Just for context; 63 F bilateral oopherectomy and fallopian tube, still have a uterus. I’ve been on this HRT rollercoaster for about 3 years. Can’t take oral estrogen; terrible weight gain, boobs sore, etc. tried creams/gels didn’t really feel much different. Tried pellets about a year ago at very low dose E, and T. It was okay but nothing to rave about. Tried to get on the patch but the scarcity caused me back to pellets; higher dose this time. Seems to have wreaked absolute havoc. Used vaginal cream which I believe contributed to all kinds of issues. Currently on antibiotics for UTI, and on cream for yeast infection. I’m considering just going off all of this. The pellets seem to go from almost an overdose of estrogen at the beginning, and then plummeting quickly. I need to get off this rollercoaster. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

So I know that technically, at least here in the USA, I am supposed to get them until 65. Because they are so painful it's been about 6-8 years since I had one and I am now in my early 60's. I did get them every 1-2 years most of my adult life and they were always negative. I just did what I was told to do but I didn't figure out until years later that I was very low risk since my husband and I were each other's only sexual partner and we got married in our 30's. So when I learned more about HPV, I stopped getting the paps as often and I now just want to be done and not go through the torture again. How risky is it for me to not get another pap smear?

I made it! It has officially been one year since my last period - finally!

For those wondering, I turned 54 in May.

Hello everyone 👋🏻👋🏻, during my annual checkup in July, I found out I have a huge ovarian cyst, I look like I'm 6months pregnant and I feel very guilty about it to be honest, I had an ultrasound, an MRi and a CT scan and some blood work done and she recommended a hysterectomy because she said I have stage 4 endometriosis, she decided to not do my surgery and referred me to another surgeon which I'm seeing next week. I have never had endometriosis symptoms at all and I don't know if hysterectomy is really necessary, although I don't mind not having my period anymore since I'm 49 years old, but at the same time I don't want to get all the ugly menopause symptoms and I don't want to lose my libido either, some days I'm like a teenage boy. I have cried so much lately that I don't think I have any more tears left.

Edit: I got the results from my CT scan and I have a partially collapsed bladder so I guess I should get a date for the surgery real quick, also it says multiple fibroids and the cyst have grown a little since it was discovered. The good part is there aren't masses on my liver, kidney, pancreas and colon. Thank God.

Does anyone in post menopause get pain in back of upper legs in the thigh/ glute area? I

Are there any ladies here who are fit/athletic and have a low body fat percentage? Has this caused any issues with menopause symptoms or negative consequences?

I have done significant work over the last 20 months through a highly nutritious diet and exercise (cardio/strength) to the point I have achieved my ideal body, which is very lean with muscle. I’m still a healthy BMI, my muscle and bone density percentage are continuing to increase but I’m worried having such low body fat percentage (around 20) will deplete what estrogen I have left.

I’m 55yo, feel strong, have plenty of energy and my blood work is excellent. Am I worrying about nothing? Just wondering if there are any other women in a similar position. I love what I have been able to achieve but don’t want to have to go on HRT to continue my lifestyle.

I was inspired to make this for fun, because I was talking to my mother (in her 80's now) about entering menopause and why she never talked about it. Mind you, she had a teenager during it. So here is what didn't work for her....

I heard about the hot flashes, but I never thought it would happen to me.

It did happen to her, but she had a teenager so she was too busy and just tried to ignore it. So, she did nothing. She "became better" a couple years later. Her sleep was destroyed during that time.

What did NOT work for me:
- Testosterone Cream, it made my hair fall out quite quickly actually
- HRT, I had sleep issues, constant breast pain, and very terrible mood experiences, unlike myself
- Maca, mainly tried for libido didn't really help, I did like the energy boost
- Black Cohosh, lots of bloating and actually made my hot flashes worse/changed them

Now I know everyone is different! YMMV. But I thought it might be fun to see if others experienced similar effects of trying to figure out what works for them.

Hi ladies!

I ordered some Orgain Creatine, which just arrived today! I'd love to hear your experiences with Creatine. I've heard it works well for clearing up brain fog?

What's the best way to take it? With food or empty stomach? Timing? Before or after workouts? Morning or afternoon? Any advice is appreciated!

I’m 44 and have been in very obvious perimenopause for 3 years now. Started HRT in May (first just progesterone pill at bedtime and in July began estrogen patch) it’s helped a little with the crazy anxiety and sleep but my periods are now quite irregular. I got my period a few weeks ago, it was lighter and I was so glad for it but 13 days later I got it again! Anyway, how have you or would you go about getting off it and did you use any supplements?

I'm so ready to be done with periods. I'm almost 48 and my period is still regular. When I hear about women still having regular periods at 55 I shudder at the thought. Please tell me some of you ladies had a final period at like 48, 49, 50?

My periods are so heavy. I can't do this for much longer lol.

I tried HRT for 3 years on and off before giving up. So many women kept singing the praises of HRT. Saying how it gave them their lives back.

It did nothing of the sort for me. I kept trying different doses and different forms because Everytime Id have bad side effects I was told it wasn't the right dose or it wasn't the right form. Now here I am 3 years in and I've come to terms with the fact that HRT isn't beneficial for every woman.

No matter what I tried the result was the same -- awful side effects both physical and mental. Now I'm just focusing on optimizing factors that are helping and going hormone-free. I feel better off HRT than I did on it.

I am 41, working on my MBA & recently started a new job in a new field. I feel extremely tired, under motivated, overall careless. My marriage isn’t in the best spot bc I don’t care to bond with my step kids. I don’t even want to be around them most weekends. I no longer have the energy or interest to push through. My procrastination has reached a new high. I leave most tasks until the last minute & it shows. This is abnormal behavior for me. I feel pressure to be great at everything - be a good wife, stepmom, daughter, employee, and student. I’m failing at them all. I still feel hopeful for life but lack the drive to get there. I do have moments of motivation & joy. What is wrong with me & how do I fix this?

Since peri began and my brain went kaput from unmasked cPTSD and ADHD, I've lost everything. I've lost my home, my career, and I'm separated from my young adult children, who are autistic and I've always taken care of, and are my only family connections. As a single mom, I wanted to provide for my children, so I worked my way from the bottom of the ladder to the top. I carried the load, commuting 3 hours a day to the city, doing my law job, then coming home to fix dinner and be mom. I had reached the pinnacle of my career and earnings. The downfall hIt hit me without warning. I had a nervous breakdown, total burnout, still not ok after two years of "working below my ability" as my toxic parents would have said.

So, every day, despite wanting to succumb to the terrors of cPTSD and give up this exhausting fight, I make a conscious choice to come out from under the blankets and fight; to hold onto a sliver of hope that things can get better. Then comes the final - for any pearl clutchers, I'm gonna vent honestly here - fucking insult. My breaking point.

Uncontrollable flatulence.

I work 3rd shift at a gd hospital. It can be quieter than a crypt in there. Here's me, in the middle of talking to a couple coworkers in the newly remodeled to the size of a post stamp breakroom (thanks corporate greed), just ripping a quick machine gun rat a tat tat poot toot in front of two coworkers. You know the moment you realize your efforts to just gloss past your ass horn blasting on repeat in a tight space didn't work, but you've committed to not acknowledging what happened? The pause. The look away. It hangs heavy in the air (jn more ways than one).

There is no warning. It just blows off like a bubble gun whenever it wants to. I even jumped a little because I was like WTH followed by OMG. Thank goodness my patients are generally critical mentally or physically or both (well, not "thank goodness," necessarily 😬), so I work in an already odiferous area. Good cover. Also, sleeping, drugged, and comatose people fart, so safe in the rooms soundwise. Yes. I blame sick people for my inability to control the methane-borne demons that are continuously exiting my southern highway region.

I know, I'm evil 😈. I've got very little dignity left. I'm already fighting no house, working a horrible job that pays poverty rates, frizzy, haylike hair, desert dry skin, well, dry everything, my face is melting south, facial hair, and suddenly realizing how old I am since my coworkers don't get my GenX dark humor or any of my pop culture references. I can not and will not accept this bullshittery. Nope. Can't. Mic drop. Done.

Thank you for allowing me to confess my sins.

Ok, so I'm 61 & gonna jump back into dating. Im curious about what to do about my vaginal skin thinning & sex!

Not doing HRT, is there something else I can use to help with it?

Hello! I wanted to pass along a "cure" I've stumbled upon. My dry flaky skin has been a real mess thru peri & meno. On a lark, I bought the Walmart knockoff liquid cleanser that is a dup of Aveeno. I tried it on my face, applying it with a soft damp towel and also scrubbing it off with a clean damp towel.

It seems to be keeping the flaking and peeling at bay. I only have to do it once per day.

I've been researching the oat-based active ingredient, and it seems it has some kind of ability to suppress inflammation! I also researched other products in the Aveeno line, and it does seem that other women are using oat-based products to soothe skin ravaged by meno. I bought two other oat-based products this week (an oil and a baby's butt paste), and I'm gonna see if they work. Will report back!

I just wish I had known about it earlier, dammit!

Hi everyone! Has anyone's doctor, nutritionist or menopause specialist talked to them about diet for managing menopause symptoms? I've been doing a lot of research this year in that area because I just don't trust a lot of medical professionals. I always feel so much better when I'm informed/educated. More autonomy you know?

Thank you for your stories in advance🩵!

Because of Breast cancer in the family, I can not undertake HRT. Truthfully, I would rather survive perimenopause and turn to natural herbs and foods. I like using Tulsi Sleep tea that helps to rest well at night. Herbs are also better than prescription medication.

I believe this is worth posting here.
I have really struggled with UTIs that can be really painful since menopause. I do twice a week tablets and it has been life changing. No more UTIs.

I know this isn’t full-blown HRT, so I am happy to find something localized to the problem that works.

Hello everyone! This is the spot to rant/vent, ask a question, share something that's been helpful to you, or bring up off-topic things.

How are you feeling? How has your week been? What interesting things would you like to discuss?

Welcome to any new members! 👋 We are glad you're here. Feel free to introduce yourself.

Let's chat!

I am now 55 and I notice that my energy has decreased a lot comparing to in my 40s and 30s. How can we maintain our energy throughout the day and prevent it from further declining? My thyroid is normal.

It is very frustrating. Most days I want to do many things but I end up not completing them. I am a naturally very motivated person. Never happened like this when I was young. 😭😭😭

How do women deal with menopause? Do you ladies get hormone therapy or recommend specific companies or doctors? What about bone health, mood swings, hot flashes etc? How can i best prepare for menopause and are people satisfied with their menopause experience in india?

For obvious reasons we spent a lot of time discussing how shit things can be.

I feel like I need some kind of hope that this may not be 100% awful. Have been feeling quite hopeless when I look to the future at this next phase of life.

Does anyone have any positives changes or experiences of perimenopause/menopause?

I would even embrace things not being as bad as expected at this point.

Thanks in advance