Menopause is ruining my life

Posted , 6 users are following.

Hello I am 45 years old and 2 years ago this December I had a total hysterectomy that threw me straight into menopause. I used HRT for about a year but the side effects did not agree with me and I thought I could do without. Ha...I currently take otc menopause vitamins. Basically for the last 6 months I am just miserable, I quit my job, I cry all the time and basically just feel like disappearing. I really do not want to take an antidepressant as there is a lot of drug dependancy issues in my family. Is this just it for me? I feel I am never going to feel like myself again. I am lost

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Tammie,

    Not sure what hormone replacement you tried. Do you know if they were bio identical? Did your hormone replacement include testosterone as well? Have you thought about trying bio identical pellets? Was your doctor knowledgeable in hormone replacement? Having the right doctor that truly knows what they are doing is so very important. You shouldn't have to be suffering this way. I have never had a hysterectomy but I am in full menopause now. No periods for 4 1/2 years. Within 6 months of no periods I started on bio identical creams and within the last year have been on pellet replacement consisting of estrodial and testosterone which I will stay on the rest of my life. I felt many symptoms after my periods ended and as the months passed they got worse. I would imagine a hysterectomy is the same thing but more accelerated. One thing is certain, our hormones will not be made like they use to once our periods are gone, whether it is a hysterectomy or full menopause. I don't feel like I'm in menopause now. I have my quality of life back. Good Luck

  • Posted

    Tammie, honey, I'm so sorry.

    I just started on bio identicals (not sure what the difference is between them and HRT...please research this and see if bio identicals may work for you) and while they've helped some symptoms, I've become an emotional roller coaster with trench-deep lows...crying, angry, sensitive, etc. I cry at the drop of a hat and it's mostly angry ugly crying, not delicate tears of melancholy. You are not alone, I promise.

    I'm afraid of anti-depressants, I think they'll give you more bad side effects than good ones and with addiction in the family, I'd stay away. I tried lots of otc herbs and meds for meno and nothing worked so a month ago, after 2 years of owning the world's driest vag and terrible hot flashes/night sweats, I went on bio identicals. Things are much better down below and and the flames of meno are all but gone for the most part. I'll stay on them, I think (if I don't go broke buying them). I take Estradiol and Progesterone orally but if I could afford cream/pellets/patch, I think I'd do those.

    I have to advocate exercise. I notice a huge difference between when I exercise a lot and when I don't...physically as well as mentally.

    You may not feel like your old self again but you can control becoming a new you - years ago, I made a short list of what I want from the second half of my life - the basics and the little luxuries - and it helps keep me focused . Find what works for you. It's NOT over by any means...you are very young and I'm truly sorry you're going through this at your age. Hugs to you.

  • Posted

    I'm miserable too--- not sure if it's my job, marriage or just me... I do have some good days BUT not enough! I'm 50 and having a third test (d&c) for these heavy periods.. I was in 'rage' mode 2 days ago and all it did was keep me up at night to work the next day. So yes, I may have to look into some bio-identical cream that others are talking about.I swim twice a week, try to eat spinich and salads everyday, take supplements but I feel I need something else.. I am thinking about trying a massage or even a facial--something to make myself feel good about being a woman at 50.. Oh and I also thought about getting a cleaning lady-- just like to come in every month or every other.. I just feel like I can't do it all and I'm tired BUT I need something to make me happy.

    • Posted

      Kelly, yes, keep eating well and swimming, good exercise and diet are essential to our well being, now more than ever. If you can afford it without adding financial fear, go get massage, facial and a cleaning lady...they will also help you feel better. I hit Marshalls and buy a new lipstick when I feel down. I have quite the collection. It's silly, but it makes me happy.

    • Posted

      See that's the thing--- shopping doesn't do it for me anymore. Unless of course I need something and then it's just one-stop shopping to do it. Just bought groupon deal for microbrasion... Yay! ! Hopefully I can get in soon I need it.

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