Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: Dandelion22 on February 02, 2017, 03:12:46 PM
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Hi Everyone,
I have recently joined the forum as I have been experiencing some symptoms of the perimenopause and my GP thinks this is the case but has not offered me any tests of any kind. I have had some very strange symptoms and some recognised ones! In the early stages I had a feeling of fluttering up and down my legs, like an electric current! This passed after a month or so. I have suffered for the past two years with silent reflux which definitely gets worse before my period is due. I am currently experiencing bad joint and muscle pains, particularly in my left shoulder and in my hips and knees when I am getting out of a chair. I got to an exercise class once a week which I think is helping. However, my periods are still very regular in timing and length although just lately I have had really bad period pains, something I have never really suffered from, they have been very heavy with bad clotting but now seem a bit lighter. I have never had a hot flush of any sort! Have any of you had a similar experience and if so how long roughly am I from the menopause. I am nearly 54 years old.
Thanks :)
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:welcomemm:
Browse round. Make notes! As oestrogen levels drop the body dries out: inside and out, nostrils, vagina, skin .... as oestrogen levels drop so muscles may become lax = aches and pains: frozen shoulder is common during The Change as is the start of digestive problems, i.e. acid reflux :sigh:
It does get better ::)
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It is reassuring to know you have experienced the same. I haven't missed a period at all but have had the other symptoms for about 4 yrs. I have started to keep a daily diary to see if anything connects together. My sister went into menopause proper when she was 53 but it seems I'm going to be way behind that! I am so glad I joined the forum, I'm sure all your support will be invaluable in the months to come :)
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Welcome to the forum. Maybe worth going back to your doctor and asking for blood tests to see your vitamin D, ferritin and thyroid levels.
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Oh I can't wait! Maybe this might be the month!
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Hi Dandelion
Welcome to the forum- so lovely to have you here!
I am one of the older ladies here -56 almost 57. I was regular until 53 so a little bit earlier than you are starting I think. My periods are now very light and infrequent, but I still have a lot of high oestrogen signs at times, so I don't think I am finished yet.
It is so nice to have another kindred spirit as many of my friends finished almost a decade ago, so please stay on here and let us know how you are doing. I used to feel very isolated with regard to peri until I joined this forum, and made friends with Sparkle and Elizabeth Rose in particular who are my rocks! I think being outside the average for anything can be isolating. I think there are many more of us than is thought in this age group, as many don't seek medical advice or have their ages surveyed. The magic age of 52 that is always quoted may no longer be the right average, and we may not be freaks at all but more normal than we think!
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Hi Dandelion22
:welcomemm: from me too.
Re the age of menopause etc - the average age of menopause (in the west?) is around 51/52 - and an average is just that - there will be lots of women above and below that age. There is a greater age range below this age (ie some women have a very early menopause even in their 20's) - which means that more women will be represented in the few years above this - to arrive at the figure for the average age. According to this website 80 % of women have reached menopause by age 54 - which leaves 20 % who haven't which is a substantial minority!!! Therefore not unusual at all - rest assured! It is unfortunate it seems that doctors often tell women they are unusual in still having periods etc at 55 or 56 when in fact the statistics do not necessarily bear this out (I wonder if the stats are available for the various ages for women at each year in their 50's?). Also of course those who take HRT before they reach menopause - will never know their menopausal age - so this may distort the figures.....
I digress - but it is an interesting subject!
Re your periods - yes it sounds classic - that your periods change even while still regular, and increasing pms is also common. If you are interested in looking at the different stages you might like to read this paper ( quite technical but easy to follow) - Stages of Reproductive Ageing ( or STRAW for short!) http://www.imsociety.org/downloads/email_downloads/2012_02_16_1773491/straw10.pdf
In the meantime - before the dreaded peri-menopause strikes ( well it might be fine in your case!) do take the opportinity to make sure you are in tip-top condition if you can - re lifestyle - weight, diet, exercise, etc yes keep up the exercise classes - but especially pay attention to your diet and if necessary change it so that you do not become deficient in any vitamins or minerals.
Hurdity x
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Hi
Thank you for your post, I came on here eventually because like you say you begin to feel that there is something wrong with you because you are not 'normal' I am already feeling support from all the lovely ladies who have posted their comments. Most of my friends are younger than me and have no idea really what I am talking about, but they will do one day! I think the most frustrating thing for me is that every day seems to be different, different symptoms, different feelings and there doesn't seem to be a pattern but I am now starting a diary to see if there is a connection that I haven't seen. I will post again when anything momentous happens until then I will just keep trying to stay on top of everything x
Hi Dandelion
Welcome to the forum- so lovely to have you here!
I am one of the older ladies here -56 almost 57. I was regular until 53 so a little bit earlier than you are starting I think. My periods are now very light and infrequent, but I still have a lot of high oestrogen signs at times, so I don't think I am finished yet.
It is so nice to have another kindred spirit as many of my friends finished almost a decade ago, so please stay on here and let us know how you are doing. I used to feel very isolated with regard to peri until I joined this forum, and made friends with Sparkle and Elizabeth Rose in particular who are my rocks! I think being outside the average for anything can be isolating. I think there are many more of us than is thought in this age group, as many don't seek medical advice or have their ages surveyed. The magic age of 52 that is always quoted may no longer be the right average, and we may not be freaks at all but more normal than we thin
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Hi Hurdity,
Thanks for the information on the paper, I will definitely read it, I have seen a number of different doctors at my surgery and they all can't believe that I am still having my periods and they are regular, I don't think they know what to say then and change the subject! I have had my iron/ferratin levels checked and they were ok and my weight is good. In myself I actually do feel well, it all these little sidelines that keep happening to me that makes me feel quite fed up!
x
Hi Dandelion22
:welcomemm: from me too.
Re the age of menopause etc - the average age of menopause (in the west?) is around 51/52 - and an average is just that - there will be lots of women above and below that age. There is a greater age range below this age (ie some women have a very early menopause even in their 20's) - which means that more women will be represented in the few years above this - to arrive at the figure for the average age. According to this website 80 % of women have reached menopause by age 54 - which leaves 20 % who haven't which is a substantial minority!!! Therefore not unusual at all - rest assured! It is unfortunate it seems that doctors often tell women they are unusual in still having periods etc at 55 or 56 when in fact the statistics do not necessarily bear this out (I wonder if the stats are available for the various ages for women at each year in their 50's?). Also of course those who take HRT before they reach menopause - will never know their menopausal age - so this may distort the figures.....
I digress - but it is an interesting subject!
Re your periods - yes it sounds classic - that your periods change even while still regular, and increasing pms is also common. If you are interested in looking at the different stages you might like to read this paper ( quite technical but easy to follow) - Stages of Reproductive Ageing ( or STRAW for short!) http://www.imsociety.org/downloads/email_downloads/2012_02_16_1773491/straw10.pdf
In the meantime - before the dreaded peri-menopause strikes ( well it might be fine in your case!) do take the opportinity to make sure you are in tip-top condition if you can - re lifestyle - weight, diet, exercise, etc yes keep up the exercise classes - but especially pay attention to your diet and if necessary change it so that you do not become deficient in any vitamins or minerals.
Hurdity
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Hi Dandelion22, :welcomemm:
Your symptoms are all very common in peri so welcome to the club!!
Don't worry about your age at all, I'll be 58 when I finally reach meno but that is only if I don't have another sneaky bleed. I don't think the stats exist re percentage of women not through at my age but I've been told by some leading specialists that the figures are very very low. However, we exist, and the specialist docs are not in the least concerned about it as long as we are aware of what our bodies are doing. There appear to be health benefits of a late menopause, lots of press recently about increased longevity, but it can be awfully wearing if your peri symptoms are troublesome and carry on for years. There's nothing worse than dismissive comments from other women implying you shouldn't be moaning about it, more annoying in fact than the women who imply you are a freak for not having reached meno!
There are lots of relevant threads that may be of interest to you so have a browse round the site and if you have any specific questions, post a new thread in the relevant section.
Nice to have you join us! x
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Hi Dandelion22, :welcomemm:
Your symptoms are all very common in peri so welcome to the club!!
Don't worry about your age at all, I'll be 58 when I finally reach meno but that is only if I don't have another sneaky bleed. I don't think the stats exist re percentage of women not through at my age but I've been told by some leading specialists that the figures are very very low. However, we exist, and the specialist docs are not in the least concerned about it as long as we are aware of what our bodies are doing. There appear to be health benefits of a late menopause, lots of press recently about increased longevity, but it can be awfully wearing if your peri symptoms are troublesome and carry on for years. There's nothing worse than dismissive comments from other women implying you shouldn't be moaning about it, more annoying in fact than the women who imply you are a freak for not having reached meno!
There are lots of relevant threads that may be of interest to you so have a browse round the site and if you have any specific questions, post a new thread in the relevant section.
Nice to have you join us! x
quote author=Dandelion22 link=topic=34782.msg555908#msg555908 date=1486048366]
Hi Everyone,
I have recently joined the forum as I have been experiencing some symptoms of the perimenopause and my GP thinks this is the case but has not offered me any tests of any kind. I have had some very strange symptoms and some recognised ones! In the early stages I had a feeling of fluttering up and down my legs, like an electric current! This passed after a month or so. I have suffered for the past two years with silent reflux which definitely gets worse before my period is due. I am currently experiencing bad joint and muscle pains, particularly in my left shoulder and in my hips and knees when I am getting out of a chair. I got to an exercise class once a week which I think is helping. However, my periods are still very regular in timing and length although just lately I have had really bad period pains, something I have never really suffered from, they have been very heavy with bad clotting but now seem a bit lighter. I have never had a hot flush of any sort! Have any of you had a similar experience and if so how long roughly am I from the menopause. I am nearly 54 years old.
Thanks :)
[/quote]
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Hi, I am new to this forum, thank goodness my doctor recommended it, I am in peri menopause, 54 yrs of age, I have been experiencing anxiety, tears lots of them, most recently pins and needles like pains in arms, am I normal! Or is this to do with the menopause, taking vitamin d, magnesium and star flower, help with sleepless nights would be helpful, thank you.
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Hi, one of the first symptoms I had was pins and needles in my arms and hands, it was really scary as sometimes it would come on when I was driving and my hands would just start to go numb. When I spoke to my Dr they said I was having panic attacks, I went back as I felt so frightened and eventually one of the Drs thought it could be peri menopause and everything clicked into place. Eventually it just went away, it lasted about 2 months. Once I knew it was probably that I became a lot calmer but have had lots of different symptoms but still regular periods. I am pleased I joined the forum, you realise you are not on your own. Keep in touch, we are the same age :)
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Thank you so much, I am not going mad then. Its really useful to know your not alone, my friends are younger than me, I try to explain some of my symptoms, but they don't understand. Thank you again :)
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jaz29 and Dandelion22 you are very welcome to join this thread, which I really should rename later menopause, as it has become exactly that- a place for us latecomers to talk about our experiences which are often a little different to the average.http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,31902.0.html.
Some of us seem to have a lot of oestrogen at times, and it is really helpful to follow our stories as some of us are now reaching a glimmer of light at the other side, all be it about 5 years later than we are led to believe is the average.
I am not sure we are as late as we are made to believe as more and more of us seem to fall into this category now.My great gran had a baby around the age of 50 when many ladies were menopausal. We are all so different but we can support each other so you are very welcome and should find friendship and comfort here. :)
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Hi jaz29
:welcomemm:
How are your periods/cycle doing? If you have started missing periods or your cycle is varying quite a lot then you are definitely peri-menopausal and with that comes a whole host of symptoms! Have you had any flushes or sweats at all - or maybe you are taking medication already which can suppress them in some women? Anxiety is perfectly normal as are tears - due to the fluctuations in hormone levels.
There is an article here about peri-menopause which might interest you:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/article-perils-of-the-perimenopause.php
If you are concerned about any of the unusual symptoms which can also be due to other things (like pins and needles - if it persists) then do have a word with your doctor.
Do keep asking about anything that bothers you and we will try to help - perhaps best to start a new thread of your own so that more members can welcome you?
Hurdity x
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Hi hurdity, I had period in October, then nothing until a week ago, but I also have fibroids, I had scan, in December, they have grown, but Dr said these will decrease eventually. Its the anxiety and constant worrying I am struggling with, had hot flushes in the day in December, now only nights sweats, is this normal? my Dr gave me antidepressants, but I am reluctant to start these, I will persevere for now, take each day as it comes, and like so many others write my moods and other symptoms down, to see if there is a pattern, thank you for your post.xxx
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Hello I'm new to this site and in particular wud like to respond to dandelion22. I am having the same symptoms with the pains in my left leg and left arm. Periodically I have electric currant type surges all thru my body along with dizziness etc. I'm 48 and although I've noticed changes for the last 3 years or so just recently things r far worse. I've had blood tests and all was normal yet I still feel dreadful on a daily basis. My periods r erratic but very short and around my period I'm so ill I feel like I have a serious illness it's so worrying and frightening. I have itchy skin very sore aching breasts and need to cry at least once every day and I'm not a cryer. I have 4 kids ranging from age 20 to 10 and a husband. I take menopace in the hope that one day it will make a difference. I don't have hot flushes just night sweats. I had no idea these things would happen to me. My mother died wen I was 20 and although my sister has had menopause problems we don't get together to talk about it. Friends my age just seem to get on with it so I don't say that much about it. I'm keeping it all to myself. Sorry I've really babbled on.
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Hi Mumalmighty, I am sorry you feel so bad. My mum died when I was in my twenties and my sister wasn't too bad when she went through to menopause but I seem to have had nearly everything on the list! I really remember the electric current in my legs feeling and my GP looking at me like I had completely lost the plot. I was taking omeprazole at the time for acid reflux and I stopped taking it because of the 'currents' running up and down my legs along with pains all over my back. So wondered if you are taking anything that might be affecting your hormones. I know when I stopped them it all went away. It may have been a coincidence but it is a big one and I've never had it since. It only happened when I was sat down not when I was moving around. Regarding the aching breasts, I suffer from breast cysts quite a lot and my breasts are really sore around the time of my period. I take evening primrose oil daily and a specialist told me years ago when I had my first breast pains to bereaved open a capsule of the oil and rub it in. It was like magic, the relief was unbelievable. My periods are still regular but quite clotted so hope I'm getting somewhere to the end. Personally I would go and ask to see a lady doctor for some advice regarding your pains. One of the ladies in here suggested vitamin D for aches and pains and although it early days I think i have more energy and they are not so intense. Keep in touch, we will all help you as we go through this. I know what you mean about being scared you are really ill because all these different things are happening to you at the same time :)
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Hi jaz29 let me tell u that pins and needles r the Bain of my life down one side arm and leg :-\it's been happening for a year now and I was told it was anxiety which cud be true but I don't always feel anxious and the pins n needles r always there albeit some days r worse than others. My best medicine was going to the docs and getting blood tests as the worry of whether I was seriously ill or not was making everything much worse so anyway results were clear I got them a week ago and things r definitely calming down, how long that will last i don't know but at least now I know wat I'm dealing with. For the moment I'm only taking menopace as I wud like to go as long as poss without HRT if I can but we will see. By the way the pins n needles feeling I can get anywhere, on my face aswell but mainly my arm and leg. Have u been to the docs for peace of mind?
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Sorry dandelion I've only just seen ur post thankyou so much for that advice. For the first time in a long while I'm feeling better I came on another period yesterday although 12 days early and it seems to have relieved something within me ;D for how long I don't know even my mood has lifted I always have slight buzzing in my arm and leg which I have now but I can cope with it. I only take menopace nothing else at the mo. Is there a way of getting notifications for these posts as I just happened to stumble across this or maybe it's cos it's not my thread?
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Oh and dandelion am sorry u lost ur mum too in ur 20s it's just rubbish isn't it! :(
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Hi Mumalmighty, I am new to the forum but I find if I go to the top where mine says Hello Dandelion 22 under that in blue it says show new replies to your posts. If you click on that it opens another window and if there is something there you can click on it and move to the bottom to see the newest reply. Otherwise it just says no messages, that's probably a long way round but it works for me. So pleased you are feeling a bit better at the moment it is as they say a rollercoaster, one day up the next day down. I am really hoping my periods start being a bit erratic so the end is a bit nearer but no such luck, started like clockwork again this month!. I don't remember my mum having too much of a problem with her menopause, she was never one to complain though! and I think she was about 55 when she had stopped completely so at least another year to go! I noticed you have the pins and needles and I have had that too, it used to happen at any time but was really frightening when I was driving. I have not had that for about 6 months so hopefully that one has moved on :)
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Thank you dandelion 22 sorry for late response. It's funny how the lack of irregularity in our periods can be so annoying I remember feeling happy wen mine started to go haywire Cos I knew it was affirmation that I was in peri and it was a comfort as daft as it sounds so I know how u must feel. Afterall it's like wats the point in all these awful symptoms if periods r still regular. We r all different. I'm just fed up of trying to guess all the time wats a symptom or is it something else I hate going to the docs. And I am quite the martyrr as my nanna bless her who was 97 wen she passed dismissed every female ailment for example and I quote " there's no such thing as depression" 😳 thats the way all my family are so that's why i tend to pretend all is ok and it's so not. I'm so happy to be able to just ramble on..hope u r ok today 😊
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Hi Mumalmighty, sorry just picked this up, I am ok at the moment, my period was regular again this month but I had absolutely no cramps at all, that is a new one! It lasted longer though. I have started keeping a note of strange things happening to see if they happen on the same days of my cycle so will have to see how that goes. I also have a bit of a light bloody discharge at the moment which is barely noticeable but have seen that quite a few ladies had that in the early days of peri too (never in my days did I think I would be telling complete strangers about this). I am still taking the vitamin D every day and I think it is helping I am certainly not so tired or have so many aches and pains. Still no hot flushes though! Maybe I will get away without any - I get really warm at night when I have my period and sometimes I feel really cold! How are your pins and needles? as I said mine didn't last that long but it was really scary when I had them. Take care
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Hi there dandelion 22 have only just seen this. Lovely to hear things aren't too bad😃 For the last week I've felt more like myself. Still vague odd symptoms the tingling in my arm and leg still there but only slightly. Pains in my left breast but generally ok. I've felt my mood changing thou but I cud be due on. I have a period tracker app and I think I've cocked it up by logging my last period which was two weeks early therefore I'm not really sure now wen I'm ovulating or shud actually be due on again but it feels like it cud come at any time which will make it another two weeks since last time. I'm like u no hot flushes but hot at night. Such a rollercoaster but honestly my last bout of symptoms lasted a solid 5 weeks so Feeling wellish again is very welcome. Haha! I know wat u mean telling strangers about these things but I find it easier some how plus my friends don't seem to be having a problem so can't relate so where better to come. Nice to hear from you and take care yourself x