Posted: 12/5/2006 1:56:37 PM EDT
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I am 43 and in the past few months, well, more like the last year, I find myself becoming more edgy and stressed out over things that never bothered me before. I know this doesn't have anything to do with shooting, well, I guess if I snap it could... My question is...does anyone know of a natural herb or suppliment I could try to take the edge off this attitude I find myself losing control of? This is a serious question. Sometimes I feel like my head will explode if I don't make myself stop and count to 10, or something. There are a lot of frustrating things going on in my life, and although I've overcame a lot of them, I feel like I'm on the edge of a very high cliff right now.  I know the best advice is go see a doctor, but I let my health insurance go because of the cost, and wondered if there was something out there to try before I shell out a bunch of money and time seeing a bunch of doctors telling me to take a multi-vitamin. Am I to young for menopause?? |
| You can dismiss this as total bullshit if you like, but I know it to be true; at least in my circumstance. Avoid food and drink containing Aspartame aka Nutrasweet artificial sweetener. This stuff damn near sent me over the edge. It makes me extremely nervous, anxious, quick to anger. Some people have no problems with it at all, but I also know several like myself who do. |
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DV...I just did a google on Natural Calm and the symptoms it addresses is JUST what I'm feeling!!!!! I can't believe it!!! I have arthritis in my neck, and I don't sleep well at all!! I'm going to go get some of this NOW!!!!!! I have a very high sugar intake Big C, and caffeine too. I know that doesn't help at all, and I can see changing my diet helping a lot!! I always have pain due to my disability. Walking around on your knees all your life is bound to have some adverse effects after a while. LOL My back is trashed, my hips will be shot in 10-15 years I'm sure, and I think I have vertigo....I need to google that to see what THAT really is. I am not a hypochondriac, I hate feeling bad or being sick. I just think it's time to try something to get a little relief. Thank you both!!!!!! |
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rather than take someTHING, id suggest taking some TIME for yourself we all underestimate the importance of daily self-care--time to do what YOU like, without interruptions--this will recharge your batteries, so to speak, and you will feel refreshed lots of suggestions, but its whats right for you--warm bath, hot shower, reading, gardening, exercise, journaling, etc...... |
That is so true!!!! In my current living situation, it's hard for me to have that time to myself. My hubby works 3rd shift, so he sleeps during the day. We live in a tiny one bedroom apartment. Any noise I make sounds like the SWAT team is at the door, so I've let a lot of things go that are really starting to get to me.  It's gotten so bad I just don't want to do ANYthing anymore. Now, I'm not trying to sound like I'm blaming him, but I've been living this way for 5 years and I think it's really starting to take it's toll on my health. Along with the disability comes the stress of everything being a little harder for me. I think I'm a mentally strong person, and I'm trying to keep the pyhisical issues I have seperate from the emotional issues. I don't know....it just dawned on me that I kinda feel a little better just getting that off my chest. Maybe I just needed to vent a little. I still want to try the Natural Calm though. I've never been a good sleeper and I do think I'm not getting the rest I need. Thank you all for listening.
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You are most welcome.  Have a Merry Christmas!
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btdt--have had similar experiences can i make some more suggestions? get a little fan or a "white noise" machine for the bedroom--it may take some time for him to get used to the noise on his end, but it will free you up to be able to do some things at home and not live on pins and needles--it would amaze you how much noise a fan can make--i used it when i was working thirds so i didnt hear my roomie and again when we had some noisy neighbors if just venting here has been helpful, you may find journaling or blogging may be helpful too--there are a jillion free blogging sites what other "quiet" things do you like to do?? reading, needlework, drawing, scrapbooking...? |
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I have a myspace page that I've posted a grand total of two blogs on, both of them on my hunts. I'm afraid all my interesting activities include noise. Shooting crossbows...and my AR15. Not that I can do that stuff in the house!! I'm just frustrated that I can't vacuum the living room, or do dishes while he sleeps. The bathroom is in the bedroom, so I can't clean in there while he's sleeping. If I want to do any of that stuff, I have to do it while he's gone, and I work a 4/10 shift!!! We have the same days off, so I can't do it then either!!!! I'm trying to find us another place. After 5 years he has finally agreed that I just might be right in moving. OK gals...I'll lay it all on the table here. Hubby is an alcoholic and THAT is the reason for my distress. I've known it for years and I've threatened divorce more than once. I just feel pretty stuck where I am right now, and of course I don't have any friends here. That's what I meant earlier about keeping the physical issues separate from the emotional issues. I know all about how his problem directly effects me. I was an Alateens at 12. I know what I should do, but again...I moved 1000 miles from home for him, and I'm getting pretty fed up with no improvements from him. I know, I was stupid to expect that. I turned to the internet for friendship, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you all the bs THAT has brought about. Now we are both hundreds of miles from family and friends and I need something to change for the good, and QUICK!!! I just resent that it all falls on my shoulders to make things happen, only for him to finally dangle that carrot of agreement in front of me, just to pacify me. I am angry, and I know why, I just gotta figure out the best way for ME to fix it. Thanks again for letting me vent.
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Sorry I would have been long gone. Having alcoholic parent I can tell you if they don't want help they aren't going to get it. My mother too this day will tell you she doesn't have a drinking problem. She's also one of the meanest drunks you could run across. I moved away from my family because of their drinking and haven't looked back. All I can say is I wish you luck, but you need to look out for yourself, and what makes you happy. |
Catsclaw, my doctor has told me that lovely menopause thing we get to go through could last up to 20 years.  So yes, this could be your bodies gradual way of dealing with it. I would recommend beefing up in Flaxseed oil, cutting back on caffiene, taking vitamin e and B6.Patty |
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You are the right age for 'peri-menopause' -- the body adjusting itself, and the process can take a few years. Better than 'adding' something to your diet, there is more to be gained by eleminating things like caffeine, sugar and junk foods. I looked up the Natural Calm and it is magnesium citrate. Yes, having 'enough' magnesium is critical to the nervous system's wellbeing, but adding 'more than enough' will not have additional benefit. You can get the magnesium you need from a generic calcium / magnesium supplement -- and the calcium is something we need as well -- and get both together cheaper than just the name brand. St John's Wort is one of the few herbal supplements that may be helpful. I used to work part time in a health food store and quickly realised that 90+% of the stuff is just worthless gimmicks and hype. I did my own research instead of just reading what the sellers say about their products. My heart is with you dealing with the family situation. That is a devastating sort of challenge. I don't know of many families which do not have something like that somewhere. I lost an uncle to alcholism and suicide. Have you considered attending Al-Anon? I have, and it may be just the thing that could give you both emotional/ spiritual support and a ready-made group of new friends. Feel free to PM me if you just want to talk. I'm just a bit older than you (48) and have been through the menopause, as well as dealing with depression (drug free )
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20 years..  Good God I hope not.
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Seriously menopause was an utter piece of cake compared to all the discomfort and mess of having periods -- for me at least. NO hormones, no shots, n-o-t-h-i-n-g except sheer relief (and a few extra pounds  )Anyway, menopause is nothing to fear, and in many ways something to look forward to -- No More Cramps! |
I'm personally looking forward to it.  Periods suck. And since I'm "fixed" it's really just an inconvenient shedding of superflous tissue and not the welcome relief after a month of hijinks that it used to be... |
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I am also looking forward to it, but I don't want to go through it for 20 years. I joked with my doctor that there should be an off button when we are done having kids. I'll be glad to not have my period every month, and maybe the migraines will leave then also that I get in the same time period. I'm hopeful anyways.
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Thank you all for your expert advice and sinciere concern for me. I think I have two things going on that are crashing into each other. My moodiness and his drinking. I've let it go on for so long now, that it was just easy to blame him. I know thats how his alcoholism is effecting me. So all I can do now is get myself healthier to deal with whatever the future holds. I sorta have this feeling I'm only good for 10 years in a relationship. LOL I've been with him for 11. I do take my marriage vows to heart, so I don't want to divorce him just because I feel like I'm not getting my way, but I do wish I could see some effort in him. I do need to see where the local Alanon meetings are for sure!!!! Thank you all again, and I'll check into the St. Johns Wort!!! And the vitamins!!! Stacey P.S. If menopause lasts 20 years, I'm NOT doing it!!!!!!
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Yep, worked for me with post partum, takes a while to get into your system, but it works. Also cutting out sugar, caffeine and alcohol helps a lot. I was having a really stressful time about this time last year and a friend suggested Relacore. Don't laugh, because I know... it's on TV - I laughed when she said it, I mean, how good can it be right? Forget the miracle weight loss thing... it really does work at the reducing stress thing. It wasn't a placebo effect in me, I took it fully expecting it to be crap. If I remember correctly, it's mainly high-dose vit C and mega B vitamins (and other stuff, google it), which would help in your case as supplements anyway. Honestly, it worked, my mood improved a 100% and $20 a month is waaaay less than doctors bills. Oh, and I think they make a PM one now too, so your last dose would help with insomnia. It worked quite quickly too... Says on the box three months for weight loss, but the stress reduction was almost right away (forget the weight loss, I didn't lose any, wasn't trying, just feeling less stressed was so cool). Anyway, just a thought... watch everyone laugh at me now, that should make you smile at least. I'm here to please. I know it's your situation that's stressful, and you know... if your other half won't help himself, the only thing that's left is for you to help yourself. Trust me when I say that we only get this one chance at life, we have to make it worth something. I think that once you find a way to deal with the stress you're experiencing, you'll start to see an easier way forward with everything else. Being under extreme stress can often paralyse us, if that makes any sense, meaning that we can't ever seem to get up the power to fix things. BTDT. I hope you can get out from under this, you have all the support you need right here to try and make a start and if this old survivor can help you in any way, please feel free to IM me. Good luck to you! |
My mother started menopause before her 40th birthday. |
One of my sister in laws did too at 40. I'm 46 and would like it t be over with. 
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I'm dreading it. My mother was a psycho - or maybe that's just how she is... I started having problems since earlier this year, am thinking thanks mother.  Menopause, the gift that keeps on giving. |
I've started at age 38. Irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats. Fun Fun Fun. I keep them at a minimum with Vitamins. My doctor says it can go on for 20 years but on average its about 10. We'll see. I can't take hormones so I'm stuck. Patty |
I was trying to blame chemo for my female issues. Then I remembered my mother (Freud would probably have something to say 'bout that). I'm not sure about HRT for me either, they're throwing around the idea of Tamoxifen for me next... I didn't realise they used it for the brain too... so that will start menopause regardless. YAAAAY!! I can't wait to get back on my supplements. |
OK!!! I finally made it to the drug store!!!! I was going to the health food store for the Natural Calm, but as usual, I can drive past a business down here for 5 years and it's always packed full of people until I decide to stop!!! They moved the store!!!! Anyway, I talked to the pharmacist and she suggested the fish oil...got the family size bottle, and she said instead of the Natural Calm, she had me look at Natrol 5-HTP. This stuff helps with the balance of serotonin. It's a mood enhancer. They are 100 mg caps, so I got the month supply. I'll take both for the month and see if I (or hubby) sees any change in me. His opinion will probably be totally opposite from mine I'm sure.  Thank you all for your input with my crisis. Thanks Bonnie and Tricia for contacting me off this thread. Tricia, I will reply to you soon. Only two weeks to go and my job insanity should be just a bad memory, I hope!!
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