Butch Blood

[Jackhammer]

This is a thread to talk about menstrual cycles, hormones and menopause.

I went into full blown menopause at the age of 39, no more periods for me. :clap:

I went through hot flashes for a very short time but now have none, and
I take no hormones.

Sure my hair is gray and I'm grumpy, but not having cramps so bad that I would pass out is worth the trade-off.

Anyhoo, here we have a place to chat, trade advice or just have a good rant about a friend (your period) that you hate.

[I'mOneToo]

Thanks for starting the thread, Jackhammer.

I'm a bleedin' fool. Wish that weren't the case, any more. Can I have some of that menopause please?

Did anyone besides me notice the scene in 'Boys Don't Cry' when Brandon needed tampons, and shoplifted them? Was it because he was too ashamed to buy them, or too broke? I have often wondered about that scene, and then the ensuing scene when he used it, although he was alone he had great (it seemed to me) personal distress with using it. Why was that? I'm sure no one here knows for sure, and only the director could say what insight informed that scene. But I've wondered, if other butches have that experience?

My experience is not that there is a great deal of angst over it, but it's a nuisance. For anyone with a uterus who has not experienced menopause, it's probably a nuisance. Also for me, it was a rite of passage. Not the beginning as in, some girls are told "you're a woman now" but more like... "oh brother. this really means i'm not a boy."

i've adjusted accordingly to my own lights since, though.

[WILDCAT]

Oh god(s)? do I ever need this and I haven't even read it yet? Just about being an older butch and BLOOD!? I'll TAKE IT!

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY... :hospital-snoopy: Must lie down now first though.

I'll be back! This is an important topic for us. And so, "2010-ish"!!!

SINCERELY!

Wildcat

:smelling-flower:

[Inuus]

I take the Depo shot untill recently(wanted to give my body a break). While taking depo I have NO periods! Although my insurance doesnt pay for it, its really not that bad about $77 every 3 months. Just run into the Drs office pull down the pants a shot to the hip and Im done for another 3 months.

Now it worked well for me but I know several that had a bad time with it. I personally lost weight while taking it most people gain weight. It has the typical warnings if you smoke over 35 etc you shouldnt use it but umm I dont heed those warnings since I smoke and I am over 35. My choice but like I said those are warnings Im sure for a reason

After going off it and having a period for the last 2 motnhs PLUS gaining weight. Im going back on it within the next week or two. I figured my body had enough of a break or umm its a good rationalization!

[I'mOneToo]

Over 35, and a smoker also made me a non-candidate for Depo. There is a greatly increased risk of stroke if you are in that category.

I quit smoking though, 12 years ago. Never did the depo anyway, figured it was close to hitting menopause.... well IT AIN"T!!! lol



you gotta live in whatever fashion makes you happy. cuz shit can happen no matter how well you treat yourself.

a person who repped this mentioned that it the angst on brandon's part was due to gender dysphoria. i wonder, would there have been better ways to depict that? other than that scene? not sure why it bothers me, that it was included in the movie. is a menstrual cycle the epitome of gender dysphoria?

[WolfyOne]

Menopause here, along with it comes hot flashes and night sweats, lack of sleep is also part of it. Sometimes I wake up soaked with sweat, other times it's mild. If I sleep a solid 3 hours without waking, I got a good nights rest. I've been this way for 3 years and have no idea when it will stop. A friend told me it could last 10 years. I have noticed more chin and neck hair since menopause walked in. This being the trade off for no longer having a period is well worth it. I take no medication or hormone replacement and never want to. I know if I stay away from caffeine and sugar some of my symptoms would go away. I have to have my coffee and I need, maybe want is a better word, my sweets. I'll take the bad with the good as long as I don't get grumpy. For those reading that can't wait for menopause to begin......all I have to say is, prepare yourself. What I wouldn't give for a good nights sleep.

[Jackhammer]

Thanks for starting the thread, Jackhammer.

I'm a bleedin' fool. Wish that weren't the case, any more. Can I have some of that menopause please?

Did anyone besides me notice the scene in 'Boys Don't Cry' when Brandon needed tampons, and shoplifted them? Was it because he was too ashamed to buy them, or too broke? I have often wondered about that scene, and then the ensuing scene when he used it, although he was alone he had great (it seemed to me) personal distress with using it. Why was that? I'm sure no one here knows for sure, and only the director could say what insight informed that scene. But I've wondered, if other butches have that experience?

My experience is not that there is a great deal of angst over it, but it's a nuisance. For anyone with a uterus who has not experienced menopause, it's probably a nuisance. Also for me, it was a rite of passage. Not the beginning as in, some girls are told "you're a woman now" but more like... "oh brother. this really means i'm not a boy."

i've adjusted accordingly to my own lights since, though.


I have never seen the movie 'Boys Don't Cry'.
Nope, if I know a movie is going to be about or have a violent sexual scene in it, I wont rent it.

I wish I had thicker skin, Ive heard its a powerful movie.

When I was younger I hated having to buy Tampax, if I was alone in the store no problem, but to throw that box down in front of God and everyone was very embarrassing for me.
Its just a personal hygiene subject and I felt forced to share my
"private matter" purchase with strangers. Its none of their business that I need them, use them and most of all my choice of what kind I like.

It also pissed me off, its like I am never going to have kids so why in the fuck am I cursed with this monthly HELL?

Yes I struggled with it till the day it was over.

It was a tough and humiliating road.

[apretty]

i think guys that own their man-times (or whatever ya call it) are hot! go on with yer bad selves!

[Jackhammer]

WolfyOne

ah, no sleep... this I have.
A few times a month I look forward to NyQuil to knock myself out.

Its addictive and one of the meds in it can build up in your system so I have to be very careful not to abuse it.

I have tried sleepy time tea and other stuff, none of it works after long term use.

Getting old, isn't it just swell :winky:

[Inuus]

I dont get much sleep either and whoa talk about night sweats. I can wake up with my sheets soaked.

Lucky my only bed partner is my dog and she could give a rats ass lol

[WolfyOne]

Jack, I have a few years on you easy, but you started menopause younger. I was told once that if your mom went through it young so will you. I'll never have an answer for myself about it because my mom had a hysto after me. About the NyQuil, I used it when I had a bad cold last month and even it didn't help me sleep long. I've tried melatonin and even a script the doc gave me. I think it's just my chemistry. You wrote about being embarrassed having to buy tampons. I think it's a natural reaction when young. When I was young and lived at home, my mom would send one of my brothers to the store for me. Now I ask you, how much more embarrassing can it get for a person when their own brother can shout to the neighborhood whats going on with his sister. After a while, I decided, better to let my brother embarrass us both than just me alone. After all, he's the one at the store with said product in hand. Ah, to be young and know what I know now.

[Rockinonahigh]

This is something I strugled with for years.U bet buying tampax was a touchy subject for me,finaly I just bought a big case of them so I only had to get them when needed.At 38 I had a full hysto...so glad to get that mess over with and done.I went threw menepause hell for a while,took hrt for about 6 months then quit..i'm 62 now and still have hot flashes and sweats,lately I have had some mood swings..grumpy one minit...teary the next.The one thing that I really hate is not feeling as sharp as I did before.I herd nautral substances could help and dont do what hrt dose to the body.Being this is not a subject im really up on..dose any of u have a clue about herbs and such?
Rockin

[June]

http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp?wt.mc_id=MIS113226

I'm not Butch, but I swear to God, this saved my sanity. The Mirena IUD. I had it "installed" almost 2 years ago because I had horrendous, week long bleeds. Now? Nothing most months, a couple of days other times, and very light.

The insertion took about 5 minutes, and most of that was just getting in position, it felt like a vaginal with a little stronger pinch. I have had none of the bad side-affects some say you can get. I feel really thankful for it, I feel like it gave me a week of my life back every month.

[WolfyOne]

Oh Rockin, I hear you on the mood swings. Certain times of any given month, but not always, I could laugh or cry at the drop of a pin. Seems like I have the PMS without the period. Look out if you get in my way when I'm feeling a low or a high.

[apretty]

http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp?wt.mc_id=MIS113226


(we probably need a ladies' thread cuz i had no idea that the IUD stopped periods--my sis had one w/ a bad reaction and finally got it removed--but who knows. i would love to have a week (or 8 days) back, too!)

[Rockinonahigh]

Wolfy, those mood swings are a bitch,u would think after all this time I wouldnt have this happen.My cousin has theme so bad her doc put her on something with mild doses of T in it and it dose a good job for her(she is a real femmy kinda girl) I ask my doc about it and he wont give me anything like it cause he says I have to much T in my system.He has never done any lab work,so how can he know I ask one day..he said moustach,chin hair..I dont need lab work.I think he is off his rocker.
Rock

[Gemme]

http://www.mirena-us.com/index.jsp?wt.mc_id=MIS113226

I'm not Butch, but I swear to God, this saved my sanity. The Mirena IUD. I had it "installed" almost 2 years ago because I had horrendous, week long bleeds. Now? Nothing most months, a couple of days other times, and very light.

The insertion took about 5 minutes, and most of that was just getting in position, it felt like a vaginal with a little stronger pinch. I have had none of the bad side-affects some say you can get. I feel really thankful for it, I feel like it gave me a week of my life back every month.

I wish they'd give this to those who haven't had at least one child.

[I'mOneToo]

Jackhammer, I had a little opposite experience in the buying of them. At the age of 10, 11, I was buying them for my older sister because she was too embarrassed. If she thought SHE was gonna get looks buying them, imagine the looks of a little squirt buying the super size. By the time I was buying them for myself, i was immune to the stares. Nowadays, being older and gray, and looking much much butcher, they may think the purchase is for a daughter or something. But just to mess with their heads a little bit, I like to buy something odd at the same time. Like a mini-flashlight. They'll say something like "did you find everything you needed today?" and i say, "nope. got everything i need right here."

and then of course there's the sir/ma'am confusion that always confounds them.

oh yeah and i totally agree, why have the equipment if it ain't gonna be used to produce a baby? it's a complete waste, in my case. will be glad when (if it ever?) ends.


I have never seen the movie 'Boys Don't Cry'.
Nope, if I know a movie is going to be about or have a violent sexual scene in it, I wont rent it.

I wish I had thicker skin, Ive heard its a powerful movie.

When I was younger I hated having to buy Tampax, if I was alone in the store no problem, but to throw that box down in front of God and everyone was very embarrassing for me.
Its just a personal hygiene subject and I felt forced to share my
"private matter" purchase with strangers. Its none of their business that I need them, use them and most of all my choice of what kind I like.

It also pissed me off, its like I am never going to have kids so why in the fuck am I cursed with this monthly HELL?

Yes I struggled with it till the day it was over.

It was a tough and humiliating road.

[Darth Denkay]

I'm with you on the whole why-do-I-have-to-do-this-once-a-month-because-I'm-never-gonna-use-the-equipment. I don't know when menopause will kick in - Mom had thyroid cancer, had the thyroid removed, and got to skip the whole menopause thing completely...

I've often thought about having a hysto - up until recently I haven't had insurance coverage to consider it seriously but now I'm really thinking about it. It would have the fabulous benefit of no more monthly visits, with the accompanying cramps and nasty moods. Additionally, and in my mind more importantly, it would eliminate the chance of certain reproductive cancers. Going through pregnancy and childbirth significantly decreases the chances of certain cancers. I have gone through neither and think it would be some sort of sick joke if I ended up with cancer in something I've never used...

As for buying the stuff, it's never been a huge issue for me. The way I figure, if I'm being read as female then no issue. If I'm being read as male I figure they will think I'm buying them for my wife, girlfriend, mom, daughter, whoever.

[DapperButch]

I'm with you on the whole why-do-I-have-to-do-this-once-a-month-because-I'm-never-gonna-use-the-equipment. I don't know when menopause will kick in - Mom had thyroid cancer, had the thyroid removed, and got to skip the whole menopause thing completely...

I've often thought about having a hysto - up until recently I haven't had insurance coverage to consider it seriously but now I'm really thinking about it. It would have the fabulous benefit of no more monthly visits, with the accompanying cramps and nasty moods. Additionally, and in my mind more importantly, it would eliminate the chance of certain reproductive cancers. Going through pregnancy and childbirth significantly decreases the chances of certain cancers. I have gone through neither and think it would be some sort of sick joke if I ended up with cancer in something I've never used...

As for buying the stuff, it's never been a huge issue for me. The way I figure, if I'm being read as female then no issue. If I'm being read as male I figure they will think I'm buying them for my wife, girlfriend, mom, daughter, whoever.
Hey, Kayden, I think that since you are not having any current difficulties, the hysto would fall under comestic, subsequently; insurance won't pay for it (I considered it myself!)

Ditto.

[Jett]

I had a total hysto when I was early 20's (pistachios and all). Can't say I miss the cramps that would lay me out for minimum one day a month.

Anyway so I went into menopause with a bang... literally overnight. I did use estroderm patches for some time but they caused me to be much more emotional than normal and considering some of the other health risks I opted not to use them.

I've heard there's a lot of natural alternatives that help the hot flashes, mood swings, sleeplessness etc. but I really don't have use for them anymore as I'm long over all that fun stuff.

I think Black Cohosh is one that's supposed to be particularly helpful... but be sure to check stuff out thoroughly (potency/dose) before using any herbal remedy's etc.

[Bit]

I ask my doc about it and he wont give me anything like it cause he says I have to much T in my system.He has never done any lab work,so how can he know I ask one day..he said moustach,chin hair..I dont need lab work.I think he is off his rocker.
Rock

No, he's probably right, Rock--when most people have PCOS their over-all T levels are normal, but there's too much free testosterone floating through their bloodstream. That's why PCOS masculinizes so many women.

[T D]

Interesting thread, I found it after reading the femme version, and glad I did.

I started perimenopause at about 40 and went through 5 years of HELL before it ended in the 6th year. I didn't have night sweats as much as I had flat out hot flashes where I thought I was for sure gonna explode. Then came the insomnia, which never has really corrected its self. I would wander all over the house looking for that one spot I could finally fall asleep. I slept in some pretty strange places, that's for sure. Thank goodness my partner during those years was a MD, so she totally "got it", and did everything possible to help me out. I also missed a lot of work due to sleep deprivation.

Prior to perimenopause I remember the mood swings, they were BAD. I was ready to quit my job nearly every month. I'd call my gay brother bitching and carrying on about my job, and he'd ask if it was that time of the month... and of course it was. This was a real regular thing for years.

Bleeding always messed with my head, it made me feel so weird. I use to think why is this happening, cause I didn't view myself as a woman, at least not inside. My outer appearance was for sure female, but what went on inside my head was not. It was a very uncomfortable experience for me for a LOT of years. So when it stopped at age 46 I was so relieved... it's been a nice peaceful 12 years in that category now :)

[T4Texas]

Five years ago I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I had a tumor the size of a baseball which had gone undetected. I had been bleeding like a stuck pig for months which was a heads up that I chose to ignore. I've had a hysterectomy which ended the bleeding, removed the cancer and luckily for me, had NO menopause or symptoms of it since. But my point to all is that if you are suffering from extensive bleeding or bleeding not normal for you, have it checked out. And if you must have a hysterectomy, make sure they take everything no matter what the doc tells you as they often leave the ovaries which are also susceptable to cancers.

Also as an aside, to the Nyquil users. I had a friend who's 19 year old daughter was ill with a cold and took a combo of Nyquil and Tylenol. She died in her sleep and the coroner stated it was the combo of the drugs that killed her. Now I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but you might use caution when combining a lot of over the counter meds , especially Nyquil.

Now as for the mood swings...I plan on having those the rest of my life. *laughs*

[BullDog]

I can't really think of anything to add from my personal experience at the moment, but I just wanted to say thank you for this conversation. There's a lot of great info being shared and this is a topic that butches don't often discuss, particularly in public. Thanks everyone.

[Toughy]

I sort of told this story in the femme blood thread.........

I had awful periods for years. Lots of bleeding and cramps. Doctor says nothing wrong.....lab work, xrays blah blah blah. It finally got to where I would bleed (and I mean bleed) for 10 or so days every 14 or so days. I got anemic from all the bleeding. The Gyn decided to do a mini D & C in his office. That worked for about 6 months.....what a relief.....normal periods, just awful cramps for a couple of days. HAHAHA the joke was on me. Started bleeding like a stuck pig again.....mini d & c again.....and again and again.......finally I stopped bleeding and had normal periods again with nasty cramps. That worked for a couple of years and then it started again.

I was not having that shit at all.........not again. I had moved and was a med tech in a small 50 bed hospital in the panhandle of texas. The old country doc who did all the surgeries agreed this was stupid and agreed to do a hysterectomy. He left my ovaries because they were fine and I was 30 years old (1982). I would have had to take estrogen because of my age.........to young for instant menopause without drugs.....too much risk for bone loss and osteoporosis.

So no bleeding for close to 30 years now.............YEAH!!!

Then perimenopause took hold of me about 10 years ago. I can steam up the car windows in 2 seconds flat. Hot flashes damn near every 5 minutes every day all day long. Come to find out they actually can treat hot flashes wihout using estrogen.......with antidepressants ..........particularly one called Effexor (venlafaxine).

And yes it does work, I only was having maybe 3 or 4 hot flashes a day vs 20-30. However, effexor is a bitch to stop taking. You have to slowly lower the dose to avoid what happens when you stop cold turkey. Electric shocks running through your body is no fun and that's just the worst problem coming off that drug. I forgot to take it for 2 days once and I thought I was being electrocuted every half hour or so. The added effect of my depression getting better was nice.....laughin....

I don't take effexor anymore and I have maybe one hot flash a week.

I always have had night sweats.....always since I was a kid. They didn't really get any worse. Anyone who has slept with me regularly describe it as sleeping in a steamy jungle.......laughin........even that is better now.

so that's my bleeding/menopause story..........

oh yeah......I tried all the natural remedies......black cohosh, evening primrose oil, blah blah blah.......they did nada.......nothing.......zip..........

[Rockinonahigh]

Bit
Thanks for the heads up on pcos,I thought about haveing the doc check that out but get the same anser.When I was a kid I was told by my family doc I had a mild case of hyperactivity prob,he sugested I take meds for it but they made me sleep a lot so I quit takeing it.I have over the years found ways to use this high energy prob of mine by staying in jobs that require me to be on the go alot both mentaly and physicaly.Now the catch is if im not in high gear over time all this energy gets built up and sort of frys my brain a bit...heck I get the fidgets siting in a chair for long.I am thinking this may be some of the reason for the mood swings.
Rockin

[TIMBERWOLF]

Yes I had a complete Hystro after my mom passed away in 96 with Ovarian CA and my test was coming right up with her's so my Dr said you want it out, and I said yes Sir I do. My periods were always 3 days from start to stop. I only had small cramps 2 days before. I never let anyone know I was having my monthly cycle as I used toilet paper and then pads when i was older.I was on HRT's for 6 yrs before I stopped it and I haven't had any hot flashes now for about 4 yrs. But I never had the soaking type, just the flush over the face. That I think im lucky. Now WT is 50 and still flowing(accept the months i throw her off LOL) I also am more forgiving with her PMS because I know (like I told her) I remember how my PMS was, I didn't care what anyone said they were wrong. So When she gets that way I think back to me and just try and do everything to keep her calm and i understand.
Plus, she doesn't want to have a Hystro, because she said it would mess with the plumbing and she likes things just the way they are.
Im sure she will pop in after a while. We are going to the movies right now..... Bye,
TIMBER

[Unndunn]

Menopause here, along with it comes hot flashes and night sweats, lack of sleep is also part of it. Sometimes I wake up soaked with sweat, other times it's mild. If I sleep a solid 3 hours without waking, I got a good nights rest. I've been this way for 3 years and have no idea when it will stop. A friend told me it could last 10 years. I have noticed more chin and neck hair since menopause walked in. This being the trade off for no longer having a period is well worth it. I take no medication or hormone replacement and never want to. I know if I stay away from caffeine and sugar some of my symptoms would go away. I have to have my coffee and I need, maybe want is a better word, my sweets. I'll take the bad with the good as long as I don't get grumpy. For those reading that can't wait for menopause to begin......all I have to say is, prepare yourself. What I wouldn't give for a good nights sleep.

I've got the night sweats, and have been hot continuously for about six months now but frigging aunt flo hasn't stopped showing up. She's just more erratic than she used to be. I would like to at least feel like there is some sort of trade off happening. Yeah, it's 25 degrees and I'm sleeping with the window open and still wake up covered in sweat. Could I please just get to the point where my cycle stops?!

disclaimer: I am aware that my symptoms can also be attributed to other conditions, but I am a healthcare professional and my doctor and I have done all of the tests to know that it is menopause-related and not something else.

[WolfyOne]

I've got the night sweats, and have been hot continuously for about six months now but frigging aunt flo hasn't stopped showing up. She's just more erratic than she used to be. I would like to at least feel like there is some sort of trade off happening. Yeah, it's 25 degrees and I'm sleeping with the window open and still wake up covered in sweat. Could I please just get to the point where my cycle stops?!

disclaimer: I am aware that my symptoms can also be attributed to other conditions, but I am a healthcare professional and my doctor and I have done all of the tests to know that it is menopause-related and not something else.

Unn, before I hit the point of menopause, I was in perimenopause for 10 years, no lie. I had the hot flashes and the period, but the night sweats didn't come until I hit menopause and the period stopped. I was amazed at how many women I've talked to over the years that went through the same thing. As menopause got closer, I noticed a change in how often I'd get my period and how long I'd flow. When it started showing up every two weeks for 6 weeks and then nothing for over a month, I thought I was in the home stretch. Wasn't so, this went on for over a year. Then one day it stopped. Didn't see it again for 6 months or so. Finally an end in sight or at least I thought . A year later and just one more time for a few days, mother nature once again struck. It was the last time it ever happened. What I'm trying to get at, is the process differs from person to person. I figured if I told my story and someone else is going the way I did, it might be helpful.

[Rockinonahigh]

Timber
WT is right cause I know for a fact a hysto can screw up the plumbing big time,cause I use to be horney as hell but over the years I havent had the drive I did befor nor the responses I wish I had.Now I have to admit I havent been in the dateing pool for a while so that could be some of the problem.
Rockin

[Darth Denkay]

Hey Dapper,

You are right in that I won't be able to get one without a bit of foot work. I know one person who claimed a family history of ovarian cancer and that was all it took. I'm not sure that I want to go that route. I'm going to see my PCP next month and toss it out to her, see if she has any thoughts. I'll let you know if anything comes of it.

[/COLOR][/COLOR]
Hey, Kayden, I think that since you are not having any current difficulties, the hysto would fall under comestic, subsequently; insurance won't pay for it (I considered it myself!)

Ditto.

[DapperButch]

Hey Dapper,

You are right in that I won't be able to get one without a bit of foot work. I know one person who claimed a family history of ovarian cancer and that was all it took. I'm not sure that I want to go that route. I'm going to see my PCP next month and toss it out to her, see if she has any thoughts. I'll let you know if anything comes of it.

Good luck, Kayden. I hope things work out for you if that is what you decide to do.

[WolfyOne]

Bumping this thread because I think it's important.

[Jett]

I sort of told this story in the femme blood thread.........

I had awful periods for years. Lots of bleeding and cramps. Doctor says nothing wrong.....lab work, xrays blah blah blah. It finally got to where I would bleed (and I mean bleed) for 10 or so days every 14 or so days. I got anemic from all the bleeding. The Gyn decided to do a mini D & C in his office. That worked for about 6 months.....what a relief.....normal periods, just awful cramps for a couple of days. HAHAHA the joke was on me. Started bleeding like a stuck pig again.....mini d & c again.....and again and again.......finally I stopped bleeding and had normal periods again with nasty cramps. That worked for a couple of years and then it started again.

I was not having that shit at all.........not again. I had moved and was a med tech in a small 50 bed hospital in the panhandle of texas. The old country doc who did all the surgeries agreed this was stupid and agreed to do a hysterectomy. He left my ovaries because they were fine and I was 30 years old (1982). I would have had to take estrogen because of my age.........to young for instant menopause without drugs.....too much risk for bone loss and osteoporosis.

So no bleeding for close to 30 years now.............YEAH!!!

Then perimenopause took hold of me about 10 years ago. I can steam up the car windows in 2 seconds flat. Hot flashes damn near every 5 minutes every day all day long. Come to find out they actually can treat hot flashes wihout using estrogen.......with antidepressants ..........particularly one called Effexor (venlafaxine).

And yes it does work, I only was having maybe 3 or 4 hot flashes a day vs 20-30. However, effexor is a bitch to stop taking. You have to slowly lower the dose to avoid what happens when you stop cold turkey. Electric shocks running through your body is no fun and that's just the worst problem coming off that drug. I forgot to take it for 2 days once and I thought I was being electrocuted every half hour or so. The added effect of my depression getting better was nice.....laughin....

I don't take effexor anymore and I have maybe one hot flash a week.

I always have had night sweats.....always since I was a kid. They didn't really get any worse. Anyone who has slept with me regularly describe it as sleeping in a steamy jungle.......laughin........even that is better now.

so that's my bleeding/menopause story..........

oh yeah......I tried all the natural remedies......black cohosh, evening primrose oil, blah blah blah.......they did nada.......nothing.......zip..........

Cripes Toughy... I got curious and looked up the effexor withdrawal symptoms and just about shit, I think I'd have rather have hot flashes.

http://depression.about.com/cs/venlafaxine/a/brainshivers.htm

Brains shivers?!

Anyway, right, with the alternatives (Black Cohosh, Phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) Vitamin E, etc.) like with any med (or alternative medicine) what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. But Black Cohosh did work perfectly for a friend of mine. Another alternative idea I might be to avoid hot flash triggers... like alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods etc. If all else fails... they will get better and eventually go away on their own.

(also just a general heads up... osteoporosis is preventable even with early menopause when you get ones daily needs met of calcium, vitamin D and regularly do weight bearing exercises (and get regular bone density tests to make sure one's doing right))

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/DS00128/DSECTION=prevention

[Just_G]

I had horrible cramps and bleeding for years. The whole monthly thing was horrible for me...when PMS would start, I would get all depressed, knowing what came next. So I was depressed for almost 3 weeks out of the month, and then my dr. decided that to "help" the cramps, she would put me on the pill. Another blow to my state of mind. I finally went to a women's clinic where a friend worked, she told me which dr to talk to. I told him all my symptoms, he said we could burn this, scrape that, and go from there. I asked him if a hysto was a possiblity. I told him of my depression every month over having to deal with the female stuff, and said, "look at me, do I LOOK like I am going to have kids?" He kinda laughed with me and told me if that is what I wanted to do, he would do it.
Most people say that you have to have a reason, but I basically pleaded with this guy to do a hysto and he did. Part of the deal was because I was so young, 36, I had to keep my ovaries. I have recently started having hot flashes and night sweats, but my mom told me she went through menopause at 39. I will take the hot flashes and night sweats over the cramps and bleeding any day!!

Since the hysto, life has been grand for me. My mental state has changed dramatically and my family will attest to that. I always felt like I was born in the wrong body and it wasnt' fair that I had to deal with all that female stuff.

[Jeep]

Ugh! The cramps! Nothing I hate more.. I have discovered some over-the-counter meds that can help, but I have to take them every 4 hours or else.
I was on birth control of some sort, but it gave me acne. I am too vain for that shit.
As for buying tampons.. Thank God for the self-checkout lanes they have now.
I'm only 21, so I have many years of this bullshit to look forward to. . Oh joy.

[Galahad]

When I still had periods I had terrible cramps. Agony. Someone told me to get quinine tablets. They are over the counter at the drug store. I had to ask for them, but did not need a prescription. They saved me.

[AtLast]

So happy to see this thread! Post- menopausal ten years, now, but share so much of what is being discussed (always had severe periods). Overall, perimenopause was terrible and I ended up anemic from bleeding during my periods and finally got to the point of having 4 D&C's. Then, a uterine cauterization. Within 3 months, I stopped having periods. But had headaches and hot flashes for a couple of years. Never had to go on hormone tx, (did not want to due to breast cancer history). Soy helped me alot with hot flashes, but caused inflammation that caused problems with RA and poly-osteoarthritis. Got to be what is the lesser of the 3 evils?

So glad some are posting about anti-depressants. So many of us are put on them during menopause and they can actually cause more symptoms. Interesting.. a new study is out about the efficacy of SSRI's in general. Of course, more studies are neded, but with the onslaught of newer adjunctive anti-depressant medications, it does make me wonder.

[Kimbo]

I watched a show on PBS with Dr Christiane Northrup and thought it was a really great show. I wrote notes down and can't read my own damn writing to decipher them. Here is alink (http://www.drnorthrup.com/womenshealth/lifecycles/index.php?expanded_categories=&expanded_subcategories=20%2C19&expanded_topic=&func=&mode=1)to her site. She has quite a few books out on peri/menopause. Some of her recommendations are to add magnesium and fish oil to your vitamin regimen. She suggests that fish oil will cut hot flashes by 44%. I will be adding it to my vitamin pool. She also suggests taking 1000 iud of Vitamin D a day. (I've only been taking 600) She suggests that Vitamin D reduces the risk of breast cancer by 50%. She also said that we should be eating 6 large carrots a week. I wished I would of written down why.. She also recommends a diet high in soy, flax and hemp. I would gladly take fish oil to lessen the hot flashes than some of the alternatives.

She also mentioned that type A people have a harder time with meno because the the progestin deficiency, estrogen dominance, and already high adrenal levels cause adrenal exhaustion or what she called a "storm".

She commented that peri/meno often brings back sexual abuse experiences and PTSD. I knew quite a few of these things but I thought some were good to put out there.

An update on me:
I cannot take HRT due to past health issues--absolutely NO is what my Dr has said. My Dr diagnosed me with a hormonal induced dementia last year. I've been taking the Vitamin supplement called Menersa for over 6 months now. I have a vitamin regime with D, Calcium, Omegas, and I am going to add fish oil, magnesium and vitamin b12 to the mesh soon.

I've been doing much better but it has been a rough beginning of this transition. The Menersa has worked well for me and has helped many of the symptoms...night sweats are still a struggle My mind and thought processes are getting way better and definitely much clearer. I overall feel a hell of a lot better than I did 10 months ago. I have to give the vitamins and supplements a thumbs up.

[Tommi]

Five years ago I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I had a tumor the size of a baseball which had gone undetected. I had been bleeding like a stuck pig for months which was a heads up that I chose to ignore. I've had a hysterectomy which ended the bleeding, removed the cancer and luckily for me, had NO menopause or symptoms of it since. But my point to all is that if you are suffering from extensive bleeding or bleeding not normal for you, have it checked out. And if you must have a hysterectomy, make sure they take everything no matter what the doc tells you as they often leave the ovaries which are also susceptable to cancers.

Also as an aside, to the Nyquil users. I had a friend who's 19 year old daughter was ill with a cold and took a combo of Nyquil and Tylenol. She died in her sleep and the coroner stated it was the combo of the drugs that killed her. Now I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but you might use caution when combining a lot of over the counter meds , especially Nyquil.

Now as for the mood swings...I plan on having those the rest of my life. *laughs*

Even in my teen years, I really never had any problems with that kind of stuff...I had a period for an hour , maybe 8 times a year...I have always been an insomniac though, which can create nasty mood swings due to sleep deprivation.
Then T4Texas, 6 years ago this May I hit that same wall you did. Instantaneous total radical hysterectomy, and 16 lymph nodes removed due to Stage 1B cancer.

I have never had a heavy period, hot flashes or any of the mood swings. Just one day after about 5 years of nothing I had a whoops and wondered why I would be starting to have a period again. First sign of CA for me. A month later, jabbing pain, surgery followed.

After that I rode a bull named Fu Man Chu.. Actually, I took a Caribbean cruise, went parasailing, bought two motorcycles, rode in Gay pride parades from San Francisco to San Diego, speed dated some beautiful women, then met the One that trips my trigger.

[MainelyButch]

wow, what an incredible amount of great information. I now realize that I am NOT truly going crazy, it's just menopause! I've been so "not myself" for a couple of years now, doing crazy stuff, and having mood swings that drive me and everyone around me nuts. I tend to be quiet about my emotions anyway, but I became very depressed and ended up on anti-D's because it got so bad. Thanks to everyone for the honest sharing here, it's been great to hear of other's experiences.

[Andrew, Jr.]

I had a complete hysto. about 2-3 years ago. It was fabulous ever-since then. But I had to beg, and I mean beg for help. I went to see 10 ob/gyn's for help. I was bleeding 3 weeks out of the month, and passing fibroids the size of lasagna pans. The front seat of my car looked like someone bleed to death in it. When I finally got my last appt. with a female ob/gyn I made her leave her office to see my front seat. Then I opened up my cooler, and I made her process all the tupperware of fibroids I had stored up for her. When she got the previous doctors notes - there was not one word written down about my complaints. Not one. She showed me the notes. Unbelieveable mfer's.

I saw her on a Wed. that Friday I had a D&C, and Hysteroscopy and Labroscopy. She came out and told Rosie and my adopted sister that I was having a total hystero. on Monday morning. When I woke up, the doctor told me the news. I could have kissed her right then and there but I could barely feel my ass on the stretcher or the IV's in my arm.

That Monday, my surgery was to take only an hour and a half long. It ended up being 8 hours +/-. There were 2 tumors growing down my leg that made it hard for me to walk, and to get up from a sitting position. All the doctors I saw just told me that I was fat, and to loose weight. When my surgeon saw these tumors, she called for an oncologist. He came in and went to work. The tumors had been feeding off of the blood vessels (the size of my thumb). The tumors had wrapped themselves around my bladder and moved my bladder from what it originally was. One tumor was 5 pounds, and the 2nd tumor was 2.5 pounds.

Since having the surgery, I have had not one hot flash. Nothing. No pain, no nothing. It has been a godsend. All I can say is this...if something feels off or not right, find a doctor who will listen to you. Remember they are a dime a dozen in today's economy.

Andrew

[leatherfaery]

I started to make sure several years ago that I kept up on getting regular exams after I had pre cancerous cells detected and then removed. I use to notice when I was younger that when I bled I would feel better, more vitalized and generally glowing. My skin always looked better. What I did not know at that time was that I had a genetic blood disorder called hemochromatosis and the reason I was feeling better was that getting rid of blood was a natural purge of the iron overload in my body and is the only treatment. I have to have phlebotomy twice a year now and meet regularly with a hematologist. Once my butch bleeding started to change due to peri -menopause and I stopped having regular bleeds I started to get sick. I never had to deal with cramping only headaches when I would bleed. It got really bad when the bleeding changed and I was getting sick with headaches and fatigue and finally I was diagnosed with hemochromatosis. With this diagnosis it goes hand in hand with what has been going on for me now with my body. I bleed sporadically. I have had huge clots and bleed for a day super heavy and then nada. I was recently diagnosed with fibroids and am also having another issue that causes a lot of emotional grief and is an annoyance. At this point I would like some normalcy and have my body behave again like it use to. One can dream. It is interesting to see this all on paper and read everyone’s experiences. Thank you again for the thread and for everyone’s share.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Leatherfaery,

I have the opposite of you. I am anemic. To this day, I am still taking iron pills for the deficiency. I also had stage 1 cervical cancer. So, I lost my cervic when I had my hystero. To me, it was one more thing to get rid of that made me more female bodied. The surgery made me more "me" if that makes sense.

[leatherfaery]

Andrew,
It totally made sense.

LF

[Kimbo]

leatherfaery, I had a lot of problems in my 30's, when fibroids finally hit they offered surgery. One of the things that I experienced prior to surgery was a very high level of fatigue. Once I had the surgery I felt soooo much better.

[leatherfaery]

One thing I was thinking about when I was typing was that I am much more sensitive to how I am treated by my health care workers. I am more aware of them being dismissive more often than not and I have to really be super assertive to the point of aggressive. One example was recently when I went to see a obgyn specialist the nurse in her screening asked me if I was referred for a “personal problem”. I wanted to ask her if she thought I looked under 12 because she was talking to me like a small child. Then meeting with the nurse practitioner I wasn’t very pleased with my interaction with her either. Then of course my mind goes to size and looks. I am a big butch in the room with the pictures of the birth canal slapped on the wall. I was feeling out of my element and that feeling was intensified by the staff comments. Is this a separate conversation or does it belong here in the butch blood thread?

[Kimbo]

One thing I was thinking about when I was typing was that I am much more sensitive to how I am treated by my health care workers. I am more aware of them being dismissive more often than not and I have to really be super assertive to the point of aggressive. One example was recently when I went to see a obgyn specialist the nurse in her screening asked me if I was referred for a “personal problem”. I wanted to ask her if she thought I looked under 12 because she was talking to me like a small child. Then meeting with the nurse practitioner I wasn’t very pleased with my interaction with her either. Then of course my mind goes to size and looks. I am a big butch in the room with the pictures of the birth canal slapped on the wall. I was feeling out of my element and that feeling was intensified by the staff comments. Is this a separate conversation or does it belong here in the butch blood thread?

I had a huge panic attack having a pelvic ultrasound, it is the only time I've had a panic attack like that...the woman who did the test should not have been in the career she was in. her She obviously had issues with my being butch/gay and her treatment brought up a bad flashback. It was a horrific experience for me.

I am not sure what your healthcare options are but I am sure in SD there are some Dr's who you might find more compatible. I was fortunate that my Dr was MtF. She is a great Dr and made me feel at ease. I live in a very diverse community so it is rather easy to find a pool of Drs. I have also learned that for some tests I tell them of my experience and asked for technicians that can deal with me without contempt. Some of the routine tests that female bodied people have to go thru, urgh...it's just not pleasant.

[Incubus]

*Falls gratefully onto this thread* Yay! finally somewhere I can talk about what's happening to me right now with folks who'll understand. (I will go back and read the whole thread when I've posted this)

Menopause or more properly perimenopause has been bubbling under for some time with a disturbed and heavier cycle but I've been hit hard in this last month by a whole slew of stuff. Hot flushes every 5 minutes seemingly, night sweats (more like drenches), insomnia, extra irritablity (my girl didn't know that was even possible!)...I just don't feel like me anymore, infact I feel like I'm going just a tad (more) crazy.

A friend recommended a Menopause magnet http://www.ladycare-uk.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=28 which I've bought and am using (too soon for any feedback on efficacy) and I've started taking soya isoflavones. I will be adding fish oils, magnesium and vit D when I get out to the shop later today.

I had a melt down last night after researching this whole thing because I just don't want it to happen waaaaaaaah! :badmood::watereyes::crybaby:

It's all just so intensely female and it's freaking me out a little bit right now.

[Converse]

Ok here’s an admission- I have only ever been to a doctor 3 times in my life as an adult:
First time, because I started to feint and forget things like- does red at a traffic light mean go or stop, and how do I make a cup of coffee…. I went in they told me I had MS, and then no, oops that was a mistake they had mixed my test results up with someone else’s, and decided what I had was stress related and sent me on a relaxation course to learn to “ohm”;
Next, because of a bacterial infection that I caught while travelling in Asia- that I thought was going to be the end of me;
And then finally, for a physical for legal reasons.

So to say that I avoid the health care system is a bit of an understatement. If I’ve ever been really sick- pneumonia etc, I have always gone to Chinese herbalists, acupuncturist etc. where conversation has always been limited to me describing symptoms.

So now in my mid to late forties, I have to say that my knowledge of basic anatomy is completely lacking. I left home at an early age and really never spent much time in the same country as family, so was never really around relatives, much less female relatives.

Of course I have been surrounded by many women throughout my life but I definitely present as a hard-core stone Butch- even more so in my youth, so I guess no one ever considered having discussions with me about “women’s issues”- The only “physical” education I received was during my mentoring stage as a babyButch, and although it was pretty extensive, particularly from the older Femmes that I was “assigned” to,- where everything was, what it did, what it was connected to etc, it was all about sexual pleasure/experience, with some information about being aware about sensitivities, body changes during menstruation- but always how it related to “her”- as a Butch there was never any association, conversation that said “you might feel this way…”

So for me- this is such an important conversation. Honestly, I wouldn’t have read the thread if it wasn’t a discussion among Butches – I have been experiencing some changes to my cycle recently, and it suddenly occurred to me- “menopause! I wonder what that is going to mean…” so thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread.

[Ebon]

Yeah I bleed like a stuck pig for a couple of days then it slows down thank goodness! I find that if I eat bananas it helps a bit with the cramps. I don't take medicine I prefer to deal with the pain for two days out of the month.

[AtLast]

Yeah I bleed like a stuck pig for a couple of days then it slows down thank goodness! I find that if I eat bananas it helps a bit with the cramps. I don't take medicine I prefer to deal with the pain for two days out of the month.

Yanno... menopause has its glee!! Now that the hot flashes and headaches are gone.

Sucks! I hear ya.... wish it had been a couple of days, not 7-10. Never knew about bananas.

[Incubus]

So for me- this is such an important conversation. Honestly, I wouldn’t have read the thread if it wasn’t a discussion among Butches – I have been experiencing some changes to my cycle recently, and it suddenly occurred to me- “menopause! I wonder what that is going to mean…” so thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread.

I can only echo this...thank-you for saying it better than I ever could Converse. Sadly I've been unable to avoid health professionals throughout my life being one of those 'sickly kids' ...I think what helped along the way is that my Ma was a health care professional and taught me a very prosaic attitude to bodies and health (male and female health - she was a STD nurse specialist)