Introducing Myself

Posted by judybradford @judybradford, Jan 4 7:08am

Hello,

I am 71, and in post-menopause. I had a really rocky menopause, marked mostly by insomnia. I once threatened to kill myself, after 5 nights of not sleeping (and working full time). I made the the threat in a menopause specialist's (who was also an OBG-GYN) waiting room when told for the second time that he could not keep our appointment because he was delivering a baby. I made sure everyone in the waiting room heard me. On my way home, I got a call saying that "Doctor will see you now". I am doing well now, after trying Premarin (it worked for three months), and then going on Amitryptaline which is an antidepressant that helps with sleep. I have also had great success with 300 mg. of Magnesium Glycinate, recently. (I don't take it every night.) I am a practitioner of yoga, and I get weight training twice a week. When I was going through menopause, I asked my mother how she got through it, and she said "I don't remember." So it must have been fairly easy for her. I am joining this group so that women going through perimenopause and menopause can benefit from my experience. The medical community is just beginning to pay attention to us. One of the best moves I ever made was to get a female doctor, and also the help of a certified menopause consultant who operates out of a compound pharmacy.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Menopause Support Group.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jan 5 7:35am

@judybradford

Thanks for introducing yourself. I am glad you're finding solutions. I think previous generations suffered in silence. I am 70, so when I say previous generation, I am talking about my mom.

Thank heavens there is more help now, and most providers recognize the effect menopause has on quality of life. You’re an example of how to advocate for yourself.

If your primary provider is not providing a solution, I recommend that patients see a GYN or, if available, a menopause specialist. I see a GYN PA, she is very knowledgeable and helpful with menopause problems, including vaginal atrophy.

Thanks for sharing your story.