Peri-Menoupase Questions

**auntie2many** · 07-25-2007, 05:10 PM

I am in my mid forties and am wondering what the symptoms are of peri-menopause as I think some of the things that I am going through may be signs of it. I have an appointment with my primary care doctor in September for my yearly physical.

I have been having minor mood swings, bad attitudes and depression lately. My energy level is low. I have been eating comfort foods lately and I am getting especially big in the waistline.

I feel like everything irritates me.

Does this sound like Peri-Menopause? Should I discuss it with my doctor in September. Also, I have started drinking two cups of caffeinated beverages a day. For two years, I had no caffeine. The caffeine does little to increase my energy level or moods.

Thanks for all replies. Yes, I know that I need to improve my diet and to some degree that may help.

**sdrjeolsen** · 07-25-2007, 05:20 PM

I was having most of the same symptoms 2 years ago as well as others..pretty much everything but hotflashes. I'm 42 and thought the same thing...that time of life. But I happened on some really good viatmins and in about 4 months all symptoms were gone and I had dropped some weight. Maybe you are just low on something and a really good vitamin/mineral suppliment would help. I think you should have some blood work done. I had a complete physical because I was begining to think something was really wrong. When I got my blood work back, the Dr. said I was not even close to hormone level changes. Do some research on-line and be well armed when you see the Dr. Ask for certain blood work and whatever else may put your mind at ease. For me, it was all about my diet. It is so easy to just get into the habit of grabbing some chocolate and a coke or cup of coffee, but that can mess your moods and all up so easily.

There is a great, super informative website (actually where I got my vitamins) and they offer phone support and lots of web articles. Its womentowomen.com. It really helped me out. The vitamins are expensive, but I just got them for about 4 months and then really watched what I ate after that.

Good luck in getting it all sorted out.

**Jskell911** · 07-25-2007, 07:01 PM

I am 34 and show these symptom along with hot flashes, sshort term mmemory loss, and night sweats. Mine is a combination of a peri-menopause combined with other reproductive health issues. I am going in for surgery to determine if I need a hysterectomy in 2 weeks.

Some of what you described could be a depression or a thyroid issue. Discuss these symptoms with your doc. He can do a hormone level blood test to determine if it's perimenopause. There is also a blood test to check the thyroid.

Good luck and I hope your doc can get you answers soon!

**amecoy75002** · 07-25-2007, 08:35 PM

Oh the HOT FLASHES!!!! They are the worst. The mood swings, depression, food cravings are difficult. There is help, websites and books. If your Dr. pooh poohs the symtoms find help somewhere else. My doc said was all in my head -

**Jskell911** · 07-25-2007, 09:10 PM

SHoulda told him, no it's all in my ovaries!!!!

**mom21ofeach** · 07-25-2007, 09:48 PM

I'm 41 and have had similar issues. Went to the Dr. last week and they did blood work, etc. I go back in two weeks for a follow up appt. In talking to some friends lately (who are also early to mid 40's), it seems common. They have all had similar issues.

I would definitely see the doc, but other than that I don't know what to tell you other than, "I can relate!!!"

**miss_thrifty** · 07-25-2007, 10:11 PM

I stared early peri menoapuse nearly 4 years ago i guess. Maybe 5 now.
well first i thought it wa just hormonal because all our family have major probs in that area. It wasnt just that, i got tested and Dr. said yepper.
I had hot flashed, soaked almost every nite. i felt like i needed to literaly crawl out of my skin. it was the worst feeling in the world. Mood swings arghhhhhhhh my hubby could tell you about them. lol
And cravings for choc was at its high way more then once a month along with acne, couldnt sleep, rest less legs, etc.
Talk to your Dr. he can help you out dear.

**quiltergirl** · 07-26-2007, 01:53 AM

I would run it by your doctor just to make sure there isn't something else going on, but doctor's often only send you home with a pat on the hand and a prescription. Do your own research, there are other alternatives. Everyone is different and what works for one woman often will not work for others. I think the most important thing to remember is that it is a normal part of life -- not a disease. That has been a big help to me.

I recommend Dr. Northrup's books Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause.

**Its_Donna** · 07-26-2007, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by Jskell911

SHoulda told him, no it's all in my ovaries!!!!

I couldn't have said it better!

**banana** · 08-06-2007, 01:47 PM

I'm having the same symptoms and can totally relate. I had blood work done and was told everything was in the normal range. I have been browsing the website women to women and decided to give the vitamins a try.

**Edna_E** · 08-06-2007, 03:44 PM

I've been looking on the web - there's a lot of info out there. The problem is that a lot of the symptoms also occur with other explanations - like hypothyroidism. I'll be finding out more about this - Dr's appt Friday - and the various options for dealing with whatever is happening to me. I'll let you know whether that is the explanation or not.

**Jaded** · 08-06-2007, 08:38 PM

Believe it or not, most women over 50 have hypothyroid. I have an enlarged thyroid, and it causes HORRIBLE symptoms! A lot of what I thought was menopause symptoms are actually my thyroid.

**Darlene** · 08-06-2007, 08:48 PM

How do we women know what's normal, what's peri what full blown....I just know that being a woman (at any age) leaves you with an ever changing ebb & flow that you just try to ride out. I'm 46, almost 47 and heck if I know what's "normal", it's changing every day.
Wish you the means to ride the waves, op. Women of all ages, big hugs from me to you.

**JerryG** · 08-06-2007, 09:50 PM

I don't have the mood swings or cravings or hot flashes, but I'm losing hair by the buckets and seriously losing weight . . . Like LOTS!!! Could this be "peri"? I'm 44 . . .Diet hasn't changed, in fact, I'm eating more on a more structured day. I'm shocked that I'm down (at least a size) in clothes and I can see "parts" in my scalp that were not there before .. . .

Let me know what you think, ladies. I don't have insurance right now, but is it something I should have checked out???