Perimenopause or midlife crisis

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you don't want hormone replacement, try a low-estrogen birth control pill for women over 40. It won't help with all the symptoms but will take the edge off.

Or, go directly for antidepressants.

I was prescribed a low estrogen pill for awhile, then my insurance refused to pay for it. They've now refused a different scrip for another treatment to treat postmenopausal symptoms. It's like I no longer exist.

This is so insulting. But the ED medicines, those are FINE

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m 45. I’m tired all the time. I’m easily agitated. I kind of am sick of everyone and everything in my life. My moods are so up and down. One day I am ultra social and want to hang out. Other times I find people so annoying. I didn’t know where to post - relationships or health so I just posted here.

I know a few women older than me and they said it is menopause and they are on hormone therapy.

I'm experiencing similar things at age 49 - lots of barely contained anger the week before my period. But... I'm thinking that while hormonal issues are bringing it to the surface, for me it isn't probably the hormones that are the problem, but the structure of my life and the expectations of me that are likely causing the "anger". I work a super-demanding career with long hours. The expectations of me at work are that I deliver perfection, 100% of the time. The only constant in my career are that as I move forward, the expectations and responsibilities only grow. I have 2 lovely children who light up my life, but who also require care, attention, guidance, and patience. I have a lovely spouse with his own demanding career, who likewise needs occasional time and attention from me. My parents are still independent, but are starting to rely more on me for administrative and occasional physical assistance as they enter their late 70s. ... And I'm one of the lucky ones. No major health issues, loving family, decent income. It's just a lot to deal with all the time and I have no patience for nonsense. I suspect my REAL problem and the problem of many of the women posting here is that we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves. So... I'm letting myself feel the anger. And I'm sometimes directing it at those who are adding to (rather than easing) my burdens. Maybe this anger is telling me that "I" am not the problem, but that the structure of my life is the problem and that certain things need to change...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you don't want hormone replacement, try a low-estrogen birth control pill for women over 40. It won't help with all the symptoms but will take the edge off.

Or, go directly for antidepressants.

I was prescribed a low estrogen pill for awhile, then my insurance refused to pay for it. They've now refused a different scrip for another treatment to treat postmenopausal symptoms. It's like I no longer exist.

This is so insulting. But the ED medicines, those are FINE

Right?? I should get my husband to ask for ED meds and see what happens. Guessing he would not be told that he has to try at least two different meds before they will consider paying for what the doctor prescribed.

[Anonymous]

Ask your doc to put you on low dose birth control. You can take it until 50.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask your doc to put you on low dose birth control. You can take it until 50.

I'm now over the age limit and my new doctor wants me to stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m 45. I’m tired all the time. I’m easily agitated. I kind of am sick of everyone and everything in my life. My moods are so up and down. One day I am ultra social and want to hang out. Other times I find people so annoying. I didn’t know where to post - relationships or health so I just posted here.

I know a few women older than me and they said it is menopause and they are on hormone therapy.

I'm experiencing similar things at age 49 - lots of barely contained anger the week before my period. But... I'm thinking that while hormonal issues are bringing it to the surface, for me it isn't probably the hormones that are the problem, but the structure of my life and the expectations of me that are likely causing the "anger". I work a super-demanding career with long hours. The expectations of me at work are that I deliver perfection, 100% of the time. The only constant in my career are that as I move forward, the expectations and responsibilities only grow. I have 2 lovely children who light up my life, but who also require care, attention, guidance, and patience. I have a lovely spouse with his own demanding career, who likewise needs occasional time and attention from me. My parents are still independent, but are starting to rely more on me for administrative and occasional physical assistance as they enter their late 70s. ... And I'm one of the lucky ones. No major health issues, loving family, decent income. It's just a lot to deal with all the time and I have no patience for nonsense. I suspect my REAL problem and the problem of many of the women posting here is that we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves. So... I'm letting myself feel the anger. And I'm sometimes directing it at those who are adding to (rather than easing) my burdens. Maybe this anger is telling me that "I" am not the problem, but that the structure of my life is the problem and that certain things need to change...

I am in a similar boat but experiencing anger at “friends” who are anything but and anger at family who need me to do things for them but disappear when I have needs. I am on a low dose SSRI that is doing nothing so far. I wonder if it’s not helping because my anger is completely justified and I feel disappointed in so many people. In the meantime, I’m expected to be pleasant and supportive of everyone else. I’m not sure how this plays out but it’s tough right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous[b wrote:]If you don't want hormone replacement, try a low-estrogen birth control pill[/b] for women over 40. It won't help with all the symptoms but will take the edge off.

Or, go directly for antidepressants.

What's the difference in terms of risk between hormone replacement and low-estrogen birth control pill? Both are comparable in terms of benefits and risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Welcome, OP!

I take an SNRI and feel human again. Also exercise, therapy, being kind to myself.

Which one? Wellbutrin?

[Anonymous]

I’m post menopausal and the mood swings and weight gain are the worst. Young doctors don’t want to prescribe hormones. Anyone have a doctor who “gets it?” Who has maybe lived it? If so do tell. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m post menopausal and the mood swings and weight gain are the worst. Young doctors don’t want to prescribe hormones. Anyone have a doctor who “gets it?” Who has maybe lived it? If so do tell. Thank you.

A woman Dr under 45 has no idea what it is like to have these symptoms and it's like you're a Martian and hysterical. Very few men Dr's understand.