I think (hope) doctors today have the mindset of sparing what organs they can. I've read/heard arguments on both sides of the story. Here's some info from the wall street journal health journal: Cutting Less More doctors are challenging the convention of removing the cervix during a hysterectomy. Here's why: * Pap smears have sharply reduced the incidence of cervical cancer. * Sparing the cervix reduces the risk of bladder damage. * Some doctors say it may improve sexual function. Some 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. every year, making it the second-most common women's surgery after Caesarean section. It is done to remove cancers of the uterus or cervix, or more commonly to treat a painful condition called endometriosis or because of noncancerous uterine growths called fibroids. Prior to 1940, nearly all hysterectomies preserved the cervix because it was easier and safer given the lack of antibiotics and blood banks. But by the 1960s, removing the cervix, viewed as a cancer preventative at a time when Pap smears were still fairly new, became standard. Now the tide appears to be turning. In 2006, 9.7% of U.S. inpatient hysterectomies, which account for more than 90% of the procedures, preserved the cervix, compared with just 1.7% a decade earlier, according to federal data. ------- Just sharing that info, not saying they are right. It's something anyone considering a hysterectomy should think about. I'm just thankful that we have alternatives to an actual hysterectomy these days. tina

Many of your symptoms are all too familiar to me, especially the loss of sexual interest. This was troubling to me not only for my husband's sake, but for mine also, since I truly enjoyed our sex life before this all started happening. The advice posted above is good. The main thing is to get started and not give up. I eventually whipped this problem and I have my life (and especially my sex life!) back. I had to realize that the "ME" I knew loved sex with my husband, so I knew this wasn't "ME". I knew that my sex drive at my age should actually be increasing, not decreasing, which made it even more disturbing. I tried so many things, I don't honestly know what (or what combination) worked, but my husband is back to being satisfied and I think a little tired! and my kids like me a little more. For the first time in years, it was me who was wishing I could sneak home from work for a "quickie." I encourage you to not suffer any more and find some answers, as much for you as for him. Sometimes it's full-time work buy you have no choice but to do it. It's great to act like a 20 year-old (at least in the bedroom) again! Once I got the PMS under control and delt with the depression medically and through counseling (I think I had at least some of this problem before peri-menopause), I was happier and the desire for sex returned. Once it returned, it started a cycle of making everything better. It was a strong signal that I was getting better. It's not just men who are happier with a good sex life!!! Sorry for telling you more than you probably wanted to know about me! Hope this helps and hope you feel better soon. Amy

dee, yes hypothyroidism does have some symptoms that are very similar to perimenopausal symptoms. I'm almost 53 and my doctor says my hormone levels are not yet showing any signs of approaching menopause, so I keep thinking it's thyroid disease! But my thyroid levels are always normal, so it's frustrating to think "gee, imagine how much worse I'll feel when I become menopausal, or if I do get thryroid disease. My mother and all my sisters have thyroid disease, so I think I'm going to ask my doctor to do more specific blood tests, because I've heard you can have certain thyroid antibodies that cause symptoms, while still maintaining a normal thyroid level. Hope you'll feel better once your thyroid medication kicks in.

Hi melonwhelz, Sorry I didn't respond sooner, had a rough week taking my dog who has an incurable disease to all these different vets. He will be okay and I will just pray for the best as he is my bestest friend. Anyway, the day after I posted, I started to spot, thought I was going to get my period, but nope! It never happened. I have to make an app't to see my gyno. Yes, my body is very confused and sending mixed messages to my brain which I hate! At least when I had Lyme I knew all my symptoms including the mood swings and depression, but this is a whole new ballgame! I am feeling a different type of depression, almost like I am bored but too tired to do anything about it. I did receive the book "Awakening at Midlife" yesterday so I am going to start reading that. How is your sister? I help many people who have Lyme Disease because it is horrible and so misunderstood, especially by doctors because they don't know how to treat it. What helped me recover was following a book written by a brilliant doctor named Dr. David Jernigan (Beating Lyme Disease Using Alternative Medicine". I know so many people that are cured now because of Dr. Jernigan. Maybe your sister should buy the book? Anyway, I feel so drained, is that normal? I need to vacuum and do some laundry but I'm not doing it, LOL! I am laughing at your drumroll:::: THE CHANGE! Oh why oh why don't men get this? Yeah, I'm bad. Denise