Mamogram & Menopause

[Pam]

Hi girls,

Well, I feel old now, had the eyes tested for stronger glasses, can no longer read the instructions on packets or shampoo bottles and had a mamogram today. All good :) I guess menopause is next on the list for me :(. Whilst we are on that subject, what changes has anyone experienced with menopause they could share with me. Surely it's not all bad? Is it? the thought of no periods makes me feel excited tho LOL

Pam

[~Janet~]

Your only as old as you feel ;)

Good girl for going and getting your mamogram done :) It's something all us mature women should really think about. I had mine done a few weeks ago at one of those mobile vans. Very quick and easy, all over and done with, and puts your mind at ease.

Can't help you with the menopause though, have yet to get there, but like you I'm sure it isn't far off :(

[Helen]

Hi Pam,

No menopause yet. My sister is going through a horrible time tho, terrible hot flushes, feels teary and moody, so not a happy camper atm :( I hope when my turn comes (and yours too) we have an easy time.

Helen

[floria]

Ekkk, I'm of that age where I need to think of those things too.

[Naomi]

can no longer read the instructions on packets or shampoo bottles
I didn't even know there were instructions on shampoo bottles! Don't you just lather and rinse? :dk:

[MissieK]

My Mum is going through it atm. She's a changed person!

Melissa

[Tora]

Well, speaking from someone who has gone/is going through it I can only tell you that like everything else, it improves with time!! At first I was put on HRT for the hot flushes, mood swings etc. but after the scare with them, I took myself off them, determined to ride it out as my Grandmother, Grt Grandmother and my Mother before me did! They didn't have all these treatments, and they survived, so I was determined so would I!! I am happy to say that the mood swings settled down relatively quickly, and now I just have to live with the hot flushes (my Dr said some people suffer them FOREVER and I look like being one of those!) I will say, it helps in Winter!! ;) One of the reasons I couldn't cope with the heat of Qld and opted to move to New Zealand!!! lol

When it comes, and come it will ladies, be patient with yourself! The moodswings aren't very nice, but I just used to warn everyone, they soon learn to keep their distance!!! LMAO

Good luck ladies. :)

Anne (Tora)

[afw]

I noticed an add for mammograms the other day and actualy took notice. I've been with my mum but never realy gave it any thought. But i saw this ad "FREE MAMMOGRAMS FOR WOMEN 40 AND OVER" and i went "shit i can do that in a few months time" I want to 40 fit fabulous so i had better pull out my finger and do situps or i'll be 40 fat frumpy.

[Supa]

Ladies please no matter what your age get a mammogram done. I have been having them since I was 28 as my Mum had breast cancer at a very early age. I also have a friend up here who has been battling breast cancer since she was 36, she has 2 small children & the out look is not nice. Please I urge you to get one done no matter what your age. If the dr looks at you strange when you ask for a referral for one ask him if any diseases ask your age before they attach themselves

[Marilyn]

YES the dreaded menopause, I started late forty's and still going although not as bad now .12 or so years they say symtoms can last up to 20yrs.
no not pleasant glad Im at the end of it.{not happy Jan]

[sjc]

I had a total Hysterectomy in my late 30's (many years ago) so menopause hit like a ton of bricks. I was not at all prepared for the hot flushes, mood swings etc. ( and neither was my family) I was on HRT, but took myself off, and took Evening Primose Oil. These symptoms lasted for some years but am happy to say life returned to normal and have never felt better.

_______

Sheryl

[Beverley]

LMAO Well, haven't you got something to look forward to.
I am going through pre-menopause at the moment. Oh it's so much fun!!!!!!! Hot flushes, night sweats, sleepless nights, mood swings, depression (now that could just be me), bloating, boobs getting sore sometimes and not others, going for about 8 months without a period and thinking, 'yes, I'm nearly through it' then getting a period. Have to start counting all over again. You are officially menopausal when you haven't had a period for 12 months. I have no idea what the difference is between pre and actual menopause. I don't think I like the sound of either. I'm doing it without help because I don't believe in taking too much in the way of medication. Also, after doing some research, most of the women who did HRT got all the symptoms back when they went off it. What's the point then!!!!! I have to take an anti-depressant/anxiety medication and that's enough for me.
My doctor is wonder.
He also said to eat a lot of broccoli (sp) and brussel sprouts. Very good for you with menopause for some reason.
I've also found that if I eat sweets of any description, I get more hot flushes and night sweats.
Not all women suffer, just hope you are on of the very lucky ones.
Sorry if I've scared the shlt out of you.

[Beverley]

Just found this and thought I should share.

Don't think of it as getting hot flashes. Think of it as your inner
child playing with matches.

LMAO

Never thought of it that way before.
:D

[afw]

when the time comes i'll put out the fire the matches make with my vodka. that way i won't feel a thing. i'm into no drugs as well, not even panodol, my doctor is always telling of when the kids get sick and need it.:tree: :ele: :ele: :ele:

[garden gem]

I had a hysterectomy nearly three years ago aged 47 so I went into menopause nearly straight away. I opted not to take anything, the mood swings are not bad hardly have them, but the hot flushes are always on and off but they only last a couple of minutes, I am learning to live with it.
PS. I don't miss that monthly visitor LMAO

Heather

[AngelaE]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 25 so mammograms are an annual thing for me. Please ladies, I urge each and every one of you to do a monthly check on your breasts for any changes and don't hesitate to go to the doctor (like I did) if something doesn't look or feel right. I had a hysterectomy when I was 29 to help to stop the spread of the cancer, my experience with menopause hasn't been too bad but then I don't know if my age has something to do with it. By the way, I was lucky enough to have been blessed with a child before I got sick.

[jens]

Thought this would explain to some, just what it's like going through menopause in regard to mood swings. I wrote this about 4 years whilst going through it. Thank goodness, it's over!

Dark Eruptions

It rises from inside reaching a sharp crescendo,
Deep from the darkest depths,
It's force overwhelming with a backlash in tow.
Creating tension as it increases in strength.

It changes from happiness and jovial laughter,
With the speed of a lightning bolt,
Leaving all in its path battered for some time after,
With no reason or being anyone's fault.

An explosion ignites sparking anger and rage,
With no-one safe from the fallout,
Nuclear bombs and wars being waged,
Are safer than this demon's clout.

As quick as it appears it's gone in a flash,
Peace and harmony reign once again,
For middle-aged women receive this unkind lash,
Menopause, is the cause of this game.

[Luv Angel Musik Babee]

Ok call me stupid but what exactly is menopause? I always thought it was just something you get when your older but if you get it when you get a hysterectomy whats the deal with that? I've been sort of thinking about a hysterectomy but this might just turn me off. Not right now but by the time I'm 30, I don't want anymore kids 2 is enough as it seems like I'm going to be single for ever. So could someone explain what it is exactly please?

[Telori]

They wont give you a hysterectomy to stop you having kids, they will just tie/cut - or both your tubes. And they wont do it if they think you are too young, my step sister has 6 kids and she is 28 and they are still hassling her about tieing her tubes. She has wanted it done since baby number 4.

Menopause (help me out here ladies) is when you stop having your period and all the hormones associated with periods and fertility start going haywire. In some women it settles down in no time at all but with others it can last for years. I cant even remember my mum going through it, it just seemed one month she stopped getting her period and that was that - here's hoping I'm the same :)

[sandramay]

My mother had a hysterectomy at the age 32... she had it because she didn't stop getting her period.. it was like 4 weeks on 1 week off instead of the usual way. She didn't start menopause until her late 30's early 40's, she complained of hot flushes and us girls would laugh and tell her it was menopause, she has been on HRT since the doctor confirmed it and has no problems with it at all.

Menopause is basically the stage in your life when you stop being able to have children, your hormones go insane and you are officially old *L* I had a doctor once that was on the pill still and she was in her 50's she had ever been through menopause because of it, I think that's a little insane if you ask me.

I have to have a papsmear in about 30 minutes, so that will be fun, yuck hah

[Naomi]

menopause actually means when your periods stop (for more than a year) - but the reality is that all your hormones go a bit crazy so for many women there are a lot of other symptoms as well, hot flushes, mood swings, sometimes depression etc.

It's true they won't give you a hysterectomy as contraception, they will cut/tie/clamp your fallopian tubes. You will probably have to look around to find a willing Dr to do it before you're 30, they do tend to be very conservative about doing it before then.

Oh dear, Sandramay - just reminded me I STILL haven't had a pap smear and it's way overdue :( bad me.

[Luv Angel Musik Babee]

Hmmmm well damn. I can't go ont he pill all the ones I've tried through 2 different doctor's make me sick. The last one made me feel so horrible I couldn't look after the kids so I palmed them off to my cousin until it was out of my system. My mother hasn't gone through it yet but she's only just turned 44. I don't know anyone that's gone through it yet either. But thank you for clearing it up for me.

[Naomi]

Have you thought about an IUD Luv Angel? YOu can leave them in for up to five years and if they work for you, they're very effective. (You can get the one that isn't hormonal as well).

[joby66]

I have had a few mammograms as I have very lumpy breasts so my doctor doesn't bother checking them anymore just sends me for a mammogram and an ultrasound.
I have some advice though for anyone just about to go and get one. DONT do any weight training, like lifting weights, in the week before you go as the pain is greatly intensified. I had decided to start lifting wieghts with my son and my muscles were very sore when I went to have my done, had tears in my eyes and its not normally painful.:(

[Jewly]

You don't have to be old either to go through Menapause. I went through it when I was only 26 and it was a horrible experience. I had hot flushes, especially at night, mood swings, depression etc. I thought I was going nuts but thankfully the symptoms eased off after a while.

[Beverley]

Jenni - You write beautifully. It is so true too. Have you tried writing one about the hot flushes/night sweats? That could be amusing.

Angie - you can't just get a hysterectomy as a form of birth control. Besides, if you knew of all of the side effects, you would never want one. I can't advise you about contraception because I'm way past all that - stopped having sex!!!!!!! Find a good doctor and go through all of the various types that they have now days. God I sound old! Good luck with it.

[jens]

Thanks Beverley. :)

I haven't tried one about hot flushes/night sweats and yes it would be interesting. I might have a go at that one, cause I definitely know what they are like!

[Di Nana]

Now I'm really scared:yes: and I know it's only a matter of time before my new chapter in life begins, already moody,[but family don't think I have changed;(
Thet say you follow your mothers pattern, well mine went to hell and back sadly she took us along for the ride,don't think my lot will come along with me.
Had thought it would be nice to be warm for winter,[hot flushes]husband being a bit mean with the heat pump,but whats the point if i'm only going to be in a bad mood and cry about it:crying:
waiting in fear

[kayleneross]

Menopause, well I suppose I have been lucky it hant been too bad for me. Put on weight, had hot flushes which drive me bonkers and love the no periods thats about it. Now all I gotta do is have the dreaded mammogram and I am scared, but I know I have to have it done.

[helen01]

i dont have much to say on the menopause subject, my doctor tells me i'm at the start of it and i've got a long way to go.my mum went through it early, in her late 30's. she is still suffering from hot flushe's, she has tried everything from perscriptions to natural remedies, so she just suffer's.me i've been getting the hot flushe's,and i go through mood swings like you would'nt believe,and looking back when mum was going through it,i can understand about her mood swings. the mammogram, i have had two done so far,as i have found lumps in my breast's,they turned out to be just fatty tissue, i also have to have them done every two year's as there is breast cancer {and other type's} in the family.