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[donnarob]

I have been period free for 19 months and have been muddling through by taking Vitamin E and Efamol.  I can't take HRT because of medical history and get so confused by all the different supplements.  Should I tack Calcium, Magnesium?  Just recently, my backache has got so much work and I had a scary spasm on my lower back which came totally out of the blue.  It knocked by backwards. 

Am I alone in feeling depressed about the whole thing?  I had to take to my bed over the weekend, convinced I had flu like symptoms but feel okay today.  I was shivering so much inbetween bouts of sweating. 

How long does it take before you see light at the end of the tunnel?  They say, it gets worse before it gets better but this is knocking my confidence for six.  I live in Norway and have my first gynae appointment at the end of this week.  I presume they will be able to diagnose just where I am in menopause by checking my womb lining. 

Typically, I get one week (usually last in the month) of period type symptoms, crabbiness, pain over my left ovary, back ache and aching joints. 

Help!

[Sarah2]

Do you want to say a bit more about your history and why HRT is not suitable? There are differing opinions on this between specialists so sometimes it's worth asking for 2nd opinions.

There are lots of different issues in your post!

The shivering etc sounds like a virus.

The backache sounds like a pulled muscle. Have you access to a physio who can take a look?

You only need extra calcium if your diet is not adequate- you need about 1mg calcium a day  and a ratio of 2:1 magnesium but most of us get magnesium from diet if we eat a range of foods.

They would usually assess your menopausal stage by a hormone test- blood tests- but you need 2 in a month a few days apart.

[Taz2]

Menopause symptoms aside - have you considered that you may have a kidney infection? Backache plus shivering and sweating are all symptoms and you don't always get urinary ones - I certainly didn't last September when I went down with one.

Taz x

[Dancinggirl]

donnarob - I know you have posted quite a bit in the past but I can't remember your history - sorry.  By now you are really getting into post meno if you haven't had periods for 19 months and over the last couple of years your oestrogen level will have been dropping so your body is really starting to feel the lack of it.
As an ex dancer with joint problems I know all about back issues - very common at our age and the spasm you felt may well have been a pulled ligament  - were you stiff for a few days afterwards?
Keep your stomach muscles strong, think about your posture and walk tall - this will support your back. Keeping active - lots of walking - is vital to keep joints moving. Do you have a good mattress? Having the right mattress for your weight - not took firm and not too soft - and the right pillow, can make a big difference to your back and the way you sleep.
I came off HRT 4 months ago and though my flushes haven't been tooooo bad I have found I shiver much more.  For me the meno symptoms I experience now are about a lack of body temperature control - I'm either too hot or too cold these days.
On the recommendation of my doctor I am taking glucosamine and I have to say my joints have been generally better. 
I think Sarah2 may well be right; sometimes we get low grade viruses that can make us feel under the weather - no particular symptoms, just very tired and listless.  I definitely feel as though I've got 'end of winter-itis' 
Taz2 also has a good point, kidney infections and UTIs, which are far more prevalent in meno women, could be causing your back ache and fever.
Do try some Vitamin D - we only get Vit D from the sun and at the end of the winter most of us will be deficient - if you can get out in the sun for 20 mins a day that will also suffice but you live in Norway and a lack of sun in winter is a particular problem - do ask your doctor for a test for Vitamin D deficiency. If you are deficient it will cause fatigue and many other low grade symptoms. Vit D is also vital for the absorption of calcium for your bones.
As to how long you will get meno symptoms - well I'm afraid nobody knows the answer to this question. If you really can't take HRT (maybe you have breast cancer in the family) then perhaps try something like acupuncture? I've tried all the herbs and soya diets etc. and experienced no benefits - it just cost me a fortune.
Keep us posted.  DG xxx

[lubylou]

Donnarob Hi there,

My Dr has recommended glucosamine and also I have be told to get as much natural Vit D as I can by getting natural sun, not sunbathing, but just trying to get a least 20 mins of sunlight on my skin (forearms are supposed to be best) everyday including winter sun.

I have tried soya but it didn't work for me but that is not to say it won't help you - we are all different.
Lubylou

[donnarob]

Thanks for the replies ladies, much appreciated.

I have diabetes type 2 which is under control, don't take any meds at all.  The doctor thought I had high bp but wanted to check it at next visit.  I think I am going to have one of those monitors home.  She also said that my cholesterol was high and wants me to go on Lipitor which I am not keen on at all.  I read that it elevates muscle pain and also ups blood glucose levels.  Sometimes I don't think the doctors actually look at the bigger picture.  I know that as oestregen plumments your coritsol rises and, in turn, raies bp and cholesterol levels. 

I tend to get backache at the same time every month and also get phantom period pain symptoms.  My night sweats and flashes have got worse and I have been suffering from insomnia. 

Interesting about the pulled ligament.  Yes, I did feel very stiff and sore and feel like the slightest tweak is going to set it off again.  I do sound such a moaning minnie, but this is really getting me down in the dumps.

We haven't seen sunshine here for months so there is no chance of getting out in the sunshine yet.  I feel lack of sun is contributing to my mood.

I am going to try the Glucoseamin (have checked that it doesn't elevate blood sugars)  I will try anything to feel "normal" again.

[Dancinggirl]

donnarob
If you have pulled a ligament it is important to keep moving, even if it hurts a bit. They used to recommend absolute rest but now it's better to keep moving.  When you pull a ligament it can heal tighter and is more likely to pull again - so by doing gentle movements and stretches this will allow things to heal in the right way for the longer term.
I would definitely ask to have your Vitamin D level tested as treatment with Vit D  for SAD has been shown to benefit.  Just a thought: I wonder if some gentle exercise classes might help you - Pilates, Yoga or a dance class might help to boost your fitness, help you sleep, help with the diabetes and also lift your mood? Is there anything like this near where you live?  DG x

[lubylou]

Hi donnarob,
I don't know if this helps but I was told (by someone who know a lot about diabetes) that Lipitor was one of the "kinder" statins when it comes to side effects. Usually Simvastatin is prescribed as it is cheaper and can have more side effects. If you are worried ask your GP about the different statins available on prescription.
LubyLou

[donnarob]

Thanks for the replies.
Dancing Girl, I really do try to keep moving, I have to, as I have two frisky collies to walk. I'm just so worried that my back will give when I'm out, being a bit of a baby I know, but the pain can be quite bad.  It wasn't so bad again this morning, so much so, that I did some housework then it stiffens up again?

I have also noticed that I am making quite noticeable "clicking" noises around my shoulder joints and hips, has anyone else had this one?

Lubylou, thanks for the reply.  I just hate the idea of going on statins, someone told me once you're on them, that's it!   I have worked so hard to maintain good blood glucose control through diet and exercise and it sounds crazy if the statin would raise the bg?

Do you ever feel as if you're going round in circles?

[Dancinggirl]

donnarob - walking dogs is the best  - I have a border terrier and walk rain wind or shine.
I've had clicking joints since my teens - it's usually nothing to worry about - most of my joints click.  Even if your back gets stiff, keeping it gently moving will usually do the trick. I have often pulled ligaments and it can feel as though it will never get better but in time it will. A hot water bottle on your back can do wonders.  Can you get those heat patches in Norway - I love them when my back is playing up? DG x

[donnarob]

Dancing Girl.

What are these heat patches?  I do find a hot water bottle very comforting.

I took my temperature this morning as the grils got me thinking about a possible UTI and it was 36.5 which is pretty normal.   I definitely think I have two hormonal peaks in the middle and end of the month.  Feeling a lot brighter today too.

It's the strangest thing, I have a 19 year old daugther and when she has her period, I have all the signs of one coming on.... the whole kit and cabootle.

I love walking the dogs too

[Dancinggirl]

You can get heat patches here in the UK that you stick to the area that is hurting - they usually give around 8 hours of continual warmth that can be lovely.
It is a well known fact that when women live to gather their periods will usually adjust till they are at the same time - so I suspect your body is responding to your daughter's cycle and corresponding moods etc.
We have had beautiful spring like weather here today (I live on the Suffolk Coast) - so I feel I got my dose of Vitamin D.
Pleased to hear you are feeling a bit better today - spring is round the corner :old:
DG x