OT - Hormone issues age 40
 

Sorry for the OT post, but I just need to know if anyone else it there has experienced these hormone issues. I have an apt with my OB, but I guess I'm looking for a little guidance as to tests to ask for or treatment options. I'm almost 41 and don't feel right. I experience extreme breast tenderness for almost he whole month these days (not just right before my period), putting on weight despite healthy eating and exercising, blah mood most of the time, and zero sex drive. I actually feel like I'm three months pregnant all the time when I'm not. I know this is the perimenopausal age, but what can I do to alleviate these symptoms?? I'm depressed most of the time and dontnvej want to look in a mirror. I feel young and I don't want to be like this!

I'm sorry you're feeling so terrible.

My OBGyn told me that breast tenderness has to do with hormone fluctuations. I'm on hormones, and she said that even a relatively small fluctuation can make a difference.

When I get my bloodwork done for hormones, she checks testosterone too. Too little testosterone can make a difference in how you feel. (most women don't have much, but they do have some.)

Definitely get some blood work done to see where your hormone levels are.

Having your doctor get your hormone levels would be a good idea. At 41, you are probably estrogen dominant and aren't producing much in the way of testosterone or progesterone. Too much estrogen can cause sore breasts. Oweee!!

I think someone on this board recommended the book Before the Change - Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause by Ann Louise Gittleman in regards to hormonal issues. I read it and found some very helpful information in it and highly suggest it as well.

Good luck!

I feel for you. I've been having similar struggles in my forties and never had issues with my weight until now. Your doctor should be able to help give you some recommendations on what you can do to feel better. I was probably in denial about my weight until I went to the doctor this year and she told me I had gained 12 pounds since last year and I needed to take action. I had to become very strict about my diet and portion control but it has been paying off, I am finally down ten pounds and that's taking into account the holidays. All I can advise is to keep on working out and take extra care of yourself during this time. Limit the sugar, maybe the caffeine, limit alcohol and eat clean. There may be other things the doctor can advise that may help as well. Hang in there.

Have you had your hormones tested? I'm 41 and going through the same thing. It's very frustrating. I just started a supplement that is helping. You can PM me if you want to know what it is. I know we aren't suppose to talk about that. Hang in there :heart:

Yes, I found this book so very helpful!

Thank you! It's just not a topic that comes up in my conversations with friends! I have not had my hormones tested, but I will ask my doctor when I go next month. I expect a little PMS, but to feel like I have PMS all the time is the pits. I will take a look at that book also. I feel like I'm at a point in my life where I want to feel good and be happy and enjoy life, not feel like I just want to curl up on my couch all the time!

Yes, have a blood test for your hormones - progesterone, estrogen, testosterone and DHEA. You might also want to have your cortisol checked, which is more accurately done with a saliva test. If you're not satisfied with your OB, look for a menopause specialist. Many GPs have no clue about hormones. There are more and more specialists dealing with bio-identical hormones these days (not synthetic). Don't let anyone tell you it's just normal to experience these symptoms and be miserable for a while. You don't have to.

Using progesterone cream can offset the estrogen. I use an estradiol patch and at the two week mark I get sore breasts so use 1/4 t. of ProGest cream from Whole Foods for the next two weeks and that does the trick. Before you do that, as others have said, have a hormone panel done for estrogen, testosterone, progesterone. Don't be surprised if your OB is clueless though.