I'm 42 and had hysterectomy with one ovary removed 3 years ago and have a history of cancer 18 yrs ago (NHL, pronounce "cured" 16 years ago). Without having periods, I don't have that clue as to whether perimenopause or actual menopause may be starting. About a month ago I had a bout with flu and was had fevers that came and went. Even after all the other symptoms dissipated, the feverish feeling continued, and it wasn't long before I realized that the "fevers" that were lasting about 2-4 minutes, made me really hot and sweaty, and woke me up at night might actually be hot flashes. This led to thinking about all of the other "symptoms" I had been having such as irritibility/grumpiness/dismay (my daughter has told me many times that I was overreacting when I was getting upset), constant appetite with inability to control urges, lightheadedness, vision changes (first "cheater" glasses, now in the real thing), and while my libido in terms of my desire is still strong, the body simply isn't reacting as it used to, and the lack of sleep. I haven't slept for more than 4 hours straight in months. When discussing this with my mom, she indicated she had these symptoms for 15 years. I'm just beginning and already I'm going crazy with all of this. I have an appt. with my ob/gyn, but that's over a month away. In the meantime, I'm scouring the internet looking for ways to remedy at least some of the most troubling symptoms (lack of sleep and hot flashes). I bought some herbal remedies, but just started, so nothing yet. The whole advice to give up caffeine and alcohol makes me want to scream. If it weren't for my coffee in the morning, there is no way I could function. And a little alcohol before bedtime at least gives me 3-4 hours before the hot flashes wake me up, without it, I'm awake every 2 or so. So, is this menopause? Is this peri? Am I going nuts in general? Do people actually surive this (lol)? There are days I wonder...

Hi and Welcome to Powersurge....

Most of those symptoms you mention are very common in peri menopause....I only found out after I found this website 6 months ago, I had my last period in August, so I'm assuming I'm on my way to menopause (I'm 48),but the past 3 years or more I've had a lot of those things you are experiencing and didn't know why I was getting them, I thought there was something terribly wrong with me!

Did you ask your Mum what age she was when she started menopause?...usually you will begin at a similar age...I guess not having periods doesn't help you know.

Officially you are not in menopause until you have no periods for a whole year, but in your case it would be hard to tell....you could maybe have a test done (FSH I think?).

I feel for you and your sleep problem as I haven't slept very well over the last 3 years....add that to having my daughter at age 40, so the last 8 years haven't been like they used to be when I slept 8-10 hours a night!

At least you still have a libido...thats great!......mine has been absent since I had my daughter 7 and a half years ago!

Keep reading the posts here and you will find a wealth of information to help you understand things a little better and if you are like most of us, you will also find comfort here too.

I get to sleep sometimes and wake up between 2-4am and then get hot spells and toss and turn the rest of the night...although mine could also be adrenal flushes, as I have some adrenal fatigue and high nightime cortisol levels....then occasionally I get a good night sleep, usually it is once a month!!!...although I have to say i have been avoiding gluten (digestive/bowel movement issues) and taking a sublingual B12 supplelement and things have improved in the last 2 weeks and I actually got 4 good nights sleep in a row!

Have you tried not drinking alcohol and caffeine?.....I know its hard, but I have had to stop because of my adrenal problem and I don't miss it that much, in fact I went to have a glass of wine tonight and I could only sip a little and then i had to throw it away as it didn't taste good!.....it may help you sleep better in the long run, but you will have to stay off it for a while to see benefits.

keep reading the posts here and you will at least find comfort that you are NOT alone!

take care and hugs

Caz

Hi there Phrrmgrl,

Welcome to Power-surge. Im sure you will find this site as wonderful and useful as I have.
The ladies here will only be to happy to answer you questions and help you.

By the symptoms that you have listed I wouls say that your in Pre-menapause stage.

I am the same age as you. I dont get night sweats as yet. I do however get hot flushes and my face goes really red. My cheeks stay red for ages.

Have you tried nice quiet music when you go to bed to help you sleep?

I get the grumpiness, lightnheadedness as well.

I hope you get all the answers you need. The ob/gyn that you are going to will be a help to you.

Take Care and remember it does and will get better.

From Deb

Thanks Caz for the warm welcome and the sharing. My mom must have started about the same time in her life with the hot flashes as she said she had them for 15 years (the thought of spending the next 15 years dealing with this makes me want to scream!). I did alot of reading this weekend on the subject. I do intend to have doc send me to the lab for the FSH test and discuss whether HRT of some sort may be an option for me. I can't tell if the days are better since I've tried the over the counter preparations (black cohash and isoflavones) or not. The nights definately aren't. Like you, I'm awake between 2-4 and restless the rest of the time. At least my boyfriend is supportive and hasn't gone running for the hills (yet...lol).

Hi!

I just want to add my welcome to the others. I am so happy you have found us and I hope we will see you often.

Ditto everything the others have already said.

Hope your day is a good one,
Marcy

Thanks to both Marcy and Deb as well. : )

Today so far has been a good day (even though it is Monday...lol). I'm just hoping I figure out soon how to have a good night!

Hope everyone else is having a good day too!

jen