Perimenopause Advice?

Dr. Ring at the Center for Integrative Medicine (Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group) specializes in hormone issues for perimenopausal and menopausal women. I strongly recommend consulting with her. I am in the early stages of perimenopause and am working with her to proactively manage my hormone balance as things progress.

I have a friend who was confirmed to be in menopause through a blood test (though she still gets periods). She decided to seek out the bio-identical hormones now available (sourced from plants) b/c her body often does not do well with "traditional" meds. She swears by them and is feeling better and sleeping better than she has in years. I remember she said these meds cost her about $100/month (not sure if her insurance covers some cost or not). You might want to research that option as the bio-identical hormones do not put your body at any increased risk for cancer like the traditional HRT does.

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Are you seeing a doctor that specializes in menopause? It sounds like you need advice from a medical practitioner that specializes in this. I am going to be 50 in two months, and was seeing a midwife until I was switched to an OB/GYN with more knowledge in this area. I was told there is so much being learned about peri/menopause that a doctor needs to specialize.

I have had very mild symptoms (a few night sweats, warm flashes) for less than a year now. I am on BC pills yet, and have been told that they will "moderate" possible symptoms, but of course, they can cause others. I exercise strenously 5 or 6 times/week, my diet could always use improvement.

I was told that I would need to be off the pill for at least six months before they could do the blood test. And that menopause is not finished until you've been without a period for 12 months in a row. I have friends that are 58 and this is still not finished for them.

I finally went on hormones, because I couldn't stand the endless hot flashes and sleeplessness and sweating profusely all night long. Horrible. I take estradiol and prometrium. Totally took the hot flashes away. However, I am definitely in menopause now, so I don't know if you can take these before you actually go through menopause.

I have had a hormone imbalance for as long as I can remember. I finally found a doctor who specializes in hormones and my life changed. I had hot flashes, night sweats, nausea, confusion, and sleeplessness. It all changed after I started on the bio-identical hormones. I needed prometrium and Armor thyroid. I have also taken New Phase (over the counter) and different herbs. You have a few different options and they are all pretty good but I would definitely get a blood test to even vitamin, minerals, and hormones out.

Go see your GYN and find out what they say. If the circumstances are unbearable, ask for some help! There are doctors who specialize in treating hormonal changes. Not all Gynecologists care!

Have you considered chiropractor (adjustments at L3) and acupuncture? I agree that seeing endocrinologist and considering diet modifications are a good idea.
I also have endometriosis and was starting into perimenopause but having been to chiropractor for a different issue, the adjustments to L3 have made periods more regular.
I also believe taking yoga can help you sleep better.
I take fish oil pills and have returned to eating grapefruit (anti-inflammatory).
It is important to keep getting annual pap tests as well woman checkup.
The average woman has menopause at age 51 but there are many who reach this point way before or way after. I view my ob gyn as someone who keeps me informed on my choices with respect to medicines but there are other healthcare providers who extend my choices.
C.

I'm right there with you and it's not a good time :( I have heard there are tests they can do through your OB/GYN's office to determine if you are in menopause, I don't know what they are called though, it is a blood test. When I go for my annual this year, I am having it done as well. I've been experiencing hot flashes in the a.m., night sweats, sore joints and fatigue as well. I just recently starting skipping periods (here and there), and then having severe ones. I have found exercising 3-5 times a week to help, and eating healthier. Other then that, I'm thinking your doc's office can provide you with some options. Men have it sooooo easy don't they??

My husband is an acupuncturist and has had great results treating patients with menopause. It's a great way to balance your system naturally. The great thing about acupuncture is that it doesn't hurt to try it and see if it helps. If you're looking for someone, he takes patients nights and weekends and only charges $35 per session (he has a treatment room in our house to keep his costs low with no overhead). You can check him out at www.SassackAcupuncture.com.

I would look for a good endocrinologist to check your thyroid, and go to the library and do some reading on Celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

Since going gluten-free, I have had much more regular periods that are lighter and not as difficult (cramp-free even!!!) I have found that so many of my issues are linked to food- it's really shocking! Corn, for example, triggers my migraines and causes my hands to swell in the mornings.

I don't have any other experience, but I hope you find some answers and some relief soon.

M.

(I have a food blog here if you want to take a look-
www.chickiepea.wordpress.com)

It's all in the hormone balance, yes definitely try to find a doctor who specializes in this (I'd love to find one). i also use Emerita Progest, it's a natural form of progesterone (a cream) and can help a lot of the symptoms you have. You can also read "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause" by John Lee... (please note they call it "premenopause" not "perimenopause", there is a difference...) It talks about hormone balance. good luck!!