Menopause Solutions at Work

35 Comments

1. IntentionGirl886762February 4,2024 at 4:21PM UTC

   I also have these issues. One of the best things I have found for sleep is ice packs. I put them in ziplock bags then into a pillowcase. I place them anywhere from below the breasts and above the hips. I also do vagus nerve deep breathing when I first lay down in bed. There are lots if you tube posts on this. I also buy the cheapest night clothes I can, just so they are super thin. If it's the noise from your teenager, maybe having a conversation about needing to have quiet time after a certain time. I'm sure she has ear buds she can use. Remind her part if being a grown-up is being respectful of other peoples needs and compromise. I hope you find good sleep soon.

2. misskelleypFebruary 4,2024 at 6:33PM UTC

   Soma makes really great, thin, wicking fabric pajamas and nightshirts, that I have found to be very helpful.

3. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 5:01PM UTC

   HRT. Bioindentical hormones, not synthetic.

4. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 4:31AM UTC

   Wild yam cream was my life saver.

5. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 5:01PM UTC

   I started HRT and honestly it was a life saver. I pretty quickly felt like myself again. It may not just be HRT but your thyroid plays a big part too. Find a great doc who covers women’s health, doesn’t just check the box and you’ll be in good hands.

6. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 5:15PM UTC

   Honestly, the healthier you eat, meaning less sugar, and eating more berries and fiber and such, will help heal the brain fog. If you can find a way to get to bed earlier, than that will work wonders. Perhaps, ask the teenager for a little cooperation on helping with what you need at home. - If you can't find a healthy balance, then perhaps working less hours for your health's sake might be the answer. - Part of leadership role is sometimes to delegate more.

7. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 8:22PM UTC

   The comment about sugar seems to hold true for me as well.
   I started noticing the hot flashes triggered more often and quickly if I had just eaten or drank something sweet or with a lot of sugar. Cut back on sugar, carbs other than the natural sugars .. it may lesson the hot flashes, at least it worked for me. :-)

8. Heather MattissonFebruary 4,2024 at 5:15PM UTC

   First of all, I am so glad that you asked this question. It helps to normalize this conversation for women, and the next generation. Second, the solutions for me were easy. I had the same symptoms, and my ob/gyn put me on birth control to regulate my hormones. The sheets and such never worked for me. Second, if that doesn't work for you, my friends are all on hormone replacement, and that works very well for them. See what works for you. But, what you're going through, I could not tolerate or stand, and keep in mind I don't even have kids. If possible, get to your ob/gyn as soon as possible, and please remember that birth control is available at no cost to you due to the current health care regulations.

9. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 5:21PM UTC

   I never tried HRT because I was afraid. In my 30s, I was having migraines and dizzy spells (aka "vascular" episodes), eventually attributed to birth control pills, so later in life, hormone therapy would put me at a much higher risk for stroke. I would suggest you discuss this with your doctor(s) to get their best suggestions for your health profile and family history. I have a family history of stroke, so it could have been a case of the "cure" being worse than the "disease."

10. Lynn MorrisFebruary 4,2024 at 5:44PM UTC

    I was actually on Paxil for anxiety at the time. Honestly? I breezed through and didn't realize why until l later learned Paxil is sometimes prescribed for menopause symptoms. I slept well, had hot flashes few and far between that lasted a nano second. I did not feel a bit different going through menopause then I normally do.

11. misskelleypFebruary 4,2024 at 6:31PM UTC

    I hope you realize how lucky you were....

12. misskelleypFebruary 4,2024 at 6:33PM UTC

    Don't forget to give your EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) a call if you have one - most likely you do. They have a ton of resources and are completely confidential.

13. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 4:12AM UTC

    EAP is a great resource.

    Also speak with your doctor about your options. There are some very good ones available.

    Make sure your bedroom is cold with plenty of air flow. Get some exercise during the day in the sunshine for your vitamin D. I takes a walk at lunch with headphones playing music, podcasts, walking meditations etc. I actively sought to work in exercise for my brain. I also kept a small quiet fan on my desk and a sweater in my chair to help with the temperature swings.

    Make sure to eat plenty of protein to keep yourself alert and satiated. Supplements help too. This too was critical because it's not just hormones that get out of wack. Fsrmers market food shopping and prepping on Sunday with the kids was our time to be creative and together and helped organize our week together. I really loved that time. They still mention it as magical (they are grown and married now).

    Finally I get some meditation in when I first rise when the house is quiet. On the nights the kids are with Dad have rituals established to recharge. Include plenty of self-care.

    This was just me but, I found that having my house cleaned by a service and my groceries delivered helped me immensely. I wanted to be free for my kids and these things helped add some fun time back into my schedule. Girls night out also helped my mindset and just grounded me.

    The goal is to strategically find things that keep you in balance. I actually bought a selfcare journal that helped me create a personal program and a schedule to keep me mindful of the importance of taking care of myself. Rest, exercise and nutrition help, as do selfcare and give yourself grace. Recognize that this is not easy, nor fun but can be done with some thoughtful rituals and kindness to yourself.

    Christina Northrup wrote a number of books that helped me as does her podcast.

14. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 1:01PM UTC

    For medical concerns it's always best to go to the medical experts.

15. Katie LandiFebruary 5,2024 at 1:38PM UTC

    I would seek a dr and ask all these questions, if you don't find it move on to someone else.Seek online resources and go in with questions to determine what is right for you - you don't have to suffer.

16. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 1:49PM UTC

    See your doctor.
    Tell them what is going on and talk about vitamins that could help or if anxiety is an issue they can help with that. I feel for you, not sleeping is the worst.

    I get hot flashes too, so I keep a second set of deodorant, hair spray and a quick fix me up kit in my desk drawer (face powder, lipstick and mascara) in case you need a spruce up.

17. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 2:16PM UTC

    See your doctor. Perimenopause is a real thing. HRT can be a great solution; don't let people knock it. This isn't something you have to get through on your own.

    My estrogen levels were so thrown off when I entered perimenopause it was causing mental health issues for me (anxiety and depression) and effecting my work. A little patch made me feel like myself again.

    Good luck, see a doctor, you got this!

18. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 4:14PM UTC

    I am 42, I've googled it and gotten several different answers but I am seriously beginning to believe I am perimenopausal. How can I approach this with my doctor? I have some other issues happening that may or may not be linked, and I do not want to go to 5 apts (that cost too much) so I'd like to just speak with them 1 time if possible to get a resolution or feel confident I'm just perimenopausal.

19. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 6:55PM UTC

    There is an estrogen blood test that can be done at your PCP or gyno that will give them an indication of where you are on the menopausal spectrum. I'm 47 and have been on HRT for a year with nothing but glowing results. Be wary of supplements & vitamins. There aren't solid peer-reviewed studies with them and they can exacerbate or create symptoms themselves.

20. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

    Thank you, I will be seeing the doctor today!! I appreciate your response, and I will be asking for this test!

21. Stephanie ConnellyFebruary 5,2024 at 2:20PM UTC

    To be honest I have had the same problem. I have been taking Mighty Maca Plus from The Girlfriend Dr since September and it has toned down all of my perimenopausal issues. I am

    in no way affiliated with the product or sales at all. I haven’t had a hot flash since September and my cortisol levels are almost normal. In fact my boss just told me three days ago that he has seen a big change in my personality for the better.

22. Jenny HarrisonFebruary 5,2024 at 3:08PM UTC

    Stephanie, have you lost weight on this particular product?

23. Stephanie ConnellyFebruary 5,2024 at 8:49PM UTC

    Only a little. I’ve added the protein shake to my diet as well and I dropped about 10 lbs. this product just significantly balanced my hormones, my hair stopped falling out, my mood and energy were positively affected.

24. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 4:17PM UTC

    Thanks for posting this very real challenge we face. Vaginal ring ( Femring) is a very low dose estrogen and was great for me. Worth the cost! Also, my doc wisely assessed that the fog and mood was also because I was not getting good sleep, so for a time I took very low dose Ambien. It got me thru it, and showed me I wasn’t crazy!

25. Vanda LeeFebruary 5,2024 at 5:27PM UTC

    Go to your Dr - ob-gyn and discuss hormone replacement options. There are a lot better options out there now than there were 10 yrs or so ago.

26. Tami L CannizzaroFebruary 5,2024 at 5:37PM UTC

    So glad you are being vocal about this. I wasn't - honestly didn't realize I was going through menopause. I thought all the weirdness/emotional outbursts/etc. were due to work, husband gone with work travel, taking of sick/dying dog, taking care of mom who'd had a stroke, etc. If only I'd realized and spoken to my doctor sooner!! By the time I mentioned anything I was beyond a mess. HRT was wonderful, for the limited time I was on it - unfortunately my body rebelled and I had to stop. Exercise would have made a huge improvement if I knew then what I know now. And eating better. Instead I caved to cravings. And I should have repeatedly spoken to my OBGYN, not just the one or two times. Again, I was far along in the process by the time I even knew what was happening. Please partner with your doctor to find solutions that help you.

27. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 7:17PM UTC

    First I would set up an appointment with my OBGYN and primary doctor. You need to know what your hormone levels are. Personally I experienced some similar symptoms and much to my surprise it turned out to be a Thyroid disorder, hence the brain fog and weariness. I was extremely tired, fatigued after my work shift. I would come home and had little to no energy.

    Once you get some results on blood work, make sure your doctor goes over a health plan tailored for your needs. A nutritionist can help with this too. Getting the right nutrients and supplements, a little exercise and sleep will change for the better.

28. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 3:34AM UTC

    So sorry to hear about your symptoms! This is all very real for. I suffer from night sweats, insomnia, problems with focusing... you name it. Unfortunately, due to high stroke risk, I am unable to do hormone replacement therapy. So I have to go through it. Not easy. Cool room, ordered cool sheets, less spicy food, less alcohol. But it really doesn't help a lot. The flashes have gotten just a little easier, so maybe with time it will become more bearable. Good luck to us!

29. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 10:43AM UTC

    As others have said, talk to your doctor. I will just add, if you get the "brush off"... (this is normal, etc.), find a different doctor asap! Don't let anyone try to talk you into believing suffering is your new normal. Fight for yourself until someone listens. Signed, "Been there, done that"

30. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 12:30PM UTC

    I know this all too well, except I didn't know I was peri menopausal at the time. I complained to my doctors about the brain fog, not sleeping well at night, depression, and absolutely ZERO energy during the day. They just kept telling me it was the depression. I was at my wits' end. I was struggling to get through the day.

    Get your hormone levels checked ASAP and get on HRT to level things out. Make sure they check the testosterone levels too. I had 0 testosterone (women need testosterone too) and started on pellet therapy. Literally has changed/saved my life. I am back to me again after YEARS of suffering. All symptoms gone! I sleep at night, have a clear head at work, mood is back to happy me. It is expensive, but worth it. I will never give up my HRT for any reason!!

31. Rebecca MillikenFebruary 6,2024 at 1:05PM UTC

    I resisted HRT for years but I finally gave in and it has helped with the hot flashes. Not so much with the sleep issues and brain fog. My menopause has lasted years. Perimenopause probably started at age 50 and I'm 58 now. I thought I was almost through it until the past couple or three years when the hot flashes just got really bad. I'm surprised I didn't lose my job for losing my temper at my boss one day (although he deserved it).

    Anyway, short story-I'm glad I'm doing HRT. There are probably other things I should be doing as well but I haven't really dont much about it.

32. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    HRT is what worked for me. I sleep like a baby and I don’t have flashes. One doesn’t realize how difficult it is to function without everything your body needs. I advise you to at least give it a try and see what it’s like to have what’s missing in the way of hormones again. You will likely see a huge improvement. Best to you.

33. Cara GardnerFebruary 6,2024 at 2:19PM UTC

    Glad for all the responses here!

    Wanted to share some natural alternatives that I've discovered. Making note, I'm just a regular person on my own healing journey :)

    First is red clover. I've gotten the tea but there are tinctures and supplements.

    It's an herb that is noted to help menopause symptoms

    I Just learned about this cream. Haven't tried it but good reviews. No affiliation to this page:

    https://holisticbyulyana.com/products/tallow-wild-yam-cream-for-hormonal-harmony-and-feminine-well-being

    For brain fog...in October I did this 30 day gut cleanse.

    No affiliation with this site

    https://www.ultimatelifespan.com/products/ultimate-digestive-health-30-day-system

    And afterwards I no longer had that feeling of waking up and feeling like I had to slog through the day, even with a full night's sleep.

    I particularly liked having the night time tea, just a nice way to wind down.

    Pro-tip, In the morning, i drank the fiber in a glass of water, and had lemon water nearby for afterwards.

    They suggest mixing the fiber in smoothies etc, but I didn't want to ruin a good smoothie lol

    In Dec/Jan I did another parasite cleanse. Parasites attribute to many of our health issues. As well as heavy metals in our body.

    I did the parafy Cleanse from rogershood.

    Check out their Instagram. It'll make you want to cleanse and also cringe at same time... as to what is coming out of our bodies. I definitely had some things floating when I did the fulvic soak bath. Cringe yes. Felt great after!

    The soak also helps pull heavy metals out

    It's a health journey so I'm not saying these are a one size fix all

    But wanted to share what I've been finding!

34. Anne-Marie LakeFebruary 6,2024 at 2:59PM UTC

    My advice is to find a naturopathic doctor who specializes in hormonal therapy and other supplementation. Don’t just try thing on your own, get thorough blood work and let that guide decisions about what to do. It took a full year of tweaking for me with my doctor but things are so much better now going on 5 years into the journey. I’m 59; 5 years ago was in deep depression and hopelessness. It can get better!

35. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 5:26PM UTC

    Great responses and opinions. I can't think of anything else to add. Now it's time to take some of this great advice to ease your discomfort. Good luck.