When asked if I'm comfortable I simply reply that I rarely need a sweater or a heater because the weather forecast in my vicinity show's I'll be enjoying a hormonally induced heat wave. I've used Black Coshosh supplements (night & day ones) and that helped a little.

I rarely sleep with blankets any more. A volunteer cat or Corgi to sleep on my feet is enough to keep them warm while the rest of me steams most of the night.

Ultra heavy periods did cause some frustration--especially since the treatment costed $17,000 and I have no insurance. So--I stay home 2-3 days a month. That's lessening now. It's been 3 years.

Gotta luv this change. Cant wait till it's over.

SK

I was pushed into menopause by chemo at 43, so it has been intense. I can not take hormones. Dr. prescribed neurontin. It is a nerve suppressant. Helps with hot flashes, and that helps me sleep. Good luck.

Oh my goodness, this was the most humorous thing I have ever read about menopause!! Thank you so much for making me laugh this morning, I truly needed it.

So, menopause for me started around 47, and I'm now 52. My massage therapist (who is more like a mental therapist and is helping me deal with this roller coaster ride we call menopause without hormone replacement) says I have about two more years to go. Yikes!! So here are some of the things that have worked/not worked for me.

I tried progesterone cream during peri-menopause, it did nothing for me. My naturopath kept upping the dose to see if it would help, basically I was smearing that cream almost over my whole body, and still nothing.

I tried testosterone pellets for a while and even though it was supposed to be bio-identical and more healthy, I just didn't feel good about putting something foreign like that in my body. I do feel like it helped balance out my levels a bit though.

What I did find was that after I got on a really good nutritional/vitamin supplement my hot flashes diminished in intensity and frequency, score!! That was four years ago, I no longer even have hot flashes, which may or may not have been the result of the testosterone pellets, not sure. I also remember hearing that when you go through menopause you have difficulty sleeping. One more benefit of the supplements I take is that I sleep really well all through the night.

When I did have the occasional hot flash I found that a drop of peppermint oil at the base of my neck helped to cool things off a bit. You could also put it on the back of your neck, and inhale deeply. Peppermint is so refreshing and uplifting, love it!

I also take three other supplements that have made a huge difference. DIM Complex by Metabolic Maintenance is amazing. It is Diindolylmethane w/ CoFactors and it is a "synergistic combination of nutrients that enhance estrogen metabolism, which helps to maintain healthy estrogen levels". So basically it is not a hormone replacement, it just helps to balance out your hormones. I can really tell a difference in my moods when I run out. I also like Evening Primrose Oil, I have found the Jarrow brand to work the best. While studies have not proven that it is effective for the relief of menopausal symptoms, I personally can feel a difference. The third supplement I take is a phytoestrogen complex. "Phytoestrogens are compounds found in plants that have similar properties to estrogen produced in the body". It also helps to "balance and support normal hormone levels by binding with estrogen receptors in cells", and it may help with "supporting healthy bones, heart, breast tissue and other body structures and functions".

Yoga is a great idea, and I would also suggest finding a really good lymphatic massage therapist and going on a regular basis. It can really help to keep everything else in balance, plus who doesn't love a good massage, right?

So, there you have it. I buy the DIM online. Just do a google search on Metabolic Maintenance DIM. You can find the Jarrow Evening Primrose oil at any good health food or Whole Foods store. If you are interested in where I get my peppermint oil, vitamin/mineral supplements and the phytoestrogen just let me know. I don't want to appear as if I'm trying to promote or sell products on this site.

I think the best thing you have going for you is your sense of humor! It will help you get through this better than most. A good positive attitude always helps, and trust me you will need it! Thanks again for brightening up my morning. Loved, loved this post!
Hope my reply was helpful.