Hot flashes and mood swings. That's all ever heard about. I watched a YouTube video of a woman who said she could deal with the physical symptoms but it's the crushing depression that's getting her. I'm on an AD. I know I should be on a higher dose but I don't want to be on them for the rest of my life so I feel it will be easier to come of them on a lower dose. Researchers needs to be done on the "S"(I can't use the word or the moderator will delete this)rates among menopausal women. Yesterday I was fine. Thursday I even went out to a reception. Today I'm like big slug. Chores to do but still laying around.
Okay that's my vent for the day.😭😖😫
Hey honey, everything you say is so true!!!ive repeated it so many times on this sight. It should come with a warning! I hit the menopause nearly 4 years ago now. And the menopause has been hitting me everyday, ever since! It started with night sweats, honestly, the amount of pillows I've chucked out, I've lost count! I'd wake up shivering cold and dive into a hot bath just to go to bed and for it to repeat itself. But, by a zillion miles, the depression was and still is crippling. I also was on AD before the menopause and the like you didn't want to take anything more. But after feeling that I couldn't take anymore, I went back to my Dr and first tried hrt, which made no difference so now I take a mood stabiliser. Slight improvement if I'm honest. It slightly takes the edge off. Not brilliant, I still have days where I cry but some more than others. Message me anytime honey and privately if you'd prefer. When I read your post, I thought I wes reading an old one of mine that I'd written, so similar was it!!! Donna xxx
I know...it is total BS! I posted some reading material the other day that guidelines are being set to diagnose menopause depression vs clinical depression. If there is no history of depression and it hits mainly women after 40...well...DUH! It will probably still take drs 10 years to figure it out. It is all to push pills. If it doesn’t work, they just up the dosage, or change to a other pill. I have nothing against pills, believe me... BUT if someone is taking them, and it doesn’t seem to be helping...insread of increasing, etc...drs need to look in another direction! ...I’d be on my butt today too, but my husband is with our other son...I’m here with my other...he is like Sonic the Hedgehog (he has severe special needs)...never stops. I increased my amitripyline last night... I am wobbling and shaking all over the place and I am feeling very overwhelmed at the moment . I swear, I think I am going to have a stroke one of these days. I’m sorry you feel like a turd Jaunita! But, vent away...we all getcha! I was pondering gender reassignment like I see on tv...maybe we can get a deal if we both do it🤔😂🤗
EXACTLY Juanita! Not like menopause is something new. Aging can be depressing anyway. The weather and life in general make for low moods. Some people struggle with anxiety/depression and sleep issues all of their lives. I'd like to know the "S" rate too. Or how many "S's" among women have to do with hormonal imbalance. I am VERY thankful for you and all of the sisters here.
Ah...I know!! I did the anxiety/depression part for 7 years! It was horrendous! Now it is gone...the physical symptoms...aches pains...fatigue at times...headaches are still here...but I can function through it. It does get better. I have been travelling all over this summer and having a blast. Tonight I am actually throwing a dinner party for the first time in 10 years. I feel awesome even with the never ending headache I have had for the past week. It gets better! The anxiety will eventually go away and you will have your life back.
Thank you Donna! I'm still working can you believe it? It's by the grace of God that I get up and make it to work. I used to be early, all peppy and happy. I don't know what happened to that woman. I'm late every day. Most days I have to fake smile and pretend all is ok. You ladies have helped me so much!❤🙏 Just knowing I'm not alone and that I can come on the forum and talk with "my ladies" gives me some relief.
😂😂😂😂😂 You know men have no idea what it feels like to not feel like yourself. They say men go through a kind of male menopause, but it's nothing like this. I've had some physical symptoms, but the depression is just crazy!
I used to enjoy simple things like just watching tv. I watch it but it's like someone else is watching it and there is no enjoyment.
When Kate Spade committed "S" the first thing I thought about was menopause. And if she was a person that had been suffering from depression all her life, menopause probably just pushed her over the edge. I'm thankful for "my ladies".❤🙏🤗
Thank you! You have given me hope!❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🤗
I can work through the physical symptoms like you said. But depression is a soul sucking life sucking monster!🤯
I have wondered about this same issue too. I can only imagine how some women out there who may be having a harder time than me may be provoked to doing that especially if they have no one to talk to or feel like the stresses of their life plus these symptoms are just too much. I can see it leading to that point. I had my kids very late in life. I was 35 with my first born and 39 with my second child. Right after she was born I went right into peri menopause. I have a husband who has emotional/mental instabilities, two kids who are very emotionally charged and an elderly mother all in the same house. Then to have to deal with these symptoms too. It's easy to see how things can result in such a way. That is why if it wasn't for God, prayer and this forum I don't know where I'd be.
You are dealing with a lot. And then peri on top of that. I cannot imagine. My faith and this forum have kept me sane. Keep the faith and you'll pull through.🙏
Juanita - I am so sorry you are going through this. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE VIEWED THIS POST? I guess what I am saying is, I know that some forums show how many have viewed this post and I would venture to say so many women have read this!!!! So many women likely feel so much of what you are feeling and experiencing and yet aren't comfortable sharing it/replying to you...so thank you for your openness about this subject.
It's like this feeling of being weak - as if we have some control over this when the truth is; it's beyond going out for a walk or eating right - it's hormones! I have such compassion now for this as I experienced it for the first time in June. Prior to that, I had NO idea what menopausal depression was. Have I been sad? Totally down with seasonal affective? yes. Is it anything compared to the Perimenopause depression that I had?...it doesn't even touch it! I had no idea what this was. It's frightening in that you don't know how long it will be and you wonder who you used to be and your begging God to let you have joy again. In my case, gratefully, the progesterone cream has lifted it for me. I am humble as I don't know what this rocky road will look like. I am realistic now and thankful for the ladies here - we can lift one another and encourage one another - even if less than 100 reply when you know it's likely hundreds on this forum that know exactly what you are feeling and going through.
I am praying for you, Juanita! I have faith that you will be lead to the right path and approach for you if needed. It seems for each of us we respond differently to things. I am GRATEFUL for this place and SO very thankful for your transparency and letting all of us know we are not alone and are in this together. HUGS - Finny
Thank you so much ladies for all that you say/write. I hardly ever post but I read and read and it helps so much to know that other people are or have gone through the same. Thank you and THIS TOO SHALL PASS!
Oh, you mean “andropause” (male menopause). I’m sure their only worry is not rising to the occasion...if you catch my drift. with gender reassignment they do not get menopause. I say they should! Instead of just estrogen, put in some ovaries too while they’re at it! Experience ALL the joys of being a woman! 🤣
I agree. It is so important to seek out help, no matter how embarrassed one may feel. More important... to keep the dialogue about menopause going. I personally have not had any dark thoughts thus far...but, I am actively trying different things to help myself. Talk with doctors. Everybody in my house hears me blabber on. Of course you ladies as well! Take good care🤗
Thank you Finny. Today is my birthday and I'll feeling so low.
Happy birthday to you! 🎂🎂🎂🎊🎉🎁
Juanita - Happy Birthday dear sister! I am giving you a big HUG! Remember that you are not alone - rest in the shelter of the Almighty! Maybe review some of your old posts that made us all laugh so that you can see this is temporary and you will feel "better" again. You have brought so much joy to so many on this forum. I really like the lyrics to that song Never Once Did we ever walk alone...so many versions to listen to as well - but I love that comfort of knowing we never face anything alone! HUGS and Happy Birthday, Juanita. 