For me, the worst menopause symptom I'm experiencing is super sensitive and dry, itchy skin. It started happening about two years ago while hiking, I broke out into these nasty hives and scratched myself silly... weirdest thing ever... I thought it was poison ivy but it kept happening all through the winter and I'd get these terrible sores on my scalp... BLAH!
Turns out I've developed wicked skin allergies, like if I'm wearing/use any products that contain honey and I start to sweat... UGH!... my skin will blister :( I also quit using scented/dyed laundry detergents and softeners all together.
BRAIN FOG. I am ready to hear all f your tips, vitamins, tricks. As of now, I just write everything down but (see other piece I wrote around these parts: https://tuenight.substack.com/p/if-we-need-only-5-friends-why-do) - I'm not entirely sure it's menopause related. 👀 I think that's one of my issues — how do we know whether something is menopause, general aging, the overwhelm of the world... Maybe it doesn't matter?
Ugh brain fog is the worst. My doctor recommended i try a nonstimulant ADHD drug called Intuniv (guanfacine). She said it has helped long Covid patients with brain fog. And 🎉 it has brought much-needed clarity back to my brain.
May 23, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
Not sure if it’s a menopause thing or just an old age thing but taking collagen has really helped me with joint pain big time! As for hot flashes it’s more about what I should avoid like alcohol but not doing as well with that.
May 24, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
Also remember that black cohosh is an excellent supplement for hot flashes and if you are a candidate for Astelles’ new hot flash drug that can be very helpful (I am not a spokesperson.) the gold standard is still hormone treatment.
I've heard this, too. I've started taking collagen a few months ago and... combined with vitamin D... I'm noticing a difference and it's definitely helped because I'm feeling less joint pain especially after a long hike. Thanks, Shelly!
May 23, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
I absolutely lost my mind when I was in perimenopause - could not remember simple appointments, experienced major depression. I wasn't even aware that it was perimenopause. And then another person on TueNight mentioned that she had gone through a similar thing and I ended up going to an OBGYN experienced in menopause and was put on estrogen and cleared up my depression in a short timeframe. More recently, I discovered collagen, which I started taking for hair loss and really turned it around. I'm a huge proponent of weight lifting to counteract bone loss, too. Particularly since I have a family history of osteoporosis that crippled both my mom and her mother.
I love that you found some comfort and insight on TueNight! And here is another one for collagen, definitely looking into this. My hair, too is starting to thin 👀
I was getting desperate, hair really falling out. I didn't think it would work but figured why not see? I have inch and a half long wisps all along my face that started sprouting in September. I started ingesting it in early August. I am normally not that trusting of random supplements but I can't think of any other explanation for this obvious hair growth. The stuff I take is called "Sports Research Collagen Peptides - Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, Bones & Joints." If it's not the collagen that's helping, maybe it's placebo effect? In any case, I'll take it! I feel like my skin looks better too, maybe?
May 24, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
When I was going through perimenopause what about killed me was the wild mood swings. Those were REALLY fun while working retail. Going from shiny happy people to I want to kill ALL THE THINGS within the space of a minute....
Looking back, I don't remember what I did to combat it.
May 24, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
Weight gain and body weight redistribution happen as we age and menopause is just one stop on the metabolic slowdown. Strength training is especially important to combat this.
May 24, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
Hot flashes. My. God. Nothing has really seemed to help me so far, but I’ve just started eating in the order specified in Glucose Revolution. So… we’ll see. I am so tired of sweating.
May 24, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
Here is what I’ve been doing to combat the forgetfulness and brain fog - be open about it.
I come right out and say to people at work - “Tell me that again. I’m having menopause brain.”
Or if my mom or kids are trying to talk to me while I’m trying to read something or search on my phone I say “Sorry. Right now my brain can not do two things at once.”
I spent the first couple years of my 50s HORRIFIED by my brain’s wackiness. Especially since my Dad died of Alzheimer’s. But this isn’t Alzheimer’s. It’s my dang hormones!
I have a real medical and mental condition going on, over which I have no control.
May 24, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
The hot flashes have been the hardest for me, and the weight gain around my middle. I used to have an ass but now it’s like someone hit me from behind and now my butt is shoved forward and is now belly. Ugh! My tip is to always have a source of air movement-I sleep with a nightstand fan on, year round, and have a small desk fan. I Can handle the hot flashes if it’s an feel a breeze or air on my face while I ride it out.
I've got my side of the bedroom window open and the fan going even in the winter. My hubs is used to it and sleeps in sweats because he prefers it when I'm more comfortable than not ;)
May 24, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
For me, it’s sleep. I wake up between 2 and 4 every night and can’t get back to sleep. I’m not having hot flashes so my gyn isn’t recommending hormone replacement. I’m considering low dose antidepressants, but I really don’t want to take them. I’m just very frustrated—and tired.
I just checked them out. Pricey, but I'm willing to try! I'm curious if you needed them long-term? I feel like I'm stuck in a bad pattern and if I do something temporary to disrupt that it might help me get back on track.
May 24, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
Talk to your gynecologist about HRT! The new research shows it’s safe for many and helps prevent not only brain fog but permanent cognitive decline. But you have to start at first symptoms for best protection- I waited through three years of itchy skin, nighttime sweats, and throwing up in the middle of the night after half a drink. Wish I’d started sooner!
So many issues, so many attempted solutions - the best thumbnail advice I can give (after mostly surviving a peri/meno season from hell) is this: Take regular walks and find your people. Finding others (like here!) who can relate to your particular brand of meno madness makes you feel less mad. You're not alone. Take a walk, and find someone who understands what you're going through (friends, forums, blogs, books ...). There's nothing like a knowing nod to gentle you off the ledge.
So many gems in this thread! Given how many symptoms there are and how unique the experience can be from one woman to the next, it’s hard to pick just one tip. But if I had to pick I’d say find a provider or expert who’s trained in menopause medicine! Sadly less than 20% of ob/gyn residency programs teach menopause in school, which means most doctors aren’t equipped to take care of women navigating menopause. The sooner you find a provider who specializes in menopause the better! The North American menopause society has a list of certified menopause providers: https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx or if you’re looking for a more convenient, online solution we’re here for you at Elektra (full disclosure, I’m the founder of elektra — forgive the sponsored post!) www.elektrahealth.com
Well not sponsored technically but Elektra has been such a friend to TueNight over the years and provides so much value around the topic of menopause - here to give them the thumbs up!
For me, the worst menopause symptom I'm experiencing is super sensitive and dry, itchy skin. It started happening about two years ago while hiking, I broke out into these nasty hives and scratched myself silly... weirdest thing ever... I thought it was poison ivy but it kept happening all through the winter and I'd get these terrible sores on my scalp... BLAH!
Turns out I've developed wicked skin allergies, like if I'm wearing/use any products that contain honey and I start to sweat... UGH!... my skin will blister :( I also quit using scented/dyed laundry detergents and softeners all together.
Also, tinnitus is next level - anyone else?
Yes! Dry, itchy skin. What the heck? Even on my scalp
BRAIN FOG. I am ready to hear all f your tips, vitamins, tricks. As of now, I just write everything down but (see other piece I wrote around these parts: https://tuenight.substack.com/p/if-we-need-only-5-friends-why-do) - I'm not entirely sure it's menopause related. 👀 I think that's one of my issues — how do we know whether something is menopause, general aging, the overwhelm of the world... Maybe it doesn't matter?
Ugh brain fog is the worst. My doctor recommended i try a nonstimulant ADHD drug called Intuniv (guanfacine). She said it has helped long Covid patients with brain fog. And 🎉 it has brought much-needed clarity back to my brain.
Thanks Kristin. I'm supposed to see a menopause specialist doc soon so I'll be sure to ask!
Not sure if it’s a menopause thing or just an old age thing but taking collagen has really helped me with joint pain big time! As for hot flashes it’s more about what I should avoid like alcohol but not doing as well with that.
Will try!
Also remember that black cohosh is an excellent supplement for hot flashes and if you are a candidate for Astelles’ new hot flash drug that can be very helpful (I am not a spokesperson.) the gold standard is still hormone treatment.
I've heard this, too. I've started taking collagen a few months ago and... combined with vitamin D... I'm noticing a difference and it's definitely helped because I'm feeling less joint pain especially after a long hike. Thanks, Shelly!
Yeah - I was suffering with such bad knee pain and did PT with the collagen and wow, what a difference!
I absolutely lost my mind when I was in perimenopause - could not remember simple appointments, experienced major depression. I wasn't even aware that it was perimenopause. And then another person on TueNight mentioned that she had gone through a similar thing and I ended up going to an OBGYN experienced in menopause and was put on estrogen and cleared up my depression in a short timeframe. More recently, I discovered collagen, which I started taking for hair loss and really turned it around. I'm a huge proponent of weight lifting to counteract bone loss, too. Particularly since I have a family history of osteoporosis that crippled both my mom and her mother.
I love that you found some comfort and insight on TueNight! And here is another one for collagen, definitely looking into this. My hair, too is starting to thin 👀
I was getting desperate, hair really falling out. I didn't think it would work but figured why not see? I have inch and a half long wisps all along my face that started sprouting in September. I started ingesting it in early August. I am normally not that trusting of random supplements but I can't think of any other explanation for this obvious hair growth. The stuff I take is called "Sports Research Collagen Peptides - Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder Protein Supplement for Healthy Skin, Nails, Bones & Joints." If it's not the collagen that's helping, maybe it's placebo effect? In any case, I'll take it! I feel like my skin looks better too, maybe?
When I was going through perimenopause what about killed me was the wild mood swings. Those were REALLY fun while working retail. Going from shiny happy people to I want to kill ALL THE THINGS within the space of a minute....
Looking back, I don't remember what I did to combat it.
The weight gain has been the worst.
FEEL this!
Weight gain and body weight redistribution happen as we age and menopause is just one stop on the metabolic slowdown. Strength training is especially important to combat this.
Hot flashes. My. God. Nothing has really seemed to help me so far, but I’ve just started eating in the order specified in Glucose Revolution. So… we’ll see. I am so tired of sweating.
Looking into this book....
I’ve heard great things about this book and helpful for weight loss too!
Hoping for that, too!
Here is what I’ve been doing to combat the forgetfulness and brain fog - be open about it.
I come right out and say to people at work - “Tell me that again. I’m having menopause brain.”
Or if my mom or kids are trying to talk to me while I’m trying to read something or search on my phone I say “Sorry. Right now my brain can not do two things at once.”
I spent the first couple years of my 50s HORRIFIED by my brain’s wackiness. Especially since my Dad died of Alzheimer’s. But this isn’t Alzheimer’s. It’s my dang hormones!
I have a real medical and mental condition going on, over which I have no control.
This is REALLY useful. I think the more we can be candid and upfront about it, destigmatize the shame, the better.
The hot flashes have been the hardest for me, and the weight gain around my middle. I used to have an ass but now it’s like someone hit me from behind and now my butt is shoved forward and is now belly. Ugh! My tip is to always have a source of air movement-I sleep with a nightstand fan on, year round, and have a small desk fan. I Can handle the hot flashes if it’s an feel a breeze or air on my face while I ride it out.
I've got my side of the bedroom window open and the fan going even in the winter. My hubs is used to it and sleeps in sweats because he prefers it when I'm more comfortable than not ;)
For me, it’s sleep. I wake up between 2 and 4 every night and can’t get back to sleep. I’m not having hot flashes so my gyn isn’t recommending hormone replacement. I’m considering low dose antidepressants, but I really don’t want to take them. I’m just very frustrated—and tired.
I would highly recommend a natural supplement first like Sleppy Bear Gummies (no I am not a spokesperson) but they helped me a lot!
I just checked them out. Pricey, but I'm willing to try! I'm curious if you needed them long-term? I feel like I'm stuck in a bad pattern and if I do something temporary to disrupt that it might help me get back on track.
Talk to your gynecologist about HRT! The new research shows it’s safe for many and helps prevent not only brain fog but permanent cognitive decline. But you have to start at first symptoms for best protection- I waited through three years of itchy skin, nighttime sweats, and throwing up in the middle of the night after half a drink. Wish I’d started sooner!
Sleep on a regular schedule. Carry rose water spray for hot flashes. Drink lots of water!! Be nice to yourself and buy a size larger jeans :)
I've read about the rose water spray and carry it in my bag/pack pack -- gamechanger!
So many issues, so many attempted solutions - the best thumbnail advice I can give (after mostly surviving a peri/meno season from hell) is this: Take regular walks and find your people. Finding others (like here!) who can relate to your particular brand of meno madness makes you feel less mad. You're not alone. Take a walk, and find someone who understands what you're going through (friends, forums, blogs, books ...). There's nothing like a knowing nod to gentle you off the ledge.
This! Also why I ❤️ TueNighters!!
So many gems in this thread! Given how many symptoms there are and how unique the experience can be from one woman to the next, it’s hard to pick just one tip. But if I had to pick I’d say find a provider or expert who’s trained in menopause medicine! Sadly less than 20% of ob/gyn residency programs teach menopause in school, which means most doctors aren’t equipped to take care of women navigating menopause. The sooner you find a provider who specializes in menopause the better! The North American menopause society has a list of certified menopause providers: https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx or if you’re looking for a more convenient, online solution we’re here for you at Elektra (full disclosure, I’m the founder of elektra — forgive the sponsored post!) www.elektrahealth.com
Well not sponsored technically but Elektra has been such a friend to TueNight over the years and provides so much value around the topic of menopause - here to give them the thumbs up!