most important vitamins for healthy adrenal gland function.

      I will mention that the endocrinologist that I am working with, truly believes that restoring the missing sex steriods is one of the most important things you can do to support the adrenals.  But it goes hand in hand with good food choices, solid sleep, appropriate exercise, etc.

      At this moment, I am on a low dose estradiol patch and working to get my levels within a healthy range for my body.  Doing a progesterone suppository 14 days a month.  All of this is closely monitored with blood tests.   The long range goal is to feel normal, and have blood pressure and cholestorol profile come back to normal range.  

      The changes that happen in menopause effects every cell in our body.  

      It seems reasonable to me, to restore some balance that allows our bodies to function more normally.  But please don't look to the Woman's Health Initiative study for answers.  That study only used Premarin and Prempro.  There is nothing that that study proved, except that the human body doesn't do well with horse estrogen and progestins.  

      Bioidentical hormones are tolerated better, as our body can recognize and excrete them more efficently.  The worst problem is finding the right dose and that can take some time.     

    • lucas18
      lucas18 gailannie

      Posted

      Thanks again, Your info has been more than helpful and helps me understand why I'm more anxious, having insomnia and awful mood swings. I've never been to my doctor for the menopause but I'II make an appointment so I can be referred to an endocrinologist. I take medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol and tachycardia and  I just hadn't related any of this to hormones as I thought it was due to the other problems.Actually the one time I did ask about menopause symtoms all she said was suffering from mood swings..I am overweight and do no exercise except a bit of walking but I'II try to up that, cut out the rubbish from my diet which I indulge in. Thanks again for your help and any other info would be very helpful.
    • gailannie
      gailannie lucas18

      Edited

      You are very welcome!  But Ladies, the one thing that I have found  so frustrating, is that most doctors know very little, if anything, about all this.  I did a ton of research, and had to fly half way across the country to see this particular endocrinologist who has spent her life's work on this issue.  But trying to get help in my city was like pulling teeth.  

      It's very sad really, that help isn't readily available.   

    • lucas18
      lucas18 gailannie

      Posted

      I would very much welcome your endocrinologist's name so I could see her as I'd rather not waste money seeing someone who lacks knowledge on the subject and much prefer a referred specialist.I think it's a matter most GP's know little about too and we're expected to get on with it and suffer in silence.
    • gailannie
      gailannie lucas18

      Posted

      Lukas18,

        While I am happy to share her name privately, I first need to mention that she now does more teaching, writing and lecturing.  She only takes a limited number of new patients.  

      I had emailed her office asking to be seen, after reading her work.    Then recieved a call to collect my history.  From there it took several weeks to find out that she was willing to take me on as a new patient.  

      The other thing I need to mention is that this is very expensive.  Out of pocket and collected in full at the first appointment.  It also includes numerous blood tests to monitor hormone levels.  

      This is definately NOT one-size-fits-all and her therapy is tailored to each woman's particular need.  

      Just thought I should mention this, as it is very different than the 15 minute office visit with a doctor that we are used to having.  

      This takes time, money and a big committment on your part.  But in return, I almost feel I have been given a fairy Godmother.

      Still interested??

      You could certainly order some of her books and the program she has written about menopause to see if you would like to pursue it.    

    • Highlands51
      Highlands51 gailannie

      Posted

      Many thanks, sorry posts not being published on site, thank you for your help.
    • sheila91262
      sheila91262 lucas18

      Posted

      Hi, have you had a blood test that shows thyroid level?. I had all sorts of peri and post menopause problems and was on anti depressants until a blood test showed underactive thyroid and I'm now on meds to replace my very low throid production. It is quite common for lower thyroid production after the sex hormones start reducing. Can't understand why they don't check automatically!

      Good luck with your problems. I am going to start a discussion about post menopausal bleeding, my particular problem!

      Good luck

    • tracy16113
      tracy16113 gailannie

      Posted

      Hello,

      I just wanted to thank you for sharing this information!!!

      I just came across this site because I am 52 and have never had high bp and I have had menopausal symptoms but missed my first period last month.

      I’ve started to experience anxiety like never before and my bp has always been 110/70- 120/80 and now it’s been for the last few months 148/98 all the time!  I’m exercising, eating healthy, but my sleep is not great either.  I feel like I’m wired!  Going to sleep is hard and staying asleep even harder.

      Sometimes I wake up feeling like I’m having a panic attack out of a sound sleep.

      My Dr.’s advice was exactly as you stated...Premarin or birth control and with my family history, I choose not to do that.

      Thanks again for letting us know that we are not crazy, but that are bodies are trying to compensate for what is being depleted!

    • lorraine96479
      lorraine96479 gailannie

      Posted

      hi could you tell me please which endo you went to see and where! I have addisons and hypothyroid and premenopausa!

      Im really struggling to find somebody who has an interest in sex hormones with my conditions, regards

    • lorraine96479
      lorraine96479 gailannie

      Posted

      hi im really interested if you could share her name please, kind regards

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