I turned 42 three days ago. At my last visit with my mid-wife, she told me that I was Perimenopausal, based on my age and some pesky symptoms. More about the pesky symptoms in a little bit. That was roughly six months ago. This is going to be a twofold question.
First, you may wonder why I went to a midwife when I'm not expecting more babies? I'll try to make a long story short. About three years ago, I was pregnant with my second child and new to this area. I chose my gynocologist based on ads and one recommendation, but when I visited her I felt that she was going to take more control of my delivery than I wanted. I was very impressed with her education, but she was telling me how she was going to deliver my baby without ONE question about my thoughts. So, I switched to her midwife. During the course of my pregnancy, I chose to have early prenatal testing to rule out a genetic disease that we've already experienced, and my gyno referred me to a specialist in Plano. We were very anxious about the results, of course. Within about a week of the procedure, and within an hour of the results being available, the specialist in Plano called me with the good news. Then, about three weeks later (no kidding), my gyno called me with the good news. She was completely amazed and embarrassed that I had already heard from the specialist because, "this just came across my desk", she said. How's that for interoffice communication?! I liked the midwife pretty well, but she has moved to another state since then, and the one that I saw on my last visit was a new person. So, you can see that my first request is for you to recommend a good gynocologist in the McKinney/Friso/Allen area.
Now, for the pesky symptoms. In general, I'm very active, an avid runner, I choose food based on nutrition for the most part (except an occasionl Little Debbie Swiss Cake Roll - but only one roll - try it with a shiraz - pretty good!). I've been off of the pill for about a year. My symptoms are nothing unusual, I don't think, but this is part of my question. I feel a heaviness in my lower abdomen, sometimes a mild cramping feeling, but mostly a heavy feeling, noticed mostly at night or when I'm sitting still. This is pretty constant throughout the month. My periods have varied a day or two off schedule, but they always have. They last for 4 to 5 days, and flow at a rate of three-super-tampons-per-day for about the first three days. After my period ends, I have a very heavy, clear discharge, my boobs deflate and hang there like the nipples on a chimpanzee, BUT my libido soars. That lasts for about 3 to 4 days. Then, mid-cycle, my boobs fluff back up, but I'd rather read an economics text book than have my husband touch me. In fact, I'm angry as a grizzly. P'd OFF! AT EVERYBODY! My husband is very confused, hurt, and the word "menopause" would strike terror to the core of his bones. I have two children, daughters, ages 2 and 4 - they are relieved when their daddy gets home. I am a Christian, and during this time, even my daily devotionals are like cardboard in my heart - I know He is there, but I can't "hear" Him. The only relief I feel is when I run, and I have to grab that opportunity when it presents itself. I'm going through that mid-cycle crisis right now, and although I know it will pass, it's hard on my family. I explained my hormonal swings to my husband, but he is still taking it personally. He is very patient, but EVERYONE seems to have a NEED, and he wants his filled at the end of the day when I'm feeling about as lively as a dead bug! Lastly, yesterday, I noticed a pinching feeling in my mid-left abdomen. This is new. So, finally, what do YOU have to say about these things; any recommendations? Thank you for your time and your response.
C., I can share a great nutritional supplements that will help, it is so safe even pregnant women take it as their prenatal vitamin.
C.,
I just starting going to North Texas Women's Health Partners (121 & 75) in McKinney and they are awesome. I have met with Jeanean the Midwife and Dr Banks. I was very impressed with not just them but the entire staff, especially with Jeanean doing a follow-up with me on a Sunday. They are really down to earth and very patient and will address all of your concerns/questions but most importantly they listen to what your needs are.
Good luck!
C., I am a 41 soon to be a 42 year old mother to a 4 and 7 year old. I have been having pre-menopausal symptoms as well. I am a runner and a swimmer, and I am into nutrition as well. And you are right about the little Debbie's and wine!! Anyways, I have a great OB GYN in Allen/McKinney. His name is Dr. Andrew Shimer and his office name is Craig Ranch OBGYN. He is located off of 121 right before custer - 7900 Henneman Way Suite 100 McKinney, TX 75070. He has multiple ob's in his practice and they are all wonderful, and I think he has a midwife...you can visit his website. I have been seeing him for 5 years now and have had a good experience. I would definetly go see him/or on of his associates. I am sure they could help you feel better and make the hubby happy!!! I just had the oblasion done, where I no longer get my monthly because I had my monthly every month 7 days each twice a month. I have so much energy now and run much better and I am a lot more pleasent to be around!! Good luck.
Good morning, C.,
I am a 59 year old mother of 8, so I've been through the "full routine" and am now settling into being a grandma. Being a runner, I'm sure you're interested in dealing with life in as natural way as possible.
Over the years what I found helped me most with my symptoms both perimenopausal and during was taking the herbs dong quai and black cohosh daily. They are very effective in reducing hot flashes, night sweats, cramping and mood swings.
Now that I am older, I realize I have sailed through menopause almost without noticing, without doing anything invasive like having an IUD or taking medication or synthetic hormones, which have alot of unwanted side effects.
Good luck and hang in there. This can be a very good time in your life.
B. G. (mother of 8, grandmother of 4 - so far!)
I had breast cancer 7 years ago, and after chemo knocked me into full-blown menopause, I suffered through many of the same symptoms. My oncologist put me on Effexor, as that has shown some success in moderating the mood swings and hot flashes. However, I felt like I was dropping acid in the way that withdrawing from it gave me tracers (my perception of reality took a bit to catch up to the actual reality). I went in and out of menopause a couple of times as my body recovered from chemo and I stopped taking tamoxifen after the requisite 5 years. Not fun, and alternatives like soy and black cohosh were out for me due to the hormonally fed cancer that I had just beat.
What really did the trick for me was acupuncture. I had already been seeing Dr. Steve Homoky at Coit & Spring Creek ###-###-####) for allergy elimination treatments, so had him treat me for hormonal sensitivity. Worked like a charm! However, Audra Whatley in McKinney also specializes in women's issues, and does an amazing job ###-###-####). Pretty much any acupuncturist can help you out, but these are the two that I have personally seen.
I still have mood swings, but it's more like the baby swings at the playground, rather than the Texas Giant at Six Flags! Good luck!
C.,
I have a great OBGYN in McKinney; Dr. Jennifer Allen. She is with North Texas Women's Health Partners. There are 4 female doctors, a midwife, and a PA in the practice (I think). I've met and worked with 3 of the doctors there and my neighbor has seen the 4th and said she liked her. I've been very pleased. The 3 doctors that I've met are all strong Christian ladies who do a lot to give back to the community. I hope this information helps, and you can find a good doctor to help yu find some answers.
God bless you.
J.
Hi C.,
First, let me commend you on your creative writing skills. You’ve managed to make even peri-menopausal symptoms fun and entertaining to read about. I hope you blog and that you’ll give the name of it, because I’d love to read more!
I digress, sorry… I see North Lake OBGYN in Plano (at Presby Plano, not Medical City). Their practice delivered both of my kids and although my Dr. has changed several times (just because one moved, then I moved), I think you could pick anyone there and be happy. Now that my husband is shooting blanks, I still really like their practice for just the GYN stuff. My Dr. is pretty responsive and doesn’t seem to give all the pregnant ladies preferential treatment over me. She still calls on the same day if I’ve called about getting an Rx for a sinus infection, to give an example. I see Dr. Jennifer Denning. I’m not overly sensitive about seeing a woman instead of a man for this area, and I’ve seen 2 of their men and thought they were just princes! (I was pregnant at the time and hormonal, and one actually made the call to induce while Dr. Denning was on vacation so I was particularly fond of him!)
Now on to the funky stuff: I’m not a skilled medical professional (I’m in financial services, so pretty far from it). But here’s what I’ve noticed about myself… I was on the pill for 8 years before I had my son. Then I was pregnant, then I breastfed for 18 months, during that time I had an IUD and didn’t have a period, then when he was 2.5, had it removed and that afternoon got pregnant with my daughter (well, pretty close anyway). Then, I was pregnant with her and breastfed for 15 months, after which didn’t have to do anything because my hubby got snipped. My daughter is 3+ years old and for the last 2 years I’m experiencing my own body’s rhythm for the first time in 15 years!! I can tell you that a “normal”, unhormonally-jacked-with period is different than what I could ever remember, because, honestly, I don’t remember what my period was like before college!! I notice symptoms that I truly thought were not OK and have continually probed my Dr. who said, “Well, do you want to go on the Pill to regulate them?” Uh –NO!! I’m also pretty active, a triathlete, and I keep training, and training, thinking I’d finally be blessed with amenorrhea, but no, Aunt Flo keeps showing up (even on race day). So, my mid-cycle symptoms aren’t as bothersome as what you’ve described (albeit, I experience pretty much the same period you described), but since there is no good use for my period these days and it seems to cause more damage than it’s worth (because I turn into Mom-Zilla for 3 days before it starts), I’m probably going to install a 10 year Mirena next annual visit. My mother had a 5 year one (she didn’t go through The Change until she was 59) and didn’t realize she’d actually gone through It. I’ll take that, please.
Bless your heart!
Allen Birthing Center--Becky and her ladies are phenominal!
Arbonne Calming Cream--'nuf said!
Put yourself in timeout rather than attack your family, and try really hard to get control before rejoining them, and make much of them whenever you can feel like it.
Pray for self-control (a fruit of the Spirit) and pray to "feel" God's presence! He IS there and IS answering your prayers.
This Too Shall Pass!
Good luck!
~A.
