If You have Dentures or are needing Dentures. This is the place for Support.

Thought I was Menopausal but I'm wondering if it's just post-denture syndrome

This is going to sound really stupid, but...I was going to search for a support group for menopausal women. I'm 48 and I'm exhibiting symptoms, according to web-sites, of having begun menopause. But, with all the dental work recently I have to wonder if it's just moodiness and stuff related to the initial exhuberance over having nice teeth, followed by the let-down of all the pain and adjustments and all the psycological stuff that goes with that change? Has anyone else experienced anything like this? To anyone around my age group I'd sure appreciate any info either way. Thank you! My husband thinks I'm going nuts so I need to figure out what's causing it.

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Permalink Reply by Les Campbell on October 8, 2009 at 1:57pm: You fit in the age range where menopause can happen, but if your only symptoms are emotional and moods, that's probably not what's going on. (Yes, I'm a guy, but I live surrounded by women, most especially a wonderful wife.)

The denture experience is a huge upheaval in anyone's life. There's the pain, fear of pain and overall anxiety, the irrational shame all of us seem to feel for having arrived at this necessity, then getting through to the other side more or less intact, feeling both better and worse off. It's like a part of us has died, and there's a grieving process to go through.

So talk to the folks here, of course, and if things (and your reactions to them) are really weighing on you, maybe talk to a counselor, as well. You don't have to start delving into details of your "awful" childhood -- maybe just learn some new coping skills. Like how to redirect -- not stifle -- your emotional response to a situation into something more constructive.

Good luck,
Les; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jan Coffey on October 8, 2009 at 4:16pm: I'm not sure if it's menopausal, but I'm having all the same feelings you are right now. I am not handling this well, which is why I keep coming here and reading all the positive things from people who already have gone through this. I have been feeling very depressed and teary by this whole thing. I know I need to be patient, but like you said, the pain and adjustments and the psychcological stuff is getting to me right now. (I'm 62, and had a hysterectomy, so didn't go through menopause the normal way); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Julie on October 9, 2009 at 5:58am: For me, having to get dentures was a defeat of all the years I spent trying to save my teeth. I think it's almost like the grief process too. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Acceptance - they all fit if you think about it. I'm well past acceptance - so am feeling so much better about the whole thing because I love my new teeth. Also, peri-menopause/menopause plays a huge part in our emotions. Almost like being pregnant, hormones going crazy - only in reverse. A simple blood test can tell you what stage, if any, you are in menopause. In my case, when I found out I was in peri-menopause at age 45 it helped me believe I wasn't actually going nuts. Anyway, it sounds like what you're feeling is pretty normal.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Debbie Francis on October 11, 2009 at 9:56am: I am 53, and I am sure some of what we are feeling is menopause...But as long as you know this it should help some...
Have you had your thyroid checked also?...Mine was whacked when I got so sick last year...I have been on meds since. I am weaning myself off them right now with diet and supplements.
Good luck...
Deb; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nina Garcia on November 11, 2009 at 8:42pm: I'm 48 I feel the same I don't think is menopausal. We are too self conscious about it that's what I think.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by NY mom on November 11, 2009 at 10:01pm: I am not menopausal age but my opinion is that it has to do with the dental highs and lows. I was an emotional nightmare ...honestly ..for awhile.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Linda on December 6, 2009 at 10:41am: *Just had that blood test {FSH} done myself, this past thursday* hope to find out monday the results*

Julie said:
For me, having to get dentures was a defeat of all the years I spent trying to save my teeth. I think it's almost like the grief process too. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Acceptance - they all fit if you think about it. I'm well past acceptance - so am feeling so much better about the whole thing because I love my new teeth. Also, peri-menopause/menopause plays a huge part in our emotions. Almost like being pregnant, hormones going crazy - only in reverse. A simple blood test can tell you what stage, if any, you are in menopause. In my case, when I found out I was in peri-menopause at age 45 it helped me believe I wasn't actually going nuts. Anyway, it sounds like what you're feeling is pretty normal.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by gothwithdentures on December 6, 2009 at 5:56pm: It could be a combination of both. Getting dentures is an emotional rollercoaster for lots of people regardless of age. I got my upper when I was 40 and that had me feeling more emotional that when I got a lower 10 years later. At least at 50 I had an idea what was going to happen to the rest of me teeth. When I got my upper it was hard not to be a basket case.; ▶ Reply to This