I think perimenopause has begun for me, too. I’ll be 42 in a week. I’m taking birth control pills and hoping they’ll help a bit, though I’m just coincidentally still on them after many years. But my face has broken out in terrible acne that’s not syncing with my cycles like usual, it’s usually bad the week before my period and then improves until the next week before my period. Now it’s been bad all the time for about three months. (had the damn acne since I was 12 - only thing that clears it up is oral antibiotics so I just live with it but this is worse and new) And just this month I’ve been on a crying jag that used to be just the day before my period started and has now been going on for 10 days. At first I thought it was a little seasonal affective disorder due to the heat (too much sun and heat make me stabby - overcast and cool make me happy), but now that I’m also missing periods about every other month despite the birth control (not normal for me), and now that I’ve read this thread, I think perimenopause is upon me.
So, thanks ladies! I guess…
As long as those hot flashes don’t come on so strong for me - I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle that. I can’t stand being hot and sweaty under normal circumstances, I can’t imagine what I’ll do if it happens just sitting there or while sleeping! I feel confident I can handle the rest of the crying or angry emotional stuff enough to not get fired or something, but the hot flashes - I’m a little scared of what I might do.
It wouldn’t surprise me if I’m there too. I’ll be 39 in right at a month, and have seen some changes over the last year or so. New PMS symptoms are the big thing (all have been discussed with my doctor):
Boob pain. I’ve never had boob pain like this before, but there it is.
More bloating - like the kind I can see in my face. I swear I gain 10 lbs every month, then lose it as soon as my period starts.
The one that scared me most were heart flutters - I forget what my doctor called them specifically - but these were what sent me to the doctor, since the other stuff was just slightly bothersome. During the week or so before my period, my heart will briefly race (like a beat or two), then it’s fine again. Doc wasn’t overly concerned, but if starts happening more or longer, I’m supposed to call right off for more tests.
Oddly enough, these changes mean that I’m more able to predict when my period is coming. Watching diet does help with all of them.
The periods themselves are usually heavier. But not always. Yeah.
I’m finding that my daily green salad w/lots of sunflower seeds helps a lot, physically and emotionally. And I avoid soda and simple carbs - those wreak havoc with my mood.
My symptoms started when I was 37, then I got pregnant with my twins, and now (I’m 47) during the past two years my periods are all wonky. No night sweats yet.
I’m 39 and my cycles are swinging back and forth from 27ish to 31ish days. And getting much shorter.
Does anyone else have just one ovary? I had an ectopic about 5 years ago and lost both tube and ovary…I’m wondering (hoping?) that will make my peri menopause easier…
Also as someone who wasn’t able to carry a very much wanted 3rd kid, the months where my period is later make me crazy hoping - my one ovary and my husbands vasectomy notwithstanding - maybe I’m knocked up again. Yeah…I’m fucked in the head.
Well, it is a few months since I posted here. I’ve hit the big 50 and let me tell you…things have not gotten any better! I’m so tired of dealing with this anxiety and anxious feeling inside my body! I have been on a SSRI for the past 8 years now and I recently tried to switch to a different one due to cost of the one I as on. Boy was that a big mistake! I’m starting back on the one I was on (that btw was working just fine thank you), but I have to start at a lower dose because I have to let it build back up again. Ugh. Why or why do I do this to myself?
I just don’t understand why our bodies have to feel so anxious during this time in a woman’s life. It really isn’t fair. We have so much to deal with anyway, and then add the hormonal stuff and the effects on your wellbeing, well it just isn’t fair. :rolleyes:
I am really hoping that this anxiety calms down to a low roar soon. My head just cannot take all the stuff that is going through it right now. I just want to squeeze my head because it makes me feel better. Stupid right? :dubious:
I am hoping that I hit that magical time when menopause actually occurs. I’ve corresponded with many women who have said things get much calmer once you hit menopause. I welcome that in my life!
How has every one else been doing? I hope all is well with each and every one of you.
I’m 36 and I’ve been having occasional hot flashes for 12 or 13 years. The horrific “Put me on some meds, take this shit out, or put me in a rubber room” PMDD hit 10 years ago, but the Mirena has pretty much fixed that so far. The hot flashes have been getting more common in the past six months or so. No true night sweats so far, just a few hot flashes that hit while I’m in bed.
My mom and grandma both had hysterectomies before hitting menopause, so I have no earthly idea how long this shit will drag out.
46 here. I have the night sweats (wake up soaked and freezing) and restless sleep. I am currently only working a few hours a week so often wake up early and can’t get to sleep, have breakfast and get the kids to school, and lie down for a nap at 9:30. My husband thinks I’m nuts.
I’m on a low-dose SSRI and seasonale birth control to try to manage the symptoms. It’s better, but not great by any means.
I asked my mother when she went through the change and she has no idea. Either it is much worse for me or she is losing her mind – no way will I forget this
