Good evening ladies,

Another question...

With regards to perimenopause, are there any signs that the roller coaster ride may be ending soon other than missed periods or cycles stopping? For example, for those of you who have officially entered menopause, do you remember any signs/symptoms prior to periods just stopping (i.e. did your cycles become longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, browner, etc, etc.?? More/less hot flashes??? More/less insomnia??) And did your periods just suddenly stop or was there a transition like skipping a period every now and again? Can a person go from having irregular cycles to suddenly just stopping completely? I've heard that right before periods stop altogether some women experience just brown spotting and cycles become shorter then stop completely. On the other hand, I've read that cycles become longer just before stopping....I'm confused. I just want to know what to look for or perhaps what to expect. I know each person is different, but it helps to know of others experiences. I haven't skipped a period yet, just experiencing cycles anywhere from 14 days to 36 days and everything from brown yucky spotting to terribly heavy flooding with clots.

Also, on average, how long did peri last for each of you? I can't take 10 years of this.

Finally, with regards to the 34 symptoms of peri, I read an article today that said that most of them are NOT related to peri at all and that if a woman is experiencing cycles occurring less than 21 days apart, she should be checked IMMEDIATELY (well I've recently had a 14 day cycle and an 18 day cycle). Also, brown spotting, hair thinning, skin changes, allergies/sinus, low blood sugar, digestion problems/flatulence, anxiety, depression, brittle nails, etc are not signs of perimenopause either and could be signs of other things. And why is there not any mention of the buzzing, vibrating, tingling, etc, etc. Once again, my anxiety has become heightened...please enlighten me with your expertise and knowledge.

Would love to hear from others.
Thanks,
Tracey

If you look at my recent thread, you'll see I'm no expert, but I can tell you my own experience. Prior to peri, I was like clockwork. Then I started skipping and being very irregular. This went on for a couple of years with absolutely zero other symptoms. (2003-2006). Then for the past two years I had even fewer cycles but developed a laundry list of symptoms that I didn't even realize were related to peri/meno. I drove myself crazy and only last week finally got my FSH checked...surprise, menopause. I'm 44. I ddin't see this coming. My entire transition, assuming that since it's been a year I won't be having any more lasted about five years, but the symptoms only two. I still have tinnitus, hot flashes, night sweats and headaches. AT least my anxiety and sadness/depression/dark mood seems to have improved. I hope that helps.

I think everyone is different. Both my mom and sister never had any symptoms, never had any irregular cycles, they both just all at one stopped.

Hi Tracey,
The first law of menopause is that you can't really compare yourself to anyone else. We all just kinda swim round in the menopausal soup, not knowing what is going to come up next. The other difficulty is that the symptoms do mimic every other dreaded disease in the book, especially the neurological nasties like MS. The worst thing a meno lady can do is Google her symptoms as I can guarantee they will convince themselves that they are dying. It is very important not to ignore symptoms but is also important to learn that there are certain things that are just part of the transition and unfortunately, we poor souls have to put up with them. At this time we ladies tend to get very angry with our doctors because sometimes they appear to be ignoring our symptoms. Now, I have no doubt that some do but others are probably just wise to the fact that endless expensive and risky tests are all rather pointless. Really significant problems do tend to get themselves noticed by the way that they refuse to go away and the fact that their severity just accelerates.
A wise person once said to me that if you are in absolutely perfect health when you enter the transition, the course is likely to be smooth but if you have underlying 'issues' like anxiety or say an immunological problem like rosacea, you are probably in for a rough ride.
Menstrual irregularities are absolutely par for the course. When periods become more unpredictable it is just a sign that the delicate balance of hormones is changing prior to full shut down. The shutting off process may take years or apparently in some ladies occur in the blink of an eye. The latter is less likely. Some ladies bleed endlessly and this requires intervention because anaemia quickly sets in. No one could maintain good health if heavy periods are occurring with only short intervals between them.
If you read the research, technically the medics only recognise vaso- motor symptoms (hot flashes), dry eye/vagina as true symptoms of meno but if pushed will admit that all the other symptoms occur due to the snowball effect of endocrine imbalance.
Sorry I can't be more specific. As a rule of thumb the appearance of the brown yukki stuff is most likely to be a sign that you are on your way but alas no-one can predict how long your road is going to be. My migraines started when I was 38 and I had my last period at 51.

Cheers,


XIII

XIII I just love your post. Menopausal soup! Perfect.

I could not agree more that we should all share but not necessarily compare. I am a great example of someone whose menopausal history has taken many twists and turns. I would not want anyone approaching meno to think that she was in for a ride like mine.

Tracey, I hope that the wisdom you will receive from the site will calm your anxiety. And I hope I will see you often.

Hugs to all,
Marcy

Hi,
I have don't know if all 35 signs of menopause is directly from flutuating hormones probably not, but I think they are related in a way that one may feed the other for example hot flashes are usually undeniably(sp) from hormone fluctuation, for me when I get a doozy of a flash I will get dizzy, palp's, waves of adrenaline....are those secondary symptoms considered directly related to hormone going uip and down or lack of them or the fact when we flash our blood vessels do there thing(don't know if it is constrict or the other) and when the vessels do that those who are sensitive will get dizzy, palp's and possible tingly or numb.

Lets take a migraine...they know that the incidence of migraines rise with menopause at least for awhile, but migraines don't usaully come alone....for those of us who have them we know we can get dizzy again, tingly, our vision goes haywire, some feel numb and some cane even lose their speech.

Anxiety is another...obviously "power surges" are really adrenaline surges which is the very chemical that causes panic attacks...and lets not forget with all of this going on for those who have had relentless sensations who's anxiety wouldn't go up....again is it directly related to fluctuating hormones or a by product of the symptoms recognized most by dr's.

And fatigue ...who wouldn't be exhausted dealing with this crap.

So I don't think all 35 symptoms are "directly" related to hormones, but I think some are side effects of the more recognizable symptoms by the medical field. I guess you could say all are related because if it weren't for them fluctuating we wouldn't feel most of them....it depends how you want to look at it, but that is probably why most dr's go with the more standard symptoms and what women experience after that is considered unique to them...because not all have dizziness or pounding heart with flashes and so on.


For myself I have to say instead of my periods becoming farther apart mine got very close together when they first went irregular, I was getting them every 2 weeks off and on for 2 years more on than off never really coming late though. this past summer I had a period and didn't stop spotting for 5 weeks....then when I did stop my period didn't comes again for 6 weeks(first time ever it was this late)I would like to think that I am approaching the down swing of all this becuae the past 2 years have been miserable...all my levels fall into the post range 2x tested in the past year and half. my mom was 43 and in menopause so I probably am following that track....again outside of what dr's would think is "normal"

You mentioned vibrations....I had these very rarely 2 years ago when my periods went awry, in the past 2 month I have them everyday in every part of my body...usually starting in the afternoon. and finally think I have got a taste of what others mean by internal tremors, not that I felt left out and my breasts are again very, painfully sore which started the past 2 months....haven had sore breast for 2 or so years...I mean nothing. I would say with all of this new stuff for me something has certainly changed again and hopefully closer to some relief. HUGS MIkki

Thank you ladies for all of your help and expertise. I cannot shake this anxiety nor can I shake this sinus infection. I'm not sure what was going on with me yesterday, but I was sitting at the table with my family and all of a sudden, this intense heat began from my neck and moved up across my head. It was so intense that I had to get up from the table and run outside, I thought that I was going to be sick. After several minutes it went away, but it scared me. Is this a hot flash or caused my anxiety? I know a couple of years ago when I first began suffering from anxiety and panic attacks out of the blue, I had the same experience in Target. I was strolling along and then suddenly this extreme heat rose up my neck and across my face and head. I began feeling sweat drip down my shirt. I wasn't sure what was going on, so I immediately became scared and left the store right away. Looking back, not sure if this is a hot flash due to hormones or due to overall anxiety. Any thoughts? I sweat at night and often awake to damp hair and pillow, damp undies but pj's are not soaked. Then I experience the cold chills. Is this typical for you ladies who have experienced this? I usually run very hot, can sweat at nothing but here lately, it's been more chills and then hotness. Strange, I know.

I cannot find a psychiatrist, I need one. Of course, insurance dictates who we can see. My PCP is losing patience, at this point, he discontinued my antibiotic for the sinus infection and said to let the body heal itself...great. IF the sinus could do that in the first place, I wouldn't have needed the antibiotic to begin with. I am losing my mind and losing confidence in all doctors. I feel that I'm at the end of my rope and that something is really wrong. I cannot shake this terrible anxiety.

Hugs to all of you and thanks so much,
Tracey

Tracey,
I am sorry you are scared and feeling so bad....believe me I know that anxiety. I have had anxiety issues since my 20's, nothing major just would have spradic panic very raely, but when this all hit I never knew anxiety could get so bad. I know aniety attacks can cause flushing, but as many times as I have had them if I did get flushing I didn't notice much and it wasn't my first sign of panic coming.

As far as the hot flashes...when I first started them I didn't recognize them either and before they got bad I too woke up with damp hair and my chest maybe would be a bit wet. I can only describe mine....My neck and face and ears will feel like they are burning, my nose turns bright red, I get these blotchy red patches on my upper chest and where my main arteries in my neck are turns blotchy red(just on either side) I hands will be freezing and I will feel rather chilled almost at the same time everywhere else, but my head feels like it will burst into flames at any moment. I have also had many times where I think the cold chills took over the flashes and that is all I felt was freezing. I was ecstatic because I haven't felt hot like I had for the past 2 years, until the past couple of months...I had a night sweat I have never had before, I woke and was just drenched from head to toe, sweat was dripping from the back of my knees and my shirt literally felt like I had washed it and wrung it out and put it on and I am flashing again in the past week. For me when I get flashes they never seem to end....if they do it is hardly recongnizable and another starts...it seems they just flow into the next.

For the anxiety, if you have recieved a clean bill of health, you might try some relaxation cd's. Thay do work if you practice them consistantly. everyday. Something I think alot of us have had to do is accept, while it is a stinken drag, there is really not much we can do but ride it out and try to get things done when we are feeling well...well at least I have had to do that. I felt so out of it last night, dizzy and heavy I just had to put my haed down and let it pass....once I did and it passed I went on with what I wanted to do..the day before I had a doozy of a plapitation..scared the crap out of me, but I was flashing all day so was it related I don't know, but it really shook me up and I felt anxiety from that into the next day. Marcey above know how all this plays with our minds...she has quit a story. I found on the days I struggle to stand I come here and others carry me through that bad day..that is what we are here for so hang in there and those of us who can today will do our best to lift you up. HUGS Mikki

Hi Tracy,

Cycles
I have always been very regular before this cr** started.
My cycles became very irregular over the last few years. I had my last in february and therefore in august of the previous year. There has definitely been a transition of skipping periods, heavier and lighter periods.
I have been been in peri since 2005.
Prior to my cycles becoming irregular I have had and still have all the 34 symptoms and more. Including and especially the scarry ones, the tingling, twitching buzzing etc. I have had also had all possible tests and even false diagnoses and took medication for nothing! It cost me a lot of money and gave me a lot of anxiety.
I would like to know which moron wrote the article you have read... .

You did the right thing coming to this site.
The night sweats, the damp hair, the chills, insomnia they happen to a lot of us including me.

For the sinus infection you could try the neti po. It has been very helpful to me and a few other sisters here.
Just google neti pot and you will find all the information about it.

I lost my confidence in doctors also and I am not ready to change my point of view on this.

Please try to calm your anxiety. Come here and talk to us, don't google your symptoms.
Sorry for my poor English.

Hang in there!
Nic

Tracey it sounds like hot flashes to me.I remember my first anxiety/hot flash,I was in a grocery store,my cart was full and my vision narrowed,then panic,heart racing,sweating I ran out of the store.I thought what the heck was that? I breathed deep had some icy mint gum,let it calm and went back in.I grabbed a armful of essential and quickly went through checkout.After that I experienced anxiety and couldn't get more than a few things at a time,even stepping into the corner store made me panic.I couldn't stand in a lineup Christmas was hell.But I pushed myself and chewed a lot of gum and after a few months I could fill a cart again.I was sure I was crazy even though my mother said she went through the same thing and it all was the change.That was last year and I'm so much better.I still have symptoms just not major anxiety right now.But I know when your going through it,it's scary but knowledge is power.Arm yourself with lot's of books and PS and breath,it can be quite a ride. I don't go anywhere without my cold water and gum."This too shall pass". Big Hugs lumz

Like the other ladies said, we are all different with our experiences. Peri started at age 39 for me and I'll be 49 this week. Considering I have just wrapped up my first year of no periods, I'd venture to say peri lasted about 9 years for me. Long, trying time, but I made it. I experienced a host of the 34 symptoms and noticed they would appear, stay for a while and then go away. I'm back to flashing again, but my moods have leveled out.

Be sure you treat yourself very well and get the help you want or need. There is nothing wrong with taking medications if it eases the symptoms, just as there is nothing wrong with going natural all of the way. It is all about YOU and no one else right now. ;-)

Hi Tracey,
Two things.....first of all, did you know that there are a heck of a lot more than just 34 symptoms? YES!!! The list of 34 is a basic list of common symptoms, but there are many many more. The last I read they were somewhere in the 120 plus range. For instance, I have elevated platelet counts...meno related. Higher than should be cholesterol?---meno. There are so many that it's no wonder we're filled with anxiety and feel so horrible. That's not to say you shouldn't have your symptoms checked out if they bother you or are not normal for you, but try not to worry too much. I've had every symptom in the book and then some. I know I'm nearing the end because I have wacky cycles, brownish spotting and hot flashes from he**. As for the anxiety, did you know that sinus infections and the medication I have had to take for them cause anxiety in me every single time? Yes! Antibiotics are not my friend when it comes to peri and anxiety. Something to think about. Also....hot flashes can cause anxiety, too. I would say you are having hot flashes that are setting you up for good ole anxiety. Once you have these a few times and become accustomed to them you'll be more at ease,...as long as you can tell yourself 'Oh, just a hot flash' and try to ride with it.
Menopause is not for sissies and it is by far the most difficult thing I've ever gone through. But hang out here with the rest of us "hotties" and you'll find yourself feeling more comfortable all the time. ((hugs))

Hi Ajay,

Thanks for the encouraging words! This is exactly what I need, you wonderful women setting me straight about this transition time. I swear, I read things like I did and it sends me spiraling, again, assuming the worst.

Regarding the raised cholesterol levels, that's very interesting, because mine were suddenly elevated a few years back when all of this anxiety, panic and depression reared its ugly head! I had to make drastic dietary and exercise changes in order to avoid medication...I get so scared of taking too many things. Of course there were other things too, I've mentioned the other symptoms before, but I just didn't put them all together, instead I treated each "condition" separately. It does seem as if I'm peri, it just bothers me that my dr won't acknowledge or recognize it.

Thanks again!

Tracey

I am PMing you a link to a website that may answer your question.

A missed period is a better indicator than hot flashes or other symptoms at predicting when peri will come to an end, according to an article I read at a trusted site. PM me for more info.

Hi Gracie,

Thank you for the link, I read the article and was surprised! I hope to begin missing periods soon so that I can get through this process quicker, I dread the idea of being tortured like this for the next 10 years...thanks so much, your info helped!

Take good care.

Tracey

tdf770

Those were such good questions. I am a big believer that our joint experiences of menopause and perimenopause as we post them here
are a very good up to date body of research. When else in history have so many women been able to comment on this issue, and provide
an insight into how it really is - because what is in the text books are probably quite out of date.

I have other questions, like are we experiencing perimenopause differently to our mothers generation for example
Is the way we live our lives, the use of the contraceptive pill and number of childre factors in our experiences.

I am 42 and started my journey at around 38. I think I may be over it by 45 - but it is just a hunch.
I am still waiting on a missed period, but have all sorts of symptoms now including early ovulation and long brown periods
and break through bleeding at days 11 and 17.

Like most of the ladies here I have probably experienced 80% of the symptoms at one time or another, as they come
and go, throughout the rollercoaster ride that is perimenopause.

I have found this site to be an absolute blessing, and I wish you well as you embark on your perimenopause.

Personally I intend to have one big party when I am through it all.
I can't wait.

I wanted to add my two cents here too.

I had my son at age 36, well actually 35 but turned 36 a month later but who is counting. Anyway, I had a horrible time with hemorhaging (sp) after he was born. It lasted about 3 weeks. Then I was irregular with heavy, heavy bleeding but that finally stabilized after a year. The depression and anxiety showed up at the same time as the heavy periods. After that, my periods starting getting lighter and the hotflashes showed up. Then fatigue and dizziness showed, sleep troubles and so on.

The doctors kept telling me that my bloodwork was fine and that I was too young for peri, no matter the family history and personal history of female problems and early menopause, hahahaha on them. I also must add that I read the 35 symptoms list and I have had or do have almost all of them. Told that to the doctor.

This year I was finally told that yes I am in peri and that periods should be stopping soon because they are getting lighter and are so irregular. who knows? I will be thrilled when it is over. NSmum has a great idea. Lets Party!!!!!!

Td I hope that you are feeling better about things and physically too.
Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

Yes. I felt better than I had in over 10 years! One morning I noticed I felt better, thought it was just a good day, the next day I felt good also... I noticed the anxiety levels were way down, the emotional roller coaster seemed to be better. Every day after that just seemed to get better and better!!

Hi Jeannine,

Thank you for the post. It helps so much to be able to relate to others. May I ask how old you are? Also, did you doctors finally do bloodwork to confirm peri or was it by the symptoms? I think I've read numerous times that bloodwork can be unreliable due to the time of the month that it's tested. Also, I don't mean to sound completely stupid here, but when a woman enters peri, is she experiencing low estrogen or high estrogen, I'm confused. Also, what does estrogen dominance mean?

Thanks again for your encouraging words. I desperately need an AD but my dr. prescribed Wellbutrin and I don't want to take that due to the panic attacks I'm experiencing. I cannot see a therapist for over a month...what's a girl to do? My mental health is at rock bottom right now.

Thanks again and hugs to you!
Tracey