Early Menopause Symptoms?

Interestingly, I just turned 45 and wondered the same thing. I had a child at age 40 (almost 41) and yet I've been experiencing what appears to be early signs of Menopause too. And, all the other generations of women on my side of the family had very late Menopause (late 50's or early 60's). So, I began to do research on it. And, I also had been trying to lose weight and was eating lots of SOY products. I saw in your note that you drink lots of SOY milk...so maybe we are both experiencing some of the issues they are now finding with SOY. See the information I found below:

Myth: Soy estrogens (isoflavones) are good for you.

Truth: Soy isoflavones are phyto-endocrine disrupters. At dietary levels, they can prevent ovulation and stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Eating as little as 30 grams (about 4 tablespoons) of soy per day can result in hypothyroidism with symptoms of lethargy, constipation, weight gain and fatigue.

Found in article of: MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT SOY FOODS: Sally Fallon, Mary G. Enig, Ph.D. and Mike Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.

This was one of many articles I found where too much SOY can interrupt the female hormone cycle. I've only had 3-4 periods this year too. And, I've had many other possible menopausal symptoms. The other articles I read note that SOY is processed or read in our bodies almost like an ESTROGEN. So, our bodies would be receiving too much and therefore it may tell our bodies to stop producing any or other adjustments.

I don't know much else to tell you, as many times we have to do own research and determine what we can do on own. So, in addition to gaining counsel from doctors and reading independent research and gaining advice from friends, etc. we must take charge of our own health. You might want to try switching back to regular skim milk and leaving off the SOY milk for a while.

Hope this helps. Many Blessings - L.

I started menopause at 39 ! and now at 49 am totally done with periods and have been. I would go to a health food store , increase your vitamin E and you can get estroven that is over the counter I got mine at Costco. I tested neg. on my first blood test too, but I know my body and knew it was premenopause. 3 months later I tested and it was definately there. Good luck it is definately a change.
L.

I know someone who takes a supplement- I'm pretty sure it is evening primrose. She swears by it. You might try talking to the ladies in the medication section at whole foods, too. They are very helpful.

Evening Primrose (in a pill) and a B-6 at night. Calcium/magnisium (2:1 ratio) Also, some soy, and a wild yam cream or the phytoestrogen creams. A good nutritional doctor is Dr. Price in Bedford. She will test you to see exactly what your body needs. It takes the right amounts and right combinations of nutrients.
Vitamin B6 reduces blood estrogen and increases progesterone. Therefore, B6 deficiency will cause decreased liver metabolism of estrogen, causing an excess of estrogen, this results in "estrogen dominance."
Estrogen imbalance effects mood swings by increasing the activity of the biogenic amines, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which affect moods. Epinephrine triggers anxiety. Norepinephrine causes hostility and irritability. Serotonin at high levels creates nervous tension, and inability to concentrate.
Dopamine, produced by the brain, balances out the effects of the biogenic amines by inducing relaxation, increases mental alertness, and works to prevent sodium and water retention.
Without sufficient dopamine, the biogenic amines are not held in check, moods are greatly affected in a negative manner, and sodium and water retention increase.
Estrogen also increases the level of the adrenal hormone aldosterone, which prevents the normal excretion of salt from the kidneys, adding to fluid retention. This creates edema-like symptoms of bloating, abdominal swelling, and swollen breasts.
Excess fluid swells the nerve tissue and membranes surrounding the brain. The brain is encased within the skull, and can only expand as far as the skull permits. This leads to torturous migraine headaches that are often described as "vise-like."
Magnesium deficiency causes a very specific depletion of brain dopamine and B6 plays a synergistic role in mineral utilization across cell membranes, increasing the effectiveness of magnesium.
American women are so deficient in vitamin B6 that it was discovered back in the early 1940's. The process of refining flour eliminates the B vitamins altogether, B6 is destroyed in cooking and canning, and when foods are packaged. Pregnancy and birth-control pills also cause a B6 deficiency.
To prevent "estrogen dominance" and its negative influence on moods and fluid retention, increased intake of B vitamins and magnesium is absolutely essential.

I was on Nuva Ring for a long time and didn't gain a pound. Just thought I'd share.

H.

K.
I am having the same experiences after having my last child at 38, except I'm having constant heavy periods. I went on 2 different birth control pills and even tried the Mirena IUD. I finally have stopped everything and am going to try supplements for a while. If that doesn't work, I'm going to have to have surgery. Try the supplements! They have worked for problems I have had in the past. My doctor too is convinced I'm not in peri-menopause...but we'll see. Good luck!

Hi K.

I also had a baby @39, and have been experiencing the same as you! I on the other had have not been using any soy products. I finally got to the point that I could not stand it so I started a very low dose birth control(I was still nursing at the time) It helped immediately, but your right about the weight gain. I promptly put on 5 pounds. I am going to go back off of them at the end of this cycle and see what happens. My mother and my aunt swear by this product called Lydia Pinkham...it is an herbal supplement. The only place I have found it is online. They say it works, but with nursing I could not use it.

Best of luck to you, let me know if you find something that works!

K.

I am 40 and had my first child at 39. It was really rough taking off the baby weight, but managed to lose most of it a few months ago. I was on a low dose BC pill for a while, but started gaining the weight back and decided to quit taking it.

I do want to warn you about soy as well. I was drinking a lot of soy milk a few years ago, and found myself feeling fatigued, depressed, and experiencing hair loss. After seeing a doctor, I learned I was hypothyroid, and will now be taking levothyroxin for the rest of my life. I started doing some research and found that soy CAN destroy your thyroid. You may want to see your doctor and get your thyroid checked.

Hi K.,
I'm 43 and understand your problem. It's very difficult to diagnose perimenopause with any blood work because the problem lies with the hormone levels changing all the time. But with the clinical signs that you are having it sounds like that is where you are at. Did they check your T4 (thyroid)? It's important that it is checked as well to make sure your not having some thyroid problems. I would suggest that you try Estroven (can be purchased at a Walgreens or CVS) or a product called Natural Calm made by Natural Vitality. I used the CalMag powder. It's a Magnesium powder that has really helped me alot! Most of the Great Earth vitamin stores carry it and have free samples that you can try. You didn't mention if you are having trouble sleeping or not. It really helps if you are. There are different kinds of natural ways to help you through this time without putting yourself at any medical risk like with hormones. Also keep up the exercise, it really helps you both mentally and physically. :)
Do some research on the web and see what is working for others in your situation. Forums are the best for that.
Best Regards,
C.

In the scheme of birth control - I would definately recommend the Nuvaring. I've been on pretty much everything - they all had side effects I couldn't live with - weight gain being one of the big ones. I started Nuva right when it came out (about 2 years ago I think) - it was life changing. I don't take it for any other reason that hormone regulation. If you don't like it - you can stop it at any time/day - you are totally in control (very cool!) and for me - it's worked great.

Hello K.,

My mom was experiencing the same thing. She had hormone replacements and she is doing great. It has healed her bones and joints and as well as lets her get a good nights rest without having night sweats. Hope this helps.
L.