Three years ago I went through menopause and ever since my body has fallen apart. I have hot flashes constantly, severe neuropathy, weight gain, thickening around the waist and insomnia. I have been working with my physician for three yars to try to make myself more comfortable. WE have changed all my medications and nothing seems to help. The new medications cause weight gain and serious sweating, I still can't walk like I use to for excercise.I have talked to many women with the same problems but they have no solution and their symptoms have since gone away. I am at my wits end. I will be graduating from Graduate school in June need to get back in the working world but I can ill afford new clothes. I have tried Weight Watchers, for my weight gain, in the past but unless the leader is inspiring I do not do well. I have tried accupucture, Chinese herbs, accupresser, excercise, message and physical therapy. Ladies I need your help.
W. P.
Thank you all for your kind support and wonderful ideas. The one thing I have not tried that many of you suggested is a complete diet change and taking supplements. So I am off to the health food store to get a few of the things that have been sugessted. If it works I will let you all know. Thank you all for your kindness and support! W. P.
Hi W.,
My name is Dr. G. M. and I am a local Chiropractor. When My Mom went through almost exactly what you are going through, I looked up Dr. Lani. Here is her web link- http://www.lanisimpson.com/consults
Her information is invaluable and she is the best in the area for this. Good luck!
Dr. G.
Have you been tested for an autoimmune disorder? I spent 6 years with symptoms that seemed similar to menopause (dry eyes, mouth, insomnia, etc.) but it was finally diagnosed as Sjogrens Syndrome.
Hi W.:
I have been going through menopause for a while now and the only product that is working for me (hot flashes, weight gain and insomnia) is a natural progesterone cream. I have been using this cream for about a year and have lost 15 pounds. I have stopped having hot flashes, unless I stop the cream. If you would like more information on the cream I use, please go to http://www.Women4Balance.com/MichelleJ and read through some of the articles and see if they may help you.
Happy Holidays!
Been there. And I found several things that were slightly effective - including accupuncture.
But what really gave me my life back was reading Dr. Rosedale's books on restoring the hormone balance of leptin. Please read it. You will be amazed at how lifestyle and diet exacerbate menopause.
His food recommendations may seem extreme but I just do the best I can and that seems to work. It's essentially cutting out preserved foods, increasing fresh foods. Cutting out hormone laced meats and adding in alternatives. He gives you lists of what to eat a lot of and what to avoid.
The more you can adjust your diet, the better you feel and the more energy you have.
I also heard a lecture he gave endorsing a supplement that can re-balance leptin. I've been using it for 5 months and it's working for me both for weight loss and controlling my menopause experience.
Hi W.,
Usually, severe neuropathy is not a common symptom of postmenopausal times - I'm wondering if your doctor has screened for other problems (diabetes, etc.). Not sure what medications you are on, but usually low doses of HRT are effective for reducing hot flashes if there are no contraindications to their use. Other things to consider are alcohol consumption, if any, which can decrease anxiety and help to go to sleep, but usually reduces REM sleep and people wake up early in the morning (4 am) and feel less rested. Stress could also be a factor - I am a professor and remember graduate school! Stress that is not dealt with can cause middle body weight gain. I would say get a personal trainer, if you can, to get motivation going or find a gym or walking buddy to stay motivated. Remember that only you can decide to exercise. I also recommend some kind of stress reducing activity every day, like deep breathing exercise, meditation, prayer that is consistent and long lasting if that is your thing - ways to feel calmer. This can be used when you are feeling stressed, too. Hope you find some things that work.
L.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1890572152/ref=sib_dp_ptu...
Hi Sweetie, click on the link and you can open the electronic book and read a bit about it!!!
You need adrenal support!!! Menopause can come with adrenal fatigue!!! People confuse the symptoms with menopause...I am telling you, you can get better!!!
Love, G.. :0)
http://stemcellforautism.blogspot.com/
"I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin." ~ Jerry Newport
Hi W.... Merry Christmas!
I emphathize with you.. and have read the many blogs you have received.. Gabby is headed in the right direction.. it has alot to do with the adrenals and how they control the thryroid/ endrocrine system and how that controls the hormonal system. But underlying all of these challenges is toxic body burden and malnutrition which a few addressed. The importance issue in supplementation is to have them synergestically balanced as many nutrients need others to work properly in the body. Many people go out and buy all kinds of "good" vitamins but the overall effect can be toxic to the body. A good supplement should be a whole food liquid .. synergestically balanced with all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and super foods.
The challenge is that you can manage symptoms or you can get to the foundational cause. I work as a nutritional consultant with these issues and work with correcting the foundation of the body .. if you look up my blog history, you will find a lot additional info.
I always encourage watching a 9 minute documentary which outlines the problem we are up against. Understanding the challenge / problem is the first step to long term health success/ change. The documentary can be found on:
as well as take a look at the Environmental Working Group research info. www.ewg.org
The challenge we are up against as women and our hormonal sysems is that heavy metals.. especially cadmium mimics itself as estrogen and our body believe we have excess estrogen in the body and tries to counter it with up setting the other glandular functions. .. ie adrenal, endrocrine/ thyroid/ hormonal.
Also, the liver which is our major detox organ makes the thyroid and when it is congested..it doesn't work properly. Also toxic body burden causes incredible inflamation and nerve pain as the toxins pool at the nerve sites...
The solution, which I use with all my clients from children to adults.. including pregnant women is found on
www.liquidzeolite.org. This is a informational site.
If you find this information helpful and want to take a look a putting a program together to bring about long term changes.. you can reach me via the www.sharethecause/live site.. or my email at ____@____.com or call.. ###-###-#### .....
No pressure.. just wanting to help keep people informed on their options...
Have a Wonderful Holiday.. L. M. ....mom of 4... grandma of 1 and one on the way... Enjoying life!
I'm not sure where you live but there are some great Naturopathic doctors out there who I'm sure can help with your hormonal issues. I'm 36 and have had hormonal issues as I've had 5 pregnancies in 8 years. I have 3 children who I had nursed for over a year each . . . therefore I have had major hormonal fluctuations. There is a wonderful Naturopath from whom I have had great results as has a friend of mine. Her name is Annie Osborn and her website is www.naturopathyacupuncture.com It might be worth looking into. Good Luck! E.
Hi W.,
Though not going through menopause, I discussed this with my doctor before he retired. I had just turned 40 and he said that I needed to prepare for it because it could happen at any time once I hit 40. I told him that I didn't want to take any medication and he said, he was not a big fan of giving it, unless his patients insisted. He told me that if I started taking Omega 3 fish oil that would help most, if not all of the symptoms associated with menopause. I think I am on the cusp of perimenopause. I haven't tried it yet, but it's a suggestion. I know this is what I will try first before I take any medication.
Good luck and God bless.
W.,
Could it be that you are still experiencing changes and going thru menopause. When was the last time your dr. did
a blood draw? My mom had started menopause and was still going thru it 5 years later. You may also want to consider changing to another dr., or at least getting a second opinion. There are a couple in sacramento that specialize in menopause only.
W.
W.,
Menopause is caused from the body becoming imbalanced. I am a wellness consultant and have helped so many women get their bodies on the right track.
If you would like a free evaluation email me and I will set up a time to talk to you and see what is going on and how we can put a program together to fit your needs.
Have a happy and safe holiday.
N. Marie
Hi W.,
I can't say exactly what will help you, but I can share a little about my personal menopausal experience and maybe that will give you something to consider trying.
I am 55 y.o. and I had a complete hysterectomy at the age of 39 (ovaries too). I took the Rx hormones for about 4 years. When I started hearing about the risks of long term use of hormones and heard the word "alternatives" used, my focus quickly turned to finding my alternatives. To cut a long story short, I found an herbal product called Female Balance that has been perfect for me! It is an effective herbal formula that provides safe phytoestrogens. I still take it 3 times a day (remember, I don't have any ovaries). I also take one called Bio Infinity which meets the progesterone needs. As long as I take both products every day, I feel great! If I start missing my doses of Female Balance, the hot flashes and night sweats return. There are also other supplements ( especially omega III fatty acids and resveratrol) that I take to keep things in balance that I would be happy to talk to you about more. I do believe that this could be an important piece of the start to getting back to your premenopausal health.
If you would like to take a look at these effective products, you can see them on my website at www.symmetrydirect.com/dhendon .
Victorious Living to you,
D. Hendon, RDH,SMM
###-###-####
www.symmetrydirect.com/dhendon
W., Hi, I am 44 years old and heard about the lack of sleep as women age. I have always been up early since I was 24 when I went for my masters degree. I was then raising a 3 year old and thought it would change. I do sleep thru the nite, but if it is early 4:30 or 5am and can't sleep, I get up and read or clean or read emails and do whatever I need to do. I now have three kids and the youngest is 11 and the oldest is 22.
I am battling with the weight gain just recently and since have tried juicing. I bought the Jack LeLains machine, I spent under $100 at Bed Bath and Beyond and really feel the benefits. I have other girlfriends that also juice and have really lost weight too that are in their 50's. Most people do not grasp the juicing concept and I didn't either for a couple of years until I saw my girlfriends really trim down and have energy. I personally would caution you on a physcian solving your problem with medication. I do not believe medication helps all situations, ie sleep or other problems due to the side effects. So with this said, I do beleive that since you have tried the Dr. route and it has not worked you might want to explore other avenues. I think naturally we gain weight at any age if we become inactive. Look at all the 20 year olds that are out of shape and never had kids! So, since you have been comfortable with your weight in the past, you can do it. Become more active and try juicing. And I hope it works. Maybe not right away, but after weeks of trying it. I personally juice once a day. And focus on mainly vegetables. Mixing an apple and carrots with celery and greens. I like organic, but don't limit myself if cost or availability are an issue. So, I hope this works. Its worth a try, C.
Since you've gone the "allopathic" route (medical doctor) why not try the homeopathic route? Can't hurt. If you want a recommendation I have an excellent practitioner in Albany who sees my daughter.
I'm not in menopause yet, but I found that eliminating white flour and sugar from my diet has made me a different (happier and saner) person. My hormones seemed to have gotten out of whack with my pregnancy and never returned to pre-pregnancy states. Things like diet do affect our bodies...might as well try to figure out if eating differently could help.
The book "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" was very helpful to me and I recommend reading it.
Keep trying until you find something that works!! Doctors don't know everything--especially about menopause and hormones.
Best,
J.
Hi, W., The hot flashes are a nightmare, I know! I have actually had to run out of my boss' office while we were meeting to get some air because I literally thought I was going to blow a gasket I was so hot!!!! Talk about embarassing! The one thing I found that helps with the hot flashes and the insomnia is getting sun during the day. I understand that natural sunlight raises your melatonin (sp?) level and I have found that if I sit and soak up some sun (when there is sun) for a period of time during the day, I have less night sweats and sleep better. Go figure! As for the weight gain, I don't have that problem. I have a problem keeping weight on which you might think is a blessing, but it's not. It is a daily battle for me to eat enough to maintain my weight and I would really like to gain some. Anyway, try getting some sun if you can find it. It does help.
Have you tried black cohash? I too have experienced all of the above, have been on meds back and forth for quite some time, but I found that black cohash helps me and over the counter natural sleeping remedies which I purchase at the natural food store.
My mother has had a wonderful experience with BioIdenticals. Basically, they test your blood, figure out what YOUR body needs, and give you vitamins and/or minerals to fulfill those needs rather than just the standard meds that everyone gets. I hope that helps, you deserve to feel great. Take care, C. (www.HormonesbyHart.com), no I am not a company rep. : )
Hi W. P.
Having just turned 60 years of age I have experienced the simular symtoms with aging and menopause. Don't know what WW is but for me I started taking a good vitamin supplement and it really made a difference. Do you like to swim? Not a great swimmer myself but it really helps me because of the freedom of movement.
What are you studing in Graduate school? I think that is so cool that you are furthering your education. What do you want to do when you go back to work?
If you could feel better then everything else should fall in place for you. Email me I will tell you more about the supplement program that really helped me out.
P.
look into herbal treatments, such as vitex agnus castus (chasteberry tree) or wild yam. good luck, and enjoy your third trimester of life!
I have a wonderful doctor who specialized in menopause. I am 38 and was launched into menopause early due to cancer. I had the night sweats, hot flashes, depression, weight gain, etc. He has been wonderful and I no longer have any of these symptoms. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in his information.
Gina
____@____.com
Would you consider trying Chinese medicine? Acupuncture and herbs can really help. A naturopathic doc might be another alternative.
Hi W.,
I have not gone into menopause yet. But, I do a lot of medical research and hopefully some of the suggestions I have read about will help.
Hot flashes: daily- 250 ML magnesium citrate liquid,under tounge. 400 IE vitamin E. No white flour or sugar.
Nerve pain: I would consider treating this as a separate issue. A lof of nerve pain is due to a damaged nerve (pinching, virus, parasite, etc) or by inflammation to the nerve. Indeed inflammation is what usually causes quite a bit of pain in our body. There could be something more going on than just menopause.
My sister has had severe nerve pain for 10 years(RSD)and that is what started my medical quest. The medical field put a label on her pain, but never tried to cure her of it, they just give her pain meds. I have watched her deteriorate before my eyes, but I have never given up hope for an answer.
First off let me say that diet will play a huge part in your health, and that deficiencies in nutrients can cause major health problems. I am always astounded by the medical community's lack of attention to this paramount issue. And because our food is so processed, Most of us are deficient in several areas. Even our natural foods like dairy (killed by high temp pasturization)meats (hormones and radiation)nuts (irradiated) and bagged veggies (sprayed with all kinds of preservatives)have been stripped.
There are many nutrients that the nerves need to function correctly. There are some that play bigger roles than others, but they all support eachother. God has put these nutrients together wonderfully in foods, he has supplied the synergy for you. Buy organic.
Top of the list is vitamin B12 and vitamin E. These two vitamins are a must for nerve health. There is a handful of B vitamins, they need eachother for uptake. You can take B- complex in pill form along with methyl B12, or, you can get a b12 injection at the doctor, or, use the perfect food:
B12- LIVER, snapper, Chinook Salmon, raw sunflower seeds, romaine, Low Fat yogurt.
Vit E foods- boiled mustard greens, raw sunflower seed, dry roasted almond.
For inflammation : vit C . Raw bell pepper(great on sandwiches) brocoli, strawberry, oranges, romaine, lemon juice (great in ice water).
I cross refrenced my vitamin list and symptom list. Shingles (which is a virus that attacks the nerve)lists these same vits: B12, E and C together.
Manganese is a support player, as is calcium. In fact, these two can be given together with Vit c , for back pain symptoms. Manganese- raw fresh pinnaple. Calcium-Low Fat yogurt.
As I said above nerve pain can be caused by parasites. That is where we are at with my sister. I suspect she has Candida and a spirochette bacteria (the one that causes lime disease. SHe dint have the bullseye rash either) She has been on Samento for this for a week. (purchased it on the web) and also Aloe Vera. She has had major pain reduction in the last two days, almost completely gone. She hasn't felt this good in years. We are quite hopeful we have FINALLY found the cure.
Ps....nerves run on hydro electricity ..., so keep well hydrated.
May God bless you and restore your health. I am praying for you W.. No one should ever have to go through such debilitating pain. Have faith.
Hey W.!
I am studying to become a naturopathic doctor and I do consultations. I would be happy to meet with you. Other than that... be careful with the herbs that you take unless you know that they won't interfere with anything else that you are taking.
I would recommend a book called What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You About Menopause by Dr. Lee. Great book!
I have lost 140 pounds in the last couple of years and would also be willing to help you with the nutritional aspect of losing weight. Let me know! I live in Novato so I'm not too far away.
