Let's talk about peri-menopause

[Anonymous]

I have rushed to the doctor for various symptoms (irregular periods, cramping) and after tests, told it was peri-menopause.

After comparing notes with my sister and a couple of friends, we've all been through the same thing, scared to death something was seriously wrong after things start going 'weird.'

I used to have periods like clockwork, now they're all over the place. And the PMS never goes away. Any thing else to look forward too?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have rushed to the doctor for various symptoms (irregular periods, cramping) and after tests, told it was peri-menopause.

After comparing notes with my sister and a couple of friends, we've all been through the same thing, scared to death something was seriously wrong after things start going 'weird.'

I used to have periods like clockwork, now they're all over the place. And the PMS never goes away. Any thing else to look forward too?

Just out of curiosity, how old are you? I'm getting so paranoid about this too...

[Anonymous]

Any thing else to look forward too?

Yes! thank for asking. In no particular order:

sleep disruption
headaches
flare-ups of chronic skin problems that you thought you had controlled, like cystic acne, rosacea, etc.
weight gain!! due to a big-time slowing of metabolism
mood swings
hair loss
rapid loss of skin elasticity


those are just the ones I can think of in the past 2 years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Any thing else to look forward too?

Yes! thank for asking. In no particular order:

sleep disruption
headaches
flare-ups of chronic skin problems that you thought you had controlled, like cystic acne, rosacea, etc.
weight gain!! due to a big-time slowing of metabolism
mood swings
hair loss
rapid loss of skin elasticity


those are just the ones I can think of in the past 2 years

Oh joy. I can check the "yes" box next to each of these (I'm 47)

[Anonymous]

I've got the messed up periods and sleep issues. I'm just turning 43. Nothing else on that list (yet).

[Anonymous]

OP here: I just turned 45.

[Anonymous]

A common symptom is an increased tendency to shop at Chico's.

[Anonymous]

Here's my list

-less regular periods (I won't say irregular, because they are still in the 27-30 day range)
-much lighter periods, no more than 2.5 days
-decreased PMS symptoms (mostly cramping
-lower sex drive
-vaginal dryness
-slowing metabolism
-tendency to gain weight around middle (this is estrogen deficiency)
-some memory and concentration problems
-greater sensitivity to caffeine

And I'm not yet 41.

[Anonymous]

I'm post menopausal (I'm 52 and had my last period at 47). My biggest piece of advice is - don't anticipate symptoms - they may never happen to you!! For example, when I was in my early 4os, it was before the big study that cast doubts on the wisdom of using HRT. So before I was really even perimenopausal, my gynecologist is telling me about the hot flashes I would suffer from and how I should soon get on HRT. Well I never had hot flashes and I never used HRT. Just wait and see what happens - don't anticipate bad stuff - if it happens, deal with it. And keep in mind, when this is over, you won't have a period anymore!!! I just love walking down the "feminine products aisle" knowing I don't have to use any of that stuff again!!!

Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

I'm the 47 yo PP above with a somewhat related question: I know there are REs, who are specialists in reproductive endocrinology... Is there any sort of specialist to see regarding menopause issues, or is it still just my regular gyn?? I ask, because when I mentioned peri-menopause to my gyn just last November, she didn't seem at all concerned, just "see ya next year". And yet, I seem to have all the "signs" mentioned in this thread - except for that chicos comment (can't stand chicos.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've got the messed up periods and sleep issues. I'm just turning 43. Nothing else on that list (yet).

Same here & I'm turning 43 in a couple of months. What can be done about the sleep stuff, at least?

[Anonymous]

Getting ready to turn 50. Here is my list
- shorter periods
- sleep irregularities
- never ending PMS
- occasional very mild hot flashes that make me lightheaded
- more difficulty maintaining my weight
- low sex drive

Most of this isn't too bad, but the never ending PMS is getting to be intolerable. Sometimes I can't stand to even be touched or hugged and I sometimes snap or get into a bad mood over the stupidest things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Same here & I'm turning 43 in a couple of months. What can be done about the sleep stuff, at least?

I'm the same age and just have the increasingly strange periods---heavier than they used to be, and coming way too close together.

But many of the symptoms mentioned above---moodiness, weight gain, sleep issues---can be improved through increased exercise. I more or less killed off a decade-old insomnia problem with a huge increase in exercise. The side benefits have been that I'm in a better mood (I really notice my bad temper on days when I don't have time to exercise) and I'm keeping my weight stable without cutting back on good food. Something to consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A common symptom is an increased tendency to shop at Chico's.

[Anonymous]

I'm only 41 and just had a baby at 40. They tested my bloodwork for fertility issues a year before I got pregnant. They said it was highly unlikely I could become pregnant because my eggs were old and few. I did get pregnant on my own, but man, how depressing. The docs were surprised I was still having cycles based on my numbers. Christ!