Well, I think it's here. I am 48 and am probably in menopause. I had a blood test done about 6 months ago that found I was in peri menopause. Still haven't had a period which makes it about 10 months. Started back then with the hot flashes, very minor and not very often. I figured heck I can do this no prob.

Well...the past week they started again. Seems like every half hour someone is holding a furnace to my neck and ears and it just roars up my head. I start sweating and frantically looking around the house for something to fan myself with. It's almost unbearable. Yes, it's funny to me too

I have a little desk fan that I sit next to me and it really helps. Just grab it and turn it on whew! But does anyone have any hints for me on how to help when it's the middle of the night and I really don't wanna get up just to turn on a fan. I have been up almost all night last night. Now, I haven't had that "soaked thru" thing alot of people talk about. This just seems to be my neck and face...so far.

Oh yes...and I have very long hair and it's thick. I am SO ready to get it all cut off at this point!

I'm 49 and have been in peri for about 5 years. I couldn't take the hot flashes anymore so the Dr started me on Prempro. It's been a lifesaver. The only time I get flashes is at night the week before I get my period, which is ok since then I know to expect it!! I tried Remifemin, it didn't work for me. Good luck!

I don't have a period anymore so I am not sure if that prempro would work for me. Or does it make you have one? Isn't that a BC pill?

I'm 46 and I've been getting minor hotflashes now for a couple of years.Nothing that would bother me that much though.The past 3 months though I have gotten more symptoms.I haven't had a period in 3 months,and I know I'm not preggy.I get hot a lot and lately have been unable to stay asleep at night,waking up every hour or two.I've been getting chills and fevers that stay maybe a day then go away.I have to watch my diet now more than I use too cause every fatty thing I eat sticks to my belly and is harder to get rid now so I have to almost completely avoid anything fattening.Another thing I've experienced the past 3 months in which I never had a problem with before is washing my face .It seems I can no longer wash my face without it making my face peel.I was using kiss my face soap,and even tried switching to Cetaphil, but the problem persists.Moisturizer only temporarily covers it and will make me breakout if I leave it on so I have to just let the moisturizer sit on my face a few minutes then rinse it off.

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Estrogen patch Vivelle works for me- you need a prescription

If you want to try something natural Boiron Glonoinum or

Lachesis mutus

I'm so glad someone started this thread. I turned 47 a few months ago and at the same time started with hot flashes. Haven't had a period since February and have very low libido. I'm also hypothyroid.

I seem to have the hot flashes more on waking. It's almost like your metabolism speeds up and your body can't acclimate easily anymore or something. I can't figure it out. I had one horrible one at first and had a sheet of sweat all down my back. I told my husband to feel my back and all he could say was "wow!" Now they are mild, but I get probably 3-4 a day.

Has anyone had the low libido issues too? Anything you're doing for that? Do the prescriptions help with the libido or just the hot flashes? I'm feeling a little depressed too.

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Oh...the nurse told me this could last 10 years!!

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"Dance like no one is watching."

I have heard some things about hormones lately. Something about them not being as great as they used to be. I want to say it had something to do with cancer, but that could be very wrong. I wish I could remember what it was. It says that doctors aren't putting women on hormones as a standard procedure anymore. They are trying to either wait or not do it at all if possible.

Mostly now I just need help dealing with the flashes. I have a feeling they will be getting much worse before it's over. And yes, I also heard it could last for years and years. Oh yay

Are those for the hot flashes? And are they any type of hormone replacement or anything? I am going to look these two up \

Thanks, cjfrugal!

OH and before someone posted a link to a menopause forum that they said was great to get advice and info from. Does anyone know what that address was? I cannot seem to find the post now.

yes, the are in a blue tube smaller than a chapstick container found in health food stores. I do not think they are hormone replacement

Just wanted to mention that hypothyroidism is very common, and some of the symptoms mimic perimenopause, so when you get your blood work, always ask for a full thyroid panel too. And you can ask for copies of the results to be sent to your home; that's within your rights. You do sign a form for that each time.

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"Dance like no one is watching."

For a humorous POV try http://www.minniepauz.com/

I am also 47, menopausal and also Hypo! I have a feeling that being Hypo makes the issue even harder on your body. Not only are the hormones messed up because of Menopause, but because Hypothyroidism impacts the hormones greatly, we are already putting hormones into our system every time we take our thyroid medicine. I have had a horrible time keeping my weight in check, despite diet and extreme exercise. I just found out about being in menpause last week, so now I am trying to deal with both issues. I have decided at this point, all I can do is to keep up with my current exercise schedule and hope for the best. As for low libido...that is common in Hypo and also Menopause, so we are blessed to have two causes. The same with depression....

Hi Tammy:

I just wanted to mention to you that Mary Shomon has a fan page on facebook. She's a fantastic patient advocate for people with hypo and hyperthyroidism - as well as fibromyalgia. She has written several books on the subject, including "The Thyroid Diet".

Also, I've had some success with www.sparkpeople.com. They actually have a group for people with thyroid issues.

May I ask what medicine you're taking for your thyroid problem? I'm taking 100 mcg of Synthroid daily and have had weight gain, hair loss, and low libido with it. I'm not sure if it's the medicine or the thyroid. I'm going to look into seeing if I can get myself on natural thyroid, like Armour or Nature Thyroid from a compounding pharmacy that will make it on site.

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I have seen Mary Shomons web page and also purchased her book. I am currently taking Synthroid, and my weight problems didn't start until about two months after I started taking Synthroid. I am totally convinced that Synthroid does cause weight gain. My TSH levels are normal now, yet I continue the struggle. My doctor will NOT switch me to Armour, or any of the natural medicines. We have had several discussions, and she won't budge. She keeps telling me that they are unstable and can cause more issues then I currently have. I really would like the chance to at least give them a try, as I am not happy with Synthroid. I am really getting worn out, and feel like exercise is taking over my life. There are several message boards in which many others are also having a weight struggle with Synthroid and also believe that it does cause weight gain, despite their doctors telling them that it does not.

Tammy, have you had your free T3 checked? Does she do a full thyroid panel when you get your blood draws, or does she just check TSH?

Just wondering.

You know...Mary has a link to recommended endocrinologists. Maybe there's one in your area who is more likely to prescribe a natural medication.

I had a conversation with my pharmacist this morning because I wanted to see if there were any closer compounding pharmacies where they make their own medications in my area. He did have a suggestion, but when I discussed with him wanting to switch to something natural, he got this look on his face and told me basically what your doctor said - that the measurements might not be as exact. He didn't sound hopeful that I'd be happy with it.

Well, all I can say,Tammy, is that everyone on Mary's fan page who talks about it and is on it seem to prefer being on a natural medication because it contains not just the T4 but T3, and I think there are two other T ingredients 1 and 2, I believe. So...I wouldn't give up if I were you. Check out her link to see if there is someone closer to you who prescribes natural medication.

Also, are you getting a copy of your lab results sent to your home? You can sign a paper when you go into the lab and that way you can watch your levels in addition to your doctor. I actually have a file folder for my results. lol

Take care.

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Oh...Tammy...Mary talks a lot about T Tapp. It's an exercise regimen from what I understand, and a lot of people like it. I think the maker of it designed a program for thyroid patients for Mary.

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"Dance like no one is watching."

Also, Tammy...I found this interesting about Armour. I suppose it offers ideas for good questions to any pharmacist in a compounding pharmacy as well:

http://www.armourthyroid.com/con_safety.aspx

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OK called the doc and asked if there was anything they could recommend that would ease the hot flashes and insomnia. He said "Black Cohosh" Went to the store and found it. Pretty inexpensive ($5 for a bottle of 50 caps). Will get it this weekend and try it. Will also post back with results

I am only 47 and from what I hear I have a long way to go with this thing...ugh!

Yes...my T3 and T4, are all within range. I requested that they be checked along with my TSH. One of my hurdles is that we now have a $3,000 deductable, so any doctors visits, and future labs will not be covered. My doctor knows my concerns, but she feels I am fine, because all my labs are coming back within the normal range, she feels any weight gain in solely Menopausal related. I think they are related to the Synthroid. I did my once a week weigh in this morning...gained a half pound. I have eaten no more than 1,200 calories , along with doing a combination of 30 day shred, P90X, jogging, and Ab ripper X. I worked out harder than most women half my age. I know whatever is going on has nothing to do with my lack of exercise or my diet. I am seriously thinking about stopping the Synthroid and hoping for the best...

Tammy, I think I am going to go start my own thread and let you have this one. I don't want to hijack your thread.

Good luck...

I don't recommend that. What I would do, though, is tell her that you're that desperate and are considering it. Tell her you want a natural medication and will agree to a blood draw in 6 weeks.

Some doctors are so incredibly clueless. I'm sorry, but it's true.

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Check out this link for a compounding pharmacy near you:

http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/Pharmacy1.shtml

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This is a common article that Mary asks people to read:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/findanendo.htm

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Mary's directory for top endos...

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/doctors/a/topdocs.htm

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Thanks for all the info. I am just going to try to take one day at a time. Maybe its menopause that is causing my mood swings. I just get so tired of exercising so much, and not seeing any results.