How long have you been in perimenopause?
The length of perimenopause is different for every woman, and about 4-5 years on average. Some women may only be in this stage for a few months, while others will be in this transition phase for more than four or five years.
How long have you experienced symptoms of perimenopause?
I am 48 and have not had a good experience with my GYN, so just based on my body and research, I believe I started perimenopause a little over a year ago. It’s been challenging knowing to assign to this and what are due to good old fashioned anxiety with the pandemic we are all living through (I live with my husband and son in Queens, NY), but as of today, I am have not had my period since July and am really struggling with brain fog, that emotional roller coaster feeling, achiness, general restlessness and insomnia. I have found a wonderful sleep talk down to assist with the insomnia but the internal restlessness and feeling of fullness in my body is so uncomfortable- how do deal?? I also feel like I have so much…gas ?. Ladies…I’m so grateful for this app! ❤️
Yes! A lot of wind! I’m now competing with hubby for after dinner trumpeting! ?? He’s very impressed by my new skill set. We’re trying out different plant-based, meat alternatives atm so perhaps that’s a factor ?
Me too but only at certain times of month. So much wind…def hormones going nuts
In my experience both Magnesium glycinate or Ashwagandha have helped me with sleep! They also help with anxiety/stress/restlessness. I too am grateful for this app ❤️!! It’s great for tracking symptoms and sharing information. My periods stopped at 45, I’m 47 now, I probably had peri symptoms for 4-5 years before that. It’s all trial and error to find out what works well for you. Best of luck ?
Hey!
Yes I also use Ashwaghanda and I sleep better and I have a much better focus!
I also take the calcium magnesium citrate. Prevention of the bones structure.
hi sara- how much of the calcium do you take and do you find it causes constipation?
I just feel you- it’s like I don’t even really know how long I’ve been in the menopause life. I did have a partial hysterectomy 4 years ago but I’ve never taken any meds to help with some symptoms I experience. Help.
After u mentioned wind I research he’d & realised its postanglandins. I took ponstan as & it stopped within 1/2 day.I took it for 3 days & no more gas …amasing! Hallelujah ???
I’ve had all of that around 10 years ago, I’m now 55, but I’m still experiencing some symptoms, like bloating, not eating when I should be, constipation, IBS, insomnia n brain fog!
I even left my trolley in the bus stop of another town a few weeks ago cos I’d gone to the wrong bus stop n I’ve never done that before in my life! Lol ? xxx
I hear you on the brain fog!
Have had to reasess mindfulness and daily walks are helping to recalibrate and make up for the loss of progesterone..
I don’t have that particular uncomfortableness but I can sympathize with the restlessness. I get horrible night sweats & all I want to do is rest. May I ask what talk down assistant you use? I’ve tried a few of them. I can no longer sleep past 5 am, I’m wide awake no matter the time I went to bed. I hope you find some relief for your symptoms.
Hi I’m 38 with 5 kids (7-17ys) it’s been 2yrs and only just been diagnosed with very early menopause, I feel awful, shattered, I’m allergic to everything all of sudden. My head is messy, I’m feel depressed one minute then happy the next. They say menopause is puberty’s evil older sister! It sucks ???
I’ve been calling it inverse puberty. I’m 49 and I’ve started HRT and I feel like me again for the first time in quite a few years. Had so many aches and pains, brain fog, mood swings I had no idea what was wrong because I had been on POP so hasn’t had a period for years. It amazes me that probably over 50% of the population go through this and there is so little help, understanding, support and research! Kinda makes me mad!!
I’m 41 and just started going through some kind of menopause, it’s awful I’m always tired I have severe depression anxiety mood changes brain fog. And I have 9 year old twin boys which makes it a lot harder
? 4 years it first started with lots of tears, happy tears, sad tears and I don’t know why I’m crying tears. Including brain fog, mood changes and hot flashes. Everything settled down then came no period for 90 days then non-stop bleeding for extended periods. This week has been the winner for perimenopause, I’m getting 2 hours sleep then every hour I’m woken to extreme hot flushes and night sweats, I’ve cut all my triggers out of my diet and there has been no difference. ? Has anyone got any tips or ideas to help?
I am so sorry to hear that , I found that HRT removes my hot flashes and night sweats, this plus I changed my diet to low-carb.
Hi Nicci,
For hot flushes I use sage tea, it’s made by the Republic of Tea, the mood swings, b complex and vitamin d. For sleep, there is this company called Moon Dust they make a magnesium powder that helps with insomnia and it tastes good too or Nature’s made makes an excellent gummy called Good Sleep and it helps a lot. For hot flushes and night sweats, keep you night wear light and try to keep your place as cool as you can tolerate. I keep my thermostat at 64. Also, keep some cold water near your bed and when the night sweats start, take a few sips, it will take the edge off. Do your research to what you will think maybe be beneficial for you, cause that’s what I had to do. I had to change my eating habits and reduce the things that was triggering the hot flashes. Exercise like brisk walking, yoga, Pilates… help reduce hot flashes also. But, every woman’s body reacts differently to perimenopause. You have to find YOUR balance. Hope this helps. God bless
I would try herbal remedies first ,experiment and take notes. Everyone reacts differently. I was in peri for over 5 years, with weird periods and several ’floods;’ loss of blood that made me incapacitated and weak, dizzy even. Hot flashes are here now with night sweats and mood swings, dry mouth and burning tongue. However I haven’t bled for almost 18 months. I am sixty. I am taking Lexapro and using extreme supplements. I’ve tried iodine drops on the skin which helped initially and now it seems worse. I feel your pain,…
That sounds like me. I’ve been in peri since 2019. Anxiety and panic attacks through the roof. I’ve called 911 three times because I thought I was dying! Blood flow heavy with lots of clotting. Crying, all the time, burning tongue, tingling, brain fog and the list goes on and on. I’m 58 now.
Ah that’s terrible. This is my 7th year. I also have both endometriosis and adenomyosis. It feels like a life sentence. I felt so awful 100+ hot flushes a day. No sleep and marshmallow brain was awful. I got the HRT patches and finally feel normal again. It’s not a cure but no more hot flushes means I can sleep and the brain fog is def better. I’m 50 soon and want to feel better. Hang in there you will find what works for you. Don’t suffer in silence xx
For night sweats and hot flashes, a friend of mine suggested, getting up and wetting 2 wash cloths with cold water and taking them back to bed with you. Then “wrapping” the inside of your wrists with them. This helps to kind of break up the cycle of hot/cold. Hope you find some relief.
I can definitely relate!! I also wake every two hours… super hot and usually from stress dreams… lots of hot flashes, crying, mood swings, brain fog like crazy… also heightened allergic reaction to things and extremely fatigued. 🙁
I’ve been taking a cup of calm before I go to bed. It’s an herbal tea and really helps.
Try herbal tea before you go to bed
I’ve had chronic insomnia for most of my life, definitely worse during perimenopause. When I don’t sleep, everything gets worse. I don’t have a choice. My psychiatrist put me on Ambien 15 years ago. There’s a cost and benefit to everything, and I can’t even function otherwise.
I’d like to take HRT for the daily hot flashes that last for hours, but the first menopause Gyn that I consulted said I didn’t qualify. I’m getting a second opinion.
I’d strongly suggest finding a good doctor to evaluate sleep meds and your other symptoms. You don’t need to suffer without hope.
Black cohosh is fabulous for reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Any time I take a multivitamin with it in it, my hot flashes stop or at least reduce dramatically!
Thanks for sharing…gna try that!
I know those tears. Drives me batty. I also have major gas. Embarrassingly so. The night sweats have stopped since getting a weighted blanket and using ashwaganda and black cohosh. It also helps me sleep better. The muscle pain is igniting fibromyalgia flares. But again the weighted blanket helps with that.
I am 52 and diagnosed menopausal at 47. For the first 4 years my symptoms were mild. This year I have every symptom on the daily log in this app! The joint pain is significant. I thought I was just sore from working out, but this is legit pain. So, yes more exercise helps on the days you feel good enough to plug through a workout. But, I live in Arizona where it’s 110 degrees right now. I’m sweating like mad…like to the point of embarrassment. Tack on the additional hot flashes and I just want to curl up in a ball and stay home in bed.
So, I decided this is the year where I implemented “Get the menopause before it gets you” sort of mentality. If I have to do all my errands on the one day in the week I feel good, then so be it. If I have to wear a big old tshirt instead of my cute Lululemons to the gym so what. At least I made it there lol.
Light cotton layers, Vitamin D, lots of water. My doctor prescribed 50,000IU of Vitamin D once a week. This is critical to my wellness!
Alcohol is a big no no. Light low carb meals, and I am finding dairy upsets my stomach, so I am about eliminate that. I love popsicles and frozen fruit. There’s a frozen fruit bar on the healthier side by Outshine. I keep my freezer well stocked with those puppies now. (I also stick my head in there on the daily ?)
Keep moving for the stiffness. Sitting idol exacerbates the stiffness to where limping can lead to an old lady hobble I’m not quite ready for!
You really have to be gentle with yourself. On the days that I don’t feel good, I assess what symptoms are the most debilitating and try a warm bath, a bike ride. I even feel better if I just get a mani/pedi. If I can’t control this weight gain my nails are at least going to look pretty when I feel less than attractive lol.
Thank God the Olympics are on this summer to give me something to get my mind off sitting on the couch!
My mother used to say “This too shall pass”. I am hoping it’s sooner than later. ??
Thank you for this great advice! Now that I know my symptoms are common and I know what is happening to me, I feel like I can adjust my expectations of myself and go east on myself.
This was the best advice—thank you! I’m also learning to be gentle with myself and realize that this is temporary. I’ve been having symptoms for years and just in the past few months, my excruciating hip pain is gone! And I didn’t do anything different! And some months there is stiffness and then I’m ok again (mostly). Stress makes all symptoms worse for me. Meditation, stretching, resting and walking have been crucial in relieving symptoms and for my mental health. And yes, the vitamin D!
It’s like I wrote this myself! Totally shocked at the similarities with yourself. I’m nearly 47 and the mood swings have been putting a massive strain on my marriage. This terrifies me more than anything else. Have you had mood swings? I get upset over nothing- my husband is scared to make lighthearted jokes.
Btw a friend had an urge for ice and it was called a pica. The cause was an iron deficiency. Maybe get it checked.
I started at 38. I’m 43 now. And found out January 2 of this year that I am extremely high risk for breast cancer and am going through Peri and getting ready for a double mastectomy. It’s been a long year.
Huge hugs. That sounds really tough. ❤️
You poor woman ??
Be strong x
Sorry to hear about the breast cancer risk. Good luck on the Double Masectomy. You got this ??.
Gosh Amanda! Sending the strongest of wishes. You will get trough this! X
So sorry Amanda, that is super hard x
Omg your amasing! I’m never going to moan again. Kia kaha wahine toa! Stay strong beautiful woman ?
I remember having a panic attack in the middle of Tesco’s. Too many people, bright lights and noise. I’d not long had my first child after miscarriage and years of trying. The anxiety has remained since. I had no idea at the time that it was peri menopause symptoms. I was 38. I’m nearly 48 and on HRT for the first time. I wish I’d known much sooner.
I’m 38 and convinced I’m peri, just struggling to get my GYN that even though it’s uncommon , people this young can be peri!!!! My health completed changed last year, out of the blue, I saw 4 different specialists – ruled everything out. It’s not until these past few months with increased irregular periods that a doctor is even looking at my hormone levels!! Having found this app I’m convinced I’ve been peri for over a year… I go back to see OBGYN next week armed with all this info from this app! Thanks to all for sharing your experiences!!!
Hi Stacey – I started at 34 or 35. It’s rare, but possible. You can request an AMH test which will give an idea of egg quantity —a low number would support a perimenopause.
Although it’s been rough—I’ve had nearly every symptom in the book—I’m grateful that I had strong enough symptoms to bring it up to my OB/GYN. (I had not had children so I was able to freeze a couple eggs)
Good luck. HRT has changed my life, but I’m still trying to get symptoms under control.
Hi Stacey
I also started in very young age at 35
Unfortunately one of side effects after ivf
Now I am 38 and on HRT therapy it does helps with all uncomfortable symptoms
Just want to say hello and make a point that I am here if you want to talk
Take care x
I have never heard that early menopause is a side effect of IVF, could you share more on that?
I also believe I started peri in my mid 30’s. My OBGYN insisted that I wasn’t. Speaking to other women my age confirmed they were experiencing the same. I’m 50 now and in menopause. Being consistent with my workouts made a huge difference in my symptoms.
Hi Stacey. Once you hit menopause do the symptoms start to fade? I’m 50 and have been in peri menopause for probably about 5 years. It’s been 8 months since my last period and am hoping to hit the 12 month mark in December. Just curious what it’s like “after”! Thanks.
Just know that blood hormone levels are not very useful because all hormones fluctuate wildly throughout the day, it’s impossible to get a baseline. If your doc isn’t working for YOU, get another who will. Hang in there!
34 and found out I am in the peri menopause stage. I do believe I have been going through this since I was 32. I’ve had so many random symptoms which lead me on a 1 1/2 long journey; nerve testing, lab work, brain mri for a possible MS diagnosis, medication changes, etc, etc.
started my journey at the gynecologist with hormone level testing but at the time they were still fine. Fast forward, now they can’t even detect a trace of estrogen and FSH is elevated. Turns out, most if not all of my symptoms are due to this.
Just curious on what your symptoms were
I started when I was 39, I am now 43. When I was 39 the found out that I am in perimenopause and it was associated with Anemia Defficient and stress. I also felt a mild hot flashes and then it went away on it’s own. Then in 2019 when I was about to turn 42 with my new job, my perimenpaosal symptoms became intense. Bleeding for 3mos and a really bad hot flashes, it feels like I’m on fire. I sweat constantly on the forehead. Add the pressure from work and I was in that very high stressful work environment. That was my very worst symptoms ever and made me feel very emotional. I left that company, though. When I started working with new one, less stress and no pressure at all. Then I found this app this year, I followed some breathing excersize and the mindfulness. That really helped me, I barely feel any hot flashes for months now.
I started around age 46. I’m 51 now. It feels like it’s never gonna end!
That’s exactly how I feel?
Me as well
I can tell you I started 8 years ago. Very slowly at first. The first sign was unbelievable painful and heavy periods. It was a month before my 41st birthday (I just turned 49) and I was in Taly with my mother, on a Tour. At that time I had to wear 2 super tampons and pad and change every 2 hours. It was a tough first week of a two week tour, wondering if I was going to bleed to death, or drop to the floor in labor like pains.
We women are so strong.
I had a Uterine ablation 2 years ago, and should have had it at 45. I haven’t had a “period” since, though, I do get a smear of blood on my tp when I wipe and that is it. That is why I love this app, because I can track my symptoms.
I too had an ablation 7 years ago. I’d been having increasing heavy periods and cramps. My gyn saw an unusual uterine wall thickness, I had a negative biopsy, and though the surgery was hard and painful, it was very helpful.
No one said that my heavier, more frequent periods were a sign of perimenopause. No one said anything. Awful.
I can totally relate! I had my 3rd child at almost 40. When I stopped breast feeding her a year later, my periods resumed heavier and crampier than I had ever experienced in my life. I would soak a super+ tampon within an hour and be leaking out, filling a pad before I could get it changed. The final straw was when I put in a fresh one, got in the car and drove less than a mile to Kohl’s, and barely made it to the back of the store’s restroom before leaking again.
I talked to my GYN and she recommended an ablation. My husband complained a few years later, that he thought it was the worst thing ever because I experienced so much vaginal dryness and decreased libido.
It’s only now, 8 years later, that I am convinced those symptoms have all been peri menopausal, even though I inquired about that with my GYN repeatedly.
In the past 18 months, my period has returned very sporadically, and very lightly. It sucks that it came back at all, but they said it could happen. Now I think it all has to do with peri menopausal symptoms. The curse that keeps on giving.
I am so grateful I stumbled upon this site while researching if anxiety and panic attacks could be symptoms of menopause! Those are new symptoms for me in the past few months as well. Lovely.
Hello.
Last year I took a test from Amazon, like a pregnancy test, and he came positive for peri menopause. I have really bad night sweats, headaches, constant tiredness, moody, snapping at hubby, I have no drive in me to do anything whatsoever, the list is endless. I wasn’t like this about a year ago so am wondering if anyone else has this? I’m 41. My mum had her menopause at 44 and my cousin at 42 so could it being early run in the family? I could honestly just cry some days I feel so stressed out and I have no reason to be. Thank you for reading.
I have been perimenopausal for two years, I am 39 years old. I have been on HRT treatment for the past year however it didn’t work so I was referred to specialist in Bio- identical hormones . Now I am on different medications that make me not sleep at night, hot flashes, feeling miserable during the day, but I am hoping this is due to my body not being use to the medications. I find it very difficult being in this situation like most of you, everything that I dreamed off is gone, I have no energy or positive thinking to push for what I want in life. I really hope that the happy hormones are going to kick in soon and life can be beautiful like once before ?
I can really relate to “no energy or positive thinking to push for what I want in life”… I am seriously struggling with that!! I am used to being so energetic, strong and positive thinking… now I most often feel just so exhausted, weak, sad and anxious. I just want to feel like myself again!! 🙁
I know that feeling, it’s awful loosing who you are and not having the mental strength to pull yourself back together, getting more low days than high ones is taking its toll ?
I totally agree Tree….. I am
I’m outside sales and o seriously can’t make myself even answer the phone a lot of days …. Much less actually win new accts!! I feel like I can’t make a decision bc I am in a constant brain fog…. So I do nothing.
I didn’t know menopause put me at high risk for depression. It’s worth getting evaluated by a psychiatrist, and considering therapy. Between better antidepressants and weekly therapy, I’m getting a better handle on my symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, lack of motivation, hopelessness, and numbness. Not perfect, but better.
I’m 37 soon to be 38. I just started noticing night sweats before my menstrual begins.
I’m 42 and I’ve really noticed things for the last year (probably some things before that, but I wasn’t really paying that much attention). Whilst the hot flushes, night sweats, general fatigue are just about manageable, it is the brain fog that is most frustrating. I can be mid sentence and completely go blank with what I am saying, the words I need are just beyond reach. Anyone else?
I get the brain fog. I called my husband to say I’m going to Walmart because I need to get, then forgot. Today I was teaching music to my kids, played an Irish reel and could not explain why I chose to play Irish music in March to the kids. I was at a lost for words.
The memory fog has gotten me, bad.
I just turned 45 and believe I am in the thick of it. I had a partial hysterectomy in 2019 (kept ovaries), so I don’t have periods to track and unfortunately will not have that indicator to know when my cycle has stopped. I always assumed menopause symptoms would be mostly hot flashes and mood swings. In early 2020, it became very clear I was misinformed! “This” is its own special hell. I have so many symptoms that I never knew would be part of this transition (like my tongue “burning”). Thank god for apps like this, otherwise I may have thought I was going crazy. Over the last year, it’s become increasingly disruptive especially two weeks out of the month (what I assume is my ovulation week & my period week). The “good days” I have are what keep me sane and remind me to keep calm and “go with the flow”…this will pass (I hope).
My labs mostly show estrogen dominance and non-existent progesterone, so the imbalance and fluctuations are rough. I also have autoimmune issues (Graves Disease with a total thyroidectomy in 2017) so that may exacerbate some symptoms too.
Some of my most difficult symptoms are dizziness, severe migraines, palpitations, and anxiety/internal buzzing. I’ve also noticed shortness of breath when trying to exercise lately (which could also be the awesome weight gain). Disruptive sleep and night sweats as well as a new nighttime acid reflux that I’ve never had before! The irritability and rage is quite intense too… I jokingly say, I bet so many divorces happen during this phase, whether or not people make that connection until later.
To each and everyone managing this — I hope you have kind and patient people to love you & support you. Make sure to give yourself time & space to rest and remember that it should get better!!! Right???
I am 50, I marked this starting for me at 48. I am so I kept reading this thread. I am a flipping mess! I really do need bloodwork done! To check my levels! I never thought I would need that ! I am waiting (not patiently) for my menopause supplements to arrive.
I am already on anti depressants and anti anxiety meds and have been for many years now. My heart palpitations have increased, flutters and so forth. The ringing in my ears is beyond annoying. It never goes away.
I have gained so much weight ? however I despise anything sweet now and I can barely eat anything. I am so so so very thirty. I drink water like I’ve never drank it before.
I feel like such a mess… ? sleep sux eating sux emotions are intense and I feel mentally challenged!
I mean WTF ? is happening to us? It has been an entire year of no periods and a year before this I went off and on for a year. And before that I can’t recall anything resembling what I’m going though now ?
I have a headache now but there is a full moon. The past year I’ve noticed I get headaches on full moons and with big weather changes.
I’ve been experiencing symptoms for a couple of years. I noticed that my periods were becoming less frequent and eventually they stopped altogether which for me was fine but I was also kind of sad because I never had children and I knew that it obviously wasn’t in the cards for me. I’m also unwed and I feel like such a failure and a disappointment to my family, even though they have told me that I’m not but I just can’t help how I feel about it.
Oh and the symptoms really sucked. I would have the hot flashes, depression, horrible headaches, really crazy mood swings like I wanted to punch someone in the face whenever they upset me and I always felt “meh”. I finally convinced my OBGYN to prescribe me something, ANYTHING, to help get my symptoms under control. She eventually prescribed me a small patch about the size of a stamp called Estradiol and a pill called Progesterone and now I’m symptom free. The only side effect from the pill is a little while after I take it, I feel a tiny bit loopy like I’ve been overtired but I don’t always feel like that. Other than that it really works for me.
Don’t ever feel that way about yourself. You are amazing and if you want children you can always adopt. It may be the blessing you are meant to do. I believe in always speaking words about myself that are uplifting.
I started having hot flashes and night sweats every now and then at 39. I am 42 now and I have a hot flash, what seems to be, every 20 minutes. I’ve just started experiencing brain fog, some confusion, joint stiffness, and nausea just this past year. I’ve also been having severe mood swings and anxiety, but I am also bipolar so I don’t know if those are actual symptoms or just my bipolar.
It doesn’t matter whether what your experiencing are caused by. They ARE real. I have depression that was well managed until I moved into late stage peri 6 months ago. I told my psychiatrist and therapist, and am getting better in some ways. They remind me that i don’t have to know the why or to judge whether I’m overreacting or whatever. They know me, they’re the pros, I just have to keep them posted on how I feel.
I’m feeling so so sad at the moment, it seems my mood swings are getting worse! My irritability has worsened too. Like feeling very depressed and anxious all the time. I am struggling, even I slept badly last night, tossing and turning with a bit of night sweats. I’m so frustrated!
I live in the UK, 51 years young and I am deaf with speech and l lipread.
I’m already taking anti-depressants for years.
Now, what is the pros and cons if I take HRT ladies?
8 years of this shite! I recently sewed up some towel nighties…best ever for night sweats. No more drenched bed & nighties every night. Towelling soaks ups sweats so I usually stay asleep now. I feel so much better rested. I’m also on HRT of 75mg Estradol & they curb the sweats somewhat but not all. Please god I pray this nightmare ends soon…
I feel for u sistas out there putting up with this shite. My husbands ao patient, he deserves a medal
I am 49. And I noticed changes when I was 47, small changes such as gaining weight and mood swings. Since last year I had hot flushes and I realised I had to change my food intake. Because these symptoms were bothering me. I also have a genetic high cholesterol so it was a perfect moment to change what I eat and how much I eat. I take as well vitamin supplements and I move a lot because since a few moods I have really muscle pain.
It makes a difference! I feel much better.
Only the muscle pain is bothering me
It’s so frustrating not having others understand how you’re feeling. Hot flashes, fatigue, constant buzzing in my head. It all started the same time & hit me like a ton of bricks.
I am 53 and went into perimenopause in my early thirties and then into medically induced menopause at 44..
Each transition has been a mix of physical mental and emotional, being a natural health specialist for over thirty years has helped me to be kind to self throughout each transition.
Honoring the process has helped immensely and having wonderful platforms like this now available is a great way of tracking symptoms, adding to the toolkit and extending my community .. looking forward to the rebirth
I am about to turn 53 tomorrow and the last time I got my period was in December of last year, but then again I took the shot that reduces estrogen to help with my fibroids. so I don’t know if I’m temporary going to menopause or it’s because of the shot that has caused me to feel menopausal symptoms. Before I took the shot, my periods have been regular.
Symptoms started two years ago when I was 50. Fatigue and brain fog are my biggest issues. I experience hot flushes whenever I have a hot drink or spicy food and occasionally at other times. I’ve cleaned up my diet, cut out caffeine and increased my exercise, hoping that will help with the fatigue.
I’m post menopausal (five years since a period) and have been on HRT for over a year now. Waiting for symptoms to improve!
I had a full hysterectomy in Jan 2012 and am still suffering
Hot flushes, mood swings, night sweats and aching joints
Murder
I am 48 now but I’ve been experiencing symptoms since I was 38 and my doctor officially declared me in peri 2 years ago at 46. Hot flashes started about 4 years ago. They have increased over the years and now I’m full out dripping with sweat. It’s embarrassing actually. They also come on for two months then go away for a month almost like my period. I can’t believe how hot I feel during a flash.
I just had my total hysterectomy, including the removal of both ovaries, on September 25th because of Ovarian Cancer. Phew. My menopause symptoms came on sudden and with more fury than I was expecting.
Well… I’m 35. I guess I got to experience perimenopause for 3 weeks, before surgery. Then I had my hysterectomy and both ovaries removed because of several significant masses that were found throughout my reproductive system.
Then overnight, menopause. Well, actually it took like 3 days before I had the first symptoms. Phew. Menopause, so far is no joke.
2 years.
I had a hysterectomy at age 31, 3 months after a csection. All the ob/gym’s told me that everything was in my head and put me on anti depressants
This makes me so angry. I’m so sorry you were dismissed like that
I’m 51 and I’ve had symptoms for about 6 months.
i’ve been menopausal for two years now fully started symptoms when i was 38
I’m 42 and have had perimenopause symptoms for years now. I had a ovary removed and the other gave up on me lol. I had the brava tests and they were all negative. I’ve had a hell of a go with my lady parts almost all my flowing years lol. Never had children plus the mthr gene mutation doesn’t help with any of it all either. I found this place in a email that I don’t know how I got but I am grateful.
I started peri in my mid 30’s and meno by 39. I’m now 48. In the beginning doctors never tested my FSH and when they did in a matter of 7 months i went from a 5 to 143. It was a roller coaster of emotion as i went through two uterine biopsies and that was the first confirmation that i was going through meno. I haven’t taken any HRT or was I ever prescribed or suggested that I try. I go through my phases of continuous feeling warmer than norm. Sleeping with windows open and fans hitting me directly to feel cool and if that doesn’t work i Drink water to only have to wake up in the middle of the night many times to relieve myself. Incontinence is my biggest challenge and I warned my husband he may be changing my diaper sooner than he’d like. I really want to find a solution for the incontinence mainly in the evening.
Grateful for this community.
There’s an app called Tat that I just started using for exercises to help with incontinence. You do the exercises 3x per day for 3 months to see if it helps.
Oh my gosh! Thanks so much! I will definitely try out that app.
I’m 44 and my menstrual cycle started getting whacky at age 40. Currently, my period has been missing for 10 months. However, my OBGYN thinks that could be due to insulin resistance/pre-diabetes as I have a strong genetic family history. I had no idea that diabetes could lead to menstrual cycle problems. I am also having hot flashes and night sweats so it may be a little bit of peri and pre-diabetes both. In any case, I need to lose 30 lbs and get my diet out of the gutter
I just turned 49 and I believe I started perimenopause (that I was truly aware of) about two years ago. Mainly noticed my periods getting really wacky. Bleeding like crazy- several tampons a day and sometimes having it twice a month. Now it has been two months no period. I have all the pms symptoms, but now no relief from a period coming and everything leveling out. 🙁 I mostly deal with hot flashes, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, anxiety, irritability, night sweats, insomnia, heightened allergic reactions, sadness, and extreme fatigue.
About 6 years ago I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue- no fun!! I was told by my naturopath that I better get it sorted out or I was going to have a hell of a time going through menopause. I didn’t think much of it at the time… but now I understand why…. and yes, I most certainly am.
In 2013 I asked my endocrinologist (for PCOS) for guidance with bi-weekly emotional volatility (whoosh of heat to my arms/chest/face and uncontrollable sobbing). I was 44 and she sent me to a gynecologist specialist in hormonal issues. After a consultation she started me again on birth control pills as that would regulate my hormone levels and get rid of those biweekly spikes.
That worked great, and I’ve had the BCP cycles since then. Now at 51 I’m cold sometimes, hot sometimes. Am I in menopause- who knows with the pill? Doc and I decided to try taking me off the BCP. It’s been two weeks and I’m looking for those spikes. So far I’m in normal emotional range and I’m glad.
That probably was peri menopause. I’m experimenting and will see how it goes. Back up plan is to get back on BCP.
5yrs
I had surgery four years ago and I started experience premenopausal, didn’t notice that until I was going through hot flashes, mood swings. Is there a way to help with these
I’m 48 and I’m going with 3-4 years of the wonderful land of peri-menopause because it all started around the time I quit smoking. Cold turkey 3 years!!! I’ve decided that I’m basically going through hormone withdrawal. I figure about 30 plus years of a steady feed of hormones is now suddenly running dry. Yep, sounds like addiction and withdrawal to me.
The worst part for me is not the hot flashes and night sweats it’s the joint pain and fatigue. Last week it was so bad I wanted to just curl up and cry for ever!! Just walking from the living room to the kitchen felt like a marathon. My joints were so stiff even my feet wanted to scream when they touched the floor. The craziest part is I woke up feeling fine, took a shower and needed a nap. I told my husband he would have to live out of the dryer for a while because the laundry was too heavy to fold. Just one pair of his jeans felt like they were made of lead. I wonder if this is what Superman feels like when he’s around Kryptonite?? And this wasn’t just one day. This was all week. I know we are supposed to forgive ourselves when things like this happen, but I was just plain P.Oed!! I had house work that I wanted to get done because it was bringing me down and just adding insult to injury!! I wanted to take a nice relaxing bath and then put on some comfy clothes, but I was backed up on laundry because I had no energy to do it. I tried walking on the treadmill to get mobility and easy the joint pain and hopefully boost the energy. FAIL!!! 15 minutes and I thought I hiked a mountain. That’s the part I hate. The whole thing feels like a catch 22.
I was officially diagnosed 2 years ago with early monopause as I had been on the contraceptive pill for about 5 years.
When I had came off I had not had a period for a good year so I went to see my GP.
I was sent for tests and it was official, I was one of the low percentage of women who have gone into early menopause.
I’m 33 and I can’t actually put a time on when I started to go through this but I think it was when I was around 23/24.
I remember having awful hot flushes, night sweats, hair thinning, bad mood swings, I mean awful mood swings, I would cry over nothing, I was extremely lost.
I visited a GP and I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, through no reason apart from that it could be a hormonal imbalance due to the fact that I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid at around 13.
So….there were a lot of contributing factors to as why I was having menopausal symptoms, I never actually thought it was because I was going through “the change”.
More than ever I am struggling to motivate myself, find happiness in things that would normally make me so happy, I have zero libido and I’m constantly tired.
It’s tough but it’s good to have an app like this where I can read up and hopefully find some support!
My period started going crazy when I turned 41. That’s when the night sweats started as well. The night sweats have gone away, but I’ve had anxiety, insomnia, and horrible hot flashes that are accompanied by my heart beating so fast it feels like it’s going to bust out of my chest; this has been going on for about two years. Also crying for no reason whatsoever. I can be talking about the weather and my eyes get filled with tears. So frustrating! I am now 47 and have not had my period for 6 months. In the last few months, in addition to everything else, I have become very dry and my libido has decreased significantly, which I am not happy about. I never thought “the change” would be so difficult. Something I have found that helps with the hot flashes is to have a small fan by my bed pointing straight at me. Have not found a natural remedy that helps me sleep. Going to my GYN to get some help!
I’m 51 started my symptoms at 47. I had severe joint pain through my entire body. I thought I was going to die until I went to the doctor and I took a hormonal test. I am 100% post menopausal. My symptoms go from restless, hot flashes, constipation, night sweats. I take one day at time.
On and off for years. The more I try to manage it every worse the symptoms. I’ve tried combipatch divi gel. Hot flashes never went away. I only restarted my body with progesterone and estrogen. Only to start and put myself in Menopause again and again. If that makes sense.
I think about 6-7 years
Hello lovely ladies, wish we weren’t in this undesirable club. I have all the “whenever” periods, unrelenting fatigue, brain fog and mood swings like many of you, but the most distressing to me is the loss of control of my bladder. I’ve had to start wearing pads over the last couple of years and once in awhile I flood even those. It makes me feel old and dirty and paranoid I’m walking around smelling like urine. Wondering if bladder control comes back when menopause finally hits or if it’s just gone for good.
I am 43 and I had cervical cancer I ended up having a partial hysterectomy about 8 years ago. I didn’t really have any side affects right afterwards except hot flashes. I had went to my OB last year because the hot flashes started really getting severe. I was told because I am a smoker they refused to put me on any hormones claiming it could cause blood clots. It’s been a year since then and I feel like I’m losing my mind I forget things I don’t leave my house I’m angry all the time I burst out in tears for no reason I don’t sleep I barely eat but I’m gaining weight . I’m scared of myself ! I need help or I won’t make it through this and neither will my marriage.
I feel the exact same way
I started symptoms at the age of 49 and I’m 55 now. Today I had my 4th vagioscooy for pre cancerous cells but it was good news as I’ve hardly any lining now as a year ago it was 12mm and now it’s 2mm. Can’t say me and Miss Peri have bonded in any shape way or form but I do feel I’m maybe now on my final journey. (Fingers crossed)
I am 52 and stopped having my period at 47. Initially, the only symptoms I had were fatigue and the periods ending. However, fast forward 4 years, and my symptoms literally exacerbated on every level for what seemed like over night. It felt like I went from 2 symptoms to 20! What’s even more difficult is being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in the same year.
So, it’s been a virtual battle trying to ascertain which symptoms are menopause related and which are bipolar related. For instance, the joint pain is unbearable some days. Sometimes I can’t get off the couch because my hips ache like crazy. Well, joint pain can be bipolar related also. So can the mood swings, weight gain, and anxiety. If you have a good doctor, spend the time getting a basic blood panel done to see where your estrogen levels are. I was told my ovaries are now shrinking due to even lower estrogen levels, and many symptoms will overlap.
The madness of this seems to be a CONSTANT battle as my moods are all over the board. I try to busy myself throughout the day, but inevitably I have at least 3 hot flashes a day now. I wreak from the pungent smell of sweat, my hair is falling out, my skin is sagging, food tastes weird (which I thought was from two bouts of Covid), brain fog, dry mouth.. I can go on.
I keep looking for a light at the end of the tunnel but it’s just nowhere on site.
Has anybody experienced more of a gassy feeling?
6 years
Had
Had symptoms since lockdown
My doctor said my eggs were old when I was 35
I’m 51, had a hysterectomy at 46, kept my ovaries. I felt great until about a year ago when the hot flashes and brain fog started. The hot flashes started out pretty intense but have subsided greatly. This brain fog stuff is excruciating. I am in school and currently taking algebra courses. Brain fog and algebra are not compatible. I also feel like I have the attention span of a squirrel at times.
I have been experiencing hot flashes, sore joints and migraines on and off for two years. I also can’t sleep more than 4 – 5 hours which is really driving me crazy.
Since my hysterectomy in 2012 at the age of 25
It was crazy because I was looking for it
Hello all! I had one of my ovaries removed due to an enlarged cyst. This was twenty years ago but I didn’t start having peri symptoms until after I had my first born at age 35. Then four years later I had my second child and went straight from a really bad post partum right into premenopause symptoms. I thought I was dying at first. I felt so bad all the time. I was so scared. I found a forum online at the time which helped me a lot. It helped me more than the doctors did as far as getting answers and resources. Some of the doctors at the time were denying that my symptoms were due to menopause because I was still in my thirties at the time and because I was still seeing my period every month. Now I’m 48 and have been having irregular periods since 2018. The longest I went without one was eight months and then it mysteriously appeared. Now I haven’t seen it since December of last year. I don’t know if I’m going to get another one or not or if I’m done. I just can’t wait for all of this to slow down and calm down
I am 53 , I have been having a period for about 1 month, light days heavy days , I’m usually regular so … also headaches, brain fog, extreme highs and lows it came on suddenly?
I’m not having a good time with this transition,but I know that my mom went into a early menopause and I have learned that many people follow in the mothers footsteps,however she had a hysterectomy and I have not.
I am convinced I’m peri. Is incontinance part of it ??? I never had a problem holding my bladder ……but the past 2 years it’s bad. I don’t make it to the bathroom in morning a lot of times. I wear a pad day & night. Am I the only one.
I am not sure when I started perimenopause as I had the Marina Coil fitted in 2015 due to suffering fibroid.
In 2019 I started experiencing slight hot flushes and went for a blood test which confirmed I had started the menopause.
There was no investigation question asked by my GP and I didn’t even know that we experience peri menopause first.
Does anyone have an itchy breast? Last year for the first time in my life I started having pain in my breasts before my period and only one itches. This was literally 1 month after both of my dogs died. I’m 41. Ive noticed that it itches right before my period, I’ve also cried more in the past months than my entire life and have brain fog/memory issues. I chalked it up to my dogs dying and stress. Could it be periomenopause?
Please see a doctor to have your breast checked.
445 days post the last bleed! I am turning 45 in June and I am on month 4 of 1mg tablet form of elleste duet … two weeks into HRT I made a noise which shook me as I hadn’t heard it or years! “it was a belly laugh” and my life started all over again…. My pot belly is loved and celebrated as I see it as an achievement rather than a disappointment. Come on ladies we are AMAZING!
I believe I just entered perimenopause. I had my period and not even 2 weeks later I had another period. I’ve never been irregular before. My periods are 28 days like clockwork so my shock to have one do quick. Now I feel pms symptoms like I’m going to have another period and it hasn’t even been 2 weeks. Plus the night hot flashes when I’m in bed. That’s annoying.
Hi, I’m 50 years old had premenopausal for about four years. I am on the gel and tablets for it. Last two weeks. I have had joint pains so in my elbows in my knees in my lower back in my feet and in the back of my foot, my back hurts the most and The back of my feet coming down the stairs went to see the nurse the other day she put me straight in for physiotherapy. Is this right or should I have seen the doctor first before going to the physio got the physio booked for next week, but don’t know if I’m gonna go is anybody else got the symptoms or gone down the same road? If so, how did you get on? Thank you
I was put into surgical menopause in January.
I’m 36 and recently been told I’m perimenopausal ? no kids and been told my own eggs won’t be viable either due to low AMH! Stopped POP Feb and only had 1 period since! I’m absolutely devastated! Hope everyone is well, nice to meet everyone ?
4 years I’ve been experiencing night sweats, racing pulse. Body is so warm to touch and I actually feel I’m on fire. Every week/ week and a half before my periods come I’m a nervous wreck.
The brain fog I’m having is actually making me want to give up my job as my memory is really bad. I have to write things down to remember.
Yes forgot to mention the gas. My stomach has also been badly bloated I actually look pregnant. I just want to scream.
I haven’t had a period for some time now. But my situation is unique, I had fibroids that forced me to have a surgery and I was placed on hormones to control the bleeding after and when I went off the hormones I never started my period, even six months later. I started noticing the hot flashes and bloating and insomnia which made me question if the surgery kicked me into menopause.
My night sweats started at least 6 or 7 years ago. My cycles shortened to every 3 weeks and became much heavier about 3 or 4 years ago. I’m 48 now.
Now I have much more trouble with sleeping and physical anxiety (not worrying about anything but just the physical symptoms of anxiety). The brain fog and fatigue are just so difficult now. My dr has never really suggested anything so I keep trying to grin and bear it. But my gosh.
Help me understand this, I had a hysterectomy in 2000 at age 38. Why am I just now starting to have hot flashes, cold flashes, and all the other aches and pains that go with it?
I’m 41 the brain fog worries me but this app has helped me understand perimenopause, finding my appetite has changed dramatically
I have an official appointment with my OBGYN next week to check my hormone levels, but based on all of my symptoms and what i see online, I’m sure i’m perimenopause.
my periods are few and far between and i was seen by a fertility doctor who confirmed I have 2 eggs left about 2 years ago.
My family doctor put me on Prempro which up until recently i thought was working okay.
Two weeks ago I had what i now believe to be a hot flash. I had an “aura” or fuzziness to my vision with a surge of heat (no sweating) in my body followed my rapid heartbeat. This happened a few times.
this past weekend i started sweating to the point i almost passed out and then got very very cold.
today, my heart rate ticked up before a quick hot flash. and my heartburn is terrible today (have had an increase in heartburn the last couple of weeks)
I’ve been checked out by a cardiologist, who said my heartrate is higher than she wants but not so high that i’ve had a heart attack or anything like that.
I have some lightheadedness, night sweats, heartburn, shortness of breath, tingling in my face and hands.
It just feels like there is no rhyme or reason to the symptoms and when they happen.
anyone else have these same issues?
The struggle is real! Never thought I’ll be the one getting the worst of menopause although I’m sure that I’m not the only one complaining omg the night sweats, brain fogs and sleepless nights are driving me crazy. Trying to relax with the discomfort of anxiety n hot flashes! Reading n listening to music help calms me. Too long struggling stressing n feeling tired of the same things everyday. Working into retirement in a few years and praying constantly that God continue to answer my prayers. Thank goodness I found tis app n hope I can get thru my daily tasks
I’m 38 and I believe I’m in my 4th year. Year 2 I really started understanding why I felt weird and off all the time. Doc recently confirmed that I am in Peri-mode, just can’t confirm how far along or how much further to go.
I am 41. I have been joking for the last 1-2 years about my hot flashes because I didn’t think they were really hot flashes. 4 months ago my hair started to get much thinner and now looking back I have had other symptoms, but losing my hair is what made me take it seriously.
I’m 51 my periods stopped when I was 45 that’s when other symptoms started and never stopped since. Night sweats, hot flashes and weight gain. Now I’m adding difficulty to sleep, anxiety, heart palpitations. My motivation to do anything is very low. I finally decided to try HRT. I was very reluctant to do so. I got this app mostly to track my symptoms and see if HRT is helping.
I have been experiencing symptoms for at least 2 years and intense symptoms during the last 6 months. My emotions and hormones are in overload and I felt like I was not in control of my own body and brain. Hot flashes and night sweats as well as new body odar and acne! I truly feel like I’m in puberty all over again 😬😬😬 but much more intense and lasting way longer! I’m on new medication now, starting TMS as well as counseling and seeing a nutritionist, which are helping. I’ve recognized that I need help in all areas because as many of you know, the struggle is real! So happy to have found this community!
3 years
How old are these posts?