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Peri-menopause?

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Posted 9/19/2011 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I've had lupus for over 14 years, I'm now 28. I had my first and only child when I was 20. I was pregnant two other times, but the lupus flares were so severe that the doctors had terminate both. During the last termination, I also had a tubal ligation preformed (a year ago). Since then, I've lost my sex drive, periods are almost non-existent (low iron), and I am very anxious and depressed. I've had the shakes so bad for the last three weeks, I went to see my doctor. She tested my thyroid, but all is well. She will be starting me on anti-depressants and sleeping aids, as I've only been sleeping 2-3 hours a day and unable to eat for days at a time. My question, "could this be peri-menopause?" I will be going into speak with the doctor on Friday, and want to hear others stories regarding menopause and lupus.
Posted 9/21/2011 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Regardless of your lupus, consider going to a good OBGYN and have your hormone levels tested. I just started taking estrogen with testosterone because my sex drive as gone from a high 10 to a flat 0. It's no way to live. I'm a little concerned that the estrogen might cause me to flare, so I'm being very careful and am watching my body and symptoms closely. I'm determined to find the fine balance between meds and lupus. Mostly, I want to get the most out of life that I can.

I'll be anxious to hear what you find out.

By the way, you and I are at opposite ends of the cycle of life, so I'm not suggesting that you do what I'm doing, just commenting that we shouldn't have to settle for lack of sleep, no appetite, no sex drive, and depression. Keep looking for answers till you find them.
Posted 9/21/2011 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
I get the shakes too. When it is really bad and then stops out of the blue i will just lay there afraid to move because I do not want them to come back. Dr's still do not know why? The last time it was so bad I went to the emergency room. ER dr said that it was not life threatening and when it gets that bad I should sedate myself. (Not sure that's a good long term plan!) I have had thyroid test that have all come back ok but I know something is not right! The anti-depressants help me not get so emotional about being sick but I still feel sick. This is the first time I have been on meds in my life and it is a big learning curve. Try to keep eating (Easier said then done) as the weaker you get the harder it is to stay positive. Find a few foods that are easy to eat and make them available. I have lost 25 lbs in three months and the sad thing is that I am to tired to even shop for new clothes!
My GP (love her) told me not to worry about weight loss as I was a little on the heavy side before the flare. (198lb 5'9)
Posted 9/27/2011 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice:)
Well, as usual, I was embarrassed to ask the doctor to check my hormones. I have this fear of the unknown, and would rather not know what's up. Perhaps it's being diagnosed with something new almost every year:( Or, it's that I feel like I'm just being a hypochondriac:P
The physician prescribed sleeping pills, and gave me a referral to speak to a counsellor. I've been eating a little bit more, which is enough to keep my weight just over 100lb, which keeps me out of the hospital:) My shakes are still bad, and working with them is even worse. I pour coffees and lattes for a living:P
Posted 10/4/2011 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Vanessa,
Do not let fear keep you from getting the help you need and deserve. Knowing what is wrong does not change that something is or is not wrong. I too was afraid to know. I got so sick that not knowing just was not going to work anymore. Looking back on it, I cannot even believe I was scared to go to the dr. I have found most of them to be loving caring people who want to help.
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