Post menopause and possible symptoms

Hi Elmtree~

I can relate. I am so sorry. If you're up for sharing, have the specialists at least ruled out some of the super-scary things?

Do you ever feel like you don't have enough energy to try the next thing? Go to the next appt?

I had a bad bad year like that in 2019... the only diagnosis I got out of it was fibromyalgia. And advice to eat better, reduce stress, and exercise.

In the last year or so, I was getting some better days... better energy levels, less aches and pains, more confidence... then had a period after skipping a few, and for past 6 weeks, going through a huge run of what I think are the worst migraine attacks I've ever had... the pain isn't the worst part... that usually only lasts a few hours. it's the vertigo and digestive stuff, and the dragging exhaustion that are the worst.

Have an ok day once or twice a week, but that's it.

I am 52, be 53 in August. I have spotty periods, not regular timing at all, but the other symptoms are horrific and really limiting my life right now.

All that to say, I feel where you're coming from. I am sorry you're having it rough right now. Hugs and a listening ear here anytime you need it.

Take care,

Sara

hello elmtree it makes me so sad to read yours and the other ladies posts yet i feel the same as you except for the aching genitals. iv been like this on and off for the last 10 years. i did have a little break for 3 months this year but its all back again im dizzy and nauseas on a daily basis, makes me feel off balance, my tinnitus is so much worse iv lost my confidence to go far, socialise or anything that was my normal life. horrendous menopause symptoms has taken over my life and given me debilitating anxiety. i saw a doctor in ENT at a balance clinic who said i have chronic vestibular migraine which i think answers a lot of my symptoms but not all. i turn 60 soon and i feel iv lost the whole of my 50's feeling so ill. i too had so many test in the beginning all coming back ok and now i cant even get an appointment with a GP so feel very alone on this except of course for this forum and you ladies who make me feel im not the only one. A friend of mine had the ache you described and she had a prolapse womb which she got sorted and shes fine now so try not to worry . im sure i make everything worse for myself by worrying and being miserable 24/7 im totally consumed and cant help it. i had 6 sessions of CBT back in 2013 but didnt really help me although i do use some methods for distraction when driving. i hope you get some relief soon. sending you sll a comforting hug

It's just awful isn't it. How I've got through the last year I don't know. I've had various tests which always seem to come back clear which is a relief but it also leaves you with no answers which can be frustrating. I have been getting horrible head pressure and headaches and an off balance balance feeling. Diagnosis so far is possible vestibular migraines, it is debilitating. I have a huge list of symptoms which point to a hormonal cause. I'm not post menopausal but think I'm in peri. Cycles range from 27-37 days and had some new spotting before a period. Some ladies have an easier peri but have more problems post menopause so your symptoms could definitely be caused by hormones. How long have you been post menopause? Have you discussed this with your GP. I don't have the genital aching but do have urinary urgency prior to a period. Have a look at something called vaginal atrophy. This is caused by low estrogen levels. If this sounds like your symptoms do discuss this with your GP as there is treatment to help in the way of estrogen pessaries and creams. These can be given even if you can't take systemic hrt as it is localised. Take care and I hope it settles for you soon.

Finkyb

Thank you all for creating this and the other menopause posts.

I am 65 years.

Hotflashes on and off STILL for years. Day and waking me up at night.

Feet stiff swollen joints, knots in arch tendons or muscles. Muscle bottom and top feet spasm, cramp. (Do have foot injuries).

At night sometimes, especially is eat sugar; will be resting and suddenly feet cramping muscles and pulls the whole foot, ankle in and up, PAIN! Goes into legs especially if lot walking hills lately, heavy lifting. The scariest, most painful muscle cramps. It always happens right at the beginning of and into a hot flash! About a year ago a hotflash hit me in the middle of walking fast in my army boots in the house. The hotflash locked up the muscles in my big toe and made me fall! Flat onto the floor on hands and knees. Needs dark brown, black for week and took 3 weeks for large bruises to clear. left with some weird injuries. Have been using a walker-like tiny shopping cart since then as the foot has never healed and toe, arch gets stiff easy. And the doctor just says arthritis and never did xray!

Losing weight to 115 pounds helps but I rarely can keep it there. (I am a diet coke addict and trying to quit that poison artificial sweetener. But swear menopause makes my injuries take forever to heal! Last period (if count tiny spotting that can only be seen when do a test with tampon) was about 1 and 1/2 years ago. Tried progesterone, estrogen; causes vertigo, vision problems, extreme fatigue spells =thyroid off. Waiting for age 70? AHHH! Like Germain Greer's book; The Change.

Thanks again for all these posts. It gives me hope that there is a end to all this, someday. Weird how some days, nights fell ok. Even foot some better. Then it all comes back.

have you tried magnesium for the cramping?