Well I'm 51 and I've missed 3 periods in a row now. Maybe I'm done with them. I refuse to go with HRT. I do use some natural progesterone cream two weeks out of the month. I'm taking vitamin supplements as well..the ones recommended to aid in the change. I've only had a couple of minor hot flashes. Mostly my problems are depression/sadness/irritability. The other biggie is joint pain. The joint pain is a big surprise. My knees and hips mostly. Stiffness after sitting for awhile and some aching. My knees feel weak especially my right knee and I think I may have injured a tendon as it's really stiff and sore and there's a pulling on the inside of the knee when I sit cross legged. I have to rest my knee on a pillow while doing any yoga that calls for this type of position. My hips get very stiff if I sit a long time in one position and it hurts when I first stand up and start to straighten up. After I get going its ok but I still notice weakness in the knees. I have a dance background in ballet and don't know how much of that contributes to this joint stuff now. Don't have these symptons when getting out of bed. Damp weather seems to excaberate them. Damp weather also aggravates my right shoulder where I get chronic bursitis.

I am very irritable..snappy..impatient. Very short fuse. I get depressed too. Feel like crying is right at the edge of my emotions all the time but never do unless I get sympathy from a close friend and then the tears will start.

Instead of having a period now I seem to have a light whitish discharge instead. Some bloating. I have occasional sharp pains in abdomen around the time right before my period should start.

I crave chocolate.

I got to run for now. What else would you like to know? If you can make me more stable minded til I get through the rough part of this I 'd really appreciate it.

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Dessie

Please see a professional Classical homeopath as menopausal symptoms change rapidly with a remedy and also changes of remedy may be needed. The one that comes to mind for you is Cimic. but I would want to see you in person to be quite sure!

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RSHom - Registered Homeopath

I know that's the best way to go but there isn't anyone close by that I trust.

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Dessie

Hi Dessie,

Sorry you re not feeling good- I can really sympathise with you (who'd be a woman ?!)
After reading your symptoms I feel you would benefit from taking Sepia.

Hi. I've had some sepia recently...doesn't seem to be doing the trick. I'm wondering if the hormones are really in swing now with the period stopping. I keep getting the symptons like it should start you know but it just doesn't. Even this morning I woke up sooooo depressed. I just couldn't snap out of it until around late morning. No reason to BE depressed. Very frustrating. Overall my symptoms are minor compared to some but I just can't take this mood stuff. Makes it hard to function. I just wish I'd get a period b/c in the past then everything would smooth out moodwise and overall. This is much worse than puberty.

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Dessie

What potency of Sepia did you take ??

Did you look at Cimicifuga?? I've used it a lot with woman who have joint problems and depression in menopause.

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RSHom - Registered Homeopath

Yes Ricky, I did. I don't have any on hand right now. But I do intend to get some and I appreciate your suggestion. I was reading up on it last night.

As far as sepia I've done both the 30c and 200c potencies. I've also been given it in the past and it doesn't seem to help me.

Now I've never had the remedy Ricky suggests. I was also thinking of lachesis as a possibility b/c of the fact that I always get relief once the periods would start. But this joint pain is really getting annoying. I feel like I'm much older than I am and I hate to think what it's going to be like 20 years from now!!!

I really appreciate just being able to sound off to you ladies. I don't think my husband really understands how difficult this is. Plus since I have a young son most of the women I interact with are way too young for menopause.

Ricky, when you commented that the remedies can change quickly...how quickly are we talking? And what potency range should I try to stay in?

[ 21 November 2001: Message edited by: dessie ]</p>

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Dessie

One other thing...I was looking at some descriptions in a homeopathic catalogue on books specific to menopause and homeopathy. One is called Menopause and Homeopathy by Ifeoma Ikenze and another Homeopathy for Menopause by Beth MacEoin. Are these worth my investing in?

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Dessie

I've never heard of the aristolochia. I'll check it out too. Thanks so much for your help.

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Dessie