Menopause can be different for everyone. Unfortunately, it can also be an isolating experience. As you begin your 40-day program, reflect upon and share what your experience of menopause has been up to this point.
– Team Caria
Menopause can be different for everyone. Unfortunately, it can also be an isolating experience. As you begin your 40-day program, reflect upon and share what your experience of menopause has been up to this point.
– Team Caria
Starting the program today and very excited about it and glad that Caria thought of something like this!
Thinking back in my early symptoms, i guess they have slowly started about 5 years ago….. but never thought they were linked to the process of menopause: terribly tired, dry skin, dried vagina, depression, hypothyroidism, hypertension…. You name it! And for the past year or so, adding to the list the memory loss, the brain fog, the difficulty to concentrate…. I lost my job because of that.
The scary thing is that no doctor says it can be linked to menopause. And to talk about it with other people at work or even from my surroundings, they look at me as if I was a alien…. At least its how I feel ?!
Hoping to be able to release a bit of this weard sensation of being an “alien” and even a stranger to myself : getting to know this new me and this new body!!
Thanks ??
Thanks for sharing your story…it makes me feel less alone. I’ve also had a hard time getting a diagnosis as like you said doctors say it’s not menopause. I can totally relate to feeling alien in my own body ?Learning to cope with these new changes so I’m glad there’s others like me doing this program!
you’re not an alien ??, we’re all in this together, just a few still don’t know they’re going to get to this stage to empathize with those who are already! we have to train patience every day with ourselves ❤️
Thanks Jessica! I wrote this post a while back and am surprised to see how many ladies relates to all! As you said we feel less alone and thats a good thing. I have started HRT (mirena coil and œstrogène gel). At firts it helped a bit but feel its stll needs to be adjusted. A lot of low motovation and depression, weight gain, bloating, reflux, night weats, cold hands, etc etc….. but apparently it takes a while (a few months) to adjust. So as you said, lets be patient.
Crazy how we are so uninformed about menopause (its not just hot flashes) and even how doctors are not prepared to it either. But feel that the change is on the way.
Take care ladies
I can relate to all that ZI have read so far.
Yes the only thing the generation before mostly said was the hot flushes. Maybe it’s the embarrassment of not remembering things . I know I hide it when I get stuck in that moment.
IWhen I mention how I’m feeling in a general chit chat with in-laws or the older lady in her 80s next door , their repose is “ You just have to get on with it.” (In a nice way . )
We do live in a totally different era. I remember my grandmothers being at home at 50 not trying to hold a job down . And all the other things we want to do.
I d like to see something in place for this and the next and the next generations to come. Surely now that people discuss and describe how they feel it will have an impact.
I also have new(ish) hypothyroidism and hypertension, and many of the symptoms you listed. I never heard that it could be related to menopause, and keep getting frustrated that the doctors look for a variety of causes instead of focusing on one possible overall cause. Thank you for sharing. It helps to not feel so alone.
Thank you for being you and allowing us to share!! Menopause kinda crept in with little warning. I feel I second guess my decisions, lose concentration at work and lose it with my kids…. No hot flushes or sweats. Plenty of insomnia tho. Ladies it’s no fun right!?
I’m suffering with insomnia big time! I toss & turn it’s NO FUN! I have to b patient with my self bc I kinda lose it during the day bc I’m so exhausted ?
Same here. My insomnia is horrible. I fall asleep but toss and turn all night
We need someone to start hosting “second puberty” talks for us like they did when we’re were 11! Maybe then everyone would understand more what’s going on in our bodies for this change. We could show ourselves and each other more respect and grace!
You are not alone. I too had he hypertension and the anxiety such that I quit work as my anxiety threshold was so low I could not cope with the pressure of the job.
I have terrible fatigue now and achy arms and shoulders all the time. I am exercising and trying to work through the pain. I worry it is more than just menopause but getting any help from a doctor is impossible.
I have a lot of these symptoms too. And waking with shaking cold and racing heart. I have always struggled with anxiety but it has hit me like a ton of bricks the last few months. I even went in after having what they say was a panic attack became I thought I was having a heart attack. I worry constantly that something is really wrong with me. If this is perimenopause, I don’t know how I’m going to survive years of feeling like this. I was on HRT progesterone but went off of it for about a year and went back on it and that’s when the panic attacks started so I went off again. My hormone Dr says I just need more progesterone but primary Dr says she would never prescribe it. So stuck on what to do.
Omg I’m having the same! It’s making me crazy! I just got on progesterone and am hoping that this will help resolve this! It takes my concentration away because I’m worrying all the time! I hope you feel better!
Same here- you are on the same boat and it’s a big one! I am also scared of people noticing that I am different at work
If this happened to men it would be a different topic. Research, help, understanding, inclusive, doctors with knowledge, testosterone availability.
I had a chat with a doctor (took me 3 weeks to get that)
SHE basically told me all the negativity to HRT. There wasn’t one word of patient centred care, she sounds so worn out, it wasn’t a nice experience really. I’m hoping all of my perimenapusel women have got support in some shape or form ❤️
Your not an alien but I know where you are coming from I may wind up losing a husband no sex because it’s painful, hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, foggy brain. Reoccurring uti. Anyone else have that problem?
I’m over the hot flushes but still get night sweats, fog brain, severe anxiety, headaches, the list is endless.. I have been going through this since I was 39, I’m 55 this year and still have symptoms
Hi, seen your post and I also suffered with nightsweats. I have been never used anything prescribed to help my smptoms but they got so bad at night, I purchased a vitamin that targets this. I must say I have seen a big improvement. I have just subscribed.
I suffer to with painful sex I’m really horny tho, I thank god I’m still feeling like a woman I use ALOT of lubricant it’s painful but it feels at the same time lol.. my doctor gave me some estrogen cream low does.. STRAY STRONG & POSITIVE!!!
I hear you! Another thing that’s really helpful is using vaginal hydration suppositories. I can’t use the low-dose estrogen creams because of my breast cancer recurrence risk, but have found that using the suppositories either every other day or three days a week (depends on the kind, some hydrate more and you need fewer per week!) has made having sex sooooo much less painful.
Songirl48, I actually have a possible answer for you about recurring UTIs during menopause, although now that I think about it, my information is more linked to vaginal infections, like yeast infections or vaginosis. I had menopause induced last October as part of breast cancer treatment. What a roller coaster! I’m learning new things all the time, but one thing my gyno #2 said (gyno #1 said there wouldn’t be symptoms?! So I sought out another!) was that since menopause very often causes dryness in the vagina and also the vulva, it makes us more prone to imbalances (like a yeast infection! Or a pH issue) because the “good bacteria” has more trouble adhering to the vaginal walls if they’re dry. It was an AHA moment for me, because I hadn’t been diligent about using the vaginal hydration suppositories and hadn’t realized there could be any link! It may be a different issue with UTIs, but keep asking different gynos until you find one who knows. It’s so worth it. Recurring UTIs are the worst! Also, I’d see a urologist in the meantime. I did many years ago and the microdoses of antibiotics they gave me were truly effective in prevention. Hang in there!
Thank you for sharing, every symptom you been dealing with. It’s been the same for me & I was starting to believe there was something wrong with me. Moodiness, anxiety along with other symptoms has been really hard to deal. This is my 4th week out of work, because it’s been from strong, unbearable stomach pain to migraines, nausea, joint pain that’s has made it impossible to go to work. Spent 6 days admitted in the hospital because Drs couldn’t figure out was was causing stomach pain. It was sharp pain, coming and going.
This comment, this app and hearing everything everyone else is describing, is validation. menopause and all it’s glorious symptoms are normal and we need honest informed guidance from the medical profession. What a relief finally hearing that what seemed like some strange medical condition is a normal process of life, if we are fortunate enough to make it to this new chapter. ?? I’m ready to go out into the world empowered now!
I can definitely relate!!! This kinda showed up out of nowhere! I didn’t get a memo, no call or email! I didn’t even get a proper invitation to intrude on my life! Menopause just slapped me in the face, without warning! You can look young but when it’s time for Her (menopause) to break out, she’s coming with full force!!!!! I do feel much better knowing that I’m not alone in this!!!!
I just started today too. I see what doctors have said to you, & just here to tell you -the book I’m reading talks about that in the first chapter-that so many women get inaccurate and dismissive attitudes from their doctors. The book is the new meno pause-by Haver. Starting ch 2!
OMG Carla!!! I GET YOU!!! I cried reading your story because it’s also my story. I too lost my job. And I too feel alienated…especially at home because my husband don’t get it and expects me to still show up when my capacity tells me that I’m empty. But yeah…hopefully…PRAYERFULLY this app is going to get us through with as much ease as possible. Prayers for you my dear🙏😌❤️.
I’m sorry, this is the edited version:
OMG Carla!!! I GET YOU!!! I cried reading your story because it’s also my story. I too lost my job because of brain fog, migraines, and extreme fatigue. And I too feel alienated…especially at home because my husband don’t get it and expects me to still show up when my capacity tells me that I’m empty. I also feel like I’m a new person and I’ve just been seeking God about it, because nothing else this far worked (except pellets), so I truly understand your “Thanks??”😂.
But yeah…hopefully…PRAYERFULLY this app is going to get us through with as much ease as possible. Prayers for you my dear🙏😌❤️.
Well, I’m already apologizing for my English because I’m Brazilian! in 2020 I had an ovarian tumor that caused a lot of damage and so I had to have an ophtherctomy and hysterectomy, so my menopause is surgical. It’s very difficult to deal with all this, because everything happened in two months and the symptoms already came in the same month as the surgery, it wasn’t a process that happened gradually, I woke up in menopause and I didn’t know anything about it. my body has totally changed and keeps changing and i get desperate because i’m young! I don’t have anyone to share with my friends because their time is different, they have no idea what I’m going through. after two years I still have a lot of difficulty but I am hopeful that I will learn to deal with these symptoms!
I had to have a partial hysterectomy in 2020. I have endometriosis and my uterus wasn’t working right. Big long story.. but they wanted to keep my ovaries intact to keep hormones supplied but I also have PCOS and have ovarian cysts often. Idk what all is happening for me hormonally now but I’m a mess. Idk if I’m still cycling or menopausal or what but this last month has been kind of a nightmare with mood swings and anxiety and night sweats and freezing during the day.
Anyways I am also hoping to find out info here and maybe track symptoms to find a pattern of some sort.. ??♀️
Good luck on you journey
Someone else that it hit all of a sudden an is younger then expected to start this process I’m glad I saw your post I really thought I was completely alone
Jessica, I totally get your situation. I had to have menopause induced with a shot (Zolodex) after finishing radiation therapy for breast cancer. I had NO information and that same month I got my period for 21 days! That was last October. Just last Tuesday I had my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed surgically and recovery is going well. The instant onset of menopause is HELLISH and very confusing. But you aren’t alone. ♥️
Hot flashes, anxiety and mood swings are taking over. And the brain fog!
You can get brain fog with Fibromyalgia also get your self checked, a lot of menopause symptoms are linked to fibromyalgia as I have both x
Yep me too ???????
You just emoji-d my entire existence rn!
Difficult. Progesterone cream seems to have helped w hot flashes and maybe the brain fog. Mood swings and depression have been difficult for me – and for my husband. Not sure we’ll make it through this. Feeling of inescapable futility. Insomnia has also been tough. I used to sleep great. Now I’m lucky to get a solid six hours a night. I’m not even in menopause yet! Periods come now every 4-6 mos. I don’t really recognize who I am anymore.
Same here
Sasha I totally understand, regular exercise has helped me with my mood a lot. Thank goodness I have 3 friends, we all about same age going to the gym together. I see a huge difference on the days I don’t go. Also found white noise(fan sound) to help a lot to help me stay asleep better.
Thank you! ?
I feel for you Sasha and recognise all you’ve said.
I feel like a wall has built around myself and I struggle too to be sociable. Also feel that barrier between myself and my partner. I feel like I could eat a lettuce leaf a day and still gain weight… so I feel unattractive.
My sleep is also terrible. Disturbed and wakefulness every night.
Also recognise your feelings of futility… keep asking ‘what’s the point of me!’
My difference is I had a hysterectomy at 41 but kept ovaries etc, so I’ve no idea what stage I’m at. Also use the gel but not convinced it’s helping at all. (Now 52)
The only times I feel better are when I walk (which I do a lot of) or manage to lose myself in a good book (also a love of mine). Guessing what I’m saying is ‘indulge yourself’ often in something you love that’s just for you. Small targets. It’s really hard to find the motivation, I know this and I suspect you feel it too, but it just becomes something you do habitually to escape for a little while. Keep your brain active… even word games can help.
Keep talking too. Friends and family. There’s nothing like a good empathic ear. Doctor?
You’re not alone. Don’t ever forget that. X
Really relate to all you have shared. Thank you.
I am glad they’re is this group to chat anonymously, as we don’t know each other personally, so here I go, I’ve been getting vaginal dryness, I have had a myrena coil put in cos I was bleeding to some extent every day n it was becoming uncomfortable for me, since then, I’ve had no bleeding, so don’t know if my periods have stopped or not! But it was due to come out now but the nurse who usually sees to them has told me to leave it in for another year! I don’t know why???
Think she must think that it’ll help me a little more! Then my thyroid glands have been playing up so I’m on levotbyroxine x 2 tablet’s In the morning n I am hypertensive with my blood pressure, hust increased it to double the strength! My legs n ankles swell up every night so now they’re thinking I’ve got diabetes so they’ve got me on a weight management programme online to lose weight! But I’m struggling with the programme, only upto week 2 but should be week 5! Xxx
I’m just beginning this process and the insomnia has been horrible. I finally asked my doctor for help and she prescribed me something for sleep. Most days I wonder how I’m going to get through this. I don’t like the way I feel in my own skin.
Insomnia is my nightmare I feel it’s one of my worst symptoms
I’m right there with you. I never really had trouble sleeping before and now I do. Some sort of symptom every day.
I too don’t think my partner an I will be making it three this process and it just sucks because I can only say I’m not Myself so much before it sounds dumb but he don’t understand an I wish I could just do what I need to be who I was anyways it’s totally destroyed so much that I know it’s to late because this isn’t going to stop so my fear is there is no fixing us if I can’t fix me but as sad an messed up as it is I guess I feel less alone that I’m not The only ones who’s life is completely taken over an changed
Hi Sasha, I can totally relate. I only sleep about 3 hours a night (on a good night), after that, it’s just me laying in bed with my eyes closed trying to sleep yet fully awake. It’s horrible. I feel hot then I feel cold at night. I toss and turn and I am only peri menopausal. I have never experienced sleep deprivation until last year. I find it hard to come up with words that I typically know. I get brain fog, migraine headaches, at times my body feels like I’ve been mowed down by a big wheeler. I don’t know how I am supposed to keep a job this way. It’s scary.
My doctor put me on a low-dose birth control, and to keep my periods, regular and a little bit of estrogen cream low-dose to keep me moist and work out like crazy. It helps. I feel you on the sleepless nights. That’s my fear, because most of the nights are sleeveless however, I’m hanging in there and staying positive.
I’m so glad you mentioned how this is affecting your husband. My husband and I have been going through some rough times too. I am always tired and have little interest in going out and doing things. When we do go out, my energy is zapped way before his. And I have so much more anxiety in situations that never bothered me before. I have become so irritable and I try not to snap and take it out on him but honestly sometimes I do. He has been very patient with me but it is definitely putting a strain on us both.
First day in program. My menopause seemed to hit relatively quick. About a year. In that year I’ve had so many symptoms all at once. Scariest one for me is the fury. I’m not an angry person so I’m finding that a bit hard to take. As is my husband. It’s this general feeling of complete unwellness that’s so hard to explain to people , I find. Hopefully this will help me to understand and deal with it all a bit better. Thanks
Hi Gina, I completely understand your statement of this complete unwellness. That’s been my experience for the last 3 1/2 years. I’ve had months where it wasn’t so bad, exercise and diet make a difference, but very recently I’ve gone back to the symptoms that caused so much confusion at first. The aches and pains, weight gain and fatigue. I can tell you I’ve gone through so many phases it can make you crazy. Just yesterday I started feeling dizzy. I’m going to the doctor just to try to rule out vertigo. But I’m pretty sure it’s still the menopause. I’m hoping this is coming to an end soon but I just don’t know. I’m 58, I just got through my year of no periods, so I’m hoping this whole drama is coming to a close. It’s good to share thoughts and experiences. At least for me, my colleagues and I can discuss it and understand each other.
Omg! I feel so seen. I have the same symptoms. The dizziness really threw me off! I was sent to a cardiologist and given a clear bill of health after a bunch of tests. No discussion of menopause whatsoever. It’s so frustrating
Yes, I had NO idea about the mood swings, irritability & anger. And I’m in an allied health profession! I find throwing heavy shoes at the floor helps when I’m really angry. & doesn’t hurt anyone except maybe the shoes. ? Hang in there!
I can relate to the fury , I seem to have a very short fuse . My menopause was diagnosed very early so I am in post menopause now . I feel like no one listens to me and just say I’m being nasty for no reason .
I’ve read about the feelings of rage. The fear of that keeps me really isolated. I’m afraid I’m going to hurt someone’s feelings unintentionally.
Yes! The fury is real! I have always been the calm one and now the least little thing can set me off. Your description of “complete unwellness” is so accurate. I just don’t feel good. It’s rare that I have a “good” day anymore and I find that it takes me longer to rebound from the really bad days.
The rage I feel at times is scary. I’ve always had a short fuse but this takes the cake. And the complete unwellness is spot on. I’ve been to the doctor for so many different things/symptoms with no actual answers. And no one suggested that everything could be related to perimenopause. Some days feel insurmountable. But I’m encouraged when reading these posts. I am not alone.
Worse than puberty
I’m 49, and have had years of hot flashes, night sweats, occasional insomnia, super dry skin and hair, brain fog and anxiety/depression. Good news – I am learning to be kind to myself for the first time! I felt so awful I got back into therapy, and feel better month by month. My poor body though, I barely know it anymore. Sore joints, my fingertips go numb when I do detailed artwork (my profession), I need surgery for many prolapses, I don’t know what to eat or avoid anymore my digestion is so wonky and my libido is a shy cat. It’s a very humbling time. I’m grateful my husband is so loving and encouraging.
I’m also grateful to not feel so alone, after reading everyone else’s experiences here! ???
Thank you Melissa! I have been having on and off symptoms for about 2-3 years. I turn 46 in September. I haven’t had a period for the past 3 months, and this seems to correlate with the more frequent and more intense symptoms I’ve had lately. Brain fog is new to me, and very frustrating. I’m having a hard time focusing, and forgetting words. Night sweats and hot flashes too. I am managing with therapy and exercise but I’m also starting to explore what my options are if things get too difficult to handle on my own. I hear a lot of conflicting studies on using hormones so that’s very confusing. I am especially interested to know what are potential benefits (I’ve heard cognitive functioning and cardiovascular protective). If they offer protective benefits and also alleviate symptoms I thunk I can get on board, otherwise I’m doing ok on my own. I’m just not sure yet what my threshold is! I am also thinking of talking to an acupuncturist.
Thanks for this comment Kelly
Reading everyone’s comments is reassuring in the sense that there are others going through the same thing as me. I’ve been feeling very alone. The hot flashes, weight gain/bloating, reflux, restless nights with barely any good sleep, joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, irritability, non-existent libido. It’s all so much and has put me in such a rut. And all happening at the same time as having teenagers, a partner who is working from home full-time now, and my work situation is not at all what I had thought it would be at this time in my life. I don’t recognize myself, don’t feel like myself, and frankly, don’t even have the energy to do anything about it. I figured I would give this challenge a try, but I can’t say I’m all that optimistic. I don’t want to feel this way, and I know there are things I should be doing, but I keep finding myself doing the same things that aren’t helpful at all. Maybe the CBT will be the thing that interrupts this rut I’m in. The one thing that has really helped is the puppy we got a year ago. Honestly, I think she is the reason I’ve not slid into a deep depression. I don’t usually post online – just not my thing – but have to admit typing this out has given me a sense of relief.
It’s been heck…. Today I had to come home from the brain fog and mood swings(I’m just not my happy self). So I found this app hoping to understand my feelings better. My mother isn’t here to answer my questions ,God rest her soul she would. My heart has been feeling a harder beat past few days also. Hopefully someone can help with the brain fog. It’s horrible.
I also don’t have my mother to answer my questions so I can relate. I’ve found the community here very helpful and hope you do too ❤️
I don’t have my mum either she passed away 13 years ago, wish I had asked her when I was younger but of course it doesn’t occur to you then. So glad of this community, I only joined today.
I don’t have a relationship with my mother so I have no one as well:(
I can totally relate. Started peri menopause five years ago. It happened so suddenly. But, joint pain, allergies, headaches, neck pain, brain fog, bloating, acid reflux, lower back pain that effects my legs, carpal tunnel which comes when I know my period will start soon. Which has a mind of its own sometimes 21 days sometimes 60days. And yes hormonal palpitations. I notice if my period is starting soon or I have eaten something that does not agree with my hormones. Which you will learn it will start feeling my heart. After doctors, blood work, ekg, stress test, x-rays, mri with contrast. It is peri menopause which started at 42. So it feels at times our bodies have a mind of their own which they do. I take several menopause supplements and they do help. Drink lots of water, and try to walk or exercise as often as possible. Company called HUM has great products.
God bless and we will get through this.
Omg this is what’s happening to me now! Soon as I thought I had things in control my neck has starting hurting! In the back on the right side! It’s been a week now!
I’m 43 btw
When you guys speak of brain fog, I actually get feelings of like chills in my head that makes me worry and I’m wondering if that’s part of brain, fog or part of menopause
I am Excited to Start today. I am 52, Mom of 4 and Grandma to 6. The worst part for me is Lack of Energy and Feeling Terrible all the time. I am Raising 2 of my grandkids age 4 and 3 and I Can’t keep up with them. I Never had as much Energy as they have.??
My energy is absent. Kinda scary
Joining today after a year in menopause during a pandemic. I questioned every symptom as to if it’s menopause or stress. Came here for info before headed to dr… definitely have menopause tummy, bloating, my reflux is in overdrive, cold and hot flashes, overall aches and fatigue.
Wendy, I can relate! It’s hot and cold all the time, never ending. And my body has redistributed weight in ways it never had before. The fatigue is debilitating. I feel so unprepared for all this!
I can relate! All my symptoms began to get worse right before I tested positive for covid! So I’ve had to shuffle between king Covid symptoms and perimenopause! My body aches all the time hot flashes to the max! Trying every supplement possible and as soon as I feel like I got a grip another symptom appears! I have no one to talk to and relate and I’m feeling lost!
For the longest time I have been thinking that I don’t know how much longer I can go on. I have always been able to handle stressful things. That is when my adrenaline would kick in and I could just take over and take care of all of the problems. Now it seems like all I do is cry, I feel my heart like it is going to beat out of my chest, I am always exhausted, I have gained more weight than ever, I find it very difficult to go to work, almost quit and just felt plain miserable but I started thinking the other day that “ I wonder if this is all because of menopause?” Then I started doing a little research and I found this app and it all became so much clearer. I am looking forward to reading the articles and trying the exercises even the meals. I am praying that this will help.
I am so over this! I started my cycle at nine so why oh why am I still dealing with a cycle of any sort at 51. It’s not regular but it’s annoying nonetheless. The night sweats are a horror show and the lack of sleep is downright criminal. I have to question my sanity on a daily basis and keep my emotions in check because no one wants to go to prison at 51. LOL. I have been dealing with this for about 5 years now. It’s really been a struggle at times and sometimes it feels like no one truly understands. Like this is truly a THING. I’m thankful to have found a community that will understand ?????
This is definitely truly a thing ?
Thank you for this comment I’m same
Hi! I’m starting the program today. I’ve been using this app inconsistently for a year now, but since turning 49 in December, it’s like a switch turned on and I’m in a hot flash that won’t stop. My symptoms began around 46 with mood swings, a thyroid issue where it went hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism, a wildly unpredictable cycle, weight gain, skin, nail, and hair issues, disrupted sleep, brain fog, stress-induced urinary incontinence, and zero sex drive. The mood swings have passed, thanks to a consistent exercise and meditation routine, but these hot flashes are really something. How can I be burning up and freezing cold at the same time?! It’s been an interesting few years to say the least. I want to look back on this time as a positive one, and, so— I’m learning about it so I can embrace the change. I believe that by understanding what’s going on, I’ll be better prepared to face what’s coming, and be able to prepare my family. I also want to open the lines of communication because NO ONE talks about this! It’s like a great big mystery all women have to fumble through, but aren’t allowed to talk about. If all of us (including men) we’re educated about this part of every single woman’s life, we could manage it gracefully. I want to connect with other women because this feels isolating.
It’s mostly night sweats and hot flashes (which suck!). But at first, when my periods got all wonky, I got a little sad—like I just felt that I, as a person, just didn’t count anymore. Like, society didn’t need me. Just a crone. I don’t have kids or a partner, so…??♀️ It’s been a few years now, and I’m just flipping sick of not sleeping. Sleeping used to be my super power. Now I wake up in the of the night every two hours.
Why am I awake? Oh yeah—here it comes. Ugh.
I have a trick. I used to feel like you when I woke for no reason and felt “ugh!” Knowing I would then be awake the rest of the night. OK here’s my trick. For the last year or so it’s worked a treat! I don’t get the feeling in my bladder that it’s full or that I need a wee but as soon as I wake…. I just get up and head to the toilet and empty my bladder. Stay in the dark if possible no lights on. Just quickly back to bed immediately and voila! Straight back to sleep. I love my sleep and am so so glad I have discovered this way to get back to it. X
I’ll definitely try that. My sleep has been awful these last few months, and I love sleep
Hang in there… I’m in the same situation!
Online dating sites are horrible and all you come away with is a feeling of inadequacy… and a very specific loathing of men!???
I think I’m peri menopausal. Irregular periods. Night sweats. Back and joint pain. Hair and skin changes…..increasing gradually over time for about 8+ years. I’m 47. The irregular periods and night sweats are just over the top now. The joint pain and muscle aches are fairly new. Never had a hot flash. Just trying to know my body and thought this app would help me to log my symptoms. Menopause really needs to be studied and explained more.
Oh…libido is the same or better. But, that’s probably due to my hot, younger husband. 😉
?
At age 40 I started with heavy bleeding and had Mirena placed which did very little. Over the last few years I’ve noticed anxiety, heart palpitations, insomnia, brain fog, missed periods . I have not had my period in 3 months. I have had hot then cold flashes for the last three weeks about 10-14 times a day. I am trying to figure out how to manage them. I notice a unique change in my body like when I knew I was pregnant without a test. I know that I am done with menses. My appetite has changed in the last few weeks as well. I don’t like heavy foods any more, no hot drinks, and am craving frozen fruit. I will be 45 in April. I started periods young at age 10 so am happy to be done.
I’ve had the change in appetite too! I used eat chocolate and chips every day but now I just want fruit and yogurt. My hot flashes were horrendous in the beginning around 30 a day and all night but the less I stress about them they get better to deal with. I’ve lost weight due to the diet change so that’s a good thing. Good luck girls x
I’ve tried a few non hormonal treatments and nothing helped with the night sweats. Now I’m using HRT but would prefer an alternative so am trying Caria
Let me know if you stop HRT I’m quite happy with it but took months for seeing any change to mood
I am so bloated. I feel like a walking tummy.
Yes!
Same here
2 weeks out of every month!
Same, is this a symptom? Periods every month still but cycles 26-31 days, not sure if this counts as regular
Oh lord… me too!!! And nothing fits me anymore, especially jeans…
Yep. I keep trying to make excuses to myself. If I worked out or ate better. I think I would have to starve myself and workout for hours. It’s like my bloated belly is floating on top of my stomach.
Struggling with a myriad of symptoms, wild mood swings, night sweats, memory problems, debilitating cramping with heavier periods that are still regular but spotting in between…. Struggling that I’ve never been pregnant and I’m 41 and I’ll likely never be a mother ?
Can totally relate. A mess of symptoms. Started at 42 and now at 46 they still drive me crazy but learning how to deal with all of them and take a lot of different things that really help. Along with lots of water daily need to stay hydrated so important. I was pregnant years ago. But, lost the baby so unexpectedly at four months ?. I truly believe there is a plan for women like us. I want to start the adoption process. So many precious beautiful children that need a lovely home. Don’t ever give up. You never know what miracle is right around the corner for you.
Just before menopause lowered the BOOM on me, my periods were literally a blood bath! I would stay home for fear of leaking… having no periods for years has been the only blessing of menopause…
Thank goodness for this app!
I stumbled across it today and have been reading all the comments, I can relate to all of you.
I am 52, I had a hysterectomy at 37 they left my ovaries as they were healthy and I started menopause (or peri menopause) when I was 48 or at least I think I did, it’s hard to tell when you don’t have periods.
I asked a doctor when I was 45 about it and his reply was ‘it’s not an illness’ I could have punched him in the face. I have a new doctor now.
The hot flushes, tiredness, night sweats, brain fog, weight gain, bloating to the point I look 9 months pregnant, forgetfulness, aches and pains, although I do have osteoarthritis in my spine which affects my arms and legs so not sure how much of it is menopause, reflux and so on…
I feel so unattractive and I’m single.
I started HRT 18 months ago which helps but I still get symptoms. Heatwaves fill me with dread instead of joy like it did a few years ago, there are not enough fans in the world to sit in front of ?
I dread socialising so I don’t bother or I make a ton of excuses so I don’t have to and now no one asks anymore.
I don’t feel like me anymore and I hate it.
So I’m starting the program today and to be honest I’m quite excited about it!
I’m looking forward to finding something positive to get me through the next few years, or how ever long the menopause lasts for.
Thank you ?
Today is my first day as well. I’ll be 50 in October and perimenapause seems like it hit me all at once! After 4 months of no periods, I’m now on day 11 of a horrible period cycle.
I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been in my life and my self esteem has never been so low. Breakouts, night sweats/hot flashes, dizziness, sore breasts, insomnia, anxiety and just not happy! Who is this new person living inside
me?! I’m so happy to have found this app. When you’re young you learn about getting your period…why don’t they prepare you for what happens during menopause?
Glad to be a part of the group and I sympathize with ALL of you amazing women. ❤️
Joined a couple of days ago and boy, reading these comments I can see that there is a vast array of symptom sets! My experience seems mild compared to many, but odd. Was hit suddenly last year (I’m 51) with severe hot flashes every 35 minutes like clockwork. I thought it was lucky (only for me) that we were in lockdown as I couldn’t have hidden it at work. But then after about 4 months they stopped and I felt so much better – I thought woo-hoo it’s over! But no, period came back and so did the symptoms with a vengeance and accompanied by nasty sweating (I don’t normally sweat), insomnia, mood swings, general lethargy and inability to engage with my very demanding job. Exercise helps and I’m on a diet plan but the main feeling just ugh everyday. I literally feel unwell every single day. Still exploring the app and like many here lost my mother young so have no family guidance. Will see my gp soon but worry about HRT because of breast cancer – is that outdated?
Menopause has been A LOT of hot flashes!
Definitely! And 100 degree temps right now are helping ? The hot flashes for me are the worst. I have them year around and everyone says I freeze them to death in the winter. I’m like, “I can only take off so many clothes, you can add some” ?
?
I feel more like my old self since my ovaries were removed
I got mine removed and I feel depressed
I’m looking forward to mine being removed… on top of that, I also have large fibroids
It has been uncontrolled and hard to deal with mood swings and depression.
Me too
The mood swings are awful
The mood swings are definitely an ongoing battle.
I don’t known when this process started. I had my last baby when I was 40 years old. I’m 51 now and starting to skip periods, have night sweats, and my skin is changing. I don’t really know what to expect. I’ve heard about hot flashes, but haven’t been having any. I’m running hot and don’t get cold as easily. And, my hands and feet are usually cold. I’m cranky like PMS. And the periods I do have are lighter and shorter. So, I guess I’m in peri-menopause. I asked my mom about her experience and she said she didn’t remember. Not a lot of help.
I think once women are over it they don’t want to remember
The constant hot and cold, brain fog, slight depression and weight gane
Happy to be in this group!
Starting this program today after I discovered the app while researching if anxiety and panic attacks could be a symptom of menopause. I had the thought as I was dealing with my standard evening sweats…when I get out of my daily Epsom salt bath that helps with my extreme joint pain, I sweat profusely under my breasts and in the “V” of my pelvic region. I wondered if these sweats could be what is considered a hot flash, as I have had them for only a few years.
When I started reading about all of the above symptoms being related to peri menopause, I was astonished! It has brought me a great deal of peace tonight to read so many similar stories of symptoms and feelings of inadequacy on the job.
I have no real idea of how long I have had symptoms…I had an ablation 8 years ago, but my period came back about 18 months ago very sporadically. It seems that every day brings new symptoms, that I can now at least acknowledge as menopause. Just knowing that is helpful.
Hiya! I just had my endometrial ablation TODAY so thought I would come on here & see other peoples experience. I’m 53 now & I asked the surgeon how long it would last. She said “it will last” so I’m trying to have faith. If it came back like you I would be 61 so please God I would have stopped naturally by then? X
Anyone else suffer from sudden severe panic/anxiety/depression with the onset of menopause?
Yes ma’am and it scared the living mess out of me. I still suffer from this but it seems to be getting less and less.
Yes, severe anxiety for no reason. A year ago Dr put me on antidepressants, which made me so tired and zero libido, it was just numbing. When I realized it was probably perimenopause as I also had other symptoms, I tapered off, still felt awful. Went to my Gyny and just started hrt. Fingers crossed, as each day is a struggle right now.
Yes!!! But, I was already an semi-anxious person to begin with.. And now, my anxiety, especially regarding my health, has gone through the roof..anxiety and panic seem to set in over minor things or nothing at all. I was having only night sweats for about a year and a few months ago I started having hot flashes/chills and I noticed my anxiety/panic getting worse. I am 54.
I feel the same also. Do you get chills in your head?? It makes me worry more.
I most certainly did it’s been hell! I’m on evorel patch and utrogestan capsules both are body identical and I’m tapering off from antidepressants soon. Ive found therapy has helped and CBT. Self compassion, breathing techniques and the new Louise Newson book has been a great help to understand all symptoms and what can be done. Huge hugs take good care x
I’m 53 and started having symptoms a few years ago. The worst for me are the hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain and brain fog. I spoke to my GP about HRT last year, and this week decided to take the plunge. I stuck my first patch on yesterday. I’m aware that it could take up to 3months for any of the benefits to be felt. I’m also aware that I need to look at improving my nutrition and physical activity, so I’m excited to start this 40day challenge to learn even more. I’m hoping that soon the symptoms (at least some) will abate and I will be in less discomfort and be better able to enjoy life.
Hello everyone. I want to share my story and how I handle menapause and hot/cold flashes. I went into menapause in 1993 (I was 47) after chemotherapy and radiation to treat breast cancer. It’s been 29 years. Thank goodness cancer not returned, but I continue to get hot flashes and cold sweats, and because of cancer, hormone replacement therapies were not a solution for me. So I suffered greatly in the beginning especially. For me cancer was a spiritual wake-up call. I began to meditate, studied nutrition (still student), and am immersed in the mind-body therapies of yoga, exercise, spirituality, etc, all of which have been of enormous help. I also love to dance. Through nutrition studies I learned to eat healthy (mostly organic), which I am certain have played major role in cancer remission. I have yet to find solution or cure for hot flashes/cold sweats, but I have learned to deal with them; I don’t let them get in the way of life. The hot flashes come and go, and more often than not I’m not aware. However, I am aware that alcohol and caffeine are hot flash triggers for me. One doctor told me they could last till I’m 80 or so, which at the time I thought it the worst possible scenario. He predicted my future, but thankfully my healthy lifestyle and spiritual practices have made menapause bearable, as well as helped with good health in general.
My experience thus far has been traumatizing to say the least! I think I started 2 maybe 2 1/2 years ago. But thinking hard sneaky symptoms like weired moments of brain fog and confusion started several years before 2020. I am 46 now, and these last two years have been hell. I’ve never suffered from absolutely anything. Suddenly I have anxiety, heart palpitations, depression, absolute moments of confusion, overal unhappiness, and it is all about the symptoms themselves. I’m scared and anxious about being scared and anxious. I’m sad depressed about being sad and depressed! It’s not my life, job, marriage, or any other life thing. It is literally about these new horrific feelings! About not knowing or feeling myself. It’s almost as if I’m watching myself feel this things and the person watching (the real me) can’t get in to help. I could deal with pain, hot flashes and night sweats. This nervousness, depression, confusion is killing me! I hate it!
Morning! My friend sent me this app after I text her that I feel completely out of control. I am 44 still have regular periods. However my anxiety, racing thoughts, brain fog, heart palpitations and chest pain get me at least a couple of weeks a month worse than other weeks. Anyone else have these issues?
I truly started thinking I was losing it!
Grateful, that I’ve always been healthy. So these new changes are throwing me for a Loop. Hot flashes, heart, palpitation body aches. But now I’m tracking triggers via this app and it’s extremely helpful. Moderate exercise, change in diet – which means eliminating or minimizing some things that I love is all worth it to help me feel better. Sorry that we’re all experiencing these things, but isn’t it great to know that there’s a forum/platform for us to share? Because that alien feeling is real.
Oh Rose, I love your positivity! Glad you are here
It’s been horrible and seems to get worse as time passes. I sleep well, hot flashes throughout the entire day, the sweating throughout the day, mood swings, always angry, sad all the time. Feels like i am loosing it mentally.
Tonya that really stinks! When I have those really bad days, I have to look for the small things that bring me joy. Sometimes sitting outside for a few minutes, disconnected from my phone and computer can make a difference.
Have just joined the community today so still finding my feet.
My symptoms started around 3 yrs ago. I was breastfeeding my son and put it down to being an older mum ( I was 42 and he was donor conceived) hormones, exhaustion from being a new mum with no support etc.
Exhausted but couldn’t sleep, zero sex drive, periods happening once every 6 mths, increased anxiety, sweats (but not flushes) extremely irritable, zero patience and quite frankly I felt like a ticking time bomb ready to explode all the time. I became so angry all the time but I didn’t know why. Blood tests confirmed
I was peri-menopausal:
Currently prescribed anti anxiety medication, antidepressants and duo HRT tablet form.
They have definitely helped but I still feel so far away from where I want to be. I feel like a completely different person who was up for a laugh and enjoyed the banter. Now I’m just constantly moody and sensitive. The brain fog is horrendous to the point where I recently had a memory test carried out as I was convinced I had early onset Alzheimer’s. I just want to feel like my usual self and feel like I’m letting my son down and he’s not getting the best of me
I am so sorry you are struggling. I Agree that it’s like being a different person. My husband is phenomenal, but he keeps saying maybe this is your new normal. I do not want to feel like this for the next 40 years.
I have been experiencing so many things the past few years that I never thought were related to my hormones. I’m 46 and on and off for the past few years I’ve experienced anxiety, stress causing me higher blood pressure and weight gain. Not until the past few months have I been told that this is likely my hormones. I’m so frustrated – the biggest things I struggle with now are anxiety and heart palps. I’ve seen my cardiologist and worn a holter monitor and it’s shown nothing but I know I’m feeling something. I feel like I’m going crazy some days! Like am I the only one experiencing this and telling my heart to stop making me feel this way? I’ve just started progesterone and I know it takes time but I just want this part of my life to be a thing of the past so I can enjoy my life and family without constant worry. Anyone else having similar symptoms and what have you done about it? Thank you for listening!
Brutal
I went to the doctor with symptoms of perimenopause and he put me on antidepressants which I reacted badly to. I suffered needlessly for three years because he wouldn’t listen to me. I got off the meds and went through a weekend of withdrawal that made me feel like I was dying. The only good thing the meds did was get rid of my hot flashes. Now that I’m off the meds they have returned. Magnesium supplements helped cut down the severity.
My last period was January 1, 2022. I am 54 years old and have no point of reference of menopause for my mother. She has and stage Alzheimer’s. I am having frequent hot flashes and a foggy brain. Honestly, I am very fearful of what’s to come because of all the different stories I’ve heard.
Just joining the group today … with the mask the hot flashes can seem overwhelming. Started Black cohosh and Saint johns wort this week to see if any relief is to be found naturally.
Starting today . I started HRT 10 days ago. Going to try to put everything on my side to feel better : have the gamut of symptoms but fatigue and joint pain at what’s been worse.
Do you feel your HRT has been helpful? I want to start that but don’t know where to go. My doctor said he doesn’t believe in that and won’t recommend it for me.
I’m through the hot flashes. That lasted about 2 years after hysterectomy. What’s worst now are insomnia, weight gain, zero energy, and hair loss.
Me too, I also had the surgery two years ago and it seems that there are still new symptoms appearing! I suffer a lot from hot flash, brain fog, zero energy, weight gain, cellulite and hair loss! what a hard time, no?
Just started the program today. I am excited to start today. I’m struggling with sleeping and I love my sleep. I’m also struggling with the weight gain. I feel uncomfortable in my own skin.
I can really relate to this Michelle. I feel like my body is out of my contol.
My experience with perimenopause, has left me feeling confused about which way to look, feeling overly aware and undoubtedly more confused. Alone…although supported by friends and family. The scary part is I feel my nasty very untamed teenage self coming through with todays knowledge but tired frustration. I scare myself at times. What I do like about this start has been alleviating monthly periods- far and few weeks in between. What I don’t like are period surprise visits. At least during my earlier years I would get a treat after 9 months. Not this time. Hahahaha. But the greatest part is the knowing and journey this wonderful vessel has brought forth and how fortunate I am to have been a captain of my ship! Not over yet, grateful for new experiences…not looking forward to hot flashes also far and few in between. In light and love!
I’m really struggling it’s been such a shock at how bad it is. My anxiety is through the roof – sleep a distant memory, my self esteem is so low, I feel and tell myself every day what a waste of space I am. And recently I have sprouted huge boobs I’ve never had before and hate them on my petite frame and I’m putting so much weight on. Lastly I’ve started eating rubbish food really late which I never did before. It’s so so hard.
I can relate! I’ve been dealing with anxiety for some time, but now I feel like I can’t do anything right, I’m gaining weight, and I wish I could get a breast reduction! Oh, mood swings too. I cry so easily!
My experience so far has been with really bad sleep and heavy periods. I am feeling a mix of emotions ranging from very sad at the loss of my child bearing ability (I only had one child 25 years ago and am feeling the loss of children I didn’t have), to relief.
I find myself crying over the loss sometimes.
I also can’t sleep more than 5 hours anymore and that worries me as to the long term affects of that and what it may do to my health.
I had a A hysterectomy many years back, surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus). My doctor did some blood test and has informed I am now pre menopause . Before this let me mentioned that I have been treated and medicated for general anxiety for the past 14 years . Now that I had been some years without thinking too much on my anxiety condition , comes menopause ? , making it difficult to know if again my stress levels are high or it’s just menopause (having a response to your symptoms makes it easier to accept and deal with). Today is my 1st day for the 40 day program and even though I’m just starting , believe me when I say I am more positive and feeling more ownership on my mind and body , than yesterday . Thank you ever so much for this application. Beli
After having breast cancer 2 years ago and being prescribed tamoxifen which caused chemical induced menopause, I was beginning to manage my symptoms but recently had to have a urgent hysterectomy due to possible cancer in my ovaries, I have now got surgical menopause and really struggling with the strength of the symptoms. Doing this challenge to help me get myself back to being a strong woman and not a shell that I am now
I understand, I had breast cancer in 2020 and am dealing with menopause symptoms on Tamoxifen and now an aromatase inhibitor (got a blood test proving I’m officially in menopause now). The symptoms are rough with no option to do HRT. Hang in there!!
My biggest symptom is hot flashes. I used to be such a good sleeper. Now I’m
Up 3-4 times a night sweating. I just want a good night sleep!
Started program today have been going through menopause for 3 years last period lasted a year and nothing for 2 years now. I’m not an angry person but now I get so mad crazy over little things angry all the time I can’t cope most off the time with mood swings I can’t get hrt as I had subarachnoid brain haemorrhage at 39 so not allowed also had heart attack 49
Birthdays with 9 at the end are bad for me lol at least I’m still here. Anyone else who can’t take hrt due to health? What do you do to cope I feel like I’m loosing my mind ?
I had breast cancer and also can’t do HRT because of it, am actually on estrogen suppressing drugs. I do meditation and yoga, try to eat as healthy as possible, but it’s still really hard! I am also angry all the time. I don’t have anyone in my life who understands, but I’m glad I can connect here with others even if they are far away. Take as good care of yourself as you can.
Wow…reading all the comments just now is really giving me insight on how I’m currently feeling: extremely tired, stiff, lack of energy to do anything, emotional, no amount of extra sleep will make me feel refreshed. I have no idea what to eat either and I’ve lost my desire to workout like I’ve been doing for a year now! Fear of not losing this weight I’ve gained.
Starting programme today. Perimenopause was fine, in some ways, really good – very active, lost weight and kept it off, firing on all cylinders. Menopause is utterly awful – I feel lucky that I’ve never had night sweats or bad hot flashes but the brain fog, joint pain and weight gain is utterly depressing. I’ve gone from being super active and confident to being unable to walk down stairs without my knees screaming in pain and doubting my own judgement and sanity. I wake up every morning with aching hips. I’ve given up on trying to maintain any semblance of healthy weight because no matter what I do, the weight just won’t stay down. The brain fog was so bad, I got myself onto hormone replacement (HRT) and that has alleviated it slightly. The hot flashes have also completely stopped (from Day 1 of HRT, actually). The joint pain and weight issues continue and I’m hoping that after a few months, maybe the HRT will help. I’ve always taken supplements, especially vitamins C, D, Zinc, Calcium (and now a menopause supplement) so I’ll keep taking those. I ice my knees and hip most nights. I’ve tried medical acupuncture with limited success. I try and do yoga but my knees really can’t handle most of the poses unless I take loads of ibuprofen and Co-codamol (codeine based pain killer). I am also in talk therapy and have been on antidepressants (both for a number of years) so I’ll continue with that too. So, I’m throwing everything at it but it is one of the most depressing, frustrating, debilitating times of my life.
I hear you Jemd. My hot flashes have subsided as well and we’re not the problem I heard they can be but my brain fog is really embarrassing. You say HRT has helped? Is there a specific brand that you use and is it available without seeing a doctor? I have found stretching and meditation help me a lot and it is not as intense as yoga. My knees and hips have also started becoming painful but I have not found the solution to that yet. Will let you know if I do. Thanks for any insight you can share! Aloha, g
I’m 47 and my last period abruptly stopped 5+ years ago. I thought I was pregnant, took the test. No baby. Menopause…maybe? 2 years later began spotting. Then nothing. Not really any other “symptoms” other than sleeplessness, weight gain, brain fog and mood swings. Concurrently, I was pursuing a diagnosis of Adult ADHD. It’s been a very confusing yet enlightening time. Is it me or the menopause, or the ADHD? I’ve finally been referred to a GYN who’s taking me seriously and I feel I’m in safe hands. She recommended Caria and bio identical HRT I began taking, as of last night.
I feel grateful to be here. My grandmothers’, aunties, and mum’s menopause, with little to no empirical literature or otherwise available, was a private, lonely, suppressed, silenced and diminished experience. Not here. And no longer. As an embodied being living in a body going through menopause, I’m choosing to be a part of a community of sharing. I intend to suffer less than my matriarch predecessors, embracing “menopause as metamorphosis”, suggested by someone much wiser than I 🙂
I googled to find help and found this app. I just joined. It’s 3:46am on a Friday morning. I suffer from insomnia but my sleep seems to be getting better. I’m exhausted most of the time. I started having what I thought was hot flashes in my early 30s. I suffered from fibroids. I had a myomectomy in 1997. 10 years later I had a 4.5 pound fibroid tumor removed and a hysterectomy (I still have my ovaries) I knew the tumor was there but I was scared of surgery and suffered. I had the surgery 3 days before my 40th birthday. No more periods. I was so happy. The Dr said I would probably have hot flash symptoms in 10 years, when I was 50 but I had them immediately. Hot and Cold flashes. Instantly zaps my energy. Mood swings. Depression. Even at my worse back then it’s nothing compared to now. I’m 53. I’m tired all the time, no energy. I say I’m lazy but honestly I’m not. Brain fog. My 79 year old Dad suffers from mild Alzheimer’s, most days it seems his memory is better than mines. It’s so frustrating. I can’t remember things all day. I found a part time job I love and I struggle completing tasks because I can’t remember what I’m doing or was going to do. It’s so embarrassing. My face will be soak and wet, sweat running down my forehead into my eyes. I keep paper towels now so I’m always patting my face dry (and washing my hands). I can’t eat late otherwise the acid reflux (gerd?) makes me pay for it all night. I’ve gained weight. I love walking but struggling with energy to get out of bed. It’s all forced. I feel my body has changed but it’s my mind that bothers me the most. The memory. I can’t remember. It’s depressing but I have not given in to the depression otherwise I won’t find my way out of it. I did have blood work 2 weeks ago after complaining to my Dr about Everything I’m struggling with. She seemed sympathetic. She said she has a patient in her 70s going through the same thing (have mercy ?). My blood work confirmed I’m in the middle of menopause. My Dr said some other things but I can’t even remember what.
The Hot flashes. The brain fog. The severe night sweats (so grateful I don’t have to share my bed or fan). The tummy after eating something you’ve always eaten but no longer agrees with you. The joint pain and overall body aches. The lack of energy and lack of will to do anything. There’s more but the brain fog, I can’t remember right now.
I get up everyday and do something. It keeps me going mentally but it’s a struggle. If I stay still long enough I ask myself, what’s the point. I’m only 53 ???
I’m still here. We’re all struggling together but we’re still here.
I can relate to so many of these comments. Feeling like an alien in your body. Feeling so overwhelmed all the time. Anxiety…oh the anxiety. Just a feeling if just not well. It is all so scary to me. I’m usually very active supermom and now feel like a sluggish shitty nervous mom.
For a year or longer, I just had periods closer together and heavier. And then spotting in between with old blood. But I just had my first almost missed period, a long time between and then the period lasted 12 days. And now all these other symptoms have begun; night sweats, hot flushes, bouts of anger, changes to taste. This is not pleasant! But I’m glad I found this app and a community of women going through it. We’re not suffering alone and silent any longer!
This has been rough, always been fit for the most part, eating healthy. Now I’ve gained 30lbs in a matter of months while still eating healthy. Work out but can’t seem to lose weight, lost 4 inches in a month and they’re back. I’m tired all the time even though I’m able to fall asleep as usual however, even when I get hot flashes while I sleep, I still feel like I’m resting. I also have felt some shortness of breath, particularly in certain outfits like my uniform. I also get some body aches, such as foot pain or back pain I lack the motivation to try and do more fitness to see if that would help me lose weight I just feel overall unhappy or overwhelm with how I look and how I feel. This is without taking into account the hot flashes that I get throughout the day and night. I’m planning to follow up with my GYN and hopefully get some more labs done and see what is going on, I just don’t get how I can go 30 pounds heavier when I’ve never been more than 10 pounds over my weight at my heaviest. I’m hoping that this challenge will help me find myself again, and feel better. Overall, I honestly didn’t realize that a lot of the symptoms that I was feeling including my memory issues were coming from my menopause. It was hard enough to except that I was never going to have children because I got my menopause way earlier than my mom and it definitely caught me by surprise then once I accept that this is what is happening now I’m having to deal with all my side effects or symptoms from it. At times he just feels like a lot I’m really eager to see how this will help me.
New to the forum:
I first would like to say hello to all the ladies here and hoping this will be a place for hope and coping for all of us.
I want to say that my menopause started 4-5 yrs ago, my memory on things have definitely gotten worse. That moment when your feel an uncontrollable rush of heat to the top of your head makes you feel like your about to pass out and not in control of your body. I quickly grab a can of cold seltzer water to somehow relieve me in the moment. I always carry a water bottle so I can hydrate often. I’ve always been a depressed person with many struggles in life so I can’t compare but therapy has been helpful for all of my other issues but not the sexual aspect of menopause. I fear everyday that my husband will leave me. Things are sometimes exaggerated in my brain, but the lack of intimacy has gone on for longer than my menopause and the menopause doesn’t make it easier. I’ve recently moved out of state and need to establish myself with a dr. My fear is medication that drs like to prescribe which I don’t like to take in general overall. I would love to be more intimate but the on and off sweating through the nights makes it difficult to have someone slightly close to me. I’m hoping to find a solution so I can fill that void between us.
I have been experiencing fatigue, mood swings really bad, people wear me out, I just do not have the energy to go and do things with my significant other b/c I work and by the time I get home I just want to be left alone and regroup my thoughts, emotions, and reflect on what and why do I feel like such a basket case and how I went from a young vibrant smiling big social butterfly to an inverted ole moody sweaty tired and achy old coot. I feel like I am on a roller coaster of emotions, one min. I want to cry and the next I want to strangle somebody for being in my personal space and then I want to smile and try to over look everything to try and pretend that I am okay and that is just life .
Hi everyone, I’ve just started this program today after seven consecutive days of night sweats! I’m trying to see if I can go through this will natural supplements before I turn to HRT. I have found peri menopause and menopause supplements from Health and Her. So I’m starting with peri as I’m still having regular periods. I’m 56! I would have thought they would have wained or stopped by now! I also have many other symptoms, brain fog, body aches and mood swings. I’m hoping this will help. My mum and sister have all gone through menopause so I have been lucky to have someone to talk to.
If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.
Metal taste, googled it to think it might be diabetes but it suddenly dawned on me that it might be menopause. Periods are regular but getting less and less intense and shorter. Dry outer ears which is weird….
I had my 2nd child at 37 and had 2 under 2 – I think I went from being knackered by them straight into peri. I saw my doc when I was 42 and questioned could it be, but was just told it’s your busy life! I had Covid in Nov last year and felt like I never fully recovered… revisited the peri idea (46yrs) and thankfully tests came back as clearly presenting as peri-meno! Phew! Brain fog and fatigue my worst enemy – husband would probably choose others!! ?
It has been a long road and can be so emotionally exhausting and draining like my body is crying for help. I had a full hysterectomy at the age of 40 due to pmdd feels like my whole life I have been battling with my hormones..i had a hysterectomy to ‘cure’ my pmdd and now I have a whole load of other symptoms to deal with. For me the brain fog and the insomnia is the hardest to deal along with the anxiety and fatigue and feelings of no joy in my life anymore. The weight gain is making me miserable as I just can’t seem to shift the weight I am unable to hold down a job because of this. I have tried almost every HRT going and nothing is helping . Hoping this app can help me some way or other as feel like I am hitting a brick wall.
Hello- first day of my program but 360 day after I was diagnosed with menopause. Today – tired like hell, pain in my muscles, and already forgot what I wanted to write … despite HRT and regular sport. So my reaction to menopause was simply: anger. I did not see it coming because :1) no one talks about it 2) it only happens to your mum, right? 3) I thought it would around 55. I was diagnosed just after turning 48 and I was really feeling young !
So glad for this APP!! I live in Europe: there is nothing like this!
I’m feeling resigned to what’s going on now and what’s coming up, it does feel very unfair that this is how menopause works – I was hoping for periods to quietly disappear, not ramp up the crazy.
Hi ladies! Just starting the program today as well and am grateful for all the openness, cuz let’s face it, no one talks about this stuff. I’m 61 and although I’ve been on bio identical for some time now I still am dealing with a lot. Mood swings, crying irrationally at the silliest comment, dry hair, dry skin, lovely pigmentation spots on my face that make me fell old. Thank goodness for concealer and make up. Hot flashes are the worst. Wine, used to enjoy it. Can’t drink it now cuz I get hot flashes. Coffee – also love it and need it to get the system going in the morning. Gives me hot flashes. Switched to prunes which help but make me bloat. Painful sex which is almost nonexistent cuz libido is nil, not to mention the UTI’s. Anyone else feel imprisoned in her own body? I could use an encouraging word or
two. I feel so alone. ❤️??
I just found this app and I’m so glad I did! I can identify with most of the symptoms that others have shared. I was dealing with the vaginal dryness and sleep issues and increased anxiety but now have bad brain fog and difficulty concentrating and constant exhaustion. I started a new more challenging job in October of 2022 and now feel like I shouldn’t have made a change as I feel like I’m barely functioning at 50% of my normal. Not getting restorative sleep is the worst and I’m sure not helping my brain issues. My symptoms have been largely dismissed by my Gyno since my hot flashes aren’t bad and that seems to be the only reason they would give me HRT. My Dr. suggested exercise and stress reduction techniques like breathing, meditation. She gave me a prescription for Estradiol vaginal cream. Then I read if you still have your Uterus which I do, that you shouldn’t take that cream without progesterone, as rush for uterine cancer increases. A friend suggested Bioidentical HRT so now I’m looking into that. I’m worried I’m going to lose my new job at this point.
I can relate. I don’t know how we are supposed to live this way (work) and other responsibilities. Hang in there.
Starting today the 40 day program….?
My story I believe began just after a partial hysterectomy at age 40 due to precancerous cells. I am now 56.
Within days of the surgery, I noticed terrible neck pain then eventually I started having terrible anxiety, neck issues, dizziness and no one could figure these out. I feel maybe something structurally shifted in my body that triggered a host of other structural issues….?
Have been to numerous natural and medical practitioners since trying to help these symptoms.
I finally tied some of the symptoms to being cyclical since my ovaries were left – just having no period. My doctor thought it strange but my breasts would still swell and ache; I would get bloat or digestion issues, headaches and lots of mood issues with anxiety. Learned a lot of ways to deal with what was happening through Nutrition, exercise, neural retraining and more….
Fast forward in last 3 years, I noticed the “cyclical” nature of symptoms stopped but I now experience terrible brain fog, word grasping, joint pains, shocks, heart flutters, terrible headaches, nail changes and more little shifts.
Hot flashes or night sweats? They started a year ago, very mild, lasted 2-3 months maybe and then gone. Just reappeared last few weeks again, mild.
But what is most troublesome for me is the pains, brain fog and general feelings of anxiety.
Been transitioning to eating more( was already very healthy eater) whole plant based foods, maybe go vegan to see if that helps and also was thinking of having my saliva hormone levels checked and at bioidentical hormones.
Would love to hear anyone else thoughts or experiences…♥️
Hi my name is Gauwrie and I just joined this app. I’ve started pre menopause about 5 years ago. I had a hysterectomy and went into pre-menopause very quickly after that. I could feel my body changing but couldn’t understand what exactly was changing. Unfortunately going to my then GP didn’t help and after spending a year of feeling like a crazy person who lost her mind I switched from GP. Luckily this GP who is a female doctor was very understanding and referred me to a clinic that specialises in menopause and menopausal issues. That has helped, but I’m still feeling lost when it comes to sharing knowledge and with that the pain, shame, experiences, but also the tips and tricks and last but not least the support from other ladies who are going thru the same or similar issues. By sharing my story I hope to connect with others and create a safe space to share about menopause as it has been a taboo for way to long. Thank you for reading and I hope to connect with you.
Regards,
Gauwrie.
Just started this program today out of desperation. I have gained a lot of weight. Been very hungry! It has been a roller coaster of emotions. I’ve felt very isolated. I’m hoping for relief.
Hi Monica,
I understand what your going thru. Hang in there. It will get better.
Breathing techniques have helped control my hunger. I also started making herbal ice tea which isn’t my favorite but provided distraction from my hunger. I feel like I’m the only one having to psy attention to everything. It is truly isolating. Nice to have this community with you.
This is my first post and I am new to the app/community. Has anyone else experienced tingling and numbness in feet? It’s new and I am wondering if it is related to hormones.
I have this, it goes up to my knees. It’s like restless legs, but I don’t always have it. I was given a medicine for it, which is something Parkinson patients get too. It helps, but I don’t take it often because it makes me drowsy. Pramipexole (Sifrol®) is the name. I find that taking magnesium helps a bit too, and I try to ignore it as best as I can.
Hi everyone, I feel very fortunate to have discovered the Caria app this morning upon my vague internet search on « how to manage menopause symptoms « ! I feel it’s exactly what I need at this time! As soon as I begun exploring this app, I felt a sens of relief and understanding! I have managed symptoms of depression, anxiety and poor body image my whole life . As I begin understanding menopause, I realize there are ways to positively manage this very important part of life. I’m hoping to make the best of it with support through the 6 weeks program!
Hi I’m new to this app but glad I’ve got other people’s stories about symptoms and how to cope. I was lucky and my gp actually sent me for a blood test which showed I was in perimenopause. I tried everything natural black cahoosh and other things but nothing worked. I was trying to avoid HRT but in the end had no choice. It has helped me tremendously but don’t really want to be on it for too long. Not sure how long I should use it for? Any opinions would be helpful
You can do a blood test for perimenopause?! My friend just read this book-I think it addresses HRT, & why we don’t need to be afraid of it, just informed. It’s called the new meno pause, by Haver. Maybe it will help. 🙏
I’m grateful that my therapist suggested this app, we are NOT CRAZY!
Today is my first day with the app and I am really grateful to have found it. I am 46 and going through perimenopause. My medical history is pretty uneventful except I had postpartum depression after my second child which was successfully treated. Last year I started having dizziness and forgetfulness and difficulty word finding, plus full body arthritis pain and a feeling of hopelessness but not towards anything specific. In January I started having panic attacks completely out of the blue. It wasn’t until March that I told a friend of mine and she asked about perimenopause. The thought NEVER crossed my mind. Went in to see my primary care doctor who said HRT was dangerous and a fad and Gave me a referral to psychiatry. Thankfully, I went into gynecology and she did a ton of labs and spent hours reviewing my history with me then started me on HRT. Since I was still so nervous and unsure, I went ahead with my appointment with psychiatry, who stated that my hormones needed to be address before she just threw a bunch of meds at me for symptom relief. It has taken a few months to get in with different doctors for different appointments and trial and error with HRT dosage, but things are slowly improving. It’s still scary though. I don’t feel like myself. I don’t feel as mentally sharp. I go through crying jags, and my life is basically on hold because I never feel completely great and I could feel like this for years.
Greetings! I believe I’ve been experiencing perimenopause symptoms for the past 2 years. Biggest issues of discomfort were bloating, abdominal discomfort, and insomnia. Over the past few months tons have kicked up with mood swings, anxiety and irritability. This past month I’ve discovered the joy of tingling/buzzing sensations in extremities and (less often) chest and face. Whoa. This season is legit insane. How did women get through good in generations past without taking to one another about what they were going through?!
Hello. I joke with my same aged friend who jinxed me with starting this journey, when she asked about my perimenopause symptims, I didn’t think I had any… then I started to notice the stiffness in my shoulders, my periods were not as regular as they had always been, still there, but longer light days… and now I realized I hadn’t had my period since 3/13/24 and the onset of hot flashes have set in! Help me lol
Crippling depression and brain fog. Loss of energy levels.
I’m 48 and think still fairly early in the process. Over the last year or so my periods have become less consistent – sometimes heavier & more painful, other times the opposite. And my very predictable 29 days has disappeared. Sleep is disrupted as I wake up drenched in sweat. And brain fog – which is making work difficult.
I’ve always been cold and I don’t know how to handle these night sweats & hot flashes I’m getting now. It’s so weird, for 30 seconds to a minute I feel like I’m on fire and everything sweats and then it just stops. And what the heck happened to my sex drive? It’s almost non existent and I was never like this. It’s quite depressing. And I’m extra emotional. It’s been almost a year now.
I can relate to your first 2 sentences! This just hit me starting a month ago, so I’m not sure what’s next…
I’m 41 and have recently been having a lot of joint pain. At first I thought I was just fighting off sickness each month, but then I thought back to it and realized it is Cyclical and must be related to perimenopause. I get muscle and joint pain, tiredness at the end of my period and irritability at the beginning
Same! I felt like I was getting the flu every month.
Hi – just started the programme today. My periods stopped 2 years ago & hot flashes/night sweats have been brutal since then – (exhausting) together with frozen shoulder (painful) on both sides triggered by the drop in hormones. Looking back at the perimenopause, I did wonder why I was so overweight & every month I had a migrainne – they stopped when the periods stopped. I wish there was more info out there – I had no idea I was in perimenopause – my doc told me migraines were hormonal & gave me pain killers. Since discovered muscle tears etc are more likely after exercise due to anti inflammatory effect of oestrogen. Hoping for some ideas to help
I’m wondering if there is a best time of day to do the meditation and the stretching. The other two seem to be good to do whenever.
Hi Dawna, we recommend trying the mindfulness exercises early in the day, or when needed – for example, you can try a guided mindfulness exercise when you’re experiencing a symptom. The stretching exercises can be used at night before bedtime. There’s evidence based on research studies that stretching for 10 minutes before bedtime can reduce menopausal symptoms. The program is meant to be flexible though, and can be adapted to your schedule and preferences! Hope that’s helpful – let us know if you have any other questions on [email protected]
I’m still not in menopause but I’m certainly getting some of the symptoms. Hot flashes and night sweats are the WORST!
I’ve been experiencing hot flashes, major brain fog, dry skin and increased anxiety. Also, my mood swings have increased along with a short temper/anger issues. But my migraines have pretty much disappeared so that’s a plus.
Hello all! I have no idea what stage I’m in. The symptoms I’m experiencing are frequent migraines, insomnia, cramps and periods lasting 1 – 3 weeks and a heavier flow than I’ve ever experienced.
So glad this program is here, and fellow ladies to share it with.
Mild compared to many others thank goodness. Wish the hot flashes would resolve but can deal with them. Sometime the up and down of emotions get to me as wel.
So far it has been all about the night sweats and hot flashes
This programme is a great way to begin to deal with the menopause in a structured and more positive way.
Insomnia.
Insomnia for years. Now increased anxiety and terrible muscle/joint pain. Some night sweats. I’m 45.
I am post hysterectomy for 11 yrs now and still occasionally have symptoms. They are less severe and more sporadic but I am always willing to learn how to manage them so that I may help guide others through this process.
Confusing. I don’t know how long I have been in menopause. Am I just starting or am I almost done? It just dawned on me that menopause was possible while I was talking to my doctor about my increasing depression. So, I had some labs done last week and BAM I’m menopausal. How did I get here? ? I’ve had so many symptoms on the list but thought it was just aging.
Been dealing with hot flashes and night sweats for years. The loss of sleep has led me to drinking to get a decent nights sleep. Tried going to a doctor they just told me the hot flashes were due to anxiety and out me on an anti depressant which did nothing. If my hot flashes are due to anxiety then why do I have them when I am most relaxed and about to fall asleep and then whoosh!!! I’m on fire and it takes me another hour to fall asleep and then whoosh again. My fiancé gets upset with me because I can’t stand him touching me at night. I don’t know what to do but I can’t continue my life this way.
I was completely exhausted today….
Feeling in a bit of an emtional rut and at a loss as to how to regain motivation in many aspects of my life. Weight gain, loss of labido, constant battle over the temperature of the bedroom! It’s so draining.
I am looking forward to using the app for inspiration and reassurance, and being able to share experiences with you guys.
Ready for my journey to begin ?
I’m so tired all the time. I sometimes struggle to do simple things like make coffee because of brain fog. I feel isolated and lonely but am having trouble connecting with others or having the energy to go out and try. For the first time in my life I’m overweight and that’s both depressing and horrifying for me. I hope with the arrival of warmer weather soon I can feel better about life.
Excited to start the program.
I’m in perimenopause phase – no periods since June last year – a relieve. Have hot flushes most days and brain fog increased recently but once I get to June I’ll go to gp to confirm.
I don’t miss periods – not being able to wear white clothes and risk of leaking.
The only thing that bothers me is the incontinence but recently have controlled it by making sure I do pelvic tilts to strengthen pelvic area which has helped
Weight gain I have put 1 stone on in the past 6 months which I think is the hrt spray ?
I began noticing symptoms last year with period lengths changing and becoming irritable. Then anxiety kicked up a couple of notches as is September, and I’m looking forward to this 40 day journey helping me in managing my symptoms.
My menopause experience has been tough so far. I am 49 and don’t know when my periods actually stopped due to having an endometrial ablation at 45. (A procedure to manage excessive bleeding during and in between periods) I was lucky enough to never bleed again after my ablation, but it made it a bit tricky when trying to figure out when I had started menopause. Thanks to blood tests, my doctor was able to diagnose that I was indeed in the middle of it!
I have hot flashes, trouble sleeping, depression, anxiety, mood swings, weight gain. Text book case! I’m looking forward to being around women who are going through the same things I am. I feel so isolated going through this.
I don’t feel like myself. For the past two years, the hot flashes have increased, I’ve gained more weight than ever before, I wake up in the morning feeling exhausted. And it seems to have all sped up recently. I want to feel like myself again. I want to get a handle on this.
After 10+ years of menopause I’m tired of night sweats, fogginess, and worsening of my treatment resistant depression. Happily no more monthly migraines!
Too tired to type a long comment. Been tired for a few years now, even caffeine doesn’t help. Trying to get back into strength training.
I have been trying various supplements and checklists to regulate my body during this menopause transition. I continue to struggle with losing weight and sleeping soundly. Hot flashes at one time seemed manageable but they appear to be continuing.
Carla has summed it up perfectly. Hope I don’t lose my job as a result. ? Sorry to hear you did Carla.
I have piled pounds on and cannot stop eating unhealthy foods. I am losing control confidence and no longer want to be seen in public
Wow, so glad to find this app. I’m still getting used to the idea I’m in perimenopause. Anxiety/depression and hair loss started a year ago. Assumed it was just stress and life. I’ve put on 20 lbs since then, cold and hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, some brain fog, joint pain…started to think I was going crazy until I read the enormous list of menopause symptoms.
In peri 8 yrs & my feet are burning hot! All day, worse at night. Cant wear closed shoes & we live in zero degrees 6 months of the year! What is that about?
I’m so glad I found this app. Considering how common menopause is, it is hard to find people willing to discuss or share personal experiences. For me, the worst has been the fatigue and brain fog. I miss my brain!
Hard to say whether work stress, relationship stress, money stress, or caring for mother stress. I’m gaining wait at unprecedented rate, hot flashes starting in afternoon and then night sweats and insomnia. Started having hot flashes about 5years ago. Then stopped. Now every day.
Hi, does anyone here experience cold chills or shivers as well as hot flashes. I have recently had a few abs anxiety has gone through the roof to the point I no longer know who I am or was.
Sorry I mistyped a few bits and my name ?♀️ This seems to be par for the course at the moment. Things I used to be able to do with ease, ie multi task at work and home all seem to have been thrown up in the air – I’m worried I will never find me again
I had a regular period in feb 2020. My hot flashes and night sweats started the following month and so did the pandemic. They were awful. They’d ease off and thats how i would know i was about to get my period. The come very infrequently now and are just spotting. i started estroven and thats helped some with the hot flashes and night sweats. still get them but not as bad. im just tired. i dont sleep well. not sure if the brain fog is coming from lack of sleep or the change in hormones. i’m ready to be over it!
I have had no cycle for 2 1/2 years now.
Always tired, dry skin, dry vagina, weight gain, feelings out of wack( in meds now), other than that I think I have had it fairly mild. But would love to be able to sleep through the night!
Hi everyone. I’m not really seeing menopause as a negative thing. I don’t deal with periods anymore which is good. The occasional hot flashes usually aren’t too bad. I do wonder when they’ll stop. I’m also curious about whether changes in my joints (knees a little less strong and arthritis in my thumbs increasing and starting to spread) and some mental fogginess on and off is related. I eliminated alcohol from my diet about a year ago and eat mostly vegan which definitely helps with literally everything except for the thumbs so hard to know what’s related to menopausal hormone shift or diet or making sure I get regular exercise.
I think I’m most confused about how long all this is supposed to last. My last period was more than 2 years ago (I think…)
Joined today. I suspect I’m at the start of my menopause journey. Brain fog, forgetfulness and feeling half the person I used to be. Periods are unpredictable and sooooo heavy ?
Just done day 2 mindfulness and OMG the flood gates of tears opened. Sobbed all the way through. Where did that come from?
I had to give up my job as all of a sudden I couldn’t cope and it’s only looking back that I think it was due to the menopause. When I went to the doctors I was told I was too old to start HRT but offered nothing else
My HRT Dr put me on testosterone pellets after adding progesterone which helped a great deal just still wasn’t enough to battle the menstrual migraines. She is in her 70’s and still taking testosterone. So I don’t think you are too old. Find another opinion on HRT. Make sure you use bio identical hormones. The testosterone gives you the energy back.
I am experiencing menopause to prevent the spread of endometriosis. I’ve gained about 50 lbs in 3 years and literally nothing has stopped my weight gain. Previously, all I had to do to lose weight was just skip a couple meals and then I was back to normal. Now, if I eat ANYTHING I gain 2-5 lbs in a night. It’s so scary and I hate being disgusting and unhealthy.
I’m 54 and still getting a monthly period which is now the heaviest it has ever been. Between that, the night sweats, the insomnia, the mood swings, and the fatigue, I feel so discouraged. Hoping this app will be helpful.
I had menopause when I turned 30, and it was brutal emotionally and physiologically!
My ovaries became not functional because I had cervix cancer and due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, they just simply stopped working. Back in Spain, nobody treated my symptoms for months, until I came back to the UK and I found an excellent oncologist and a fantastic menopause clinic where always I have been treated with kindness and compassion. My main problem is switching my brain at night. Night sweats, swing moods and brain fog happen every other day.
I am still in the process to get my medication sorted, as my body is not absorbing the oestrogen so my symptoms are not away yet.
Just started the program today, I’m looking forward to connecting the dots. No one ever said then brain fog or feeling tired all the time was part of menopause. I’ve had to fight or prove I was going through perimenopause because even my OB/Gyn at the time kept saying your too young. I’m now in menopause officially at 45 because I stopped taking the birth control pill to “stabilize my hormones”, it’s a struggle enough to try an understand all the things I’m going through and now that menopuase affects my entire body.
Hi I’m starting the 40 day challenge and look forward to being in touch with a group I can share empathize and learn from.
I guess my symptoms started around 2 maybe even 4 years ago, kind of sneaks up on you.
I’ve experienced hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and while Covid really changed life as we see it I was quite pleased to be going through this working from home.
I don’t know if my mental fatigue is just life or menopause but I’m happy I’m not just going bonkers.
Nice to meet everyone
I’ve been going through the menopause for the last two years, brain fog, weight gain around my stomach and waist, low mood swings, tiredness, aching joints, memory loss. Its wonderful to be on a site like this to be able to share what it’s like to have your body and mind changing. I was taking Menopace to help my symptoms, it did help I feel that I’m through the worst part now. The night sweats have stopped thank goodness. Still feeling very tired and low at times.
My periods just stopped in March and last week started to have mild hot flashes. I am looking at this as a positive life cycle and hoping my symptoms are mild and I can keep up positivity. ?
Hi I am 51 . Had regular period uptil now . Started Thyroid Medicean 2.5 months back. Suddenly for the first time ever I have got my period within 13 days of my last period ending . I know periods here ir regular but I did not expect the cycle to get shorter. Anyone else had that ?
Looking forward to learning new things
Hot flushes make me take all my clothes off
This is all new to me. Glad I have this app since I don’t talk about this with others. My mom didn’t live long enough to reach menopause so I never knew what to expect. Hopefully this program will help.
I’m still little confused about this program
its been challenging and a huge learning process. but i am confident and focused on making it the best even when i may not “feel” that way
I’m also in Peri menopause, and my pap came back with ascus cells, and then I had a more advanced Pap and it came back with dysplasia cells. Now my doctor wants to a LEEP. So nervous. Has anybody else had this.
Thankfully starting the program today. I have been dealing with mild hot flashes, early waking, anxiety, brain fog, and depression. But the worse is the body aches. Over the last six years it became necessary to adopt my young niece and 3 nephews. Somewhere in the chaos of that pre-menopause started. I am almost 51 and am finding it hard enough to start again with a new family without these symptoms. Hoping to find some relief here!
Mood swings brain fog night sweats. All of these have improved since reading Mariella Frostrops book cracking the menopause. She said cbt and societal respect/acceptance helped symptoms. So i am talking openly about it and being forgiving of myself for brain fog mistakes
Hi ladies! Just found this app. I’m 49 and was just told I’m entering menopause. I’m miserable. Brain fog, emotional disaster, very overweight, NO motivation or energy, no libido. I just saw a new gynecologist that scheduled me to insertion of testosterone pellets. Anyone try that? And she gave me progesterone pills. So glad I have all of u to talk to. Xo
The hot flashes are getting old fast. They are CONSTANT! I feel like I’m losing my mind. How long will this go on for? No one seems to know and it varies person to person. It’s all quite horrifying. Like others said, symptoms are brain fog, exhaustion, anxiety, no sleep, etc. It feels like it all started overnight. Does anyone else feel like that?
Today is day one of my Caria journey hoping for some insight into all of the “why’s this happening.” Just want my life back.
Hi, I’ve just downloaded this app which looked like the best one for me. I started the menopause about 4/5 years ago and have been through bouts of depression, mood swings (like PMS), fatigue, irritability, brain fog, hot flashes, thinning hair which I really don’t like and wondering if HRT would help this (I already use Plantur 39 shampoo and lotion and take Biotin supplements ?♀️. ?
I haven’t had a period in over 500 days. Last year a had a some mild night sweats. Now, I have hot flashes every cpl. Hrs. My night sweats are severe. Bed wet through the night. It’s best to sleep on a bath towel for me. It’s quite concerning as my heart rate speeds up with each hot flash and every night sweat. Sometime I feel like it’s hard to catch my breath.
I’ve been already for 1,5 year and had hotflashes, pain in my joints, mood variations and so on. I discovered that flaxseeds could help in all symptoms and it did it has stopped almost everything. But then I started researching that I should take hormones replacement to prevent future deceased’s and today is my first day.
Only a few years into Menopause, the worst for me are the intense hot flashes, weight gain, memory and brain fog… all the usual suspects ?
Bioidentical Hormones have helped (BioTE). Sure wish it was covered by insurance though.
I really need to find some relief.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroid at the age of 30, but I have noticed that as I have gotten older (53 now) my thyroid numbers are changing and my medication dosage is having to be changed. I have had issues with depression since my early 30’s, but over the years it has become worse at times to the point where I have had to be admitted to the hospital. In 2016/2017 I was diagnosed with anxiety and over the last two years I have been diagnosed with ADD ( trouble concentrating, brain fog, and staying on task). My irritability at times is worse. I never know anymore when I might have a period. The most recent issue is the insomnia. At times I am only getting 2-3 hours of sleep which makes it hard to be very productive during the day because I am exhausted.
I’m thinking that I’m heading into my perimenapause time because my cycle has been irregular and my cravings have started happening, my blood and kidney issues have not helped my struggles through this. Nor have my mini strokes and my dizziness. I just keep trying day by day….
I feel for you and am sorry you are struggling through this. I have found morning meditation (even just ten minutes) and stretching help me. I am also doing fasting 16 hours and eating for 8 hours, which has drastically helped with weight gain and puts my mind in a good self -realization mode. I still suffer from brain fog but will be incorporating coconut oil into my smoothies as I have read it is beneficial to our brains. Also MSM (MethylSulphonylMethane) has kept the gray hair from coming in. For energy I like using Liquid I.V.’s energy multiplier as it also helps with hydration and Kyani’s Sunrise packets for an instant pick me up as well as a good source of supplemental vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (not the rest of the Kyani offerings though). Hope you can find some of these useful in your situation. Aloha, g
First day of the program. I’m enjoying the no period thing….it’s been 9 months since the last one!? the hot flashes, lack of sleep due to the hot flashes, the brain fog?…I don’t enjoy. I sometimes can’t remember a persons name when I’m speaking to them. I’m also not enjoying the spare tire I’ve recently acquired after a long life with a flat belly. This is a confusing time. I have two sisters(who have partners…I’m a widow) who are currently on this journey with me so I feel like there is some support around me. I’m happy I’ve found this app to report to all of you and read your stories. Thanks for sharing so I don’t feel so alone.
I have been dealing with frozen shoulder. Apparently many women suffer from tbis when they are in Peri menopause or menopause.
It’s terribly painful and the issue can last a year or more which is hard to hear not get depressed. Anyone else have this issue? Any advice?
Tbis on top of periods that last 3 weeks and heavy bleeding and other joint pain are the bain of my existence. Trying to have humor but also want to crawl in hole and cry.
There’s got to be a better way I mean we all go through this how is there not better help and solutions than “well that’s menopause “ tough it out…
I had a full hysterectomy 5 years ago at age of 49 so was put straight into the menopause. I had no clue what was happening to me. The hot flushes were something else, although the hrt I opted for soon got me back on track. It was the suicidal thoughts that got to me the most, so I was put on fluexetine which helped for a while but then I began with migraine, so had to stop those. I was fine for a year then boom, Christmas time everything came at me all at once. The weight gain, anxiety, brain fog, and sweats again. I now have osteoarthritis and all this within 7 months. But the anxiety is the worst for me. I actually feel as there is no point in life at all. It’s too hard. Every day is a struggle and it’s getting worse. I’ve always been a very head strong and somewhat confident person. Please tell me things get better-please ??.. Are there anything remedies I can take to help this awful anxiety?
Thankyou
Hi Everyone Can anyone help me with a remedy for bloating. I have times in the month when my stomach swells and becomes hard with it. It’s very uncomfortable and I wondered if anyone has a remedy that has helped them with this specific symptom. Thanks
I had a partial hysterectomy about 7 years ago. I was lucky to be young and healthy so most of the immediate symptoms were manageable. Over the past year, however, I have realized my body is changing.
I have never been super thin. I am fairly active though and was able to maintain muscle tone. Without changing my diet or exercise, I have gained 10 lbs that has gone straight to my stomach. I feel disgusting. I hate getting dressed in the morning. I have tried every diet with no luck. I even gained weight on one. I started working out and have become frustrated with the lack of progress.
My mood has been terrible. There are days I am grouchy and irritable for no reason. I cannot sleep so I know that’s not helping matters. Well…I have no problem falling asleep. I do not stay asleep and toss and turn.
This period of life has been difficult. I am so happy to have a place to vent.
Joining Caria and the 40 day program today. I’m already thrilled to discover so many different topics, articles, exercises, tips and support !
Menopause is turning out to be quite overwhelming so I’m really glad to have found this community!
Thanks! ❤️
Is anyone on estrogen? Does it help?
Hi! Just started this app. I know I’ve been experiencing symptoms for at least 5-6 years, but this summer my body just went nuts and I lost the ability to sleep for longer than, oh, 60-90 minutes at a time? Progesterone is helping a bit. More intimidating is finding out all the physical protections my body had during its childbearing years that I don’t have now – higher risk of heart problems, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, yada yada yada! I don’t have too many of these, but it sort of feels like my body is shutting down!
I am 37 and found out 3 weeks ago that not only did I have a 16cm ovarian cyst, but when they went to remove it, they found I had stage 4 endometriosis with numerous adhesions. They took my ovary and tube on my right side and since then I have been having hot flashes and vaginal dryness. I had lab work done and my doc said I’m in POST menopausal ranges. My last period was 7/24/22 and was always regular. My doc said that my ovary they took was probably the only one working at the time. I am now scheduled for a total hysterectomy in a week from now. This is a lot to deal with and I’m feeling emotional because my baby-makin days are behind me. I will never have another child again. I am glad to see there is a community of women that are supporting each other through this major change in life.
I’m really struggling emotionally and physically can’t stop crying when period starts it’s heavy for around 3 days. Can go 2 months then every month I’m sick of them. Tried HRT patch it didn’t suit me dry skin sore boobs plus heavy bleeding every month. I’m 53. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.
For me its mood swings
I had to have a partial hysterectomy in 2020. I have endometriosis and my uterus wasn’t working right. Big long story.. along the way of that story God blessed me with two beautiful boys, when I was told from a very young ages that I wouldn’t be able to have kids.
They took my uterus out and wanted to keep my ovaries intact to keep hormones supplied but I also have PCOS and have ovarian cysts often. Idk what all is happening for me hormonally now but I’m a mess. Idk if I’m still cycling or menopausal or what but this last month has been kind of a nightmare with mood swings and anxiety (have general but it’s spiked) and night sweats and freezing during the day.
Anyways I am hoping to find out info here and maybe track symptoms to find a pattern of some sort.. ??♀️ Also maybe some connection. I’m turning 30 this month and none of my friends or relatives really get what I’m trying to explain.
I had a uterine tumor removed last summer and even though I had terrible peri menopause symptoms before that, I feel that was my tipping point into full blown symptoms. I have all the things, in fact it is why I am scrolling my phone at 3 am, exhausted, hot flashing, insomnia, anxiety. I lift weights daily, meditate and do gratitude check ins, walk, dance, and have many other management strategies. However, there are days I feel like I need 6 naps, so depressed, eat crappy food, and order 5 new meno supplements. My acupuncturist told me my adrenals are not functioning and my digestion is awful so the supplements won’t help much right now. I am grateful to have found a community!
My experience with menopause have been negative. Unbearable hot flashes/night sweats, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, horrible mood swings, not focusing and loss of hair.
Feeling exhausted and forgetful all the time. Also having terrible insomnia. It is good to know I am not alone. Sometimes it feels like my body is falling apart.
It finally crossed my mind today, after several weeks of exhaustion, mood swings, irritability, weight gain, that I am post menopausal and these are, unfortunately, common symptoms. I suffered from PPMD through my teenage years and adulthood now menopause from hell in my 50s. Hoping that remembering that it is not me just being a lunatic will help me deal with the symptoms and take positive steps to change them.
I started with hot flashes/night sweats, insomnia, and moodiness but no cycle for 7 months. Once I got that under control, I had 3 cycles within 5 weeks! I am seeing a gynecologist to figure out what is going on there. Also, my skin is a mess! Acne and oiliness galore! I’m feel fatigued all the time.
Last period age 43 back in 2015. Soon after, night sweats and hot flashes took over. I started HRT April 2021 and within 4 months i was diagnosed with hormone related cancer and frozen shoulder, which was also directly related to my hormones. So now, 2022, I’m 50 and have had 6 surgeries this year, all connected to my hormone issues. Don’t forget Osteoporosis too…lol. My biggest issues right now besides cancer… hot flashes keeping me up at night and sex without hormones, which my dr doesn’t seem to think a lack of sex drive is any big deal. I’m ready to dive in to life and feel good again!
Just starting this journey and I am dreading it.
This is new I’m 42 and next month makes where I been a whole without a cycle I’m happy I’m just not feeling these hot flashes and night sweats does it get easier Over time
First day in the program. I am only just putting together that some of the things I’ve been feeling lately are actually hormone related. Fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, temperature changes, and ZERO libido (which is upsetting)….it was easy to say “oh that’s what happens when you’re a busy working mom and wife.” It made me pretty down on myself – like it was somehow my fault that I couldn’t better manage my life!
I’m hoping learning more about the connection between these things and menopause along with symptom tracking will help me better understand my body.
An unpredictable experience. My symptoms have been occurring at different stages.
I’m starting the program today. The reason I started looking for an app is I’ve been ridiculously emotional and moody for a while. I’ve had other symptoms but coped ok with them. The emotional side is killing me and my marriage and relationships. I am usually outgoing and happy. I’ve become very tetchy and cry about everything. I live with husband and teenage boys. As you can imagine they aren’t the most tactful. They make throwaway comments and I find myself stewing and upset 3 hours later. Weirdly I’ve lost the ability to read the room, I keep getting the wrong end of the stick which makes things even worse.
I’m really hoping this program helps! My main symptom is hot flashes .. I’m having awful disturbed sleep, constantly hot then cold episodes ..I can’t count how many times I wake up, it ridiculous, and so I’m tired during the day as I’m not well rested. I have joint pains, belly fat that won’t shift, trouble focusing on a task and finishing it….it’s just a horrible season of life right now!! Maybe HRT will be in my future.
My experience
I took a blood test in Feb 2019 as I just wasn’t feeling right and was experiencing mild hot flushes for a while.
When the results came back the GP told me you have started the menopause that was it no literature given no explanation of what more to expect.
I wasn’t too bad until around June last year lost my confidence experienced brain fog at work didn’t speak up for myself. In the end I resigned.
I struggled with this For about 8 months whilst the other symptoms crept in first my hair fell out in the middle dry skin mood swings crying anxiety constantly feeling sad and wanting to be alone all the time.
I have been using this App on and off for about 6weeks and this has been very helpful and informative.
I promise myself to use it daily from now on as I no longer feel like an outsider and understand that millions of women are also suffering but now NO MORE SUFFERING IN SILENCE.
First day finding some sorta mental relief and moral support. Mood swings depression anxiety anger fear anything Monkey mind I got right now. Some hot flashes but I think those are waiting for my mind to settle before they attack with a force. Hope all are well and you are all finding what you need here.
I’m 38 and -confirmed by lab results- in menopause. No detectable levels of estrogen, progesterone or testosterone. Now I’m on HRT. It helps with the vaginal dryness, but not with the mood swings, bad sleep and total lack of libido.
I feel betrayed by my body and sorry for my husband. Sometimes I can’t stand being touched by anyone (not even the kids) and I get terribly irritated by the end of the pills/end of the month.
Since our marriage has suffered a lot due to my lack of interest in intimacy, I’m going to try a testosterone supplement next. Hopefully this works. Greetings you all!
Is it usual to have cycles that vary from 26-31 days? I still have cycles every month. Or does this mean perimenopause? Few symptoms. I am 44
I thought menopause meant your period stopped. Nothing else. I am lost and miserable. I hope this program helps me. So far it’s good.
This has been really hard. I’m taking bee pollen and that has really helped the urge to pee all the time and the hot flashes. The hardest one for me has been the headaches. Those started maybe 4 years ago and I added a magnesium supplement to my calcium and vitamin d. That helped. They got worse these last few months and I also missed my first period last month, so I think my hormones have crashed and that’s why the headaches have worsened. Causes me a lot of anxiety as well as pain.
I’m tired of being sweaty all of a sudden and being told I’m a bit young
Wow, I started reading these before writing about my experience so I could add some useful insight. I never realized so many other women are suffering through this tough time in life…where do I start? I think I am actually coming out of menopause or getting through with it because I rarely get hot flashes anymore. For me, they were never really that bad. (Unlike my mother who basically went bat sh*t crazy when she went through it) I had it in my mind that I am not going down that path because I witnessed how unattractive it was. It is possible to control our reactions to our experiences and conduct ourselves in a more pleasing manner. It is not easy but it is possible. I am 52, meditate, fast, and do yoga and breath-work. I also use MSM and smoothies. But I am experiencing a loss of vocabulary recollection. It’s becoming embarrassing but my husband is so helpful. He must see the desperation in my eyes as I struggle to find common words and quickly fills them in for me. Unfortunately, I find myself not wanting to have sex as much and really hating giving him head. Not sure if it’s because of the lack of me coming to an orgasm or some thing else like menopause. It is extremely hard to reach an orgasm even on my own. Thinking this is just part of aging. Anyone else have any insight on this matter?
I was thrust into early menopause by brain cancer.
I had just lost over 90 pounds, and I started gaining it back! So frustrating. I also started getting migraines, at least 3-4 per week.Also started getting UTIs (urinary Tract infection.I was hospitalized 5 times in a year, and even battled a kidney stone, ouch! Funny thing, though, my daughter, who was 14 at the time, said” Mom, I thought you wouldn’t be crabby anymore, since you stopped having periods” Lost my sex drive, but with my weight gain, my husband didn’t care.
I also got the hot flashes, but since I run cold, I don’t care
Started program today!!! I have had symptoms since my late 30’s. I have suffered from anxiety and depression most of my adult life. It started as post partum depression that was undiagnosed for five years. Menopause is going to push me over the edge with this. My husband of almost thirty years tries so hard to make me as comfortable as he can. He has put fans in our bedroom at all angles to help with the night sweats. He has got me a personal heater because I can go from hot to freezing in an instant. The joint pain for me can be excruciating at times my feet and knees are the worst. I can’t even describe the pain in my spine. It doesn’t help that I have a level 2 fusion in my neck and a level one at L5-S1 that it effects terribly. The weight can has left me even more depressed. It took only a year or less to go from a size 5 to looking like the stay puff marshmallow man. I keep begging the powers that be to please let it be over.
Hot flashes and an elevated libido
My doctor has been suggesting that I was peri menopausal for several years now. I know I’m in it now for sure. I started going into a depression and basically let it start taking over for a while. But I’m getting back in control of my body and my attitude and I’m determined to keep getting better.
Menopause has been quite difficult although I’m learning to manage it except for the mood swings. I’m tired all the time because I barely sleep at night. My depression and anxiety is not maintained. Just never know how to feel from one moment to the next.when I manage just a couple of symptoms I’m happy with that but then the next day I tend to forget what I did to manage it. I started journaling yesterday to keep a log of what I did and how I’m feeling! I just really want to feel normal and not sleep under a fan
Some unexplainable changes, which I’m not sure are related — I’m particular, constant BLOATING
Hi I’m Stephanee and I stopped having a period 3 years ago and I am 45 now but my family cannot take hormones because of a health issue with all of the women . I am miserable at times with the weight, bloating, insomnia, leg cramps and sweats (day and night) Any advice?
I’m very excited to see a form here on Caria, that will allow me interact within others and share my thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Last May, I had a partial hysterectomy and one of my ovaries had to be removed. My doctor did NOT explain all of the after effects that would happen down the road after the surgery. Two months later in July, I experienced pain and white clumps emerging so naturally I thought that I had a yeast infection or BV but it was neither. After doing my own research I found that after a hysterectomy a woman will experience something called vaginal atrophy. This causes pain and severe dryness. Armed with that knowledge I decided to research how to cure vaginal dryness without using estrogen or hormonal-based pills. I found that beet juice and marshmallow root capsules are natural supplements that will help with vaginal dryness, also okra water and consuming the vegetable itself can help with the dryness. I’m happy to say that the beet juice helps tremendously and I’ve recently added fish oils with omega to my regimen to help promote natural moisture balance. I also want to address brain fog and hot flashes. I have experienced Brain falls for a number of years. I had my thyroid taken out due to thyroid cancer in 2013 so I am on a hormonal replacement medication Synthroid 175 MCG, so I take memory supplements but I’ve noticed that sometimes they do not help with the brain fog that I routinely get after 1 PM. I also experience a lot of hot flashes in about 30 minute intervals if my hands and feet are covered. I know it sounds strange But I noticed at night if I keep the blanket of my feet at night or leave my arms exposed I will not have hot flashes at night. During the day I noticed that I do not have as many hot flashes when I consume green tea all morning and before lunch. Another simple trick that works is to slowly tickle your arm or leg with your finger tips or nails, that will give you the chills almost immediately stop the hot flash. I know this is a very long read but I just wanted to pass along my experiences! Good luck on your journey!
In March of 2020 I turned 50, and that August I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had surgery that September, radiation therapy in 2021, all while having perimenopause symptoms. I had a test that showed I didn’t absolutely need chemo, so I decided not to have it. However, I did have to start an estrogen suppressor because my tumor had been very reactive to estrogen, and any amount could make it come back if there was a cancer cell left in my breast. So I have been on Tamoxifen every day for about a year and a half, and the perimenopause symptoms got worse, especially night sweats- for a few months recently the night sweats were every night. Then the medication caused the lining of my uterus to thicken, and although I hadn’t had a period for 10 months, I started bleeding really heavily. I had to have a biopsy to see if the medication had caused uterine cancer. It hadn’t- but I wanted to switch to the post menopause version. So I got a blood test, which proved I am really in menopause now. I just started the new meds, which suppress any remaining estrogen in the body. It’s been so hard to not be able to get HRT, instead having the opposite done to me. Cancer during a pandemic was bad enough, but also going through menopause has made life even more challenging. I feel like doctors just don’t consider the effect of our loss of estrogen (although the meds I’ve been taking also have other potential scary side effects). I don’t feel like anyone in my life can understand what I’ve been going through. I hope someone here can try to understand. Thanks if you read this far!
I started showing symptoms about 5 years ago at 38. It’s started with intermittent hot flashes. My doctor at the time told me I was too young for menopause. A little over two years later I had a partial hysterectomy. I’ve experienced insomnia, brain fog, itchiness, dry skin, vaginal dryness, tender breasts, and more. I did not realize that some of the symptoms were related to menopause. I’ve been researching more and have been learning a lot. During my research I came across this app! I’m excited to learn more and to be in community with everyone to learn and share experiences.
I’m really struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. I’ve always had them but they are more intense and lasting longer. I guess I wondering if this is a normal menopause thing?
Hi everybody,
I am in menopause – have not had a period in 15 months now.
I broke my humerus 3 months ago walking our dog unfortunately.
Was sweating a lot then at night … went to Acupuncture because of the pain and lack of sleep. Not waking up sweating now – so not sure if Acupuncture helped with hot flushes…
Going back to work next week – which will take time to get used to again, especially as I am starting a new position soon also.
One question- does anybody experience problems emptying bowels completely?
I only noticed in last few month that cervix seems to be pressing down when bearing down to empty bowels and some poo is still inside (obstructed defecation?)
Shower hose helps – hint from a friend … but out and about (at work) that (or using finger) won’t be an option
Sorry – not the nicest of topics 😉
Hi I’ve been in the menopause after having a full hysterectomy six years ago and I cover a long list can sleep is one all ways tired can’t take HRT so have to take tablets from health shop that doesn’t really work for me
I’m new to the program. I had hysterectomy like 3 years ago, keep my ovaries and I been having terrible breast pain and itchy nipple just my right breast ?, mood swings, and insomnia !!!
I just downloaded this today. I am at my wits end. This menopause is kicking my ass! BAD! I was okay 6 months ago; now as of late I am a mess. Crying all the time, hot flashes/cold spurts. Anger outburst. I’m not hungry, when I eat it hardly sits well with me. I’m gaining weight!! ? I hurt everywhere head to toe! Joints, my muscles. I have been in full menopause a year this month. I am 50 years old and I started naturally. I have ordered a menopause supplement to try. I am already on anti anxiety meds and depression meds. This is suppose to be safe. However not if your allergic to Soy. It is suppose to piggyback onto the the estrogen receptors and help sooth and fill in those dropping levels. When it get here I’ll be sure to post, any changes good or bad. I have a really sensitive body. So it is easy to feel off for even the slight of reasons. It’s a blessing and a curse.
After months of New and strange feelings and body symptoms, it finally dawned on me that this could be peri-menopause. And so I started reading and researching (I did eventually go to my GP but sad to say it wasn’t a deep dive , insightful, assuring conversation). I am now doing a few things differently (1) more aware of how I’m feeling (2) taking menopausal TCM caps (3) using estrogen and progesterone creams (4) most importantly slowing down / changing my pace of everything! Have I found the answer? … not sure, but I’m pleased to be aware and focussed on myself. I’m 53. No kids. Great life generally
Hi new here and very anxious to learn as much as I can about this change in lifestyle. My mother never discussed any of this with me and for the most part being raised by a single father he didn’t have anything to add either . ( bless his heart) I feel like a stranger has invaded my body. I have gained 25 pounds and I’m hot and miserable. I have zero energy to get up and do anything about it . I do however spend hours on end thinking about getting up and doing something about it but it never happens. I have 5 kids who are all grown and living their lives now so I really have no excuse . My skin feels like it has had every ounce of fluid sucked out of it . I can’t moisturize enough. Of not to mention that I was almost certain that I was in the beginning stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s until I read that brain fog and forgetfulness is also a part of the deal. At the most random times my blood feels like it is boiling while it courses through my extra large body !!!! Good to know I’m not alone ! Thanks for letting me rant . I look
Forward to getting to know everyone .
I am 48 years old and I think I am in menopause. I suffer from weight gain , mood swings and for the love of everything good these damn hot flashes drive me insane . They are incredibly embarrassing as they almost always pop up at the most in opportune times. Everyone will be either comfortable or cold and my face turns beet red and my makeup slides right off my face as I turn into a swamp monster. ( at least I feel like that anyway) The embarrassment really doesn’t last long though because I now have the attention span of a 2 year old. I will most likely wonder away and forget what I am doing in the first place. I hope this nightmare doesn’t last too long. Thanks for letting me share… lol
My experience has been kind of stressful unexplained pain in my joints and lower back and additional weight gain has been a very distressing. Hot flashes and night sweats have disturbed the sleep leaving me feeling very tired upon waking up in the morning and throughout the rest of the day. Definitely more than I had expected to experience in perimenopause.
Bonjour en pré ménopause dès mes 43 ans la mort de ma maman a accéléré les choses grosse dépression,suée s nocturnes,bouffées de chaleur digestion difficile et humeur de chien méchant période très difficile à passer 6 ans plus tard avec une reprise en main (taï chi,méditation,reprise confiance en soi et estime)je m’en sors mieux
I have had the worst period flooding and clotting with cramps. The irregular periods lead to this twice a year supreme period. I never know how long it will last and it makes me so anxious and have heart palpitations.
A nurse told me about this app, I never focused on what doctors had told me that I was menopausal, i didn’t know it was something I should pay attention to, all these symptoms that I could blame on something other than cancer…I didn’t really know what that exactly meant having periods stop due to chemo, but it’s all the unknown if they will come back if I was to stop taking the medication I’m on now to prevent reoccurrence, tamoxifen
My experience with menopause has been horrible unfortunately. I don’t even know when it started because I was always on the IUD for 13 years and never really had periods. But as I look back in 2020 I started having symptoms but I didn’t know it was menopause. I couldn’t sleep and would have panic attacks at night and then have to eat something sweet and salty in the middle of the night. I had night sweats which I thought was happening because I had gained a lot of weight. I had no sex drive and had horrible mood swings. Everyday I just wanted to come home from work, take a hot shower and lay down and watch tv and scroll on my phone. Once I realized it was menopause I tried hormone replacement therapy but at that time I was having horrible migraines that would completely wipe me out. After about a year I finally found a medication that helps my migraines!!! I want to try HRT now I have an appointment soon! I have so much more to add but honestly I could probably write a book on the last 3 years. Oh and I’m only 44.
53, in late menopause. skip 3 periods at a time, then have a few. hot flashes at night have really ramped up in severity. have an anxious aura before some of them. very uncomfortable.
I’m 48 and had to have a hysterectomy but kept my ovaries a year ago. My mom passed away while I was in my 20s and no one around me has ever talked about Menopause. About 3-months ago I had severe anxiety, very low energy and was going to the bathroom at night more often. I’m still not sure but I think it was all part of menopause. Anxiety is completely gone now and doctor told me I’m either peri menopausal or post menopausal based on my labs. It’s been a roller coaster ride affecting my job and sex relationship. I feel old and not as pretty all of a sudden too. So I’m mainly here for education and understanding my body and what I can do to feel my best self without hormone replacement because I’m not allowed to since I have a history of blood clots.
Hi! I’m new to the app and community! I’m 46 and post menopausal. I always had irregular periods but when I married my husband at 40, I wanted to have kids ASAP because of my age. It turned out that I was already in menopause at 40. ?The first and strongest symptom and I had were hot flashes. I was put on a low dose estrogen pill that I take 3-4x/week. And it worked well, and I got maybe 2-3 hot flashes per month until around November. I don’t know what happened but I get 3-4/hour now and I have no idea why they came back with a vengeance. It’s frustrating! I have an appointment with my doc in March (earliest I could get in). I know I’m not alone in this struggle and I’m wondering what has helped you all? I’m also wondering if anyone had their symptoms under control and your flashes came back like this? I’m so frustrated! I even lost 65lbs last year and thought that would help with overall health including menopause symptoms. I know that they CAN come back over and over but I’m wondering if anyone got through this and learned something about the WHY.
It’s just so weird. I was used to knowing my body. And suddenly, I don’t recognize my body, I forget things, ugh. And I really don’t have anybody to talk to about it. After two years of symptoms, my husband just said “you’re right, I think you’re going through menopause; last night you were sweating so much!” And I’m like, naaaah, you think? Also, the lack of libido has hit me hard. I used to want my husband all the time (which was not great, since he doesn’t have much libido to start with), and now I just don’t. It’s so disheartening. Because of medication, he has come to sometimes experience ED, and I just don’t get aroused like I used to. It’s hurting us. I feel really isolated.
About 5 years ago I started to suffer with anxiety and panic attacks. At the time I put it down to stress at work and started seeing a therapist. CBT and talk therapy helped somewhat and the symptoms lessened but didn’t really disappear. I experienced gradually worsening symptoms of fatigue and joint pain, but assumed I was still just pushing myself too hard and made more of an effort to practice self care and good sleep hygiene. Friends I spoke to told me I was too young to be menopausal.
Now at the age of 44 I am starting to experience other symptoms of perimenopause: depression and brain fog. I started to gain weight around the middle for no reason. I decided it was time to talk to a doctor who told me that I am very likely in perimenopause. So I am now beginning a journey of educating myself in the various changes that are happening to me and lifestyle changes I can make to feel better.
I have learned that perimenopause starts for many women in their late 30s, when progesterone starts to decline. Progesterone influences the brain chemistry and low progesterone can lead to anxiety.
Later on, for many in around your 40s, oestrogen starts to decline, which can lead to symptoms like low libido, memory loss, hot flushes and loss of bone density.
Although these changes are natural, they can still be distressing for many of us, especially when you feel like you’re losing your mind at work.
I’m grateful that I now know a little bit about what’s going on in my body and have access to a world of information and resources to help me get through this
Starting program today, I was looking for more of a period tracker and then stumbled upon this app. I took the quiz and looks like I’m in perimenopause. Periods are off, second period this month and it was a bad one. Night sweats have also been a thing, brittle nails, brain fog ect ect. I’m looking to understand and learn what is happening to my body. I’m 41 years old and I’m just ready to get this over with!
Hi
I am new to the groupI am 52 years old..I had ER+ Brest cancer in 2017 I started on Tamoxifen which was for 5 years..In 2018 I had a full hystrectomy went into my menopause where I had night sweats.
I finished tamoxifen September 2022 doctors told me no side effects I didn’t feel great felt low tired&!didn’t want to do a lot.Begining of January 2023 I woke the one day felt like I had been hit by a bus
Hot sweats on & off all day,feel very snappy or very low no in between ,achy joints ,cry at the drop of a hat,Brain fog,fatigue ,I had weight gain taking tamoxifen,I sm not working at the moment no motivation at all&Anxiety through the roof.I take sage for my hot sweats which really are helping.
As alot of people will feel this it’s horrible when you know it’s not you but you can’t do anything about it.
Hope I haven’t babbled on just wanted to share how I feel right now.
If anyone had any advice on anything that could help I would really appreciate it.I would rather go down then herbal root than the doctors.
Thanks .Take care xx
I have felt quite low for the last couple of weeks , my body didn’t feel like mine I have felt like I’ve been unable to do my job properly. I have always been in the mind that I don’t need to talk to anyone and keep it all in until it gets too much and I fall apart. I started logging my symptoms on the app and found the 40 day program I decided to give it a try what did I have to lose!!! I’m now on day 3 and it’s really helped have found myself enjoying the mindfulness and the yoga it’s nice to be able to do something for myself .
So I am 30 as of last October and I’ve never had normal periods the older I got the less they were appearing doctors asked questions looked into things slightly but nothing major came out of their little tests they always talk about how it’s not normal an probably not good for my body but that’s that one doctor put me in hormones to jump start my periods an it worked then she put me on birth control which totally confused me an my body so needless to say I didn’t continue that long I had two periods in two months an was able to get pregnant with my daughter which was just a blessing but since then periods have been slim to none an the last year leading up to my 30th my hair has been coming out I’ve had no sex drive an I mean none what so ever (which has demolished my relationship) I mean none!!!!! And I’ve been so down lately not to mention my mental illness an coping but I thought I’m way To young for premenopausal right? I mean I’m still Young well I guess my body says other wise so I’ve not slept well or on a schedule I can’t even think of words at times with the brain fog I feel like I don’t even know myself anymore and on top of all of that my relationship is not going to make it threw this let alone me having to make it threw this for the rest of my life I’ve had hormone issues I’m guessing my whole life if my periods are that off but I was not prepared for these slight sudden changes I didn’t expect them to take over my whole being I mean I cannot function but this app reassured me that this must be what it is an these are normal I just wish I had more time I guess
Horrible. Hot flashes, night sweats, poor mental health, anxiety, muscle mass loss, puberty wasn’t this terrible. I was on HRT and had to go off because it was affecting my liver. And I’m living in another country alone and far from family with two cats. I’m a middle-aged stereotype and I absolutely hate this life. ??♀️
I joined Caria because knowledge is power and I don’t want to feel alone when I know I am not. About 10 years ago I had a uterine ablation because my cycle pain and flow was so horrid that I could barely function for 5 days a month. I think it started a few years after that but very slowly. First it was the exhaustion and now it’s full blown everything…night sweats, hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, heart palpitations, anxiety, brain fog, NO libido, weight gain, depression and the list goes on and on. I want some type of normalcy back. I want people to stop thinking I’m crazy when I try to explain to them what’s going on. And I want my mom to know I am sorry when I dismissed her feelings when she needed compassion during her menopausal life experience.
Menopause for me has been interesting yet I question why? Why do I feel this way? Why can’t I be normal?
Weight gain to crown all the anxiety and depression and night sweats. And now in belly and arms.
Today is my first day here and I’m hopeful that this will be very helpful! I had a partial hysterectomy (still have ovary) in 2014. I’ve had some really weird symptoms that come and go over the past couple of years. But lately they have been relentless. My symptoms have been heartburn, anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations and hot flashes. My GYN recently put me on HRT. So I’m one week in on that. He also gave me Zoloft to help with the anxiety. I am 43 years old and really thought I was too young to experience peri menopause but I guess I was wrong!! LOL
So..day 1 of the 40 day program!..very interesting and supportive comments from all us Meno Girls!..
I am 65 and this will be my 14th year of experiencing symptoms to varying degrees. I know 65 and still working through it!
Never had a hot flash..but for me ‘black dog’ depression and crushing fatigue with chronic insomnia influences every cell in my body!
However, still strongly motivated not to give in to old ladydom and as hormone treatment is not suitable I work hard every day to try anything/everything from vitamins, cooking from scratch, resistance training, age appropriate naturally based cosmetics to cutting coffee and alcohol.
Hang on in there!..my mantra is ‘how do you feel today’? and then only do what you can.
So looking forward to being part of this amazing group.
I’m excited to start today and understand more about what is happening in my body and Knowing I’m not alone and others are experiencing the same symptoms
Honestly I feel like I am losing my mind & body – to find a health care professional is impossible let alone one that focuses on women’s health. The weight gain was crazy-20lbs in 2 months out of nowhere. No notable change in diet or exercise routine! The hot flashes, as I wipe the sweat of my brow now, are overwhelming & the night sweats make a good sleep impossible.
I just want to feel like myself again, not this crazy person currently living in this overweight, exhausted, sore & sweaty body??
I’m peri menopausal and to be honest I’m not having a great time. Lots of cramping, mood swings and migraines. I’m fearful of what is to come
This is actually terrible. I didn’t realize that with perimenopause/menopause came palpitations and other weird sensations. I just recently started having hot flashes on a regular basis. I was only having night sweats for about the last year and now, I have palpitations. I have this weird feeling of anxiety before the hot flash comes on, plus I also have random chills that don’t follow a hot flash necessarily. I am definitely not liking this at all reading about. It just causes more anxiety, which doesn’t help because I already have an increase in health anxiety. That just actually started as soon as my hot flashes started.
Hi!
Hoping to connect and find help in this new journey.
I had a partial hysterectomy 2 years ago this month due to severe endometriosis. I started having premenopausal symptoms last year and they’ve just increased since then. I’m only 33 so none of my friends are going through what I am so it’s hard to find advice and understanding.
My issues Started about 5 years ago. The main and most severe symptom was and currently is painful sex, along with major mood swings, irritability, brain fog, night sweats and vaginal dryness. I consulted with my gynecologist who after a thorough examination prescribed Premarin. Penetration was not possible until I started taking vaginal Premarin. Prior to starting estrogen I felt like my vagina was closed up. Due to the high cost my insurance company wouldn’t cover it and I was then prescribed estradiol. After a few months of using estradiol & doing dilation therapy daily, penetration is tolerable as long as I use lubricants. The other symptoms are ongoing. Eagerly awaiting the end of menopause, if there’s even a end in sight.
So far night sweats and mood swings are terrible. After a night swear, my blood sugars are also messed up for at least 2 weeks, which I read is common for ppl with diabetes. I have an autoimmune disease and pile menopause on top of that and sometimes I feel like I’m going crazy.
This app is so helpful & it’s comforting to know others are experiencing the same as you and you’re not going mad!!
Hi, I am 48 and have an irregular cycle since 3 years, but now I am starting with hot and cold flashes , joint pain and insomnia. I hope to get information in this program how to be peaceful with all that an enjoy my life. Wish you all the best.
I have put my family thru hell
With my hot and cold flashes. I don’t sleep and everything taste nasty. I have come to realize that I’ve only been eating and drinking water, protein shakes-fruits and veggies. I won’t touch anything else. I love this app. It lets me know that I am not alone and realize when my mom was going through this she wasn’t crazy either. Thank you for the support. Thank you for the continued support and thank you for the help. ?. I’m emotional again (sorry), just thank you for the bottom of my heart. ???????
I have felt so alone in this process . I stopped having periods at 32. I started the program today. My name is Sarah and I am 42 years old . I stopped having periods 10 years ago when I was 32. One Doctor told me it was stress . My anxiety is through the roof all the time . Many doctors do not have an answer for why I stopped having periods . Finally got some answers as far as that I was officially in menopause and have been. Started estrogen and progesterone today. I am hoping that takes off some of the relief of night sweats . I’m miserable and didn’t realize how many symptoms I had until I started logging in the tracker I just wish I knew why I stopped so soon ? There was no medical reason or medication or anything that should have stopped my periods at 32.
I’m experiencing a lot of digestive upset and wondering if it is related to hormones. Is anyone else is having this symptom?
First day with the program and I want to see menopause in a positive light as the natural progression of things. So I am doing my best to keep it light. I am learning about the symptoms and connecting the dots and going with the flow.
Hoping to just learn more. I’m Surmeno after years of being in Perimenopause.
Frequent Migraines worse since onset of menopause
It’s been a few years since I’ve noticed my periods have become a lot rougher, my pms longer. So tired, brain fog, fibrocystic breasts, hormonal migraines etc. magnesium and some lifestyle changes have helped some.
Vaginal dryness and frequent cystitis from sex were my first clue that something might be changing. Lately, I’ve been experiencing some significant emotional symptoms – absolute blinding rage that I’ve never experienced before, and severe anxiety.
My experience has been lonely. My normal doctor told me there was no treatment to help. Thankfully I heard about Winona and I’m about 3 weeks in on HRT and can tell things are starting to change for me. My mood swings once a month are intense, along with cravings like I’m having a period.
Hello. I’m starting the program today. I’ve been having off and on symptoms for two years and I haven’t understood any of it until this wonderful app! This past year has gotten worse. At first, I thought it was just due to the stress of going back to school to finish getting my AAS. That may be part of it but I’m starting to understand things better, logging my symptoms, and talking to my doctor to get help.
Just started this …mood swings anxiety the lot
Massive anxiety and loss of self confidence- a roller coaster that can leave me unable to do anything except (just about) go to work
Can’t do food shop, tidy kitchen / load dishwasher/ do laundry
Just binge watch tv and sometimes takes hours to force self to get up
SC, please consider changing your diet to a healthy one and despite your fatigue, get up and do some exercise. It will help you in so many ways. You’ve got to push yourself. Whatever you do, don’t give up.
So nice to have a forum and a community for understanding what I’m going through. At 41 this is all kind of embarrassing and disappointing and a little scary but I NEED to talk about it and manage it.
I haven’t had a period for 4 months, terrible night sweats (I’ve always been cold natured), vaginal dryness and maybe atrophy?!?, serious cravings and weight gain. Loss of libido and energy and jois de vive. I have had gray hair almost always and have gotten whiter more recently but menopause at 41 came out of left field to me! I don’t go to doctors and don’t like to take even Tylenol so don’t want to do hormone therapy but don’t want to be a frump either. Hoping this app will help in some way.
I have been skinny all of my life but for the past 5 years I had put on more weight than I’ve ever weighed. I honestly thought my clothes were shrinking from washing them before I saw a Dr. and learned that I gained 20 pounds in one year. That’s insane for skinny ole me (I managed to lose some of the weight after finding out by changing my diet and exercising). I also gained love handles and an oversized stomach. I’ve had some serious cravings and I want to eat everything in sight. The hormone changes are real and are interfering with my quality of life now. I really need to control myself, plus, I’m starting to feel old and the thought of it is making me kind of depressed. The good news is I still look young for my age at 50 but- crows feet around the eyes? sunspots on my face? Love handles around my waist? ??. This is not feeling good. I feel for you and I know what you are going through. I would suggest you definitely see a Dr. You need yearly check ups at this age. Additionally, some pain medication may help. I’m like you, I don’t like taking meds but I do if I need to and lately I have also been suffering from back pain and have found that ibuprofen 600 mg helps. I only take one once or twice a week. I hear that HRT is known to cause cancer and my GYN told me that she does not recommend it unless it’s ABSOLUTELY necessary. She recommended Siberian rhubarb for help with symptoms and CBD with CBG AND CBN for help with sleep. Anyways, hope you feel better. Hang in there. Better days are coming.
I am not sure where I am in the process. I’m the right age and things are definitely changing with my body. I feel like there is quite a negative stigma attached to perimenopause and menopause. My sister was on HRT and resulted in breast cancer. I am trying to find an alternative way of dealing with what might lie head of me. I’ve usually been fairly good at managing my lifestyle and eating an exercise habits, although I do have some weaknesses as in I like to have a glass of wine every night or two, and sometimes I like to eat cheese and spicy foods. I’m looking forward to learning more about it all and finding ways to help myself.
It can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. It’s not always the same way each day, but I guess you get used to it
I am a cancer survivor so menopause was induced for me. Sometimes I get embarrassed when I break out into a sweat around people I don’t know for seemingly no reason. I always find myself apologizing for having a hot flash. When they are in full swing I can’t focus until I get cool.
I’m turning 46 next month and just entered perimenopause this year. Symptoms so far are changing cycles, a few hot flashes, very sore breasts, fatigue, and a little weight gain. The sore breasts and fatigue are my symptoms today. It’s frustrating to think this is just the beginning! I just got the book, “What Fresh Hell is This?” by Heather Corinna and loving it!
I don’t want to be ALL negative about this journey. Not having a period for 97 days was actually quite nice. However, I am now on Day 11 of my period and I bled through my Flex cup twice over night. Mood swings have been a challenge and my back pain is really hard to deal with. But, all in all, it’s been not the worst experience in comparison to what it could be. We shall see what time brings.
I just had a full hysterectomy at the ripe old age of 36. Everything happened so fast for me, I had been used to irregular and obnoxiously heavy, long periods since my first one around age 16. Recently I had some periods that were a month long talk about terrible! Got checked out and short story we found a polyp. In the month between finding the polyp and removing it the cells had turned pre cancerous. So I was recommended to a specialist for potential hysterectomy. Well that’s what we went with. So now I’m trying to navigate instant menopause. It’s been a long 2.5 weeks! I’m currently taking estrogen and that seems to help with the temperature changes and night sweats. I already was prone to bad mood swings but they feel like they’ve increased 10 fold. They’re almost as bad as when you first hit puberty and have no idea how to deal with these new feelings. I’m super worried about libido as I have multiple partners and hope I can still keep up. I’m a hot mess. Haha.
Feeling a lot of emotions in this journey. After a few years of symptoms, I’m finally starting to accept that this is happening.
My experience has been bizarre. I was very surprised to learn about “perimenopause” and oh, my, goodness, thorough and timely information was not given even by my doctor! It’s a shit show, in my opinion. I haven’t felt as many roller coaster of emotions since I was 17! The silver lining thus far is my libido isn’t dead.
Does anyone here know if Estroven actually works for menopausal symptoms? I am considering buying the pills.
I get hot flashes, night sweats and headaches (just to name a few) but the sleep deprivation is hands down the worst because sleep is so vital to our health and well-being. I need something that helps.
Apologies for long post but hope I can support someone else to get help with by story. If I think back I have been in perimenopause since I was 41. Started with hot flushes and weight gain and depression (anxiety attacks with real ups and downs that change quickly). By 45 I had the night flashes which left me literally swimming in bed. I commenced HRT at this point. This has slowly increased in dose year on year since. I have developed worsening menorrhagia (heavy periods with clots and flooding and anaemia) so much so I saw a gynaecologist last October and pleaded to have a hysterectomy! Unfortunately prior to this I had developed a clot in one of the superficial veins in my left leg and developed multiple pulmonary embolisms in my lungs ( unexplained no COVID and no blood clotting diseases) and was placed on blood thinners for life. As a result they gave me a mirena coil to try. All well to start but 9 months in and I am sadly back to horrific prolonged periods 10 days plus of heavy ++. I am now on 2 patches of 125mg Evorel as well to control my other symptoms which were very dry itchy skin, hair falling out, fatigue, and the worse joint pains in my hands fingers elbow and knees I’ve ever had! I also take collagen daily and I must say this has been fantastic (after taking for 6 months) not right for everyone but was worth a try for me! My hair and skin and nails are so much better too! The only symptoms I currently have as well are dreadful brain fog again (forgot all my colleagues names the other day luckily I work in healthcare so they understood) and some hot flashes when I am stressed. So what next? I am going to see how I go next month (I am irregular now) and then return to GP/gynae to see what else can be done. I am feeling quite tired dizzy and a bit breathless at moment so if this continues will definitely try GO. Although I do feel sometimes they think it’s in my head! I know different having spoken to my mum who had some of my symptoms but wasn’t doing the job I am at almost 50. Any insight from anyone would be really appreciated. Thanks all
I had a full hysterectomy in 2018 at age 55 which immediately put me into menopause. I didn’t know what was happening to me. I was getting nowhere with the doctors until I started bio identical hormones. I was feeling a lot better. Unfortunately in 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m now cancer free but I can’t go back on hormones. All of my symptoms of menopause came back with a vengeance and keep getting worse. I really don’t know what to do next and doctors don’t seem to care.
Hi Linda, I’m so sorry to read your story. You’ve had to deal with a lot. Not sure if it would help but I use magnesium malate and glycine magnesium. That helps with the hot flashes and insomnia. Maybe it could help you as well.
I’ve just started the hot flashes in the last three weeks. I feel like there is no point in putting on makeup and doing my hair because after a hot flash I look like a disaster. My makeup is gone and my hair looks like I’ve been out in the rain. On top of that I am putting on deodorant after every hot flash! I am so lucky to work from home.
I would love to feel pretty and normal again! And don’t get me started on the lack of sleep! Hot flash wakes me up, I take off the covers and then wake up again freezing! Repeat 5-7 times per night … is there a way to opt out of this!? Lol
That sounds like my daily routine. ?? let me know where we can opt out. I’d love to get my name on that list. ???
2 hours before I go to bed, I drink a cup of Valerisn tea. It helps me stay asleep and want to go back to sleep faster. I still wake up but it’s more natural. I also don’t need it every night. See if that helps!
How many people are going through menopause now
I had ablation done a year after having my baby alimony fifteen years ago, so I’m not sure where my cycle sits now- haven’t had a period for 14 years. I am experiencing hot flashes, and those with the not being able to lose weight has been frustrating. I’m a public school teacher which already causes added stress and anxiety, but the added body/mindset changes that go along with perimenopause and menopause, makes things even more complex. I’m hoping that this program helps me understand more of why things are happening, what I can do to manage better, and become proactive in this part of my life’s journey.
Hi Everyone, think my journey has been pretty typical. Im 6 months with no periods but I’ve been here before to just start having them again. I originally thought I was going crazy and had anxiety though the roof, but now that I understand what is going on im much better.
My biggest complaint is that there was no warning from my doctors, older friends or family. This needs to be talked about ALOT more!!
It has not been fun… I don’t have any gauge for how my mom has gone through it, since she had a hysterectomy due to cervical cancer at the age of 27. I am definitely an open book, however I feel somewhat alone on this journey. I’m sad about the changes in my sex drive, my hot flashes are ridiculous, I am prone to random bouts of crying over things that aren’t really very upsetting, and I almost never sleep through the night. In fact, I don’t remember the last time that I slept all night. It’s nice to be in a community where I am not alone.
In my 40s I experienced what I can only guess was perimenopause. My temperature ran from hot to on fire all the time, severe night sweats, anxiety, poor sleep, drying skin. After several years and a fear that I’d never be able to wear my sweaters again, it stopped at around 48. At 45 I had an IUD put in to help cope with the horrid, heavy and painful periods I was having. Im now about to turn 52 and haven’t had a period since the IUD, but recently hot flashes & night sweats have started again. And I seem to be tired most of the time, and taking naps like never before. I’m looking forward to learning coping skills and strategies to navigate through this next stage.
Similar experience and age. The IUD provided relief from my heavy flow period, but the hot flashes, anxirety have crept in with an increasing force. Diet, breathing techniques and exercise are helping some of the symptoms but it’s a lot of work. My poor body is increasingly tired.
This feels like the invasion of the body snatcher. It’s just not my body or brain anymore.
I have been having symptoms of vaginal itching and extreme dryness. I am about 2 years into perimenopause, as I am 44. Does this subside in time? There’s times I think it’s a yeast infection and then there’s random burning in different spots. Is this common?
I’m ready to do a Shirley Valentine ?.I swear my whole mindset and body as radically changed and it’s making me feel like no one cares or understands what I’m going through. Fed up,that’s me.
I would love to hear from anyone who has had a partial hysterectomy, uterus removed, ovaries still intact, and experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. I have hot flashes.
Since 2018, I have been experiencing irregular periods, night sweats and some hot flashes during the day. Of late, I have been dealing with different body odors. Some days I feel like I’m in a fog and find it difficult to focus. The irregular periods are sometimes a lot to deal with, especially when they go on for weeks at a time. I’m looking forward to day 365!
I am still in perimenopause. What I’ve noticed is everyone I’ve talked to has different experiences. At first, it was hard for me to tel whether what I was experiencing truly was perimenopause bc, while I shared some similarities with others’ journeys, I also have experienced completely different and unheard of symptoms…until reading the insights and posts in this app. This has helped me feel less alien to the inner happenings now that I know I AM experiencing symptoms that are linked to my hormonal changes.
I’d read about Menopause and I’ve always had older friends so I understand what is happening but experiencing it is a whole differ thing. The hot flashes didn’t last long (thank goodness!) but I prefer a cooler home especially. I’ve always had night sweats I didn’t expect the insomnia and it has been the biggest challenge.
My sex drive is in overdrive. I cannot stop thinking about sex. It’s not a bad thing but it’s a lot.
The absolute worst part is the bloating and flatulence. And the pain in my knees. I know that exercise helps to keep the bloating at bay but it’s hard to do so with sore joints.
I’m having to rethink my nutrition and fitness habits. I’m still in search mode for the right balance.
My biggest focus is my mental health. I’m more irritable and I feel angry which is not a normal thing for me. My emotions are all over the place. Im forgetting things I said, always when I was feeling super emotional.
Mindfulness helps, meditation helps, and routine helps as well.
I’m hoping I can build new habits that will help me feel more in control of myself again, help me stay healthy.
I went into menopause 9 years ago and apparently am experiencing extreme menopause- it does not seem to be going away either. Hot flashes hourly for the first 6 years and now I have at least 5 brutal night sweats – I get up 5 x at night to have a cold shower- I am working full time but I really do not know how I am still standing frankly/ oh and did I mention the brutal anxiety that precedes these sweats!!! I gave up and am day 9 of hrt…this is not working yet but I am feeling really emotion and edgy with the hrt- it has been a horrible experience and there is so little out there for us women
Lack of sleep, brain fog, anxiety, tiredness – some hot flashes. Irritability and mood swings.
It seemed like perimenopause lasted forever with erratic periods, some very heavy. It’s been 17 months now since my last period. I have not had many daytime hot flashes, but the night sweats are constant. Focus and memory have been affected to a degree. My heart skips a beat now and then. I haven’t had any wild mood swings, but a few months after my last period, I entered into a depressed state that lasted for about a month, and it took some deliberate work to pull out of it. The very worst, though, is something that is rarely talked about: The impending sense of doom. It hits when I’m trying to go to sleep. Not every night, thank goodness. I just KNOW that either I won’t wake up or that someone I love is in danger. It feels like a terrible certainty. It’s happened enough now without anything bad happening that I can now reason myself out of it and calm myself down enough to sleep.
It’s like going into a cave and you have no clue what your about to experience! I am hoping I will receive some clarification about what is going on. I have spoken to some people so I am aware of what is happening but I’m hoping I can help myself gain more knowledge and tips about what I can do to make it a smoother transition.
So mennapause is rough especially when you are Biploar. These two together can be total hell. Anyone else here bipolar? How do you deal with this?
Very hot all the time like a constant hot flash that never subsides
Just starting in this app. Relieved and glad I’m not the only one who is experiencing an array of symptoms, including feeling like I’m going crazy! Look forward to the wisdom of a community of women who are willing to be vulnerable and honest while continuing to be the women warriors that we are
I am in my early 30’s and i have induced menopause and I am sad because I don’t have sex drive no more. Everything is fine. I have a lots of other symptoms but do my best to manage them.
I turned 50 this year and have been fighting hard to deal with menopause. Trying to diet, exercise and work on my emotions. As hard as I try, it just feels like life gets harder. I am not ready to give up but just feel like I need some new tools to get through all of this with some understanding.
I’m at a loss as had bloods done for hormone levels & they’re “normal” – what does that mean / am I perimenopausal or not?
The dry mouth overnight is really getting to me but also have been as regular as clockwork to the day pretty much, a few days out if super stressed, then this month I had a freaky start of period for a few days a fortnight after the last proper period then super light period when I was meant to come on properly – is this all part of it does anyone know?
I thought menopause was a gradual change. I feel like 60 days ago, I was my normal self and now, i feel like I aged 10 years in 2 months. I stopped getting a period, I can’t get out of bed, I am angry all the time, I look older, I am constantly starving and gaining weight I have acne but also dry sagging skin. WHAT HAPPENED? I feel like crying.
I just underwent a total hysterectomy two days ago where they had to take my remaining ovary due to progressed endometriosis. I’m 44 and have been thrown straight into menopause. Honestly I’m pretty nervous. I’ve been having issues for years, but this is a bit daunting.
Hi. Does anyone else feel like this or have any tips to ease the symptoms?
I’m turning 48 this week and I’ve been in perimenopause for about 7 years. This last year has seen me only have 3 periods (none in 2023 until July and August and then again last week).
September, October and November were the best months I’ve had in years, no anxiety, feeling good about myself and life. Just before this latest period the anxiety returned and I’m back to the ansomnia (I’m writing this at 3am), feeling of dread, night sweats and overthinking every ache or pain is going to be the worst case scenario.
I can’t have lemon balm as it reacts to my thyroid medication (levothyroxine) so lots of natural stress relievers are not available to me.
I hope someone can help as constantly thinking every indigestion pain is cancer, every leg ache is a DVT or every pain is a heart attack again is driving me crazy.
My GP surgery is not helpful at all with these things and my area has no menopause clinics or nurses (trust me, I’ve been trying for years).
I’m turning 48 this week and I’ve been in perimenopause for about 7 years. I’ve had the usual weight gain, hot flushes, brain fog and irregular periods. The sudden death of my father in 2019 and then the premature death of my mother in 2021 started my anxiety and fear of death. This died down this year until this month. This last year has seen me only have 3 periods (none in 2023 until July and August and then again last week).
September, October and November were the best months I’ve had in years, no anxiety, feeling good about myself and life. Just before this latest period the anxiety returned and I’m back to the ansomnia, feeling of dread, night sweats and overthinking every ache or pain is going to be the worst case scenario.
I can’t have lemon balm as it reacts to my thyroid medication (levothyroxine) so lots of natural stress relievers are not available to me and homeopathic scents give me migraines.
I hope someone can help as constantly thinking every indigestion pain is cancer, every leg ache is a DVT or every pain is a heart attack again is driving me crazy.
My GP surgery is not helpful at all with these things (they told me not to take HRT) and my area has no menopause clinics or nurses (trust me, I’ve been trying for years).
I get terrible mood swings, where I completely overthink and catastrophise. Sometimes I think my partner is pretending to love me and sometimes I question if I love him. I can be so sad and wanting to cry, then after a while I wil be okay. When I am feeling like this I honestly don’t want to live. I want to run away, but then I also fear being on my own.
I have started HRT which is helping but I still have horrible patches of terrible sadness and despair.
I think I am in perimenopause right now….increased irritability, surges of emotion, inconsistent periods and random spotting in between, dryness, fatigue, joint and muscle pain. On top of that, I also have a toddler and teens, so it is a rough combination. I’m not very tolerant and have to actively work on regulating and being present. It’s a lot. I’m here hoping for support, education, and ways to make the process as smooth as I can.
I have been peri menopausal for over 6 months I may have a period once in every three months but every month I get period pains and my back and pelvis ache and my knees feel crunchy is that normal
This stage of life is hard. I have gained about 20 pounds, the brain fog is unreal which makes it hard at work. Oh, and the night sweats are insane. On the positive side I haven’t had a period in 210 day.
The day I turned 50, the hot flashes started. I’ve had 2-3 every hour since then.
Menopause has been horrible for me mood swings and extreme anxiety.
I had vaginal dryness issues for at least 10 years before menopause. I had terribly heavy periods for the 4 years prior to my last period, had to take birth control pills because of anemia. I did not want an ablation, that sounded so invasive to me but the doctors kind of pushed it. I just stopped my pills when I turned 51 and voila! No more periods. Then months later the terrible night sweats and insomnia started. I was desperate for relief and started hormone replacement then and it really was a miracle cure. Vaginal estrogen has also been so helpful to keep that part of my life alive. Now I feel so much better and stronger at 59.
I am 49 years old and starting a couple of months ago, I experience mostly tiredness, brain fog and joint pain. My migraines got worse, irregular bleeding makes me crazy and I can’t wait for that to stop forever.
I am 49 years old and starting a couple of months ago, I experience mostly brain fog, tiredness and joint pain. My migraines got worse. Well, thanks to this app I learned now that those symptoms are perimenopausal. The irregular bleeding makes me crazy and I can’t wait for that to stop forever.
Hot flashes, mood swings worse than I had when I was PMSing, and always being tired. 🙄😒
I thought it was mostly hot flashes so when I started getting symptoms and still having my period I had no idea what was going on. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia.
Now at 51 I’m finally taking HRT and I have to say it helped with my mood swings.
The worst part is fatigue and vertigo because it means my activity level is so much lower than it used to be- I want to be strong and healthy. As it is I feel like an invalid (I’m on long term disability right now)
Being laughed at in the work place for bringing a fan to a meeting. Brain fog that makes me look inept has shattered my confidence, at work and socially too. Tearful without reason, so my Doctor diagnosed depression. For last few years I have felt like an alien has taken over my body and mind
She could’ve at least sent a memo, a postcard, a flyer, an email, or even a knock at the door. Just to let me know she was coming to disrupt my life! Yeah that would’ve been nice for a heads up!!!
Just starting this journey. I am so thankful I stumbled upon this app and community. I began experiencing mild menopause symptoms a couple of years ago (around 48). Fast forward to approximately a month ago – I met with my Gyno and we discussed my experiences (occasional hot flashes, less periods – not a big deal). I naively thought “hey maybe I am about through with this menopause thing”. Well three weeks after my sweet little gyno visit, the Meno switch was flipped and just like that I am experiencing intense hot flashes, night sweats, sleep deprivation, and good grief- the body chemistry and order changes are just debilitating (very dramatic- I know 😏). So, I started researching (aka – googling) during a sleep deprived night on how to deal with this literal hot mess and came across this app/community. I thought something really serious was wrong until I read through many comments/posts. So that is what brought me here. What a blessing to know I’m not alone!
This sucks hot flashes cold
Hot flashes cold flashes night sweats feeling fat not sleeping
Night sweats and rapid weight gain
Hot flushes mood change all over pain knees hurt tingling existing not enjoying life sad all the time
I view this as a sad time, I didn’t get much of the correct womanhood experience periods, and what not just a handful or so nothing to heavy no bad side effects some time to time I guess doctors never found out why never tested me for everything either unless you ask or tell them anyways I had one baby girl which is perfect but when the changes came they came an after miserable months I found out why hair loss no sex drive hot flashes lack of hunger no motivation irritation nausea I mean dry skin there is so much randomness oh boy but finding out seem to of lifted some of the burden I suppose I thought somthing was seriously wrong anyways I love the process of womanhood I just am not enjoying the extra lack of hormones from my already slim Pickens lol let me also add it’s all started happening around the time me and my boyfriend moved in together an a year later it was so bad we stopped having sex completely like I have no urge not not into it just nothing like at all so I don’t feel the want to engage in it like it’s literally torn us apart and separated us and took everything passionate away because if I show affection it won’t be to the extent an then I feel guilty an it just sucks an his a man so it all sounds like an excuse or that I just don’t want him he even thought I was cheating at one point it’s been that long
Hello there,
Just joining the group. I work in the medical field as a nurse practitioner and there is not much we teach on menopause and how to really deal with it naturally. I started with heavy irregular periods and night sweats near age 40. At age 41, I developed headaches that seemed controlled by my cycle. My husband can also tell when my cycle is coming because of irritation. I am hoping to learn to deal with all the changes as I know this is just the beginning.
Starting the program today, in meno. I am 51 and have had hot flashes for about seven years. Some days the frequency is quite severe (as in one an hour), but at least they are quite brief. I have been cold all my life, so I welcomed the change to feel warm sometimes. But the feeling right before they come- reminds me of the time before milk came in when I breastfed, like all the liquid is draining from my body! I have a host of other symptoms which interfere greatly with my relationship with my husband. I feel like I am not living up to expectations so much of the time. I wonder what comes next, how much longer will this “transition” period last, what a new equilibrium will look like, if at all.
I am so glad I found this app and all of you 🙂
Anxiety and the the week prior to my period I have a siezure sometimes . So now every time I am anxious or didn’t feel well I think it’s going to trigger a seizure
It’s so annoying
Although I have the hot flashes and insomnia, my main meno hurdle has been my mental health. The sudden anxiety attacks and feeling of being totally overwhelmed in situations that never fazed me before, are awful. Having looked very similar for decades, my body and face are suddenly aging rapidly. I feel that I am going through the 7 stages of grief for my youth. I hope that I reach the acceptance phase soon because this is really no fun at all!
Hi Anna! I definitely agree that there is a grieving process that goes along with this. I don’t want to be 22 anymore but it definitely reminds you of your mortality.
I have regular periods still, but as I’m 50 I am undoubtedly in perimenopause. My experience is night sweats, off and on, but more impactful is my loss of energy. It takes so much more to get me started on doing anything, feeling energetic. I am rather scared that I have wasted my energetic years on ‘working for the man’, and that when I won’t have to work corporate jobs anymore, I’ll just won’t feel like doing anything fun at all. But let’s keep it positive, there are a lot of examples of women who have a good time after menopause too!
My experience to this point has not been pleasant. Every day a new joint pain. Brain fog has been frustrating. My mood swings remind me of when I was a teenager. I’m going to be 52 next month and thought i was almost “out of the woods”-I hadn’t had my period for 11 months. But alas I had it and my symptoms spiked after that. The hot flashes came back, stomach issues, severe joint pain, depression, generally feeling gross all the time. My hair has always been thin and now it’s thinning even more. I’m so ready to be done with this process. I’ve been dealing with it since my mid forties.
Hello All! I am a little nervous to start tracking and analyzing what is going on with me but my APRN says I have to and since she gives me my meds, I better listen. I feel like I am losing my mind. I literally cried for 4 hours straight, on Monday. I could not stop no matter what I tried. I ended up having to leave work which put me in a terrible position with my boss. I hate it. I felt like I had no control over my body, or my emotions. It cannot continue like this. I won’t make it. I’ll lose my job and alienate everyone I care about.
Started the program today. I’m 55 and had mirena coil fitted for gushing when I was 47 and only went on oestrogen when my hairdresser told me I should be on this as well. I have been a mess probably a few years before and it was just put down to depression so was just prescribed antidepressants.
I was amazed how quickly I felt the difference when I started the gel. This helped for a while but my mental health deteriorated and last year had a breakdown. I am now coming out the other side but am so tired all the time and have gained so much weight that I can’t shift. When will it all end?
I believe I’m in perimenopause and the symptoms have just started to become noticeable and I’m having a rough time.
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?
Irregular periods. Lots of bleeding. Very emotional.
So excited to start this 40 day journey! My very last period was 16 months ago. The biggest change for me that I notice is 4-6 consecutive days out of the month I’m overthinking, which then leads into raging thoughts. The thoughts don’t stop in my head makes me feel a little out of control and my anxiety and heart palpitations can feel debilitating. I try homeopathic remedies which help a bit, I exercise daily which really helps, I walk everyday for 45-1 hr daily, I journal and I pray. It’s a difficult 4-6 days because I don’t really want to discuss it with family. I just put on a happy face and get through it. Around day 7 I feel things balancing out and I can take deep breathes again and the thoughts are gone and I feel a sense of peace once again. I’m currently a career changer and studying to be an Esthetician/ Esthetic Laser Tech so under a lot of stress. My relationship with my husband is not one that I can really share what I’m going through. I’m blessed to have a best friend that I call my sister and we get together and do things often which really helps. She creates a safe space for me to share and talk with her. She ten years older than me and already gone through the hardest part so she makes light of it and tells me, I promise you’ll get through it!! I believe and know I will as well. I’m so glad I found this app and I’m doing a lot of reading to learn and trying different holistic approaches to get me through. CBD has helped a lot with my anxiety. I’m also micro dosing with lions mane mushrooms which has helped me a lot as well. I’m going to continue my daily practices and just embrace the change and accept what I can’t change. I will learn to work through it with patience and self love.
I have all these symptoms, hypothyroidism,, chronic anxiety, fatigue, sleep apnea, brain fog, digestive problems, plus other health problems like renkins edema of the larynx. I started going through my first symptoms in 2020, my doctor put me on a hormone pill that was supposed to help. By the end of 2020 I stopped having menstrual cycles. Fast forward to 2023 I started have more anxiety attacks, started feeling deferent. Now I just feel like I am going crazy mood swings through the roof. I will just start crying out of nowhere.
Hi everybody. I’m starting the program today and I have hopes that it will help me not only understand the new life I am in but navigate through it. I am 44 years old, back when I was 37 I had an endometrial ablation and two years after that I started having perimenopause symptoms (night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, joint pains, to name a few). I was never talked about peri/menopause symptoms, of what it was, and what can be done to ease the process. So when I started this menopause journey, I was confused, I felt I was not myself and thought I was going crazy. There were times when my mood swings were all over the place that I couldn’t even stand myself, I sometimes wonder how my dear husband put up with me 🫣 Luckily somehow my head and my mind cleared up that I started researching about this thing called menopause, I realized that I was not going crazy, that my mind and body was/is going through a “normal” process. So I am here to learn about how I can manage, heal, and deal with this stage of my life.
Where do I start? I’m really struggling! I’m premenopausal..I’ve literally had every symptom.. the worst is that I don’t know who I am anymore.. it’s affecting my home life, my partner too.. I’ve felt suicidal.. I’ve just started some medication and me being me thinking I can do this on my own without help, I was wrong(I’m stubborn)..brain fog, insomnia, night sweats, aching bones, itchy ears and skin.. the list is endless. It’s been going on for years.. tried herbal etc, in the end I know I needed help but too stubborn to ask.. I’m hoping I start to feel back to being me again! My partner has noticed I’m not me anymore and what’s the old Hayley back 😞
I am experiencing night sweats, and more sensitivity to heat. I am on HRT, and it helps but it’s not completely gone. I am definitely much more forgetful and it’s harder to focus and concentrate for long periods. I am easily awoken. And I do not have the energy I once did. I am turning into a couch potato!
Extreme fatigue
Yesterday I felt so great. No mood swings and good energy. Today I feel like I’m moving through mud. I’m so extremely tired and unmotivated. Body temp is fluctuating. Hoping tomorrow is a better day.
I had to have a complete hysterectomy at age 55 which immediately threw me into menopause. Took bio identical hormones for a year and a half which helped a lot. In 2020 I was diagnosed with ER positive breast cancer and I’m supposed to stay away from estrogen but yet I need estrogen to help with menopause. I’m aging so fast and keep putting on weight which I’ve never had a problem with before. Any doctors I talk to are no help at all. I’m not sure of what to do next. I’m almost 61 and feel like 81! So frustrating
Starting Caria May 2024 as its been 11 months since my last period. I was widowed at age 54, after being married for 34 years… thats when my periods began to become irregular. I remarried at age 56 and was now having to look into birth control as my first husband had a vasectomy, my new husband who was 59, had not🫣. The thought of having more children, albeit a funny thought, was not anything our combined 8 adult children and 4 grandchildren were seeing as amusing😂. Anyway, like I mentioned, it has been 11 months since my last period, and I am unsure of what the next process will be. My mother and my 3 sisters all had hysterectomies, so they never naturally entered into menopause.
I am hoping to learn helpful tools to handle the crazy symptoms and maintain my sanity while doing so. I am grateful for an ap to allow each one of us to recognize we are not alone in this journey.
It’s really interesting to me that everyone seems to be having a hysterectomy. I only have a handful of girlfriends that are going through menopause naturally.
I’m soooooooo tired. And sick of being sweaty 15 times a day.
I’ve been dealing with irregular periods and hot flashes for close to two years, I’m 48 now and just started my period after 82 days and it it terrible, changing every hour to hour and a half is not a good day , I just wish it would hurry up and go away forever
I have had a surgically induced menopause after a hysterectomy. I managed to traverse the first five years with ease but once I hit 7 years my hot flushes are back and I also had a bout of rotator cuff bursitis
Looking forward to this challenge, learning new ways and meeting like minded people
I am glad to start with this app. I had a full abdominal hysterectomy 14 years ago and now I am dealing with strong hot flashes and night sweats. Not sleeping much either. Hoping I will learn some coping skills.
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.
My menopause was induced from cancer treatment at age 31. Kind of came out of left field and changed my whole life. I’m hopeful this will help me <3
47yo. Has anyone figured out a way to get their dr to believe them? I have horrible hot flashes, anxiety and intrusive thoughts that have suddenly made me incredibly fearful of driving for some reason. I’ve never been afraid of driving before and it’s turning me into a recluse. Mood is all over the place but mostly just hopeless or raging. Joint and body pain has made me feel brittle and it’s making it very difficult to do my job. But since I’m still having regular periods my last three docs say it’s just not possible that I’m peri. My labs came back estrogen dominant. So I’m confused as ever. I have no idea who this person is. I’m basically a shell. There’s no joy or fun anymore. It’s just anxiety every minute of every day.
I’ll probably post this a lot, but I just started a book that deals directly with doctors not listening and not knowing. It’s called the new meno pause, by Haver. Maybe it will help.
I am 51 and honestly I am unsure how long I have been experiencing perimenopause. I suffered extreme fatigue and brain fog in my 30’s but just thought it was other health issues or blood pressure medicine side effects. My crazy cycles, headaches after years of none once bp controlled, and extreme emotional responses in 2019-2020 made me think I may have entered the menopause time in my life. Currently with blood clots off and on all month, rarely knowing if or when I’ll have a cycle, and horrible mood swings. It’s all starting to wear on me. I am really hoping this apps information and lessons can help me gain back some normalcy and make it through all of this.
Just not sleeping brain fog not feeling your in the same body
I learned today that thyroid dysfunction can happen during perimenopause. I’ve had subclinical hypothyroidism for a few years now and have struggled with weight gain with no change in eating or exercise habits. There is no history of thyroid conditions in my family.
When I upped my physical activity for mental health and general wellness reasons a year and a half ago, I expected there to probably be some weight loss even though that wasn’t my goal. I didn’t change my diet, but I went from being sedentary to walking 2-3 miles 5-7 days a week. There was no change whatsoever in my weight or how my clothes fit.
This year, I’ve gotten into massive mood swings and brain fog. I thought the brain fog was a result of my Long Covid, but now I know that’s part of perimenopause too. Maybe I’m lucky and it’s both! Ha!
We got a Health Class for puberty, where’s our class for this next big hormonal change?!
Hello everyone! I was using the depo shot to manage endometriosis symptoms for several years so I never really went through the irregular periods. I stopped the shot about 3 years ago and had 2 cycles shortly after that but nothing since. However I have been having menopausal symptoms since before I stopped the shots. The night sweats (which are just disgusting, let’s be honest) seem to have subsided. I do have occasional hot flashes, but my biggest issues are anxiety, fatigue, irritability, weight gain, and trouble concentrating. I found this app and I’m hoping to gain some insight into what my body is doing and to learn how to manage the symptoms.
For almost one and a Half year I’ve been confused about all sorts of symptoms. Up until now, where I realize it’s been perimenopausal symptoms, and it all males sense. Now I Can actively do something about my conditions. This app Helps me feel more in control.
I am also starting the 40-day today. A friend recommended a book called The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver & said it is super helpful. It’s been 80 days since my last period, but the hot flashes started just a month ago-and hit me like a train. Sudden and intense! I’m scared to wear most of my wardrobe…and night sweats just started this week 🤦🏼♀️😬 My mom said she didn’t go through anything, & I’m starting 8 years earlier than she did. I’m 51.
I am 47 years old, and this journey has been about 1 ½ years long. I started having symptoms in early 2023 but had no idea it was perimenopause until early 2024. I went back and forth between my primary care doctor, my rheumatologist (for RA), and my hematologist (for anemia) for an entire year, trying to figure out what was happening with me, because the severity of the symptoms far exceeded those of my other diagnoses. When I finally found out what it was, my experience had already been tainted by negativity in my mind.
However, now that I know what it is, I have learned and am still learning how to manage it. I’ve “grown” through some of this experience, and I can say my view of perimenopause is somewhere in between. I am a spiritual person, and to be completely honest, perimenopause kept me at the foot of Jesus Christ because there was nowhere else I could find a piece and peace of mind. I felt like I was going to lose it at any moment; I feared I might leave my husband or that something worse would happen.
BUT GOD! This is where the positive comes in. I’m still experiencing some very challenging symptoms, but I’m still in the game and looking for ways to manage this. I pray that this app is one of those God-sent resources. At least it seems hopeful.
My experience has been mixed. From recognising that the symptoms i was experiencing were likely to be the menopause process to getting health professionals to listen. Personal relationships have taken a hit too, but my partner tries to understamd. My biggest impact or concern has been my ability to work, alongside familiy respinsibilites. On the plus side i am on HRT and it does help me with some symptoms. On the negative my symptoms are changing over time and I need a review which i am avoiding as it means dealing with health professionals.
I I am scared because my body is just starting going through all these changes . I feel like I’m going crazy because I don’t understand what is going on with my body
My health journey has been an incredibly difficult one. Genetics has not been on my side and unfortunately, I have had to make some sacrifices to get myself through this. But, I am proud of the sacrifices and what my body has been through!
I check the box of every symptom when it comes to menopause. I saw my gynecologist and she immediately suggested birth control. Which, I do not love. Here is another doctor pushing medication without getting to really know the root issue or willing to help find it.
I am hopeful this app will help me track, maintain, and provide insight.
Hi all,
I believe I’m perimenopausal but not sure! I have periods monthly but they are sometimes a day or two early or late, health anxiety is awful, I have sleep disturbances, but not every night, seems to be worse around ovulation and a few days before my period, itchy skin, joint pains etc.
I seem to be hot all the time and very tearful over the smallest things! I’m 45 and definitely feel these symptoms have worsened over the past 12 months.
This app is such a great idea!
I’m hoping that this app will help me manage my ADHD symptoms along with perimenopause. I’m struggling a bit.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. I had a mastectomy and then was on tamoxifen for a year and a half which induced menopause but had to stop taking it due to it damaging my liver. So three months ago I had a total hysterectomy and am now in full menopause. I miss my breast. I miss my ovaries. I feel so tired all the time. Incredibly irritable. Hot flashes are much better after hysterectomy than they were with tamoxifen so that’s a plus! Really most of the symptoms are better after surgery than they were on tamoxifen except the irritability and mood swings. Those have gone through the roof and are the most concerning to me!
It has been really tough. Some things like hot flashes I could manage but it caused my anxiety to really get bad.
I finally saw an OB/GYN that listened and started on low dose birth control this past month. So far, things have gotten better.
I admit I’m scared by how long this will take.
I’m so glad and grateful to have found this forum. I’m sure my husband thinks I’m making up the feelings I’m experiencing so it’s ’nice’ to be heard and seen. Thank you for sharing your experiences, I feel less alien like
Hi, I am actually starting this program for the second time. I tried two years ago around this time but unfortunately, I went through a separation with my husband of 27 years. I am now in a good space and feel I’m able to focus on myself and prioritize myself. Menopause has unfortunately contributed to the separation of my husband due to lack of libido, weight gain, loss of interest, and my mental health completely went downhill I did not know it was menopause because I felt like I was too young going and I was on the birth control IUD, which caused me not to have periods. It wasn’t until I was off of the birth control that I realized I was going to menopause.
Started the program today, desperate to feel normal again, I’ve been very low and tired.
After battling symptoms for over 2 years my Dr surgery called me and asked me come in immediately for swabs and tests with the nurse. She listened and got me in to see a Dr within an hour. I’ve been prescribed an anti-anxiety drug as I’m not allowed to be on HRT – not many options I’m afraid.
Still bleeding at age 52.
Anxiety is through the roof and I have had some really aggressive outbursts.
Marriage is on the rocks and have no sex life.
I feel overwhelmed with life.
Hoping this course can calm me down and help me get some sleep!
My menopause experience has been frustrating. I did not have a clear understanding of the difference between peri menopause and menopause. I had a bad concussion 7 years ago and now looking back I can see that I was also having menopause symptoms. It has been a confusing, frustrating time. I have not had a period for 3 years but am still having night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue and all the emotional things that go with these symptoms. Hoping to find some help with Caria
Grateful for this app. Been a few years and many changes physically with ‘menopause process’. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and I want off. My body doesn’t feel like me. It feels alien and mean. I tick all the boxes for symptoms and sometimes they are worse than others. The vaginal dryness is the one symptom I have the hardest time with managing. It is sooooo uncomfortable and treatment is sometimes overwhelming. I also have fibroids. I suspect other factors I’m seeking diagnosis for and have appointment next week. I’m scared, emotional and not doing great. The fear of other symptoms as yet here are terrifying. Noodling out what is the menopause process and what is something else has been a challenge.
I had an ablation that put me into early menopause. Trust me I don’t miss having a period, but what came next has been tough.
It’s been about 6 years in and I’m still suffering from the hot flashes then I’m freezing two minutes later and the night sweats. The weight gain was horrible also, but finally got that under control. I’m on a blood thinner, so I can’t take any hormone replacement.
I’m waking up every morning at 4:30 am feeling hot, sweating, or anxious and can’t go back to sleep. I have times when I feel too hot and too cold at the same time, my feet burn, my cheeks flush, I get more anxious and I have zero patience for my husband when he does anything annoying. I have more frequent constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, gas, and bloating. The symptoms seem to come in waves where it gets bad for a few weeks and then subsides a bit. Just starting to suspect that it’s all related and that I’m in perimenopause.
I wish as a child, I would have been taught these life lessons on what “happens next.” I have felt so alone over the last 4/5 years because I did not know what was going on with me, mentally, physically and/or emotionally, not to mention, to embarrass to talk about it.
My introduction into growing “older” or my “next chapter” had been completely horrible. Not until last year did I find myself speaking up more about menopause and the changes women go through because NO ONE speaks on it and that is sad.
It was my lack of education and my General Dr lack of concern that I blame for my experience up until I met my OB. Once I knew what was going on, I began to take better care of myself and now I am learning how to manage my hot flashes and I am waiting to have surgery to have my Lady parts removed.
I am happy for this site. I have now become a bigger advocate for Women’s health and rights.
My experience isn’t the best right now but it has taught me so much.
Hi! Just started using this ap as a way to track my symptoms. I’m 49, hot flashes started last summer. They’re not too bad yet. Periods have been irregular for a couple of years now. Now I never know if I’ll get one or not. Trying to be positive. Thankful for less periods, the acne that came with the periods, the cramps, the mood swings I had. But, it’s a whole other thing now. Hot flashes, low libido, dry skin. Thinking about HRT.
Daily brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, hot flashes, and joint pain. And then every month all the symptoms intensify and I feel like I’m coming down with flu. Due to my gold fish brain fog, I’m generally convinced it is the flu for a good 12 hours until I remember it’s peri-menopause. No period for a couple of years now with blood tests showing I’m very close to the end of peri or early menopause. I’ve just started HRT
Oh and pain and tension from clenching my jaw!!
I start today the program and I am pretty excited to explore his new phase of my life with some help and to share experiences with this community. I started to have significant symptoms this month, but it has been up and down since last October I guess. What was very noticeable was the air/gas in my belly, also at night and all the anxiety. But after reading that this is one of the most common symptom, I started to be more relaxed and I introduced some little changes in my daily lifestyle that really helped that. I started walking much more (I am tracking around 9.000 steps a day), to drink more water and herbal infusions.. in general I also feel that I wanna be kinder with myself and give myself time with patience to adapt to this new phase..
I have been experiencing heart paps, hot flashes and panic attacks for a few years. In the last 2 years my good days have become less than my bad days.
Starting today and I’m fully excited to learn what and how to deal with all these changes that are happening to me
I’ve been having hot flashes for several years and extremely heavy periods since age 12. It was horrible! One dr thought I miscarried bc of the large clots n so much bleeding. The last year 2024 I had more regular periods until about 6 months ago they’ve started becoming irregular not knowing when I would start or stop. I had a pelvic ultrasound n it showed a mass on my cervix n an abnormally thickened lining of my uterus. So with family history of female cancer I had my hysterectomy n they removed everything. That was in December 2024
Night sweats for over a year but new symptom is moodiness, which I’ve never had. My anger is always bubbling right below the surface and I’m so scared I’m going to snap and damage my relationships. I’m always in my head and not finding joy in the things I used to, including cuddling on the couch with my husband and watching a good show on TV. My sex drive is being overtaken by low energy and I’ve stopped initiating sex and I feel a lack of intimacy growing, which is scary because I don’t know if it will go beyond the point of no return. The only thing that relaxes me and makes me feel like myself again is drinking wine, which I know isn’t good for me and is a coping mechanism. But it does bring me joy when I’m drinking wine with my husband. I’m irritated that his daughters are still living with us and having to feed them and their various dietary issues and I’m afraid my annoyance is obvious to my husband and it will push us further apart. I don’t talk to him about these feelings for that reason, so it feels good to write about them here. I can see that this app may help target my feelings so I can let them go.
I was so happy when I didn’t have to worry about those miserable monthly periods and PMS. Until menopause. My perimenopausal period was fairly easy but once I entered menopause everything changed. I’ve packed on 20 pounds of weight all on my mid section despite being active and not changing much of my lifestyle. The motivation to do anything is just not there nor is the productivity at work mostly because of brain fog and hot flashes. I literally feel like the only energy I have is for my body to perform its daily functions. Sex drive is completely gone, food cravings are WILD. I’m about to start HRT despite telling myself a year ago I would never get on it. Up until this point I’ve tried every other “natural” method out there and lifestyle changes. I’m using this app to track my progress and learn more about what to expect down the line as my menopause journey continues.
Really the biggest thing is my fatigue and hunger. I’m just starved, and I’m gaining weight even though I’m eating relatively healthy.
It’s time we all read/listen to “The New Menopause” book by Marie Claire Haver MD and “Fast like a girl” by Dr. Mindy Pelz. These are game changers for me and de-bunking the myths from the old, inaccurately reported studies around HRT (hormone replacement therapy). This Caria app is the best thing out there! This symptom log here says it all—- who knew all these symptoms were associated with menopause?!? This app alone has given me tremendous peace of mind. Whenever I have issues with my husband or kids, I just show them the symptom tracker in here – and say “See what your wife/mommy is dealing with?” I just had a brilliant idea- I think I’m gonna make my family check off the symptoms in the log! Tell me what you guys see from the outside looking in. Then I’ll add all the internal symptoms I’m feeling. To all the women out there struggling with their jobs or Dr’s ignoring the signs… start showing your bosses and lame primary care Docs the symptom log in here! Tell them this is all the crud we deal with as women. Then go find a holistic Dr and see what insights they give you!
I’m having the hardest time. We learned I had Premature Ovarian Insufficiency while doing IVF. I feel shattered, like getting a death to a dream sentence but getting a health diagnosis too. None of my peers are near the symptoms I have. The older women in my life aren’t very understanding so I feel all alone. I am riding a bucking bronco in my own body. I need peace and balance and hope for the future.
For me, it started out with brain fog. Then came the hot flashes, the moodiness, the changes in my skin. I don’t remember things anymore. My joints ache. I’m tired. No motivation. So much fun.