Message Boards
Replies to 'Are You Afraid to Age?'
|
March 24, 2007, 12:02 am PDT
 Quote From: ndawson I am 52 years old and although my gyn disagrees I believe I'm going through menopause. I am having many of the symptoms but because I have not experienced hot flashes and because of my estrogen level in blood tests, my doctor dismisses what I'm going through. I am considering the saliva test, but to be honest, money is somewhat tight. Also, the test I've looked into wants me to chart my temperature for three months prior to taking the test and I want help NOW! The most difficult symptom I have is depression and add to that I am a Christian so guilt typically follows the depression. I know I have put too much importance on my physical appearance my entire adult life and now aging is having its impact. I am trying desperately to reprioritize and value myself for things less superficial but it's so hard to teach an old dog new tricks. My daughters laugh and say my bedroom is like a cosmetic counter because every product that comes on the market for lines and wrinkles - I've bought! Maybe that's why our money is so tight! Also, my libido as well as my husband's has just about disappeared and we were a couple who used to make love 4 to 5 times a week - for 33 years. It was a major part of how we related. That is not helping my depression either. How do I get to the point that I am aging gracefully, not so much for everyone else, but for myself? I just read your comment and I think I may have an answer for you.
I am 37 and recently had a hystorectomy and started going through a lot of things your talking about. I also went to the Dr. and had them check me for early menopause. And like you, my tests came back perfect. Everything was normal. I kept complaining to my Doc that things were just not right. So, my Doc tested my Thyroid. And what do you know, I had over active thyroid problems.
My Doc explained to me that Thyroid problems look almost exactly like Menopause. You will suffer from mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, change in sex drive, vaginal dryness, change in weight, hair loss, dry skin, premature wrinkling and just a general feeling of BLAH. It feels like someone sucked all the energy right out of you.
The Thyroid test is very simple to do. All you do is give a little blood and wait for about 10 for the results to come in. A normal Thyroid should show result numbers between 0.0 - 3.75. If your test result numbers fall into the negative area...for example, -2.45...then it is an under active thyroid problem...Hypothyroidism. If your test result numbers are above 3.75, then you suffer from over active thyroid problems...Hyperthyroidism.
There 3 different treatsments for either of these problems. I strongly recommend...if you do indead have a Thyroid problem... DO NOT DRINK THE RADIOACTIVE COCKTAIL! Please make that your very last resort. They have a pill that you can take on a daily basis. I highly recommend that way of treatment. I am not saying you have a Thyroid problem...but I do think you should have it checked out.
And I must say, since I've begun my Thyroid treatment I feel like a new woman! I feel like I'm 19 again.
I really hope this helps you out some. I know there is nothing worse then feeling your body change and knowing there is something wrong but the Dr.'s are just not listening to you. Instead they just want to put you on anti-depressants and tell you to deal with it.
I wish you lots of luck and hang in there. I've been where you are now and believe me..everything is going to work out just fine. |
|
Return to the Message Board
