Questions & Answers : menopause symptoms, depression

Menopause and cognitive decline

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:32:00 GMT

Question:

I am 55 years old and feel that I am experiencing some degree of cognitive decline, loss of initiative, and some degree of apathy. Will this go away? What can I do?

Name withheld

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Answer:

You’ve asked a lot in three short sentences. Your feelings could be related to menopause, but they could also have other sources, including psychiatric, social and lifestyle. There are lots of things you can do: see a doctor and find out if there’s a medical answer; eat better, exercise, get to bed earlier, quit smoking and cut back on alcohol; join a club, start a new hobby, set goals for next week, next season and next year; challenge your brain by taking a university class, learning a new language, starting to play a musical instrument. And lastly, identify sources of dissatisfaction in your life, and work to resolve them. Don’t let apathy hold you back: apathy is a state of mind; you can be mentally apathetic but still physically active; by forcing yourself to take action, regardless of your mental state, you may find that your mind eventually takes pleasure in what you force yourself to do. One thing is clear: if you feel stalled, adding new input into the equation is a good way to prompt a positive change; so stop recycling the same negative thought patterns and, instead, see what happens when you go for a bike ride, head out to the movies, or read a book on a subject you’ve never thought about before. Don’t let inertia win. Do something even if you don’t want to do something.

Low sex drive and depression

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:31:00 GMT

Question:

My wife is almost 48. She is in great physical condition. We had a great relationship until a few months ago. She says she has not started menopause yet and won't for a few more years. However, she seems to be having multiple periods and also seems depressed. Her sex drive seems, at least to me, to be a lot lower. She seems more intolerant of me, et cetera. Could she be going into menopause?

Neil

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Answer:

Yes. The symptoms you are describing are common in women experiencing perimenopause, which is the period that precedes menopause by as much as five years, and can follow menopause for another year.

Anger with menopause

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:51:00 GMT

Question:

After being treated for my menopause, I am still going through a very hard time dealing with the same certain time of the month – the days that used to be right before my periods, i.e. PMS. I get very angry. The anger is so bad, I want to hurt people, and then I pray because I am a good person and Christian. I end up crying but the anger returns around the same week each month. I have been to counseling for a year and am on Pemarin 0.65. I dread this time of the month each month. I had a complete hysterectomy in 2001 and thought the symptoms would go away by now. I am a person who is very anxious; my husband walked away from me and my daughter (who was 11) in 2003, which seems to make it even harder. I was told when I was 13 that I would never be able to have children, so she is a blessing from God. Without her, I can honestly tell you I have no clue where I would be right now. But I am wondering why I am still having anger, anger I never experienced before my hysterectomy. All I can think about is how people have hurt me. I want to sometimes just fall off the face of the Earth but I know that is not the solution. My doctor has me on nerve medication because I am so wound up I sometimes do not know which way to turn. I never had any hot flashes until two months ago. When I awoke that night in a soaked bed, I had no idea what was going on. Then two days later it happened again and I realized what it may be. I contacted my gynecologist. He had nothing to say except that I was wrong to think that after having a complete hysterectomy my PMS symptoms would go away. He also said I would feel down and may need a counselor (he did not know I was already seeing one). I hate this time of the month – I go through such sad, awful thoughts about my ex walking out on us. I guess I didn't tell you I am 51 with a 15 year old.

How do I stop this anger? I have tried medications; they have tried me on 11 anti-depressants and my body rejects them. So I wish not to take them unless there is a new miracle one out that could make me want to live through that week – and, as I said, sometimes it hits me a few days here and there throughout the month. What is this that is hitting my body? I hate myself when I get so down and angry. I know I am wrong and I know God is here for me and I try to fight it and have been for three years but I seem to be losing. I need help and I know it, but I cannot do it if I do not know what is causing this to happen to me.

I am blessed to be a Christian and know God is going to always pull me through but I even get mad at people who care about me and I know I am wrong. It seems to have control over me like a drug. Is there any hope for this to stop? Should I not take the premarin and see what happens?

Cheryl

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Answer:

Cheryl, we’re sorry to hear you’re having such a tough time. Your situation sounds complicated, so we’ll limit our comments to a few pieces of advice. First, despite the problems you’ve encountered getting your condition diagnosed, physicians are still your best resource – keep after them to come up with a solution. Also, it sounds like your problem is much bigger than menopause. I understand you’re in counseling. Do you feel that the counseling is helping? If so, stick to it. If not, should you change therapists? Have you been evaluated by a psychiatrist? It’s possible your condition has a psychiatric source and there may be a pharmaceutical solution. One thing is clear: your anger is hurting you and could hurt others. So don’t give up on finding an answer. And start trying to define what can bring you happiness moving forward, instead of looking back at past injuries. You can’t change what has happened, but you can effect what will happen.

Natural vitamins to boost sex drive

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:51:00 GMT

Question:

I am 53 years of age and I seem to have no sex drive. I am tired all the time. I weigh approximately 155 lbs at a height of 5'7". I am trying to lose some weight and eat healthier. I have started to exercise a little. Are there any natural vitamins I could take to help? My relationship is suffering.

Verna

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Answer:

A change in sex drive can accompany menopause. You mention being tired – are symptoms of menopause interfering with your sleep? Fatigue can impact sex drive. HRT might help, if that’s the case. Androgen therapy may also help with sex drive although, like all hormone therapies, it’s not without potential risks. You’re taking some good steps in exercising, eating better, and losing excess weight. Keep up the good work, and try to keep the lines of communication open with your partner. See a doctor – there may be a medical solution.

Severe mood changes

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:50:00 GMT

Question:

I have been on HRT for 27 years. I had a hysterectomy at age 24. They removed all my organs – uterus, tubes, ovaries, etc. I have been taking 1.25 mg of premarin. I have been acting erratically lately: crying for no reason – angry when I’m not crying – and treating my husband terribly. I am just beside myself as I am a very happy-go-lucky type of woman. What on earth is going on with me?

Deb

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Answer:

It’s hard for us to say, Deb. It’s not menopause – you went through that 27 years ago. It’s possible your HRT regimen needs to be changed, or that you are suffering from some other ailment that’s unrelated to hormones or chemical imbalances. Your first step should be to see a physician, and you may need to be referred to a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist. But don’t get needlessly more upset – there may be an easy fix.