I’m 46 and content. I don’t believe I’m in perimenopause. Not looking forward to the misery that brings!!

I'm 57 F and life feels about as good as it gets. Kids happy and successfully launched and we have close relationships with all of them - - college and grad school paid for - house the way we like it - lots of disposable income because we are both still working (but both of our jobs are pretty low stress now - as consultants we work about 20 hours a week these days and it's perfect - our parents are all deceased, so while sad, that's a huge source of stress gone, and also a source of $$$ thanks to small inheritance that made us even more financially secure - we travel monthly, work out together or walk our dogs daily, have enough saved for retirement if one of us dropped dead tomorrow - and we enjoy hosting friends at home often. Writing all of this down makes me realize we are coasting after a long climb - it's pretty awesome! And, fwiw, 57 is way better than 50 and way, WAY better than 40. 40's imo were the hardest and least fun.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m 51 and suffering through this absolute misery of perimenopause. It’s affecting every aspect of my life.

I can see how my life will be exponentially more enjoyable once my menstruating years are behind me. So, I’m not there yet, but I am hopeful given the other aspects of my life.

+1000

I'm 53 and had no idea it could be this miserable. The lack of sleep alone has been debilitating, and the hot flashes are horrible.

+2000

I'm also 53 and the hot flashing is horrible and the sleep problems are seriously affecting my life.

I'm 53 and this has not been the case for me. But I have a mood disorder that gets worse as you get older, so YMMV.

Happy at 55. Knock wood.

Yes. I am so much happier.

Anonymous wrote:But, you're at rock bottom at 47. It's called the U-Curve of Happiness. Google it.

I'm 47 and I literally don't want to be here anymore....

45-53 was the peak of unhappiness for me. Lots of family problems and parent illnesses and deaths. Now, as long as I stay in shape, it's getting better.

I'm 50. I went through menopause on the early side and that was horrible. 46 was a very bad year. 48/49 started out good but both my parents were diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Mom is gone now. I don't know how much longer I will have dad. Terrified of losing DH early. Thankful DD is a pre-teen and more independent now. But the medical go-round has just started for me and DH. We realize we are going to have to get serious about staying fit.

At 46 I don’t care what other people think which is incredibly freeing. Also I much prefer parenting older kids than little ones so that helps too.

47 yo woman. I was at peak happiness in my mid 30s with two young children and at the pinnacle of my career. As the year ends, I am weary having lost both parents, and my fil is on his way too. My kids keep me grounded and generally happy. My work is for a cause I believe in and has manageable hours and low stress, if not prestige or high pay. Financially, we are well set. Given all the grief (there is more unresolved pain in my family of origin), I still lack some everyday joy and have trouble truly having fun. Trying to work on that and see the world through my kids eyes. I like to travel and have taken them on some cool trips the past couple of years and hope for more spontaneous adventures in the future.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But, you're at rock bottom at 47. It's called the U-Curve of Happiness. Google it.

This. I've just started to get happier at 56. 44-50 was the absolute worst.

I’m at 55, hope this is true.

I’m 48. I’m certainly hoping this is the bottom of the U. I’m glad to hear from folks on the other side.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But, you're at rock bottom at 47. It's called the U-Curve of Happiness. Google it.

This. I've just started to get happier at 56. 44-50 was the absolute worst.

I’m at 55, hope this is true.

Hard no because I had kids later in life and so did my parents, meaning I’m in 50s with elementary schools kids as well as parents who are in 80s and 90s. So, imagine dealing with young kids along with elder care duties all at once. It’s terrible.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Subject line says it all… are you happier later in life than when you were when you were 35?

No, I am significantly “less happy.”

Ditto. Having young kids is a PITA but better than having teens. can’t expect young adults to return home regularly. Stuck with a spouse. in about 5 years the kids will be gone alone with the last of my parents/close relatives. Friends leaving for retirement elsewhere bc the DC area is senior/retiree unfriendly. I have hobbies but eyesight and hands are starting to fail.