Almost Menopause

I have primary ovarian insufficiency- which is just fancy for premature menopause. I found that taking a multivitamin along with an herb called Vitex, or chaste berry, worked great in controlling hot flashes and insomnia. I just recently started hormone replacement therapy in the form of birth control pills, and all those menopause symptoms stopped. But I am also just 37 years old. The hormones are to prevent bone loss which could be really bad at my age.
You should see your doctor for blood work. They usually tell you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements to aid in bone loss. I take Tums for that.
Hope this helps and that you feel better soon. Those hot flashes are the WORST.

You need a complete blood workup. You also need to take a complete multi-vitamin. You might try pregnancy vitamins - that might help. There is also a supplement for skin and hair.

I would recommend that you don't wash your hair more than twice a week. If you are under a lot of stress, try HTP-5 and take it like the directions say.

If you can do it, try eating foods that are supposed to help with hot flashes. Google that - you'll find a lot online about that.

So sorry - I know how this feels, all too well.

Dawn

I had hair loss due in part to low thyroid and also to menopause. I also had the flashes and night sweats - almost like clockwork at 4 AM. I have been symptom free for 4 years due to effective supplementation. My sleep is better and both my doctor and my hairdresser say the keep doing what I'm doing.

I wouldn't grab on to something in the drug store just because it says "natural" -- that doesn't mean "safe" and the term "natural" isn't regulated well. A lot of people get themselves in medical trouble by self-treating.

Better to use a fully patented formula (which is hard to find but not impossible) which, by definition, has been proven safe, effective and unique. Let me know if you want more info.

Updated

I had hair loss due in part to low thyroid and also to menopause. I also had the flashes and night sweats - almost like clockwork at 4 AM. I have been symptom free for 4 years due to effective supplementation. My sleep is better and both my doctor and my hairdresser say the keep doing what I'm doing.

I wouldn't grab on to something in the drug store just because it says "natural" -- that doesn't mean "safe" and the term "natural" isn't regulated well. A lot of people get themselves in medical trouble by self-treating.

Better to use a fully patented formula (which is hard to find but not impossible) which, by definition, has been proven safe, effective and unique. Let me know if you want more info.

I wanted to post a question about insomnia and menopause, as well as hot flashes--thank you SOOOO much for this one. I'll be reading the answers... I do take a complete multivitamin as well as calcium, so I don't think that's necessarily the cure. Some people, such as the owner of our local natural food-and-herbs store, swear by black cohash. She also mentioned blue cohash, though I haven't found that one yet to try. Black cohash didn't worked magically for me, however since I used it a few times a month ago (1 tsp dried black cohash to about 10 ozs boiling water, steep for a tea, let cool), I also haven't had as many flashes. I've also been careful about lowering the house temperature when I go to bed, and I think that has helped. The insomnia has been a real kicker, however. Any suggestions for that would be great...

Thank YOU and hang in there... This too shall pass.

G.,
All the women in my family besides me had to have a hysterectomy because of menopause symptoms. I use Shaklee products and have had only very minimal symptoms and sailed through menopause.
If you are interested in these products, let me know.

I use a shampoo that does not stop the thinning, but it definately makes my hair feel and look thicker. It is called Nioxin and there are several types depending upon whether or not you color you hair. It is not cheap, but not crazy expensive. You can buy it online and at hair salons. I hope it helps.