Yet another menopause thread.

[Tiam]

Actually, this is a post peri menopause thread. I was just wondering if anyone has something to share about any issues they have experienced post menopause. I don't miss being menstrual at all. But there are always new things. I am about 2 or 3 years post perimenopause and in full menopause now. One thing I've noticed is that my skin seems thicker and coarser. Not so much dry as in dry skin, but just not soft anymore. It has a thick dry feel to it. Almost leathery. Does anyone use anything that makes their skin feel softer? I still experience hot flashes but they aren't bad. The other thing I notice is that the melasma on my face seems much worse. It's very very blotchy all over my face and neck. I just pluck the whiskers.:laff:Not sure what else to do there. I don't particularly mind wrinkles so much, but I do find the melasma a bit much to take. In the summer I don't wear make up, but when I work during the school year, I do wear a foundation to cover all that. I just feel better wearing that out in public. So, does anyone else have anything that is new to them or ideas or suggestions for living in a menopausal state?

[Rosemary]

Great topic. I'm sure we can all learn something. I haven't noticed a lot of changes, about a full year of official menopause, but I'd really like to hear what others are doing for preventive health care following menopause, particularly if they experienced early menopause... I see so many headlines about heart health impact, and my doctor has suggested bio-identical hormones, but my own research has not yielded any papers (Pubmed) that showed conclusively that this is helpful.

[KayLR]

Rosemary, did she say what bio-identical hormones? I just had my well-woman exam a couple weeks ago, (surprise >8)) she found my estrogen was very low. Duh. Anyway, I have been having real, I mean REAL, trouble sleeping and having trouble with coming up with words when I want them and some minor forgetfulness. She wants me to take DHEA, 5mg/day. After reading some about it, I'm not very interested in taking it.

Anyone take DHEA?

As to your question, OP, my skin is drier, I've noticed that, but not thicker. If anything, places like my hands, feet, knees...it seems thinner. My veins, Oh Lord!!

I've lost quite a bit of weight in the last year, so my skin complaint is "sagging." Hey, you know what they say, "Aging ain't for sissies!"

[redfox]

I'm post-menopausal, and now post-hysterectomy. Even though my ovaries had retired already, they were contributing a bit of hormones. I am having lots of sleep issues, more so since surgery. I've got a sleep check-up soon. Also, I am definitely hirsute.

[Tiam]

Does DHEA make a difference for anyone?