How is it possible to know if you've skipped periods in peri, when you've had a partial histo, all you other women know because of actual periods' are there any other women in peri that have had a partial histo? it would be interesting to hear from you !

Hi Cari,
Like you, I'm a partial hyster. sistah too I have my ovaries, but not the uterus or cervix. Thus, don't receive monthly periods - but I do ovulate each month....or every so often now.

What I did for a few years was to journal the monthly symptoms - did it in a 8 x 11 paper, added all my symptoms.... anxiety, crying feelings, depression, insomniac, doom/gloom attitude, bad mornings filled w/anxiety in a.m....well, a few more or less of the peri. symptoms for me. Anyway - then I would have enough space to X each symptom, with the date. I noticed that there is a pattern each month...when the feelings started, and when it ended. Also, another sign for me was the sensitive tender breast - I know I was about a week away from when I normally would of had a period.

Another way is to have blood work to show the estrogen levels, testosteren levels, etc. Your family Dr. or GYN can order the blood work. The levels tell you where you are in peri. I know for me it took about 3 or 4 times for the blood work to show that I was actually peri...when I knew I was for years. About 10 months ago or so - my GYN ordered blood work to see "where" I was. The number for peri. for me was 39... to be considered post meno. it would show 50 or higher...So I know I'm close to post... And I knew also because alot of the symptoms of peri...were slowly disappering or are appearing every few weeks or months instead of everyday....Yeah!!

It is so difficult to track things in peri. if you don't have a monthly period...when you have a period - it justifies why you've been feeling a little funny or out of sorts... I know during peri. for me not getting a period - I felt nutzy at times, not understanding why I felt the way I do...truly felt like going over the edge ...and then I found Power Surge... all those feelings others Sistahs had...I had. Of course, the GYN said I was to young to start peri. when I was 36 or 37...Boy was he wrong. If your Dr. feels your to young to have peri....demand to have some blood work. I'm now 48 (soon to be 49), and I feel better then I have in years...so I know my peri. days are just about over...

Hope some of the things answers your questions. Best Wishes Cari.

Stacy

Thanks Stacy,
Yes I did have my hormone levels tested and I am in peri, Whats frusrating is I have not had tender breasts for about 6 weeks I guess this means I am not ovulating, I guess I will have to start journalling it like you, I just started progesterone cream so hopefully this will also help.

Cari

Hi Cari,
Yes, your starting to notice the changes with the breasts. Over the last 30 days, my breast have been tender twice...and before that - it was 4 months ago. Wacky hormones fluctuating. Your starting w/progesterone cream...interesting. I remember...many moons ago of course , I wanted to try progesterone cream and my GYN said no... He said if you don't have a uterus - you don't need progesterone cream *deep breath*.... the same Dr. said I was to young to start w/peri...and I can't possibly be in the menapausal level . Let me know how you make out w/the cream and with your journal. You'll probably see a pattern within 3-4 months...maybe sooner - oh I hope so for your sake. It can be so frustrating can't it? You're taking charge of things Cari - educating yourself and your body. I'm proud of you Take care.
Stacy