Postmenopausal loss of everything

[Gattrell]

I am several years post menopause, on bioidentical hormone patches and progesterone. Basically I feel horrible. I have no creative energy, libido, humor, and I feel somewhat fatigued and fuzzy headed. I can't think or work out problems. I want to sleep 10-12 hours a day and that isn't possible. I don't look my age but I have gained weight that just won't go away. People run into me and don't know me. It is really stressful and happened really fast. My doctor has tried antidepressants and testosterone cream, but they don't help. The hormones helped with the hot flashes and such but nothing else. I exercise by walking a few times a week. I work at a computer and can't just leave and go exercise anytime I choose. I am starting to think that life after menopause is just waiting to die. I am not having any fun, and I used to be a lively, fun person. I don't know what to do about this lack of life. Are there any herbal remedies for postmenopausal blahs? Anything else I can ask my doctor for?

[jacrjacr]

i agree. test  your TSH FREE T3 AND FREE T4 FOR thyroid...your tsh should be between 1 and 2, if it is higher...you are hypothyroid meaning you arent producing enough thyroid hormones for your body to function and that is dangerous...it control everything in the body and makes you fat....low metabolism,low energy, low breathing......etc.....

[vino14]

Hi, I don't claim to know a lot about HRT, but one thing is for sure. You want to gain as much knowledge about the hormones as you can. If you have not already, look into Thyroid tests and do all of them about 6,7 to start with, not just the TSH. If the thyroid is not functioning properly, all the sex hormones suffer and abviously  you don't see improvement, in spite of all supplementation. One crucial thing that no one will tell you, you get hot flashes when your thyroid is not functioning properly. When I first went to the doctors complaining with my symptoms(35yo) she told me my options were antidepressants or BCP.  I got to reading, and now, no doctor can fool me.
I'm paying for all my expenses out of pocket, because I wanted the best care I could find , I was  a complete mess, I was only hoping to die;  because the main stream doctors are only good at writing prescriptions. Luckly my  insurance pays for most labs, but I can never trust a regular doctor to do the right thing anymore.   If money is not a big stumbling block for you , I strongly urge you to seek the help of a functional medicine doctor.  Ask anyone you know for  referrals.

[Dee4680]

Hi Gattrell  I am on day 7 of Maca one of the first changes i found was on day 5 my mood started to improve like you I was basically a happy person fun loving also my concentration is improving, my hot flashes are a little less intense, not sure it is doing any thing for the odd sensations yet. Maca is the only thing i take. Hope to all Dee4680

[old_before_my_time]

HRT is not one size fits all. Maybe a different HRT would suit you better. There are so many options to try.

[AnnieBrooke]

If you feel as bad as you say, it might be worth paying out of pocket for an exam and consult with someone who is not in your HMO.  I have Kaiser insurance myself, and have never hesitated to go to a different doctor if I have a special need.  I've had imaging done and fertility work, out of pocket.  It is not like your HMO will be mad at you if you see a doctor on your own dime.

[Gattrell]

Unfortunately my insurance is a sort of HMO and I have a list of doctors and there isn't anyone who specialized in menopause or geriatrics. I was hoping for some home remedies or something.

[AnnieBrooke]

Find another doctor, one that specializes particularly in menopause.  Bioidenticals might not be the way to go.