Talked to my GP last week when I went in for recheck after being hospitalized for dehydration. I asked him if it was usual for periods to just stop that suddenly with menopause. He said it is.....he will do a blood test for it the next time I go in when he does his normal blood tests to check my nutrition & dehydration level. He figured that because I just was discharged from the hospital near my home that my blood test was just fine.

Ended up back in the ER the next day & was even more dehydrated than the week before....only they couldn't get an IV in to start with & the one they got in wouldn't work without my holding the dang thing down for several hours to get even 1/2 liter in.

At this point, I am trying so hard to keep enough fluids down but am so unsucessful which is easy to determine by the weight loss.....it can't be anything except fluids that I am losing that fast. I am drinking over 80 oz's while out & then keep drinking when I get home. I just don't know how I can lose so much more than I am putting in....doesn't make sense. I just can't seem to figure out how to fix this problem on my own..I can't get enough fluids down without getting sick either. It is bad when I keep passing out, knowing it is probably from dehydration...there is no point in going to the ER since they can't get in the IV's. I have called my GP about it & just never get called back...guess he thinks that I will just be able to get enough fluids in sooner or later. I can't give up my training for my riding & the only time available is in the mornings which runs into the afternoon by the time I finish up with the horses. The rest of the week, I go out around 6pm when it is cooler & have to feed the horses anyway. I still sweat off the fluids at that time too....it just doesn't cool off here. I'm really not sure how to handle the dehydration problem & hate passing out....I am usually able to catch when it is happening by everything closing in & going dark.....have been able to lay down before completely colapsing so haven't been hurt yet. Have been lucky to not pass out completely around the horses for some time now...I can usually sit down & put my head between my knees....but for some reason that scares the horses too. It is very scarry when I came to a couple of times & foundnd sore places where the horses have stepped.

Now that I know the periods quiting suddenly is a normal process of menopause, I'm not worried any more & will look for the test at the pharmacy tomorrow when I go to pick up my pain med for my migraines I think it is good to check it out for myself & see how it compares to the one my GP will do the next time I go in.

Thanks for your concern,
Debbie