40 and fabulous?!

[SillverOrchid]

I think NOT! Ok. My body has turned into cybil this past few months! I am headed for 41 in June. I am regular like clock work as far as my period goes but I am having really heavy ones, PMS symptoms TWO weeks before Im even due and some spotting, boobs so sore I tell DH don't even look at them! the past two periods have been so heavy I am going through a super tampon in less than 20 minutes and without grossing people out the clots have been huge and just gross! (ok I grossed myself out) AND to add insult to injury I have had a couple of I am not sure what to call it, night sweats\hot flashes??! and today I am on my 7th day and normal has been 5 to 6 days, I should be done.. then at 5 this evening I started bleeding bad again. So I called my GYN and made an appointment but no opening for 6 weeks and then with the nurse practitioner.

So someone please tell me being in my 40's gets better? lol

[Beaglesaroo]

I'm 42 and it's hideous - it being my damn hormones & period.

Sorry.

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by Beaglesaroo

I'm 42 and it's hideous - it being my damn hormones & period.

Sorry.

[SillverOrchid]

I guess no one else is in this boat? lol

[Karerose]

Originally Posted by SillverOrchid

I guess no one else is in this boat? lol

Apparently you haven't read the other threads. Lots of complaints about the super heavy periods. Personally I'm a super overnight pad, regular tampon, and a super plus tampon user every 5 mins girl. OK, maybe not every 5 mins, but sometimes it feels that way and sometimes when the really big clots hit it could be less than 30. I'm thrilled when I make it past an hour.

I've been dealing with this off and on for years. I've had hormone issues and polyps that caused it in the past. This time it is a big Fibroid. Tomorrow I'm going for an SIS Ultrasound to find out exactly where it located to see how they will proceed. I'm hoping that the easy solution is the ablation, but it all depends on the whether it is in the lining or not (I think that is what they said).

I'm at the average age when I should be done, so I'm hoping once I deal with this fibroid I'll soon be done with TOM forever and not have to deal with this crap ever again! I actually kept putting off going to the doctor because I thought it was just a hormone thing this time and was hoping against hope TOM would find some other young girl to bother and leave me the heck alone.

[LiterateGriffin]

At one point, I was having super-heavy flows like you describe for over 3 weeks straight.

I started wearing Depends, because nothing else saved me from big red stains on my pants.

Went & got checked (without insurance). They said that a non-ovulatory period could cause it... as could fibroids... and that benign fibroid tumors were very common in woman "my age". (I'm now 41, this was 1-2 years ago)

Thing is, I went through about half a year of that, and then... Normal. I don't even have my normal endometriosis killer-cramps, anymore. Yes, I'll look like Day 1 on Day 4, but I still end on Day 6. (My "normal" length is 7-9 days, so not as bad as it sounds.)

[Dottie]

Have you added any new supplements? Some (black cohosh, blue cohosh, borage oil, etc) can cause a hormonal fluctuation.
I'm sure there are a lot more of them than those 3, but those are the ones I have to avoid.

[Karerose]

This morning while sitting in the Gyno waiting room I noticed a flyer about heavy periods. Apparently 1 in 4 women suffer from them, so quite common. It really sucks being that 1.

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by Karerose

Apparently you haven't read the other threads. Lots of complaints about the super heavy periods. Personally I'm a super overnight pad, regular tampon, and a super plus tampon user every 5 mins girl. OK, maybe not every 5 mins, but sometimes it feels that way and sometimes when the really big clots hit it could be less than 30. I'm thrilled when I make it past an hour.

I've been dealing with this off and on for years. I've had hormone issues and polyps that caused it in the past. This time it is a big Fibroid. Tomorrow I'm going for an SIS Ultrasound to find out exactly where it located to see how they will proceed. I'm hoping that the easy solution is the ablation, but it all depends on the whether it is in the lining or not (I think that is what they said).

I'm at the average age when I should be done, so I'm hoping once I deal with this fibroid I'll soon be done with TOM forever and not have to deal with this crap ever again! I actually kept putting off going to the doctor because I thought it was just a hormone thing this time and was hoping against hope TOM would find some other young girl to bother and leave me the heck alone.

Ive read threads about heavy periods, but wondered if anyone else had the other things like PMS symptoms 2 weeks before Im even due.. like sore breasts, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain and slower loss.. did great losing then gained some back and now I am just not losing despite being totally on plan. oh and I had an 8 day period last month!

Originally Posted by Dottie

Have you added any new supplements? Some (black cohosh, blue cohosh, borage oil, etc) can cause a hormonal fluctuation.
I'm sure there are a lot more of them than those 3, but those are the ones I have to avoid.

Dottie, nope non of those I have seen what they do to me in the past! lol I can't even take CLA since it messes up my cycle!

Originally Posted by Karerose

This morning while sitting in the Gyno waiting room I noticed a flyer about heavy periods. Apparently 1 in 4 women suffer from them, so quite common. It really sucks being that 1.

Yeah I am one of the 1 in 4 as well lol and it sucks! I am thinking about the Ablation that my doctor recommended 3 years ago, might ask her at my appointment in a few weeks if we can go ahead and do it.. I didn't at the time because the biopsy part scared me!

[Karerose]

Originally Posted by SillverOrchid

Ive read threads about heavy periods, but wondered if anyone else had the other things like PMS symptoms 2 weeks before Im even due.. like sore breasts, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain and slower loss.. did great losing then gained some back and now I am just not losing despite being totally on plan. oh and I had an 8 day period last month!

Yeah I am one of the 1 in 4 as well lol and it sucks! I am thinking about the Ablation that my doctor recommended 3 years ago, might ask her at my appointment in a few weeks if we can go ahead and do it.. I didn't at the time because the biopsy part scared me!

Oh, I guess I missed the part about the PMS symptoms. But yup I have them too. Sometimes I feel like I could stick a pin in my breasts and they would pop open. And sometimes they feel so bad I'm really tempted to try it - lol. An 8 day period is pretty regular for me, but usually only 2 horrible horrible days. The last one wasn't as bad as normal, but still long. However, the one before that was the worst and 4 horrible days. I think that is why last one wasn't so bad.

I was hoping for a simply ablation, but after further screening I've found out that might not be a possibility for me. I'm still waiting to hear back from the doctor from my visit on Friday. Unfortunately my doctor wasn't there then and the one there wouldn't discuss any options with me except to say one of the options was off the table.

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by Karerose

Oh, I guess I missed the part about the PMS symptoms. But yup I have them too. Sometimes I feel like I could stick a pin in my breasts and they would pop open. And sometimes they feel so bad I'm really tempted to try it - lol. An 8 day period is pretty regular for me, but usually only 2 horrible horrible days. The last one wasn't as bad as normal, but still long. However, the one before that was the worst and 4 horrible days. I think that is why last one wasn't so bad.

I was hoping for a simply ablation, but after further screening I've found out that might not be a possibility for me. I'm still waiting to hear back from the doctor from my visit on Friday. Unfortunately my doctor wasn't there then and the one there wouldn't discuss any options with me except to say one of the options was off the table.

My usual period is 5 to 6 days.. when I was younger it was a full 7.. the past 6 periods have been so bad with bleeding and other gross things that I feel like I really have to get that ablation done and hope its an option still. It was 3 years ago when I went and she said I was a good candidate for it.. I should have just sucked it up and went for a biopsy! I hope that option isn't off the table for you!

[Karerose]

Finally heard back from the doctor. No ablation, but also not a hysterectomy - and hopefully that won't have to happen. They are going to do a hysteroscopy and D&C plus insert a IUD all at the same time. Hopefully that will get me through until menopause and then I won't have any more issues. I should be done with all this nonsense any day/month now. It dang well better not be years!

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by Karerose

Finally heard back from the doctor. No ablation, but also not a hysterectomy - and hopefully that won't have to happen. They are going to do a hysteroscopy and D&C plus insert a IUD all at the same time. Hopefully that will get me through until menopause and then I won't have any more issues. I should be done with all this nonsense any day/month now. It dang well better not be years!

Wow thats a lot going at one time! let me know how it goes for you! My GYNO appointment isnt for another few weeks..

[Dawn]

I am the same age as you, turn 41 in June. Last year, I visited my gyno with similar complaints, PMS, crazy periods heavy, start and stop (as in stop for a day or more and then start up heavy again). My doc, told me it is age, and wouldn't even do blood work for hormone levels etc. I have pretty much gotten used to it, and some months aren't as bad. I will be searching out a new doc this year and see where we go from there.
I hope you have much better luck than I did, and actually get some answers.

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by Dawn

I am the same age as you, turn 41 in June. Last year, I visited my gyno with similar complaints, PMS, crazy periods heavy, start and stop (as in stop for a day or more and then start up heavy again). My doc, told me it is age, and wouldn't even do blood work for hormone levels etc. I have pretty much gotten used to it, and some months aren't as bad. I will be searching out a new doc this year and see where we go from there.
I hope you have much better luck than I did, and actually get some answers.

Sounds like you def. need a new doc! I love my GYN she always listens and suggested thyroid testing and an ablation a few years ago.. I got the testing done (came back fine) but skipped the ablation because I was a chicken when it came to the biopsy! this time I am going to go through with it!

[Jennyl]

I am 47 and my period is horrible. It used to be normal, regular, some minor symptoms but nothing to speak of, not terribly heavy and certainly did not interfere with my regular life. Now it's awful. I get flooding, clots, PMS, hot flashes, incredibly sore boobs. I hate it. I can deal with most of these symptoms but the worst is the heavy bleeding. A few weeks ago I started my period. I took a shower and went to lie down on my bed for about half an hour, when I got up it was like I hadn't even put a tampon in! This is gross so stop reading if that bothers you and you haven't already stopped ....but I left a trail of blood on the floor from the bed to the bathroom. It was only half an hour and I was in the shower all over again. The worst thing is that it interferes with my life now. I was planning a vacation and just praying that my period came before the vacation. I was planning to go on an all day boat trip during the vacation and if I had gotten my period during that time I just would not have been able to take that trip. I was so happy that I got my period before! I have to set my alarm at night because if I sleep too long, it's like a crime scene. The unpredictability is also very hard to handle. Sometimes it comes every two weeks, sometimes it 50 days between. I really hate it. I hate having to worry about it when I'm camping or just trying to live my life. I am finished with my uterus and would like to have a voluntary hysterectomy. I have talked to a doctor about my issues but they were no help at all. I think I will see another doctor about it. It's depressing.

[Karerose]

Originally Posted by Jennyl

This is gross so stop reading if that bothers you and you haven't already stopped :laugh.

Unfortunately you aren't writing anything that isn't new to too many of us.

And yes go see another doctor, because there are many things they can do. A hysterectomy doesn't have to be the first choice and since that is major surgery if you don't need it why do it.

Since you don't want kids, I would go in to your doctor prepared and tell them you want to talk seriously about getting an ablation. Look into it before so you know what you are talking about. Being prepared they should realize you are serious.

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by Jennyl

I am 47 and my period is horrible. It used to be normal, regular, some minor symptoms but nothing to speak of, not terribly heavy and certainly did not interfere with my regular life. Now it's awful. I get flooding, clots, PMS, hot flashes, incredibly sore boobs. I hate it. I can deal with most of these symptoms but the worst is the heavy bleeding. A few weeks ago I started my period. I took a shower and went to lie down on my bed for about half an hour, when I got up it was like I hadn't even put a tampon in! This is gross so stop reading if that bothers you and you haven't already stopped ....but I left a trail of blood on the floor from the bed to the bathroom. It was only half an hour and I was in the shower all over again. The worst thing is that it interferes with my life now. I was planning a vacation and just praying that my period came before the vacation. I was planning to go on an all day boat trip during the vacation and if I had gotten my period during that time I just would not have been able to take that trip. I was so happy that I got my period before! I have to set my alarm at night because if I sleep too long, it's like a crime scene. The unpredictability is also very hard to handle. Sometimes it comes every two weeks, sometimes it 50 days between. I really hate it. I hate having to worry about it when I'm camping or just trying to live my life. I am finished with my uterus and would like to have a voluntary hysterectomy. I have talked to a doctor about my issues but they were no help at all. I think I will see another doctor about it. It's depressing.

Totally understand, same thing happened to me the past 4 or 5 periods.. it's awful! Seeing my GYN tomorrow, hoping I can get more info on the Ablation and when I can get it done!

[kbeth]

Yep. I am 43 and they are getting worse and worse. In addition, ovulation is also very painful for me. Awesome.

Concerning ablation: Do you still get pms and sore breasts? Just not bleed much or at all?

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by kbeth

Yep. I am 43 and they are getting worse and worse. In addition, ovulation is also very painful for me. Awesome.

Concerning ablation: Do you still get pms and sore breasts? Just not bleed much or at all?

My doctor said you still get the pms symptoms and cramping, but the bleeding is either very light or non existent!

edited to add, she did tell me that a lot of the breast soreness was due to caffeine and to cut down on it before my period.. but alas I love my coffee! lol

[kbeth]

You know, I've heard that from friends with breast fibroids. Never made the connection to caffeine and pms breasts, tho. Huh. And hell, no, I'm not giving up my coffee, either. lol.

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by kbeth

You know, I've heard that from friends with breast fibroids. Never made the connection to caffeine and pms breasts, tho. Huh. And hell, no, I'm not giving up my coffee, either. lol.

yep, no way no how... they will have to pry it from my fingers!

[VeryVeganVictoria]

I guess when you read this you will want to throw tomatoes at me !

But .......... I would kill to be 40 again. I am now 51, and even though I am not wrinkled and have no gray hair, everything else is falling apart on me !

My knees are shot, lower back pain all the time, hair thinning and all the 'lovely' effects of perimenopause, complete with never ending hot flashes, nite sweats, extra anxiety, worsening insomnia, and oh yeah, my 'gorgeous' and impossible to shift new MENOPOT !!!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

:-)

[kbeth]

Ack!! Say it ain't so, Victoria!!
Well, with no wrinkles or gray hair, at least you look good while you're falling apart!

[Karerose]

Originally Posted by SillverOrchid

edited to add, she did tell me that a lot of the breast soreness was due to caffeine and to cut down on it before my period.. but alas I love my coffee! lol

I only drink one 16 - 20 oz bottle of soda weekdays, which I didn't think was much caffeine, but my breast soreness gets worse the older I get. I'm just happy when the swollen breats only feel like big melons as opposed to giant watermelons. That does vary each month probably by how much salt I've eaten.

[gi2fanch]

Hi..I'm new here and found this thread! I'm going to be 44 this year and have been having hot flashes since I was 39! My hair is thinning but also thanks to genes..I'm already fully gray and have been dying my hair since I was 23! My periods have always been heavy and thanked the heavens when Always came out with a double pad back in the late 80's! Otherwise, spent most of my life sleeping on a towel, couldn't wear tampons cause they were useless and caused more cramping! I have always had PMS symptoms 2 weeks prior. My periods are now alternating every month from 3 days to the usual 7-8 days (yea, you read that right..8 days is normal for me!)

Went to the doc a couple years ago and he said I wasn't going thru menopause because I was a) too young and b) still had a period every month. Thyroid tests were fine (but he never discussed the actual numbers with me). Navy docs just tell their nurses to call you and say "oh you're bloodwork is fine!". All he said was, you must be depressed and stressed so he put me on prozac and sent me to a shrink!

So here I am still suffering. I've lost half the thickness in my hair (no bald spots thankfully). I get hot flashes daily and night sweats two weeks straight before my period starts. My skin is so dry..I get so itchy. He also said it was partly due to smoking but I'm going on a year of quitting and still have the same problems.

Let's not mention the extra weight I've put on since turning 40..which is why I'm here now and exercising where I used to be able to eat everything and not gain a pound (please don't hate me for that).

I'm sorry for the vent. I'm in my 40's and absolutely hate it! Guess I'll go to the doc again and hopefully find someone who'll listen and not treat me like a crazy person.

[SillverOrchid]

Originally Posted by gi2fanch

Hi..I'm new here and found this thread! I'm going to be 44 this year and have been having hot flashes since I was 39! My hair is thinning but also thanks to genes..I'm already fully gray and have been dying my hair since I was 23! My periods have always been heavy and thanked the heavens when Always came out with a double pad back in the late 80's! Otherwise, spent most of my life sleeping on a towel, couldn't wear tampons cause they were useless and caused more cramping! I have always had PMS symptoms 2 weeks prior. My periods are now alternating every month from 3 days to the usual 7-8 days (yea, you read that right..8 days is normal for me!)

Went to the doc a couple years ago and he said I wasn't going thru menopause because I was a) too young and b) still had a period every month. Thyroid tests were fine (but he never discussed the actual numbers with me). Navy docs just tell their nurses to call you and say "oh you're bloodwork is fine!". All he said was, you must be depressed and stressed so he put me on prozac and sent me to a shrink!

So here I am still suffering. I've lost half the thickness in my hair (no bald spots thankfully). I get hot flashes daily and night sweats two weeks straight before my period starts. My skin is so dry..I get so itchy. He also said it was partly due to smoking but I'm going on a year of quitting and still have the same problems.

Let's not mention the extra weight I've put on since turning 40..which is why I'm here now and exercising where I used to be able to eat everything and not gain a pound (please don't hate me for that).

I'm sorry for the vent. I'm in my 40's and absolutely hate it! Guess I'll go to the doc again and hopefully find someone who'll listen and not treat me like a crazy person.

Sounds like you def. need a new doctor! I too was one who could eat anything and not gain an ounce until I had my second child.. and forget it after baby number three. Hes now 13 and I am still struggling with my weight, got down to goal and managed to gain back because I got lazy and diet sloppy.. so back at it again! I dont have hot flashes yet thankfully but I do get night sweats now and then.. yuck. My hair has thinned some but I have really thick hair so it's only noticeable by me not too many grays yet but I chalk that up to good genetics on my dads side.
My periods are getting more evil the older I get lol so I am definitely getting the Ablation surgery done as soon as DH and I get back from Key West next month! I still have to get all the testing done for it but I am making myself go this time!

[LJB]

I'll be 40 this August and other than being tired and achey from my weight lifitng, I don't feel bad at all.

I noticed a trend in my notes that the less I do cardio, the less my periods are in regards to flow and cramps, and even the dreaded PMS beforehand.

I also started taking Longjax MHT with Arginine a few weeks ago to combat my high estrogen levels.

[Aspire]

Please research xenoestrogens or endocrine disruptors. After you have ruled out the big,bad, and scary these molecules that mimic estrogen may be to blame. It takes about one cycle to determine is this is the problem and it is cheap,painless, and won't hurt you. These molecules are found in cosmetics,lotions,shampoo,conditioner (anything with a word that ends in paraben),plastics (food containers), and if you are very sensitive you should eliminate plant estrogens for a little while to include soy,sunflower,etc.

I know first hand from personal experience with this. Using a tampon,pad, and still not able to leave the house. My symptoms were almost gone after 30 days and completely gone after 60. My patients have reported the same experiences.

Luckily, these days it is a lot easier to get paraben free products!