Perimenopause

[Deleted]

I'm in my mid-40s and am curious what others do to alleviate any symptoms you might have. 

I deal primarily with sleep issues and HEAVY unpredictable periods.  I'd rather address the root problem (hormones) than rely on sleep meds.  I've been doing well by using an OTC estrogen cream daily but that doesn't alleviate my periods.  I just went back on the pill (Desogen) this month (with my estrogen cream) and I'm sleeping horribly again.  So frustrating, it's like I have to pick one or the other problem to deal with.

Prior to estrogen cream I had a good thing going for 1-2 years by using OTC progesterone cream but it suddenly quit working.  I've even tried to use it in combination with the estrogen cream now but it made my sleep worse.

Have you had success with anything overall?

[Pom]

I was on Megesterol/Megace for years for heavy periods. It was helpful except for the weight gain which I needed to stop. I moved on to a laparoscopic hysterectomy at age 43. It is so freaking awesome. Now I take 2mg of estrodial and all is pretty normal.

[dorothyinAus]

I haven't taken anything, but I have had a problem with iron deficiency as a result of heavy periods. After consulting the doctor, I went on high dose iron supplements which has taken care of most of the symptoms -- restless legs, itchiness, problems concentrating and trouble sleeping.

My doctor mentioned that heavy periods can cause iron loss, but iron loss can in turn cause heavy periods, so it's a self-feeding cycle that's hard to break. I was on high dose supplements for 6 months and then switched to a lower dose regimen. My periods are still quite heavy, but I'm feeling much better otherwise.

You may want to check with your doctor about an iron deficiency.

[treedimensional]

I was prescribed progesterone for irregular bleeding, but I didn't particularly care about that symptom so I didn't take it. As my hormones waned, my symptoms gradually (quickly) became worse and now I'm on an HRT cocktail.

[mrsukyankee]

I haven't taken anything and probably won't due to family issues with cancer due to hormone therapy (my mom and both her sisters). I wish I could go on the pill but they won't allow me due to my age (47) and non-hormonal pills/bc don't help with irregular periods. I'm just living with not knowing whether I'm going to bleed or not - this month...normal but heavy 5 day period and then 8 days later a short day of bleeding.  I have night sweats on occasion but not every night and had my first daytime hot flash.

[Deleted]

Jun 30, 2016 20:23:45 GMT -5 dorothyinAus said:

I haven't taken anything, but I have had a problem with iron deficiency as a result of heavy periods. After consulting the doctor, I went on high dose iron supplements which has taken care of most of the symptoms -- restless legs, itchiness, problems concentrating and trouble sleeping.

My doctor mentioned that heavy periods can cause iron loss, but iron loss can in turn cause heavy periods, so it's a self-feeding cycle that's hard to break. I was on high dose supplements for 6 months and then switched to a lower dose regimen. My periods are still quite heavy, but I'm feeling much better otherwise.

You may want to check with your doctor about an iron deficiency.

That makes sense, ugh.  I get a physical every year with bloodwork so hopefully this doesn't develop.

[flex]

I just toughed it out without medication. I had an ablation and it didn't do squat. : (

The good news is that being post-menopausal is fabulous.

[mryrcn]

Y'all is this what I have to look forward to? I'm ready to not have my periods but damn why does my body have to act crazy?

[FormerlyRR]

Jul 1, 2016 13:09:23 GMT -5 mryrcn said:

Y'all is this what I have to look forward to? I'm ready to not have my periods but damn why does my body have to act crazy?

Mine didn't act crazy. I had crummy periods off and on all my life, then they just kind of stopped. Winner. 

[flex]

Jul 1, 2016 13:09:23 GMT -5 mryrcn said:

Y'all is this what I have to look forward to? I'm ready to not have my periods but damn why does my body have to act crazy?

Hormone fluctuations do that to you.  It's like puberty, only in reverse.

[mrsukyankee]

I'm so looking forward to having no periods any longer. So HAPPY when that happens!

[auntie]

I did a low dose BCP until I was about 52. My sleep wasn't great but it improved once my periods stopped.

[Deleted]

I tried the low dose BCP but had terrible spotting. That's why I'm now trying Desogen and keeping my fingers crossed.

Another odd symptom I had for years before using estrogen cream was overactive bladder - this has definitely improved.

[barefootcontessa]

I think I am in the early stages. I am having skin issues and spotting. I hope I can avoid HRT. My OB swears by exercise.

[scout8]

I was having heavy periods every 20 days. Due to some other health issues, my dr was hesitant to put me back on bcp, but finally agreed. I'm on lo loestrin and so much happier. My "period" is one day of spotting now. It did take a couple of months to get adjusted. I have had night sweats my entire life so nothing has changed there.

[mortomo]

I opted for hrt. I have a Mirena IUD and take a low dose estrogen. After a month of taking estrogen my periods stopped and I'm sleeping better. I also no longer feel foggy and irrational. Prior to the estogen I had my period almost constantly and everything annoyed me.