Women's Issues
Let's talk with one another about hormones, care giving, meal planning, and managing our lives and our family lives!
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by kim brunner on -
I have more add symptoms the week prior to my menstrual cycle. Can some one let me know what has worked for them during this time? thanks Kim mom of 6
-
Permalink Reply by Linda W on
-
Hi Ginger! My doctor said that he had better results with Adderall XR and Vyvanse and that's what he usually starts his patients on. Depending on insurance coverage etc. he usually starts with the Adderall because it's available generically and can result in lower copay.
I've never tried Concerta so I can't really tell you from personal experience. I'm going to stick with the XR 25mg for another month and see what happens during pms week next month. This month I noticed a definite lack of control, but it was still better than when I was on the XR 20mg the month prior. I'm fortunate that my doctor is very much into "fine tuning" the dose.
The other thing is I'm glad he told me is that "This is not a miracle drug." It won't fix all your problems (e.g. being late, lack of organization, etc.)" I don't have unrealistic expectations for the medication. I'm just glad that it enables me to stay on 1 task without feeling pressured to respond to everything at once.
You should ask your doctor if he has seen any differences between Adderall and Concerta. Mine seemed to have a definite opinion...but then again..."if it ain't broke don't fix it." :)
~Linda
Ginger said:Linda- how is Adderall XR? I'm taking Concerta; 36mg is okay, 54 mg is too strong; not sure if I should try Adderall; I've heard there are huge differences between Concerta and Adderall and the symptoms that each controls......thanks!
Linda W said:Actually I think it was peri-menopause that actually sent me for treatment. I've always known I had ADD, but it was manageable. Medication (Adderall XR) works great, but I do notice a pretty huge difference the week before my period.
~Linda
-
Permalink Reply by DianeMaryK on
-
Hi all
I am probably thru the peri- and in to the menopause now...I think I'm seeing several folks mentioning meds working and then not working....that has been my experience. Also, when I was diagnosed, the doc said, "of course you feel anxious with all the stuff your busy brain is dealing with...treat the ADD and it will be better" and it was! I've done well on Ritalin LA and an antidepressant for 5-6 years, now am finding nothing working much...are Adderall and ritalin LA at all similar? DK
-
Permalink Reply by Linda W on
-
I think that part of the problem is that we get used to feeling calmer etc. It's not that the meds aren't working, it's just that this has become our new "norm." In the beginning the effects seem more drmatic because we were transitioning from the ADHD brain to the "normal" brain pattern...and then we get used to it. I venture to say that if we let ourselves return to the old brain pattern for a while we would appreciate what the meds do.
My doctor stressed that the meds aren't "miracle drugs" that suddenly make you organized and on time. We still have to find the coping mechanisms that work for us. If you really feel the meds aren't working you can ask your doctor about taking a "drug holiday" from the ADHD med and see what he says. Antidepressants, however, should never be stopped without an appropriate taper. He kept telling me to pay attention to "task completion and focus." I suppose that's where the meds have the most significant effect.
DianeMaryK said:Hi all
I am probably thru the peri- and in to the menopause now...I think I'm seeing several folks mentioning meds working and then not working....that has been my experience. Also, when I was diagnosed, the doc said, "of course you feel anxious with all the stuff your busy brain is dealing with...treat the ADD and it will be better" and it was! I've done well on Ritalin LA and an antidepressant for 5-6 years, now am finding nothing working much...are Adderall and ritalin LA at all similar? DK
-
Permalink Reply by T. on -
Ladies, I am a little worried about the amount of Meds/Adderall some of you are taking. 60mg! wow! Please please get titrated and tested. Heart Attacks for woman are so high and they are much more deadly than for men. Woman don't usually get a second chance when it happens. Titration only takes a takes a visit or two and it can be so effective. There is a short computer test and it works great. Our family's are not better off without us. They would rather have a sloppy, disorganized, childlike mom than...well, no mom. Be well. (and please forgive the no it all tone, I just worry a bit ;)
T.
Carolyn Hebner said:Hormones, well I am going through plenty of hormone changes as well as being taken off my Adderall XR. I immediately gained weight. Within four weeks, I could feel my skin itching (stretching) and voila here it is "flab". I currently am not on any meds. I was taken off the XR because my heart rate was through the roof and I've been on it for five years. Wow talk about withdrawla symptoms, to help me through it I went to the health food store and got a liver cleanse which really worked well. Oops sorry, I often get off track Hormones well because of all the changes I am having I am off to get a blood test this week and then to see some Doctors. My issue is like most, staying on task is a great challenge for me, as well as letting myself relax. I just punish myself if I relax, strange but true. Regarding your 25mg, I was on 60mg I think it was to high and that it was reason I had problems.
-
Permalink Reply by Monica Johnson on -
I have had issues with hormones and add symptoms. In my 20's PMS controlled my world. It was two weeks of trying to escape how I felt. I felt emotionally physchotic, and angry. My perception of things is always different but it is on disturbingly off when hormones come into play.
I startedxto take YAZ and an herbal antidepressant called 5HTP. Two months ago I found a greta doctor and we added ritalin. It is my first time to try to treat my ADD. It helos but the day before I start my period it is a struggle not to break into tears. It is hard.
Sometimes someone just asking me a question is torture. I just can not handle talking!
-
Permalink Reply by Mary Therese on -
Hello---Just read this post and I know it was posted a few weeks ago but here are my basic suggustions: Take care of yourself --- first, now and always. I try to take Vitamin B, calcuim and vitamin D everyday. Of course I really dont do it but I try. If I have to pick one vitamin it would be Vitamin B. It really does work to calm me down. I am not a crunchy granola person either but this does work. My anxiety sucks and is worse at that time of the month. Eat breakfast-- with a good protein carb. balance. Real food, not from a box. Heavier on the protein. One cup of coffee works for me, but 2 sends me over the edge. Take a bath with Epsom Salts in it. Epsom Salt has magnesium in it and it helps the nervous system. Just do it you will love me for it. Just remember that when Mom is out of wack everyone is on edge. If you are calm they will be calmer (calmer not calm haaha). Sit in the sun and just soak it up. Very good for you. Go outside and lay on your grass and just concentrate on how good the sun feels on your face and how nice the grass feels. Just go do it. Drink green tea. I make a pot of it in the morning and just drink it all day--I dont care if its room temp. Add honey, its good for you. Get a pedometer, even a cheap one, and try to do 10,000 steps a day. You will be amazed just how damn lazy you really are! We all are, but get up and just walk in place for 100 steps every so often and it adds up. Hope this helps----
Momof3 said:Hello....sorry if this rambling gets way off track......
My hormones have always been through the roof....and real bad during the time of the month where that ugly monster rears it's ugly head...and wants to lash out and I don't really mean to and I get very agitated very easy and I was to bite off heads...and i realize when i am doing it...and I really feel bad afterwords...and I wind up apologizing big time...but i can't control it and then me and the hubby get into fights and that is not good...plus my weight , I have packed on the lbs in the past few years...plus having three kids...I feel like at times I am going insane....my two older kids are ADD...but never medicated... I never knew that I was ADD till I was 40 and it has been a hard year to deal with plus finding this out during the ESD evaluating my youngest and she is also ADD....she is not medicated either but...the teacher has worked with her very hard last school year to get her caught up....she reads great now...and loves it! But it is the math that we have the issue with and now that she is in the pre-teen...and her hormones....o my gosh i thought i was over the drama queen issue...but i think I will be going there again....
hope this makes since....getting burned out. O by the way did I mention I will be a grandma soon.... :O) the father is ADHD....o my gosh.......o and we are moving...school just next week and fair coming up ....ergh!
Any suggestions....like herbal and not pharmaceutical meds...advice? My doctor put my on an anti-depressant cause I have had long time issue with that....and it does not seem to be helping with my insanity we have no insurance, the list goes on !!
Thanks for any help up front.
MOM of 3
-
Permalink Reply by Mary Therese on
-
Another thought--- I let my family know when its that time of the month. Even my teenage sons. I want them to know that I am not really crazy---and to stay the hell out of my way...lol. My family is not good at taking care of me. Two years ago I had Mono and they did not even help me because I looked normal. Now I just make sure to hide cold medicine and pain reliver so when I need it, it is there..no lie....
Mary Therese said:Hello---Just read this post and I know it was posted a few weeks ago but here are my basic suggustions: Take care of yourself --- first, now and always. I try to take Vitamin B, calcuim and vitamin D everyday. Of course I really dont do it but I try. If I have to pick one vitamin it would be Vitamin B. It really does work to calm me down. I am not a crunchy granola person either but this does work. My anxiety sucks and is worse at that time of the month. Eat breakfast-- with a good protein carb. balance. Real food, not from a box. Heavier on the protein. One cup of coffee works for me, but 2 sends me over the edge. Take a bath with Epsom Salts in it. Epsom Salt has magnesium in it and it helps the nervous system. Just do it you will love me for it. Just remember that when Mom is out of wack everyone is on edge. If you are calm they will be calmer (calmer not calm haaha). Sit in the sun and just soak it up. Very good for you. Go outside and lay on your grass and just concentrate on how good the sun feels on your face and how nice the grass feels. Just go do it. Drink green tea. I make a pot of it in the morning and just drink it all day--I dont care if its room temp. Add honey, its good for you. Get a pedometer, even a cheap one, and try to do 10,000 steps a day. You will be amazed just how damn lazy you really are! We all are, but get up and just walk in place for 100 steps every so often and it adds up. Hope this helps----
Momof3 said:Hello....sorry if this rambling gets way off track......
My hormones have always been through the roof....and real bad during the time of the month where that ugly monster rears it's ugly head...and wants to lash out and I don't really mean to and I get very agitated very easy and I was to bite off heads...and i realize when i am doing it...and I really feel bad afterwords...and I wind up apologizing big time...but i can't control it and then me and the hubby get into fights and that is not good...plus my weight , I have packed on the lbs in the past few years...plus having three kids...I feel like at times I am going insane....my two older kids are ADD...but never medicated... I never knew that I was ADD till I was 40 and it has been a hard year to deal with plus finding this out during the ESD evaluating my youngest and she is also ADD....she is not medicated either but...the teacher has worked with her very hard last school year to get her caught up....she reads great now...and loves it! But it is the math that we have the issue with and now that she is in the pre-teen...and her hormones....o my gosh i thought i was over the drama queen issue...but i think I will be going there again....
hope this makes since....getting burned out. O by the way did I mention I will be a grandma soon.... :O) the father is ADHD....o my gosh.......o and we are moving...school just next week and fair coming up ....ergh!
Any suggestions....like herbal and not pharmaceutical meds...advice? My doctor put my on an anti-depressant cause I have had long time issue with that....and it does not seem to be helping with my insanity we have no insurance, the list goes on !!
Thanks for any help up front.
MOM of 3
-
Permalink Reply by Candice on
-
im on 40 mg of vyvanse 40 mg of celexa and .5 mg of risperdone. Has anyone been put on such a combination of drugs. I have finally put together on my own after doing research that my adhd effects my hormones. I am terrrible when my cycle changes. None in my family seems to be able to tollerate me. I have bad outburst. I m a29 yrs old and its been a battle for me since iI hit purberty. Please excuse my spelling its not my strong point. Has anyone had any reactions to the drugs. I ended up in the hospital for a MRI the side effects of one of these are debilitating
-
Permalink Reply by eaglefeather on -
Wow, we sound very similar. I am an almost 46 year old mom of 3 (ages 14, 12, and 8) - all probably have ADD in some form and all are non-medicated, including my husband (although he won't admit it). I myself am in the throes (sp?) of perimenopause (almost done I think). Right now I take an antidepressant daily, an anti anxiety med to help me sleep (because of perimenopause insomnia issues), and Concerta for ADD. I truly would rather try more natural means to manage my symptoms - exercise, vitatmins, supplements, meditation, etc., but it just doesn't seem like I have the time to explore all of the issues. I want my kids to accept themselves for who they are, build on their strengths, etc., but it can be hard in this day and age when everything is so competitive. Thanks for letting me share and have the greatest week ever celebrating your goodness and strength!
-
Permalink Reply by saninbham on
-
My issue appearst to be totally different than the rest. I was diagnosed with ADD about a year and a half ago, I am 41 now. I have been on Adderall twice a day since then. When I take my second dose of Adderall, I get extremely horny. I don't know if it's the extra energy or increased blood flow but geez Louise!! I have never been a very sexual person in past. You would think that my husband would welcome the change, however, it has increased so much he is tired of me bothering him (what a turn of events). It's kinda scary to me, since we are not evenly matched sexually, especially since sometimes I have impulsive behavior tendencies. It's just weird!!
-
Permalink Reply by Heather Cobden on -
I go through cookbooks and magazines and write down what I'll need to make the recipes I've chosen (my goal is to choose enough for a week, taking into account leftovers). Then, on a separate piece of paper I write the title of the recipe, the magazine/cookbook it's in, and the page. This way, I can look at my list each day, figure out which one I want to make, and know where to find the recipe. I leave the specific cookbooks and mags stacked on my island. Also, by doing this, if my husband is making dinner that night (if I'm working an evening shift at the hospital or something) he can look and see what we have the ingredients for. Here's the tricky part, though: remembering to stick the menu/list on the fridge. If I lose that piece of paper, I'm done for... LOL
Linda W said:I wish I could plan like that. I tried making a menu, but I'd forget to stick to the plan, or I wasn't in the "mood" to eat what was on my menu. After wasting a lot of food, I just decided to shop a little each day for that night. I make dinners on Mon, Tues, Thurs and every other weekend (the other days I work a 12 hour shift and my family is on their own).
The supermarket is fortunately a mile away, and that has become my giant "refrigerator." My way is definitely less efficient, but at least for me the stress of planning is pretty much eliminated.
Margaret...you go girl! Me? I'd forget I had a menu planned! Seriously. :) Hubby is amazed at how old some of the food is that he as found in the freezer.
~Linda
Terry Matlen said:Margaret,
This is a great tip! I would have put it in my BOOK!
I wish you'd copy it in my Tips on Organizing, De-Cluttering and Time Management board, here. More people would probably see it.
: )
Margaret said:Sorry - this is totally off topic of the current thread, but I wanted to share it. Not trying to change the hormone topic above!! I read this somewhere recently, have started using it, and am amazed, and somewhat embarrased that I never thought to do it. I would always have great intentions for making dinner - have a meal plan, even have bought groceries - and then get home and realize that the chicken, etc was still in the freezer frozen solid, etc. I recently read an idea that along with having your meal plan (lemon chicken on Tues) - you put out the recipe ALONG WITH WHAT YOU NEED TO DO THE NIGHT BEFORE SO YOU CAN ACTUALLY MAKE THE MEAL WHEN YOU WANT TO!!! So for Lemon Chicken on Tuesday, I have a note on Monday night to TAKE THE CHICKEN OUT OF THE FREEZER!!! That way, I have my recipe ready for Tuesday when I get home from work and I am not searching everywhere for it, and everything is ready to go, and I have done as much of the prep as I can the night before. Before I started doing this, generally my good intentions went out the window, the chicken stayed frozen until it was unrecognizable 6 months later, and it was way easier to just order pizza (do you notice how you never lose the pizza delivery guy's number but you can lose everything else?)
Anyway, this is so easy, and makes so much sense, and I can even say to my husband "honey this is what we are having, can you start it if you get home first?" (I have a great husband - ADD as all get out and refuses to admit it, but still an amazing guy!!). Again, why couldn't I have thought of this myself years ago?!?
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- Next ›
© 2012 Created by Terry Matlen.
