The Mad, Bad Menopause Thread

shellsmithcat

Wow so much on here explains how i feel. I have been peri-menopausal for about a year now. I am approaching 45. My periods got so bad i was "flooding" so have had the Minerva coil fitted (a godsend i must say). However, I have been having the sweats/flushes, insomnia is awful (not helped by working shifts), headaches and worse of all is the crying. I got to work the other day and literally had to walk straight outside to get some fresh air as I was sobbing for no reason whatsover, I have also had a couple of bits of bad news/stresses over the last couple of months leading to a bit of a breakdown where I cried for 24 hrs almost non stop. The Dr has diagnosed me with Stress/Depression, however after reading this I wonder if it is the effects of the menopause or is Depression linked to the menopause. Anyway I have currently been signed off sick for 14 days however I will probably get this extended for a bit. I have a very very stressful job (radio dispatcher/call taker for the police). Any thoughts? Thanks

ERICS_MUM

maybe I can add something to the "is it depression, is it menopause" debate.

I was being treated for depression before I became peri-menopausal and managed to do my stressful job as usual (I was a manager with a major bank in the City, no leniency for women at that time of the month ).

Once I started the menopause I became less tolerant of my superiors especially my new line manager, who was completely out of his depth with our part of the business. He was a bar steward and after a year I couldn't stand it anymore and went off sick with more serious depression.

There's no doubt in my mind that the menopause just tipped me over the edge. From "going with the flow" when it came to dealing with useless or awkward co-workers & management, I became intolerant of people and boy, did I let them know !

It's so difficult to manage yourself in situations like this because the reactions, outbursts of anger, shouting or crying are so spontaneous and instantaneous that you just cannot hold back - it's all over before you realise it's happening.

ERICS_MUM

On a lighter note, I've got a nasty cold at the mo and every time I cough or sneeze I wet my knickers ! I think I need to get some Tena Lady pads OMG !!!!! That's my punishment for not doing pelvic floor exercises.

System

ERICS_MUM wrote: »

On a lighter note, I've got a nasty cold at the mo and every time I cough or sneeze I wet my knickers ! I think I need to get some Tena Lady pads OMG !!!!! That's my punishment for not doing pelvic floor exercises.

I'm in a routine now, every time I have a bath I do a set of 30. Not only does it stop stress incontinence its good for ones sex life too.:)

tattycath

I'm so pleased I found this thread. I am sure I've started going through the menopause. I have had night sweats for a few months. Mood swings,I'm either sweltering or freezing, I'm permanently exhausted, my skin is spotty and dry, I have rashes-dr thought it was eczema and is treating as such but I've read it could be some kind of dermatitis/penopause related.
I'm very irritable and have been feeling very out of sorts for a few days. I keep getting headachey too. Going to supermarket tonight to try menopace-dr recommended over the counter stuff is much improved in recent years.
Oh and as if I don't feel I'm suffering enough I'm on my third heavy period in 6 weeks. :eek:
My husband and kids don't help or seem to understand

tattycath

ERICS_MUM wrote: »

On a lighter note, I've got a nasty cold at the mo and every time I cough or sneeze I wet my knickers ! I think I need to get some Tena Lady pads OMG !!!!! That's my punishment for not doing pelvic floor exercises.

I can relate to this and I did do pelvic floor exercises-but obviously not enough.

ahja

Following on from all the stuff I've tried to see if it helps, I bought a can of Physicool - when you spray it, it stays cool on your skin - quite good, but the major drawback for me is that you can't spray it on your face, which is my main problem area apart from the back of my neck - but useful to keep in my handbag for when I'm out and about - google it for further info if interested.

dandy-candy

Hi ladies, I just wanted to ask those who have been told by the dr they are peri menopause - how was it diagnosed?is it just questions and answers, or is there a test of some sort?

System

dandy-candy wrote: »

Hi ladies, I just wanted to ask those who have been told by the dr they are peri menopause - how was it diagnosed?is it just questions and answers, or is there a test of some sort?

I was told I was post menopausal when I asked for a blood test to measure my hormones.

I thought I was going through the change but apparently I was post menopausal.

tattycath

dandy-candy wrote: »

Hi ladies, I just wanted to ask those who have been told by the dr they are peri menopause - how was it diagnosed?is it just questions and answers, or is there a test of some sort?

My doctor said he wants me to have blood tests-one is to check hormone levels, the other 2 are to check iron and thyroid. It's the hormone test that should give the definitive answer by what I can gather.