I have recently begun researching my symptoms and keep coming across this board. I am only 36 years old but have been having symptoms and am wondering if they could be hormonally related. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and have been on Lexapro since May. It does help control the adrenalin charges and stopped my spiral out of control but I am still having a lot of unexplained symptoms that have not gone away. One of the worst is the spongey head that some refer to as brain fog. To me it feels like my brain is a sponge full of dirty water and if I could just wring it out, I could think straight. I have been having constant headaches and pressure for the last two months. My family never knows if I am going to come home from work screaming and yelling or bawling my eyes out. I have talked to my gp doctor and counselor and they just say to up my lexapro dosage. I did try but that just dopes me up and leaves me completely unable to function. My periods are still fairly regular although over the last year or two they have shortened by a couple of days and are a lot heavier the first day or two. I have had clots and heavier bleeding along with ovarian pain ever since my tubal ligation almost 12 years ago. I have odd muscle twitches and my pinkie finger has been numb off and on for the last two weeks. I am not sure anymore if I am just imagining all of these things, or if I really am going crazy. I do way to much self diagnoses from the internet I know but I know that there is something still out of whack and it is up to me to figure it out. I have asked the doctors to check my hormones and they say there is no use, I am too young. They did check my thyroid and said it was fine. any ideas or thoughts would be helpful. Please tell me I am not going crazy and there will be good times in the next 15 years.

I feel for you,truly I do.My symptoms started when I was 29! No one wants to think they are starting peri so young,but I know in my heart that is what is happening.I talked to my dr and decided to take low dose birth control pills.What a difference it has made! I feel much better and much more able to cope.Unless you are clinically depressed you do not need an Antidepressant.One way to know for sure is chart your symptoms-do they get worse right before your period?If so it is probably hormonal.Has your cycle changed?Do you have lighter or heavier periods?All of these things will help you know it is hormonal.Ask your dr about the birth control-they really helped me.GOD-bless

Hi,

Just want to send some (((HUGS))). It is possible that you are having hormonal issues, and it's also possible this is all just part of the depression.

Brain fog is common with depression - I think it's the body's way of keeping us calm!

I would insist that your doc take hormone levels, and see what's going on.

So many of us here know what you're experiencing. Take good gentle care of yourself while you're feeling this way.

(((HUGS)))

JJ

If normal menopause occurs between 40 and 60 and the peri state can exist 5-10 years prior to meno, it's certainly possible for a 36 year old to be peri. You would probably be in the minority, but still within the norms.

I agree with joliejacq, get your hormones tested. Out of whack hormones can definitely affect your mood.

My periods have gotten extremely heavy over the last year and a half. My breasts increase a size and are really tender the week before my periods. I get migraines during my period or right before. Some months I spot in between periods. That is what has led me to think there is something else going on. Things are definitely a lot worse before and during menstruation but it just seems to take a lot longer to recover, to where I may get one good week out of the whole month. And because of the antidepressants, I can't have my wine and the sex is ho hum (we still try it just doesn't work).

Hi sunny:

Hugs to you. I started peri about the same age. It seems like that as soon as my son was born, I was in peri!

I know this is a rough time but coming here and reading and talking will help immensely.

Hi Sunny,
You're not crazy and your problems could definitely be hormonal. Your problems could be related to your tubal ligation; sometimes the procedure interferes with ovarian function. I think you should keep looking for a doctor who is experienced with hormonal issues. Maybe BHRT or low-dose oral contraceptives would help. Good luck!

(((Sunnylou))) You will have good times over the next 15 years. In my opinion, I think we start peri - or many of us anyway - earlier than some of us truly realize. You are ahead of the game, by making mental notes now of the symptoms. Hopefully this will help you cope. I also hope you feel some validation on these boards. It is not fun or pretty sometimes. BTDT with the moodiness. ADs helped me alot. My family still drives me crazy though hahahahaha.

You came to the right place Sunny - stick around.

Sincerely,
Suzanne

Hello ladies..

My question is.. I am on the birth control pill, have been since 1996.. well off for 1 1-2 years when I had my daughter in 2004. CAN YOU STILL HAVE PERI SYMPTOMS ON THE PILL... I wonder.....
thanks!!

bimmergal, theoretically I would say 'yes'.

I still have some symptoms,but they are more under control,I take bcp as well.