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Chick question - MS and menopause

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Posted 3/8/2009 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hello to all,
Anybody out there in MS land have an increase in their issues during perimenopause? Also, if so did you see a resolution to the increase postmenopause? Would appreciate any info/help.

Thanks ya'll,
Elizabeth
Posted 3/8/2009 3:47 PM (GMT 0)

Autoimmune seems to increase the earliness of menopause.  For many, it is not unheard of to start the menopause process in your mid-thirties.  I really don't have any answers for you.  At 45, I am definitely in perimenopause.  I really don't do anything for my menopause type symtpoms.  I just try to live healthy.  I do get some exercise (mostly aerobic) I eat pretty well, and I get at least 8 hours of sleep everynight.  That seems to help me.  If I burn the candle at both ends or am exceptionally stressed then I notice those symptoms being more aggravated.  There are many natural remedies advertised at health food stores and etc. but I really don't know how they work.  My symptoms are annoying but so far I have just ignored them.  My mom was the same so I am hoping for that.

Posted 3/8/2009 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Gretchen,
I am 44 and have been perimenopausal for 7 years hoping to be through very soon!!! I do not take HRT etc. and do have difficult symptoms. My hormonal imbalance has affected my MS. But I am hoping to swim through the stormy seas without losing my bathing suit, which could be embarrassing but also very freeing!!!!
smilewinkgrin :-) smilewinkgrin :-) smilewinkgrin :-)

Take care,
Elizabeth
Posted 3/22/2009 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
YES !! I would suggest keep tabs on keeping cool...ice in drinks etc..central air..dress in layers...Yes it did affect me and went on primim which helped ALOT!!! smhair
Posted 3/22/2009 6:06 PM (GMT 0)

I went to a research symposium yesterday put on by the MS society.  They indicated that perimenopause caused many women to have problems with MS symptoms and management.  One researcher/doctor indicated that as long as there is no family history of breast/ovarian cancer or the like, that a low dose hormone helped many women.  This can be done for a few years to get through that perimenopause transition. 

Just a thought.

Posted 3/22/2009 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for the input. I do have a family history of breast and uterine cancer so I will be continuing the natural thing. Oddly enough after the original posting, I went to the gyno, had my FSH checked and I am definitely IN menopause now and just counting down the months to my 1 year without periods. I started peri at 37 and as I said am now 44. My last exacerbation that I had in January threw me from peri to actual menopause so WOOHOO!!!!! Now all I need is some balance to the hot flashes, nightsweats and insomnia!! yeah So goodbye to surfing the crimson waves and hello to late, late night tv in the buff, hair blowing in the wind due to the air conditioning being on
12 degrees!!! smilewinkgrin

Peace,
Elizabeth
Posted 3/23/2009 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Elizabeth

I started menopause at 45 with really bad insommia, feeling tearful etc. The same year my mother died & a month after her death my walking deteriorated & I was diagnosed SPMS. I loved your description of air con etc made me laugh out loud. For years my poor husband would watch TV shivering under a doona while I had air con & fan. I am still having hot flushes 15 years later but they are milder & mainly controlled by never wearing long sleeves & wearing a wet face cloth. Odd apparel, but soothing especially at night.

I have heard that MS'ers have more trouble with hot flushes?? Perhaps the knowledgeable Gretchen can enlighten us about this.

Love & light
Posted 3/23/2009 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
As my PCP says, "Everything is pathology to MS."  That is to say, almost all aspects of your health have an effect upon your MS symptoms.  My PCP is very aggressive; he insists upon seeing me every three months just for a check up on general health.  This, of course, keeps me motivated on the exercise and weight management, knowing full well that guy is going to weigh and take my blood pressure AND say something if either of those has changed!!  Sigh.................life goes on!

Posted 3/23/2009 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Popsie, I will have to try the wet face cloth, it sounds helpful as well as a new trend in fashion statements!!!! :-)
My grandmother hot flashed until she passed at 74, so I knew genetically I was doomed, but I also know that the MS kicks it up an extra notch. I knew I was a "hot woman"...I just didn't know how hot until now!!!! yeah haha
Gretchen, your input and knowledge is so helpful. Your PCP sounds really cool. I have a great team of docs that I just love but it took a lot of years of weeding in the garden, shoveling a lot of manure, using a lot of pesticides to get rid of the insects and worms to arrive at the beautiful field of flowers I now call my medical team!!!!

Take care ya'll,
Elizabeth
Posted 4/1/2009 11:03 PM (GMT 0)

Hey "hot woman,

Let us know how you go. Love your posts. tongue

Posted 4/2/2009 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Popsie,
I am glad that you are enjoying my posts as I am enjoying posting!!!! smilewinkgrin I will definitely keep everyone abreast, no pun intended, on my menopausal journey. Here is the newest update. When I was peri, for 8 years I went off and on from being a calm, peaceful river to a raging hurricane. My MS progressed but not as rapidly as it does now. Now that I am in menopause, and 18 years in with MS, my body just doesn't seem to be able to keep up. Each day, ok who am I kidding, each hour of each day brings a lovely new hormonal swing and a lovely new MS issue. But I must admit that even with all this crazy hormone stuff I am enjoying the journey. I have found it to be the most challenging and enlightening time of my life. I want to enjoy every moment of it...the good, the bad, and the ugly...Clint Eastwood movie music playing now!!!! cool
Hope things are going well with you and be cool (with your hot flashes)

Take care,
Elizabeth
Posted 4/2/2009 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
Elizabeth,
I agree with everything you say.  The last two years for me have been a roller coaster too, but I am a speed freak so now that I no longer have pain (thanks to the pump) I am enjoying the ride.
Wow the now, there may be no tomorrow. turn
Posted 4/2/2009 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
Popsie,
I am soooo glad that your pain is better!!! smilewinkgrin :-) smilewinkgrin Thanks so much for all of your input, I am really enjoying talking with you!!!

Take care Speedy!!!

Elizabeth
Posted 9/27/2012 5:43 PM (GMT 0)

So, I have had MS for 20 years that I know of, but often wonder if I had it in High School 1982-1986...

I have experienced hot flashes for about 5 years now; at first they were so seldom and only at night.

Lately they are every night.  Sometimes during the day, but not often.

I found this forum when searching "Menopause and MS".  I wanted to know what could be in store for me in the future...

I'm so thankful that there are many sharing!

I do hope you all continue to help enlighten this wonderous thing called Life with me.

I'm not scared of details, and share like an open book myself.

But, I feel I must inform you all:  I'm a 'Polyanna'.

If anyone gets put off by that kind of attitude/personality know that I gave fair warning.

There is no breast/ovarian cancer in my family that I'm aware of.  I am the only known person with MS in my family; I have 3 sisters from the same mom & dad.  Born & raised in Southern California. 1/4 Swede, English, bits of Irish, Scot and American Indian (but so far unable to 'prove' that).  My hubby and I have been together for over 20 yrs;over 16 yrs married.  Our only child is a girl, 12 yrs old.

If my menopause symptoms continue as lately I will be speaking with my Gyno abt possible 'therapies'... I wonder how long I should give it?  Let me know if you have a suggested 'time frame' before seriously speaking with my Gyno...

Posted 4/15/2013 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone I'm new at all of this. I'm 39 years old, married almost a year. In Feb I was diagnosed with MS, in March I lost my job and just last week my Dr. told me I'm in menopause. What a wonderful way to start out as a newly wed. My wonderful loving understanding husband is my rock and my only support. Until I stumbled across this page. You girls gave me hope and inspiration. Some of you made me laugh and some gave me a whole new look on life. Thanks Theresa smiles
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