<p>it never really affected me that much when my first son left for school. i still had one at home to take care of. however, now that i know that you never take care of them again in the same way, i am struggling to find myself again. i think once i begin to focus a little more on me and a little less on the changes, i will be fine. </p>
<p>i just never saw this type of emotional state as being something i would struggle with. finding myself feeling so strange is unfamiliar and a bit off-putting for me.</p>
<p>Sounds like you are a really good mom who is out of a job… it might be fun to put those skills to use as you develop other plans.</p>
<p>Perhaps a ‘mothering’ outlet, like tutoring or occassionally helping out in a classroom? Maybe a boys or girls club type thing? Docent at kids museum? </p>
<p>Someday you’ll have grandkids! (Having had the WORLD’S greatest grandmother, a great role model, I already look forward to that time.)</p>
<p>It has been a while! I have switched from a natural hormone replacement to premarin (i think that was the name) and i am a much better person. I really wanted the natural thing to work, but i realize now that i wasted some time trying to make it work. i have been sleeping all night long, and that helps my outlook on things tremendously. i still have moments where i feel a tear popping through, but i am now ready to look forward to the fall and football and tailgating!</p>
<p>Great news!
I think premarin is natural, too because it is derived from a natural source and not made in a lab.
Does it help with hotflashes too?</p>
<p>i have not had one hot flash since switching medications! i think i was suffering more from a lack of sleep than anything else. i was so exhausted and not able to sleep. i was so on edge–and i was really hard on myself–hence the irritability and tears??? i don’t know, but i feel so much better this week–should have switched a long time ago.</p>
<p>Mom55,
I have tried and tried to start exercising, done different things, with different people, alone, etc. I stick to it for about 2 months and quit for one excuse or another. How long before you didn’t see it as a major chore?</p>
<p>Second question: No hot flashes, but so much trouble falling asleep. Not on any meds and very anti sleep medications. Is this part of menopause or is it being a worrier with teenagers?</p>
<p>My H. LOVES the fact that I have closed several a/c vents, causing the one over the bed to blow like the north wind, keeping the area like a meat locker (I used to be cold all the time and would sleep in multiple blankets, sweats and socks). The good news is, the hot flashes have subsided significantly in addition to no longer waking up to strip every piece of fabric off my body. I don’t know if it’s due to (1) soy (I eat edamame occasionally),(2) The Estroven with Black Cohosh (which I take on occasion when I remember), (3) progesterone cream (which I haven’t used in a week or 2) or, more likely the fact that I bought some ridiculously overpriced wicking nightie, and havent needed it since the first week I got it! See… open that wallet and the symptoms go away.</p>
<p>My hot flashes tend to come and go; have them for a month or so, then they taper off, then come back. And now for a newsflash: I just had a short little period - after 6 months without one. I thought I was fully menopausal, but it looks like I still have a ways to go. Sing with me! “Only women bleed. Only women bleed. Only women bl-eeeeeed, only women bleed.” ;)</p>
<p>I also am on and off with the hot flashes but waking up in the middle of the night is consistent!
Rather than going away, my periods are getting closer together! After almost 30 years of using non-hormonal birth control methods, I’m considering going on the pill to reign in these raging periods. </p>
<p>Has anyone had luck with birth control pills reducing perimenopausal symptoms?</p>
<p>Personally, I’d stay away from BCPs, even low dose ones, because of the slightly higher risk of stroke with BCP’s in older women. Plus, if you happen to smoke (I don’t, but if you do) the risk of stroke is even higher.</p>
<p>I don’t smoke but stroke does run in the family. Do you know of any research?
A friend went on BCPs this year but can’t really tell if they are reducing her symptoms.</p>
<p>mkm56, on exercise: I had the same problem, but for me it worked out to join Curves. Their 20-minute workout is just very easy, and I guess when I was going I ran out of excuses, especially when I first joined and was still driving my daughter to school in the morning. Then I’d stop by the gym on my way back. It’s been harder since my d. started driving herself, and I did eventually get bored with the Curves routine – but fortunately I had shed a lot of pounds first.</p>
<p>jym626
Thanks for the link. It stated that migraine sufferers are at greater risk of stroke from BCPs. I’ve just started getting migraines, in conjunctions with perimenopause! What a pain. (Literally.)
I also remember that my sister has complained that BCPs make her depressed.</p>
Sing with me! “Only women bleed. Only women bleed. Only women bl-eeeeeed, only women bleed.” ;)</p>