Posted by ClearSkies on November 17, 2005, at 7:35:12
I'm in my fourth year of perimenopause. So far this experience has been far worse than puberty, in my recollection. I could list all of the symptoms that have been bothering me, but here are the real problematic ones:
mood swings - definitely different from my bipolarII swings, come up like a tornado, do severe damage in a short period of time (like an hour or so) then aprubtly dissipate.
hot flashes - OK if I am at home and can get to some ice cubes, but really gross when they happen in a store or while getting groceries.
heavy and unpredictable periods - I now carry ample supplies and spare underwear with me because this is happening more often lately. Usually it happens when I am in a foreign country (four times in the last year!!) and will ruin my day.
Cramps - ibuprofen is the only thing that helps, 600mg at a time, up to 1200mg in a day. Early morning (4am) is the worst. I've tried premedicating before I go to bed, is this a good idea?
I've seen my doctor about this latest round of problems. She tweaked my HRT therapy slightly, but of course with this stuff you have to Wait And See. The next step would be an ultrasound and D&C if necessary. I started to take Evening Primrose Oil on my doctor's advice, and have found that it helps, though subtly.
If anyone has any advice on how to cope, or any tips that have helped them, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise I would like to check in to The Red Tent for the time being and never leave my house again.
ClearSkies
poster:ClearSkies
thread:579557
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20050929/msgs/579557.html