I am 62 and a half. Two years ago I stopped taking Activella cold turkey---long story--but I had successfully taken it for 9 years. I had no idea the hell I would go through because of the withdrawal of hormones, which has been over two years of horrible nightly hotflashes and with them, horrible nausea, panic attacks, and a loss of my regular life. I have a great doctor and am finally going back on Activella because my quality of life is worth whatever minor risks there might be for other things. I am otherwise a very healthy person, but the sudden withdrawal of hormones was something I never imagined would make me so sick. My regular, for-years ob-gyn was no help. I have now an m.d. naturopathic, hormonal specialist and he finally sees me for what and who I am and is helping me. But I have pretty much lost my life from having no sleep and daily nausea for two years because of the hot flashes. The worst part now is the depression and feeling as though I will never have my life back, as though I have lost my active life, my friends, my family. Anybody have a similar experience----and how have you managed?
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Hi AlettaS,
October 19, 2011 - 4:50pmGlad the group helped. It's always nice to ask others who are or have experienced the similar thing you are going through. I went to the doctor today and we are changing my HRT meds (experimenting as you put it so well) to see if I get some relief. Like you I'm just tired of all the crazy symptoms and can totally relate to the feeling like a freak part. Most times I just feel like I've lost my mind :)
I know we'll both start feeling better again once we get the right hormone combination in our system.
Let me know how your doing with the hormones (meds) - hoping you see some results soon! I'm happy to be here for you.
Take care,
Angelica
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Thank you for the group links. That is what I was looking for. I do have a doctor who is so caring and knowledgeable and takes so much time with me. I am just a freak. I cannot take any of the typical supplements, anti-depressants, all the things people typically talk about. I actually went through menopause 11 years ago---then took activella for 9 wonderful years--the trigger of stopping hormones suddenly has turned into a nightmare and take away my life----we are back on hormones, experimenting, but I feel as though my life is over most days. Thanks for being there.
October 17, 2011 - 10:47pmThis Comment
Hi AlettaS,
I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling horrible! I'm going through menopause and have been on HRT for 3 years. My hormones are still off and deal with hot flashes and other symptoms often. I'm actually following up with my doctor tomorrow to see what we can do to adjust my meds so I can get some relief. Feel like I'm going crazy most days!
I'm also part of a group on the site, it helps connect with others like me - check it out: https://www.empowher.com/groups/menopause
Here are a couple of articles I also found useful:
https://www.empowher.com/menopause/content/10-tips-treating-menopause-naturally
https://www.empowher.com/menopause/content/alternative-ways-deal-menopause-symptoms
October 17, 2011 - 4:33pmGlad you are working with a doctor that is helping you get back on track. I know how frustrating it is when you can't get the help you need.
Hope the articles and group help you out some!
Take care,
Angelica
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Hi AlettaS,
Welcome to EmpowHER. So sorry you are going through all this. Dealing with Menopause symptoms is not an easy thing for women to deal with. But there are many other natural ways women can alleviate Menopause symptoms:
Depending on their severity and how much they affect your day-to-day activities, you can take several steps to help alleviate hot flashes. Begin with a commonsense approach. Some possible triggers of hot flashes are hot beverages, spicy food, warm air temperatures, stressful situations, alcohol, caffeine, and some medications. If you can identify your own triggers, you may be able to avoid some hot flashes. Keep a diary to note which of these or other triggers were present before each hot flash. Review it each week to pinpoint the most common triggers.
During the day, dress in layers so that you can take off garments when needed. If possible, regulate the air conditioning and heat in your environment to accommodate your temperature changes. If you wake up hot at night, sleep in a cool room. Go to bed with a frozen cold pack under your pillow, and turn the pillow over when you wake up. Keep a change of nightclothes next to your bed so that you can change easily if you wake up soaked.
Some women find deep-breathing exercises helpful. Research suggests that a technique called paced respiration can cut in half the frequency of hot flashes. To perform paced respiration, take slow, deep, full breaths — expanding and contracting the abdomen gently while inhaling and exhaling — at a rate of about six to eight breaths per minute. One of the best ways to learn paced respiration is by taking a yoga class. Practice this technique twice a day for 15 minutes.
Treating mood swings:
Many women choose to make lifestyle changes before turning to medications. Taking care of yourself by getting more sleep, exercising regularly, and using stress-control methods can all help even out your mood. For an herbal approach, St. John’s wort may have some mood-elevating effects, although studies have been conflicting. Prescription antidepressants, particularly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), effectively moderate moods.
Treating memory and concentration problems:
Just as it isn’t clear what causes memory and concentration problems, there is no obvious remedy. Brain and memory experts recommend that people with these issues work to keep their brain functioning at its peak by taking on new and interesting challenges. Use your mind in many different ways. Do crossword puzzles. Learn a new musical instrument or sport. Play chess. Read more books. Learn a new language or how to use the computer. The idea is to challenge your brain in new ways.
Best of luck,
October 17, 2011 - 7:27amDaisy
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Thank you for writing all this. I have heard it all 1,000 times. I was hoping to hear of more personal experiences. Thank you for trying. What you write I have seen over and over and over. Doesn't help. But bless you for quoting the common response.
October 17, 2011 - 10:42pmThis Comment