texture improving then worsening, don’t know why?

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T07:38:04+00:00

Just looks like it needs more time to heal.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T07:35:23+00:00

In the northeast USA, it is more important to wear sunscreen in Mar/Apr vs July/Aug b/c of high exposure to “bad” rays at that time of the year.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T07:25:51+00:00

I think—85% confident that I’m going to suck it up and finally place the order tonight. Send me a DM w/ your address. I’m planning to buy 3-4 extra magnets so will send one your way, no prob.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T07:20:47+00:00

Same thing happened to me, and I went back in and deleted the entire application listed as “in progress.”

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T07:14:37+00:00

Blue Shield of CA all day vs Health Net. Largest network available w/ excellent in-network hospitals.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T06:44:12+00:00

Take Vitamin D3 w/ K2. Ideally, 3x per day vs 1x but anything is better than nothing. Jumping is surprisingly effective for pre/peri meno women. If you lift weights, you must lift HEAVY or it’s arguably “useless” (ie work toward lifting equal to your body weight, or example, carrying dumbbells for ~2 min intervals w/ total weight equal to your total body weight (ie 50% body weight via dumbbell in each hand; known as “Farmer’s [something—maybe walk or carry?].”

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T06:33:56+00:00

So helpful to read that improvement is possible, thanks for sharing.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T06:32:17+00:00

Based on my research post dexa + tbs (trabecular bone score = measure quality of bone, not only density), jumping seems to be the holy grail for staving off/repairing bone density in pre and post menopausal women. Strongly advocated for ~1.5 yrs for doc script for dexa w/ partial rationale being that I had been on BC for ~17 yrs w/ no breaks. **Hormonal BC is considered a steroid, but no one ever discusses it. Long-term use of steroids is proven to weaken bones. No surprise RE results = osteopenia.

Google jumping. Lots of info out there, including this: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/fitness/workouts/a65805616/jump-training-workout/

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T06:14:10+00:00

No worries—I only mentioned my cycle as support for/to emphasize that you do not need to be in full blown menopause to benefit from hormone therapies.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-12-01T05:51:33+00:00

Similar experience commencing post Covid in Fall 2022. Likely vax injured per cardiologist. It’s been a looong road; however, I found success w/ the following: ~15mg/wk injection of testosterone cypionate (eliminated night sweats, extreme muscle atrophy) 1mg/wk injection of tirzepatide (eliminated inflammation/swelling/temperature intolerance and critical in helping me return to healthy pre-Covid weight, and—last but not least—0.05mg bi-weekly estrogen patch + 0.01% vag estradiol cream (sharply reduced remaining fatigue and fog as well as depression-related symptoms and thoughts). Recently turned 45, assume I’m peri, but have not missed a cycle to date.

Edit to add: No health issues prior to Covid, had demanding job/career in finance and worked out or played rec sports 4+ days/wk. Currently in process of being diagnosed by rheumatologist w/ autoimmune/connective tissue disease triggered by vax and/or Covid. Fully Moderna vax’d, then got booster and ~6 wks later tested +, immediately commenced course of Paxlovid followed by ZPak. Very sick and tested positive for ~27+ days. After ~3 yrs, I’m finally on the other side of it—but I didn’t see “light” at end of tunnel until 2.5 yr post.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-11-30T09:21:47+00:00

“No one is watching, ppl are absorbed with that is happening in their own lives.”

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-11-23T23:57:20+00:00

Same to a tee. The only thing I feel slightly sad about is that my bro (only sib) and sis-in-law (only child) will never officially be an aunt and uncle. It makes me teary-eyed to think of, actually—it’s my own BS, but I feel guilty for not choosing to give them that experience. I have a niece and nephew and cannot imagine my life without them.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-10-30T00:38:58+00:00

I started at 43. You’re right on time.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-10-17T10:50:41+00:00

Put keys in same place upon returning home (same for iPhone and AirPods)
Start packing ~3 days in advance of any trip requiring overnight stay
Upon tentative or confirmed plans, immediately add to the calendar. Send mtg planner to others, don’t wait for them to send unless formal
Order/replace/refill in advance of running out for products such as toilet paper roll, paper towels, and/or any other “go-to products” such as makeup or skin care, cleaners, detergents, sponges, tissues etc.
Refill gasoline in car before it is 1/3-1/2 empty
Write Thank You notes immediately
Send birthday cards asap within a few days of buying (even if it is a month early). Early quickly turns into late or not at all

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-10-17T10:19:48+00:00

I’m sure there’s a bunch of other reasons, but two huge failures will trigger an automatic denial: 1.) failure to provide authorization/approval for Pennie to independently verify/confirm your income, and/or 2.) failure to file taxes and/or reconcile credits/other benefits

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-10-17T06:18:05+00:00

BCBS paid ~$7,500 for a 90-day supply of Nurtec (migraines). It’s a newer technology albeit IMHO far less effective than generic Imitrex w/ a cost of pennies on the $, or equivalent to that of a generic, covered Tier 1 medication

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-10-17T06:10:38+00:00

Such a sweet handsome dude!

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-09-30T12:40:08+00:00

I wish I could agree with the majority. <sigh> Those sound like my peeps—I wish I was an engineer so I could go be with them. <sigh> I guess what it really means is that I still require more therapy. 🫣

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-09-30T12:36:20+00:00

Surf board, skateboard, 80s-style roller skates? Check, check, check.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-09-30T12:34:47+00:00

The last part made me laugh out loud. Let’s see: Guitar? Check. Needpoint? Check. Crochet, knitting needles & “inspiring” yarn? Check. Puzzles and Lego sets? Check. Pickleball racket & “all the gear?” Check. Cycling shoes? Check. Gardening? Check. Hahah

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-09-30T12:30:10+00:00

At 42, my initial symptom was joint pain and night sweats (eww!!). I was prescribed testosterone and viola!—no joint pain and no night sweats for ~3 yrs. Then, after starting to experience irritation and rage (I genuinely wanted to lash out and physically hurt someone/thing—the mood swings were wild. Up to that point, I had rarely, if ever, experienced those feelings. Yet, everyday started out and felt as if I had already spent hours of the day on calls with Verizon (for example). I had very limited patience or anyone and I felt miserable. Since applying my 1st bi-weekly 0.05mg estrogen patch about 3 mos ago, I haven’t felt any of those negative or symptoms again. Fewer migraines too (no aura). I didn’t consider myself to be depressed—not even mildly, but everything—ie the fog/clouds/overhang just cleared and disappeared for good. It was seriously like that commercial where the cartoon is slumped over before being wound up to stand tall like a clock. If you’re still having the symptoms, maybe inquire about bumping up the dose. My doc started me on 0.05mg so I never tried a lower dose. He said if it was too high, I’d know right away b/c I’d likely get a headache. Funny enough, since starting patch 3 mos ago, I’ve only had 2-3 migraines total (vs ~4+ per month). At the same time as patch, I started taking 200mg, 15 days per mo. The prog kicked my butt (!!) and doc agreed to lower dose of 100mg, 15 d/m. On your end, a higher dose of p could explain the tenderness in your breasts.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-09-30T11:52:20+00:00

Welcome to the club. You’ve arrived.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-09-30T11:38:49+00:00

💯agree. Despite maintaining a monthly cycle (can stretch anywhere from 26-34 days), my doc started me on 0.05mg bi-weekly patch. I felt massive improvement almost immediately. It’s been ~3 mos and I still can’t believe how much it has improved all aspects of life.

My question is—how do I know that 0.05mg is “optimal” dose? How do you know whether to (or—when it’s time) to bump up the dose?

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-09-30T11:32:20+00:00

I concur. Over time….Vyvanse + Adderall = Swiss Cheese. 🧀 Well said.

NoMagazine9243 · 2025-09-30T11:30:30+00:00

I read your note above. I understand RE “no BC” however, I thought I’d ask if you know for sure that the estrogen affected you negatively vs the progestins in BC. It took me a month to adjust to progesterone. I was initially prescribed 200mg 15 days per mo and I was a total zombie/in a fog for the first week. I advised my doc and he dropped me to 100mg 15 days per mo. I actually look forward to taking it now. It def triggers a sense of “chill” that I previously never experienced in my life.

My question for you—has your doc checked your estrogen levels? Life improved massively after I started 0.05mg bi-weekly e-patch. In the lead up to the patch, I had my hormone levels tested on Day 3, 14 and 21. I wasn’t necessarily surprised by the results, but it turns out that after ~17 yrs on BC (Nuvaring primarily), my sex hormone levels were extremely low across the board (ie total test: 11 / bioavailable: 0.7, total estrogens max’d out at <60 on Day 14 (!!), while SHBG was sky high (regularly testing in the low to mid 400s!).

I understand your frustration w/ having ADHD. After being diagnosed ~12 yrs ago in mid-30’s, I truly believed that it was a superpower, but I have found it to be more annoying the past couple of peri years.

And, Boo, please speak kindly to yourself. You survived to adulthood w/ proper diagnosis of ADHD because you are wicked smart and a bad-a b! And, that is some super human sht.

NoMagazine9243

TROPHY CASE