Menopause Symptoms?

[originalang]

Trying to help my friend at work and told her ABers are great support so would welcome any advice. She's going through the menopause, she'll be 50 next year and hasn't had any periods for twelve months now. She's used to the hot flushes and restless nights but recently has had other symptoms she doesnt know whether to relate to the menopause or not. She has a blood pressure machine at home and hers has been low on occasions together with some dizziness, she suffering nagging aching pains she describes like toothache in her ankles, knees and wrists and has had palpitations. I'm trying to persuade her to go and see her practice nurse but she says shes not very nice and she doesnt think she'll be helpful

[ethandron]

if you put 'menopause' into your search engine, you'll be amazed at what comes up. there are a number of forums related to menopause, and there are 34/35 symptoms, including palpitations, stomach issues and joint pain. people seem to think that hot flushes are the only symptom, but believe you me they're the least of it for the majority of ladies.
if your friend is struggling to get through menopause, she will find a lot of support, and get lots of answers, on menopause forums. i speak from personal experience.
please tell her 'good luck' from me.

[originalang]

Aww thanx ethandron, really appreciate it. I'd posted cos she's a bit computer phobic but I'll sit with her and have a go at the forums, want to put her mind at rest, she seems a bit delicate at the mo and I might learn something for when its my turn!

[ethandron]

you're very welcome. i was a bit computer-phobic myself until about a year ago, but now i'm a member of 6 forums on various subjects and find them very useful.
even if your friend doesn't join any forum, she can at least read through the postings, and she'll realise just how many women are suffering the same things she is, and it will hopefully reassure her.
and you're right, you'll maybe learn something yourself and be more prepared for when your time comes. i wish more people did know about these 34/35 symptoms, maybe they'd have more sympathy with middle aged women who are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem, etc., etc.
there are loads of supplements she can take to help alleviate some of the symptoms too. if she goes along to boots the chemist and has a look at their stuff, she's be spoilt for choice.