Perimenopause Update: 2nd Lump Ultrasound Results & What Are My Most Irritating Symptoms??

Hey friends! Welcome back to another perimenopause update. I am currently trying to navigate the issues I am dealing with when it comes to my hormones going a bit off the rails these days. I recently had my second ultrasound for the lump that was found via my mammogram last Fall. It was good news so that's fantastic. However, I am still dealing with trying to manage my symptoms and live as much of a normal life as I can during this time. How are you doing on your journey? How is it going with your journey. Let us know down below in the comments.
Thank you for being here and I hope if you are new that you will stick around and subscribe!
#perimenopause #perimenopausesymptoms #perimenopausesupport
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Thank you as always for watching and take care!

[@vickithurber7972]

Thank you for sharing. We are all this hell together so the more we know the better off we are. I am 53 and still going through this. I will go 3 months with no period and start getting hopeful only for it to show up again. I am starting to think it will never go away. The shitty part is I had a uterine ablation 10 years ago to stop my heavy bleeding and I still get my period. So disappointing!!! My peri issues are weight gain (was already fat so hooray) headaches, night sweats, hot flashes, itchy all over, heart racing and chest pain, nerve pain, joint pain, brain fog, extreme exhaustion, apathy to do anything, genitourinary issues, irritability, nausea, dizziness, no interest in sex, hair thinning (already was part of the 57 strands of hair club so another hooray ) anxiety through the roof about everything and that damn drippy eye!!! There are more, but i cant remember!! I totally feel your annoyance over this and the lack of attention women get in this phase of life. I am hoping we are the generation to change that! To you and all the lovely ladies that watch you who are also going through this - hang in there!!!! We are strong and we will get through this together!! Now let me try to remember what I was doing as I scratch myself raw and dry my drippy eye!!!!!!!!!!

[@MrKongsMom]

Oh that would be the worst. Thinking you are done with periods only to them reappear! I would RIOT in the streets 🤣

[@laura10777]

46 years old here. My biggest annoyances are mood swings, body aches, and fullness and itching of the ears - and ringing in the ears is getting worse. UGH! It sucks! I have always been like clockwork with my periods and now they are irregular. I have extreme cramps and little to no flow at all. Literally. I had an ablation in 2022. At that time, I went from being diagnosed with menorrhagia to a “normal” flow. It’s all been downhill since then. We are changing insurance soon and I will be returning to my regular gyn and starting HRT God willing!

[@lisasmith7]

I had early menopause. I took nothing. It was very difficult. Post now for 9 years. I sweated to death. Hot flashes were awful. The worst thing was back to back periods. Then, a couple months, nothing, then bleeding back to back again. I was absolutely exhausted. Sleep patterns were awful. Sending prayers to you and your family. ❌️⭕️

[@kimberlygiagnacovo8984]

OMG - the night sweats!!! When you described the sweat-print of your body on the sheets, I felt that in my soul. My fuse is short and I’ve found that now I’m a crier when I get angry so I just look unstable. After I get the tears out though, I bounce back quickly so I really look insane. Don’t get me started on the frequent migraines 🤮

[@MrKongsMom]

Oh yes, crying. That's fun. And frequent. Sad kitten video on Instagram? Instant tears. Very unstable over here too.

[@dcordero5950]

I never heard a peep from my mom either. She has passed and it makes me sad that I don’t have her here to ask about these things and see what she went through. I’m not perimenopausal but I love these videos for the future! Thanks Melanie!

[@clancymullins5316]

Our mom's didn't talk about it. Every now and again you would hear so and so is going through the change and that would be it. They definitely suffered in silence.

[@MrKongsMom]

Yup. My mom did too.

[@MrKongsMom]

Not a peep here either from my mom. But she’s a very tough German broad lol. Her motto in the younger years was suck it up and keep trucking. Very German of her indeed 🤣

[@lisadinVA]

Stumbled on this video after watching some candle reviews. I’m 49 and had premature ovarian failure at age 38. I had most of these symptoms as well. The panic attacks are by FAR the WORST I have experienced, as I didn’t have them prior to menopause. The brain fog is real and I also had itchy dry skin. My doctor stated that’s from collagen breakdown. I was started on HRT immediately because of my age and still take it today. It manages symptoms very well and there’s so many benefits to taking it. You are definitely not alone in this journey and I hope you find relief soon. Hang in there, this will get better. ❤

[@MrKongsMom]

Thank you so much for sharing! It’s a wolf ride 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@kamloopscruiser874]

🤗🙏❤️ normalize the conversation- great concept. Endometriosis led to a total hysterectomy and an estrogen patch in my late 40s. Suddenly my migraines all but disappeared and my endocrinologist (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) told me that it was the estrogen patch. I had 2 abnormal mammograms and a needle biopsy in the last 2 decades since. Still on my estrogen patch and not changing. The research data has shown that estrogen is not the scary thing it used to be and in fact it reduces the risk of bone loss, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s, and unpleasant symptoms like incontinence. Just to name a few. The risk of cancer is a lot less than they first thought.

[@susanl.5226]

Yes! I've read many studies (with a pharm co at the time) and the benefits to ERT or HRT are pretty incredible for those medically able, not contra-indicated. Then the Nurses Health Study was published & many doctors withdrew support of ERT. NOW, they are finally reversing themselves, saying "Oops, we may have messed up." A decade of women have been told no estrogen, and have missed the benefits to heart, bladder, brain, eyes etc. I'm in this group! So trying to regroup & backtrack with some estrogen now. Of note, my Mother has been on ERT for decades after complete hysterectomy in her 30s, looks beautiful in her mid-80s & still fares very well on estrogen. Not that that means everyone will, but anecdotally, she has.

[@erniecouto7413]

Husbands account but had to comment. Uterine ablation at 38 and full blown menopause now at 43. Just now starting the doctor conversation next week. These symptoms are driving me crazy. Body scent change, brain fog, extreme loss of appetite, gastro issues, animalistic rage, crying, huge anxiety, sleep disturbances. Not trusting of myself to have social media anymore so I deleted. I was the one talking about the destimulation hotel. I could use one now. Thank you for you. Sending you big love.

[@MrKongsMom]

Oh gosh, you have been through it! Sending you a huge hug!

[@juliemoomaw27]

I’m sure you re helping many women by sharing these issues Melanie. I’n my 40s I didn’t know what peri menopause really was but I did have heart palpitations and a few lumps in my breast that scared me to death. I also had itchy shins that I had scabs from scratching like you do, I had ringing in my ears sometimes and they were very itchy inside. Of course I also had some night sweats and hot flashes throughout the day. By 50 I had very irregular periods and by 51 they stopped. I was fortunate to have found Dr. Barbara Taylor on you tube, so I knew I wanted Hrt. I told my gyn at Kaiser what I wanted and she was hesitant but she listened and actually gave it to me. All the itching and hot flashes, palpitations and lumps went away. The only thing I deal with now is more sensitive skin and some issues with sleep but I recently started taking more progesterone and now I’m sleeping better. I’m not a doctor but it seems like you may be going through menopause before you hit 50. All your symptoms sound like what every women losing estrogen goes through. I hope you’re able to get into a specialist very soon. Did you check out midi health online? They take insurance plans. Keep us updated. 😊

[@MrKongsMom]

Thank you so much Julie! I am just circling around to comments I have missed lol. I really appreciate you sharing your experience here!

[@thescentedhome]

Hi Melanie, I’m post menopausal now I remember all those feelings, the sweaty nights, I would have those fans from China, all over the house at arm’s length lol. As far as brain fog I still have it, what I do I use my notes app on iPhone and jot everything down, I have dates and when I took pill and when is my next one, not a graph just simple text, also I text myself pay this on this day or anything important. I’ve dealt with anxiety and panic attacks since a teen. Once you feel it coming, lay down in a dim room, slow breath and tell yourself you’re ok, breathe slowly and relax your body, close your eyes and focus on the relaxed state your body is in. Or go outside and do the same as in laying a dim room ( minus the laying down) sit on a chair. Also work in health insurance for over 25 years and your doctor can request biopsy as medically necessary due to anxiety or any diagnosis that coincides with the necessity of biopsy. Take care of yourself first. Like you said. Find a doctor that listens to you. And an over a year waitlist is crazy. I hope and pray you get better

[@srlopez13]

The moment you mentioned dry eyes, I realized that my sudden dry eyes issue could be related. I was thinking it’s allergies and being out in the summer heat. It’s comforting to see so many of us sharing because my mom was the same as your mom. She never talked about it.

[@MrKongsMom]

Yup, the damn dry eyes. SUPER annoying!

[@clancymullins5316]

I have my first OB appointment 8/22 for my symptoms. The brain fog and forgetfulness is one of the biggest issues. The joint pain, especially my knees and hips bother me all the time. I wish when we learned about puberty in school they would of taught us about this. Bc I'd go through puberty again rather then dealing with this. It's horrible! And hope all your Ultrasounds keep coming back good!

[@MrKongsMom]

I hope your appointment goes better than mine have been going lol!

[@julieg1413]

I'm so sorry that you are struggling with all of this on top of a family illness! I have EVERY single symptom you mentioned, plus more...UGH. The one that is most aggrivating right now is Frozen Shoulder...like really? We just had to add that to the pot?!? I'm just trying to power through all of this. I hired a personal trainer to get my ass in shape and cut out sugar. It helps a little bit. But it RELLY helps to know I'm not alone and that I can talk with other women about it. I couldn't cope without all of you fabulous ladies. Hang in there Melanie, we are here for you ❤❤

[@MrKongsMom]

Oh the frozen shoulder sounds awful! The random pains are the worst! I have actually had random tailbone pain for a few months now. My doc has actually scheduled an xray for me but I never went to get it. It seems to come and go and honestly, I am tired of tests right now so I am just going to ignore it for now. It's also not painful right now so its easier to ignore I guess. Getting old blows.

[@julieg1413]

@@MrKongsMom That is so weird, I too have tailbone pain that comes and goes. I wonder what that is? And yes getting old blows big time!

[@susanl.5226]

Hi Melanie! Couple of thoughts. Gynecologist is key. Our Mom put sister & I under care of GYN by 18 until the present. Maybe any GYN temporarily. Might consider biopsy pd by you, just for peace of mind. Years ago an older female GYN told me protocol to biopsy all lumps. This was a long time ago & protocol has probably changed with medical advances. We biopsied one she told me was probably negative & it was negative. By radiologist's assessment, I'm sure your fine. ;-)) But the biopsy confirmation is so nice mentally. Footnote: Fast forward many years & I was told to get a breast MRI annually just for good measure. The very first one picked up B.C. Stage 0 that my mammogram had missed, proving that these extra measures can be very helpful. Sending Hugs & Good Thoughts! xoxox

[@MrKongsMom]

I am for sure seeing the important of a gyn for these issues. I love my family practice doc for pretty much everything else. She sees my daughter too and is so wonderful with her. Nice lady, but I don't think this is her area of expertise!

[@SueGreene-st7qc]

Melanie, I’m so sorry that you have to go through all this crap and I guess I should consider myself lucky because I never really went through much of that. I can say that any of those symptoms that I did probably have over the year years. I did not connect them to menopause or pre-menopause but perhaps they were, the only thing I can really recall that I had was some night sweats. It was so odd for me. The last period I had was normal and then I just never had another one. No symptoms no cramping no bleeding just nothing which I am thankful for. I do think it will be better when you see a new OB/GYN. I hate insurance companies they control our lives and our health and just don’t seem to care what we need. It’s all about how expensive it is to cover. Today is my birthday and I am 65 years old. I am nervous to go on Medicare as I still work and have decent coverage , once I retire, I am worried about what kind of care I will be able to receive. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is my prayers go out for you to feel back to your old self very soon. Don’t worry girl you will get through it.

[@sharonthompson5715]

Good luck on your journey and hope you find a doctor who will actually listen to you! I’m older and post menopause now and was never able to find a doctor would prescribe HRT! IMO, women’s health care is not taken seriously so we just go along. My most annoying complaint is I haven’t slept in 20 years 😢. I know people rag on drug companies but insurance companies rule the world!

[@amberr6589]

I’m so sorry friend. I too have a lot of the things you’re going through. I’m not having panics or shortness of breath but everything else-yep. I also have (just so you know what to look out for): changes in bloodwork (like my cholesterol) chest pains, joint pain, foot and leg cramps, and shoulder pain. Also genitourinary syndrome issues. Keep in mind, I’m not a doctor but here are some things that helped me because HRT isn’t on the menu for me: For the night sweats, hot flashes, and anxiety you might want to try acupuncture and massage. I did get some relief, not enough but something is better than nothing when you’re desperate. I also listen to 30 minutes of calming music. I do “box breathing” exercises especially when I’m under stress or need to improve focus. Lastly, Magnesium glycinate can help with muscle, nerve, and sleep.

[@zabethvi]

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I never heard of perimenopause before until you shared your story. My journey is a bit different but we share some of the same symptoms. I'm not perimenopausal or menopause yet, but in my late 20's early 30's I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and my gyno advised its basically watch and wait to see any changes. At 37 I experienced the worse symptoms that I tried to normalize, faintness, extremely fatigued, periods lasting more than a week, extremely heavy periods that lead to anemia, large blood clots that the bathroom looked like a brutal scene, pain I never felt before and I could not leave the house for fear of an accident of bleeding and passing a golf ball size blood clots. My periods were always light and lasted 5 days. The only option my gyno told me was a hysterectomy, at 37 I did not want it, im in my early 40's now. Did research on my own, found UFE and never looked back and the best decision for me. My uterus had fibroids the size of 2 grapefruits, oranges, apples and a grape. My uterus shrunk signifcantly, ive lost weight, not anemic, periods are shorter and not heavy and overall I feel a lot better. Thank you for sharing your story and also reading others in the comments section about their experiences also.

[@MrKongsMom]

Ugh, it can start very early. I am so sorry you had to deal with all that but I am so glad you found some relief with UFE. Being a woman can be tough. They really don't teach as much as they should about women's health in medical schools. I appreciate you being here to share!

[@Faithb73]

I am not a dr nor do I play one on tv, haha, but I do have a holistic/naturopathic dr and Ive spoken with her about all the symptoms. I’m pretty much a walking hormone expert with all the symptoms I had lost menopause of all things😂…The watery eyes before period is a sign of excess estrogen. The night sweats/hot flashes are signs of a drop in progesterone……DIM for excess estrogen. Natural and safe. And otc progesterone cream or vitex will raise your progesterone levels and both are completely safe, even for someone who has been diagnosed with cancer! Hrt (estrogen specific) was the cause for concern with many drs and cancer, because of an outdated nih study that screwed a lot of us women! Most do not need estrogen during perimenopause, but a lack of progesterone is the main cause of all the symptoms. You do not need a prescription for progesterone either. It’s all made the exact same, whether prescribed or otc. You can just get higher doses with a script. …….my prayers are with you and your family member. ❤

[@almasurfside-surfandbeachj1170]

I'm 45 and can definitely relate to some of your symptoms. I think it's important to consider how beauty products can affect our overall health. Some of the ingredients in conventional beauty products contain endocrine disruptors (chemicals that disrupt our hormone levels). That's why it's important to choose clean products that are EWG verified. Of course there are other factors, but that may be part of the solution.

[@denothegreat]

My plan was to soar through menopause symptom free (just like my coworker had done). I started depo shots around 40 because I was sick of bleeding and had horrendous cramps. All was great (no peri/pre menopausal symptoms) until 50 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, extremely hormone driven. That same year I had a total hysterectomy and started taking hormone blockers. I essentially have no hormones and was thrown into instant menopause. Estrogen protects your bones, joints, and brain which really sucks for me. I changed everything about my health at 53, lost 126 pounds and take a Pilates class everyday. I think that’s the only thing that keeps me feeling great. All I can say, keep your estrogen if at all possible.

[@samantharuber9498]

Turning 48 this week. Some of these things you are listing, I had no idea were peri symptoms- like the leaky eyes and I got an earache a few weeks ago. I totally thought my drippy eyes were related to my seasonal allergies. Some of the others that I have are hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, hard time focusing, brain fog, weight gain, hair thinning etc. Today my brain fog was extreme even after taking my genius mushrooms supplement. Currently haven’t had a period since January but I had some pms type symptoms + the leaky eye so I’m guessing that’s why I’ve been so tired the last few days. I also started having major anxiety about 5 years ago and started trying different meds to help. Thank God I did that preventing panic attacks. They sound absolutely awful. Thank you so much for sharing your journey!!❤️💕

[@nickybrown8826]

I sleep with the Woozoo globe fan from Costco. It's been a blessing. I have it directed at my back. I like the breeze setting. I don't wake up drenched in sweat anymore. I also have a cooling blanket from Amazon, but the fan was the most help.

[@MrKongsMom]

Ohhhh I want that fan now. I woke up SUPER sweaty this morning around 4 am. It was a crazy amount of sweat. Ugh...

[@amandacornejo3934]

Thank you for sharing your symptoms.I wanted to let you know that I appreciate all that you have been sharing. It's nice to know that I'm are not alone. I have been experiencing Itchiness , leaky eyes ( mainly the right eye) every single day. Mostly in the mornings but recently I have been experiencing it as I go to bed. Irregular periods! I could go two or three months in a row with a period that only lasted for 2 hours. Then all of a sudden my periods are lasting for 2 weeks. Now it's not all day its what I have been calling burts that last for a short period of time. I feel constantly unprepared. Brain fog and massive fatigue. There's more but those are the most annoying at the moment.

[@khemo82]

I am 42 and my most annoying symptoms are heavy bleeding, itchy skin and general blah feeling. I did my research and convinced my GP to prescribed micronized progesterone because it is very safe and is the first hormone to tank. It has been life changing! I am sure at some point I will need to add estradiol but for now this has been a good place to start. Make sure they give you micronized progesterone not birth control.

[@georgiakolster4143]

Wow! I’m surprised you regular physician didn’t tell you to get a mammogram at 40! Mine is always on me to get one yearly. You did make me giggle when you edited your birthday month. 😂 Holy smokes, $300 co-pay! I can’t image. So sorry things are difficult for you with this. Sending you love 💕

[@MrKongsMom]

Right? She is me currently about getting a colonoscopy however lol! Ugh, the old lady appointments are very different.

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi Melanie I’m now fully menopausal at 52, but I really started noticing perimenopause symptoms at 39 with my last period at 46. My biggest issue was hot flushes and night sweats (up to 15 flushes a day and in the shower twice some nights). I have had endometriosis forever but I bled every single day for two years. I got diagnosed with fibroids as well (yet again), but it sucked. I’m just diagnosed with more fibroids btw and I have been menopausal for six years (this is the seventh time I’ve had them in my life). I had dry eye, worsening of eczema, developed rosacea, migraines increased, dry dry dry dry everything, exhaustion, word fumbling, bones ached so much etc etc etc. Six years after my last menstrual cycle I still have very regular hot flushes btw. I’m not a good advert for menopause 😂. Things are better in true menopause than they were in perimenopause however so it does get better. Best wishes x

[@MrKongsMom]

Ohhh last period at 46. I am hitting that this November so maybe.... maybe I at least won't have to deal with that anymore??? One can hope haha!

[@betsybabf748]

Right after my husband and my mom died, I had to have my ovaries removed. I thought mom brain and widow brain were bad. Just add menopause brain. I was basically braindead. I also started having panic attacks and PTSD severely because I found my husband. The ovary removal and instant menopause (now on HRT) intensified that to an almost unmanageable level. For awhile I was having severe panic attacks daily to where added with grief, I didn't even want to wake up anymore. I hope your family member is ok and with whatever treatment they need being easy and very manageable.

[@MrKongsMom]

That is so much to deal with. And all at once! All of my hats are off to you Betsy for surviving all that and still coming out on top!

[@georgiakolster4143]

Panic attacks are the scariest! I thought I was having a heart attack and my supervisor called 911 and I was transported to the ER! That was before I got on BHRT and I haven’t had one since. I still get heart palpitations but they are few and far between. Brain fog with forgetting things was my most annoying thing. Also vaginal dryness is not fun! 😣 Thanks for the update. I recently watched MsGoldgirl video on this topic and I thought of you.

[@laurawillis5972]

For me worst symptoms were hot flashes and insomnia. HRT saved me. I feel like myself again. I hope you find something that helps ❤

[@MrKongsMom]

I am so glad you found relief! I am very hopeful for myself.

[@frostbiteschilled2813]

I used to soak in night sweats, every night. Now i only night sweat for 4 nights around my period time. Here's what i did: invested in cooling bedding items from Evercool. Their bedsheets and comforter are AMAZING! I buy Soma cooling pjs. The last thing i did was roll up a weighted blanket down the middle of the bed. My husband has slept hot for decades but with my night sweats, i couldn't get a break. Now we both sleep cool. And i only minimally night sweat 4 nights B4 my period comes. Sorry so long! ❤

[@MrKongsMom]

Ohhhhh I may need to check out those sheets! They sound delightful! Craig runs hot too so they might appeal to both of us lol!

[@susanl.5226]

P.S. My sister - Back in the days when she had color on her hair AND night sweats, she would wake up with "color" on her pillow from her head sweating! Oh dear...... She's modified everything since then, lol. And for me, I had to carry a little cardboard fan in my purse for various appointments, so I could fan myself during hot flashes! Another Oh dear......

[@MrKongsMom]

A fan! I need one! I used to actually have a neck fan but my kid stole it and broke it lol. I'm still mad at her about it haha.

[@zebralove2840]

In perimenopause I mainly hated the periods being closer together. Whereas I had been super regular 28 all my life, it was anything from 17 to 24 days. Luckily no hot flashes and few night sweats, but now post menopause, so much sleep disturbance and memory lapses. I guess I have been lucky, you seem to have quite an overload and I hope you find relief for most of it. Do you think some of it is not perimenopause but something else, that your doctor has not uncovered?

[@hollymyers4665]

Hot flashes, absolutely no desire whatsoever, snappy, weight gain, dry everything, not knowing when and if "Aunt Flo" will come vist. It sucks! Men have it so easy. Tried the patches and wasn't impressed. Next on the list is pellets. Thanks you for making this a safe place for us all to vent and share. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you and your loved one. 🙏❤

[@MrKongsMom]

Thank you as always for contributing to the convo Holly!

[@karenforsling4959]

My gynecologist would not prescribe HRT because I wasn’t presenting with the classic symptoms of night sweats and hot flashes (although I was experiencing memory issues, increased belly fat and blinding rage) I was interested in HRT because of the preventative benefits it offers for things like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and diabetes . I ended up getting HRT from an online service (Alloy) and it worked out great. I have since found a new gynecologist who has no issues with prescribing HRT in the form estradiol patches and progesterone. Wishing you all the best in your journey and in finding relief, I know you must be incredibly frustrated and let down by “the system.”

[@MrKongsMom]

Depending on how things go over the next few months I may see about ordering HRT online through one of those services. I will probably wait until my next ultrasound "just in case" but I am confident with this last one that the lump is just a lump. Nothing nefarious.

[@marlenellewellyn9987]

So I was full Menopause at the age of 35 and I'm 45 now. I don't feel like its getting any easier either. I have had some of your symptoms and never put it down to being in Menopause. I have the foggy brain but that started after having Covid and has stayed with me, dry eyes I have too and take Vitamin A to combat it as I could go through 4 bottles of drops a month. The Itches I've had too, in my ears and chest area, that comes and goes, not to much you can do about it. I cant wear makeup anymore as my eyes just want to burn out of my head as soon as anything touches my face. Had night sweats but my meds keep that at bay now. Meds also keep my periods way too ( best thing ever!!)

[@MrKongsMom]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience here!

[@boatscandleco]

The gut bloat that won’t go down. No energy the pain in the morning til my body “wakes up”… the all of you’re test results are great. We don’t know what’s wrong 🙄. Defiantly the dry skin etc etc etc. my boobs are too dense so ever an answer there. And the list continues lol. I’m also a January baby. I’m from the 25th. 🎉

[@DaltonsFriendswood]

I've had great luck with midi-health the online menopause care team. They don't replace your regular gyn for pap smears etc but they are able to provide all types of HRT from RX to supplements etc. I love my provider and getting an appointment was quick and easy as were my RX. Couldn't be happier. That service in particular was started by Dr Heather Hirsch who is one of the more visible menopause educators along with Mary Claire Haver. Dr Haver's office is actually in the town where I live but she was not taking new patients. She recommends midihealth as well and so I felt very comfortable going to them.

[@MrsTeresaBurke]

The panic attacks and anxiety became disabling for me. I literally could not work, drive, or do anything by myself. I did have to resort to Paxil at a low dose and it has been a game-changer for me. I still take several supplements like magnesium and other items to help.

[@MrKongsMom]

Panic attacks are the worst. I have never felt to scared, hopeless and breathless in my life. I am on Paxil too. It helps my mental health a lot.

[@TLSEMPL]

I will be so up and down with my mood swings

[@lavender_coffee]

Oh, the anxiety. Yes, that is horrible. I have high BP anyway, so my doctor switched me to a beta blocker and that has helped a lot. I also developed this weird thing for awhile where I had anxiety over driving. It made no sense, but I knew it was all hormones. It eventually subsided. I am 54, and have been going through this with one thing after another since I was about 45. Periods still haven’t completely stopped either. They went away for 7 months and then came back! I feel like women today suffer more than women of the past, maybe due to more chemicals in our food/water/air/body products that have built up over time.

[@MrKongsMom]

Oye, it's brutal, isn't it? I feel like I remember my mom being really off for a period of time right around the age that I am at but I just thought she was having problems at work or something. She NEVER talked about what was going on in her body with me. I wish she would have. I mean, she is only 16 years older than me lol so we kind of grew up together in a way. It's a wild ride indeed and I really do wonder if there is a difference nowadays or if we are actually just sharing this stuff with each other now. Just acknowledging the sucky part more out loud?

[@laineybugger]

My most annoying symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and fatigue. But my menopause did come on slowly or naturally. I was put in surgical menopause because of breast cancer. So it was overnight and extreme. I can’t take HRT because my cancer was hormone driven. It’s been 3 years so I am slowly adjusting to my new normal but it’s not fun.

[@MrKongsMom]

Sending you a hug. I actually remember when you got that diagnosis. I am so glad you are still here to share your story!!

[@KaKesFantasticO]

I recently was looking into testosterone pellets. Have you had your testosterone checked? I don’t know if you could at least improve that while waiting for the 2 years to do estrogen replacement. Look at BioTE.

[@MrKongsMom]

Actually she has not tested me for that. But it is something I will be asking my new doc to test me for. In fact I want all of my hormones tested. Current doc says that its pointless because I am still getting my period so she has not ordered the hormonal tests lol. I'm not getting anywhere with her so I am just waiting until I get my new gyn. Here's hoping I don't have to wait for a whole year or more.

[@Lillylover70]

That is so crazy anytime you have a reduction you will have scar tissue now they have made a mess out of your records .

[@MusicloverLiz]

I am 59. I never had the first hot flash or excessive bleeding. The worst thing that happened to me is that I developed rosacea at age 50. I always got compliments on my beautiful skin. Truly it was my best feature. Now I have persistent redness. My skin is still smooth and I look youthful because I have avoided the sun. But the persistent redness bothers me every day. 22:28

[@MrKongsMom]

Oh rosacea is fun. Ugh, so sorry. Have you found some products that help you manage it???

[@MusicloverLiz]

@@MrKongsMom I use barrier support moisturizers. I'm always trying something new because I love variety. Luckily I don't get papules or pustules, just pink cheeks.

[@Colli777]

Sounds insane, what state is it ?

[@MrKongsMom]

I live in Oregon.

[@Claire.L]

Menopause is the worst! I'm an IT analyst and I need my brain, but brain fog is making me nuts! Panic and hypervigilance is through the roof. I did also have hot flashes. Also, dry everything... Everything. My PCP got me in with the menopause NP down the hall from him and luckily the HRT is helping, it's not perfect but there is improvement.

[@MrKongsMom]

Oh the fog is tough. I have gotten in trouble with work stuff because of it. I just try to play it off casually. But really inside I am dying that I no longer feel competent. This brain fog blows!

[@vickiteeples2232]

I started with panic attacks when I started going through menopause. I was put on 50mg of Zoloft and that has kept the attacks at bay.

[@MrKongsMom]

Oh yes, I am on paxil now and it helps my mental health a lot. I have still had one on it, but it was not as bad I feel.

[@cecibee3495]

Which symptoms do I have? Uhm, yes. I empathize so hard, M! I find it insulting that Mother Nature did not intend for us to outlive our ovaries. 😂 Of course it doesn’t help that our society was designed by men for men, whose testes do not shrivel up and die 2/3 through their life expectancy.

[@MrKongsMom]

RIGHT? I guess we did die a lot younger back in the day.....

[@TLSEMPL]

My night sweats are so bad. I literally will wake up soaking wet. I am going to be 47 in October. Also I am constantly moody.

[@MrKongsMom]

The moodiness is tough. I really try to watch myself with my family. They are very understanding but sometimes I am just snippy for not damn good reason. I hate that for them.

[@TLSEMPL]

Also my foggy brain drives me crazy.

[@dcordero5950]

My hubby is 45 and he just did his first colonoscopy. 😬

[@MrKongsMom]

Yup, I Just got my reminder email about needing to schedule that. I have had one already and I can tell you, not great. Not the procedure, they knock you out for that. It's the damn prep. It's brutal! Never been so hungry before.

[@Backwoodsmom]

Ok so I’m commenting only 1/3 of the way through so I may have another comment later but Jesus Christ, WTF does insurance even pay for?! $309 copay and you already pay $1800 a month? Insurance needs to stay the fuck out of our healthcare as fast as dictating what THEY think we need. They really have everyone by the balls and people’s health is suffering and people die because they are at the mercy of insurance companies. It’s absolutely insane. Ok sorry, over that, continuing to watch! FYI, I’ve never had a mammogram and I’m 50. It’s just amazes me that they will cover mammos but not ultrasound and they never cover thermograms. We should be able to choose the type of care we want and insurance needs to stay out of it. Take our monthly premiums and STFU. And doctors need to stop dismissing menopausal symptoms and their severity.

[@MrKongsMom]

Oh preach! Our monthly premiums just went up not long ago and I was like, HOW MUCH further can they go up??? The copays are the most annoying. "Preventative care" is covered and not "charged for", but specialists, which is what I am having to see more of require additional copays of anywhere from $40-60. And then the imaging requires a copay as well. It's very frustrating and insulting after the monthly premiums but those in charge won't really do anything about it. It's a business and and it really shouldn't be. Social healthcare should be standard for all as a base. Feel free to add additional if you feel like it, but as a base, everyone should be covered. I am lucky in that I can still afford all this but its getting harder and harder and honestly makes me want to pull on back on appointments as I am 1, not getting anywhere and 2, feel like I am paying for getting nowhere and that just seems dumb lol. I have some other stuff to focus on right now anyway with my mom so I will be taking a break but man, I just wish this was easier for everyone.