For three years now I feel awful just awful! I have been to my doctors they can find nothing wrong with me. Now after joining this fantastic web site ..so many of the mentioned symptoms are I am feeling and I feel so much better having found you all. I have had numerous blood checks and test done and everything comes back normal??
Ok so these are all my symptoms.....

I am still having my montly periods but they are starting to change ~ now much longer but sometimes with less bleeding
I feel completely exhausted most of the time.
Muscle cramps in my legs
Tingling in my legs and arms
Weakness in legs and arms ~~ legs feel like jelly
Chills
Pain in my chest left side (under my rib cage) ..i thought i had heart problems ~Chest xray was an *all clear*
Lower back pain
Joint aches
Tearful
I think I am dying
Lump in my throat
Feelings of negativity
I have aches and pains in various parts of my body that mysteriously appear and dissapear.
Tinnitus which comes and goes
severe acid reflux ~to doctor prescribes medication for this.
Some mornings I cant get out of bed other days I have bundles of energy but the high energy doesn't last and the next day I feel like crap!
Lack of appetite and losing weight!
Some days I cant think straight.
I can wander about the house going from room to room for an hour trying to decide what house hold chore to do first but end up not doing anything.

No wonder the doctors are confused with me. They keep asking me if I am depressed...I keep telling them I am depressed about how I feel.

Can perimenopause make you feel this scared and this awful!
I welcome your comments and advice

Thanks
Jazz

welcome to the board.First let me say my blood tests came back normal as well.But hormone levels fluctuate so much I really do not worry about the blood tests.It sounds very much like you are suffering from peri to me.I have had many of the same symptoms you mentioned.I would suggest drinking a lot of water,taking a good multi vitamin,eating healthy.Try to walk for 35 min to an hour a day.All of these things help you feel better.Keep writing on here,as talking about your problems often helps .GOD bless

Jazz, I am sorry to hear that you are going through all of this, but you are doing the right thing by first seeking medical attention. Now after saying this...WELCOME to Power Surge .

Have you had your thyroid tested? Hopefully some other ladies will post who can give you more information about thyroid testing, but in the meantime search some of the previous posts. There is so much valuable information right here at PS.

Unfortunately, because of the fluctuating hormones it's almost useless to have your estradiol levels checked during this transition period.

Keep posting and searching this site. I hope you also benefit from the information, support, and encouragement that I have found here .

Hi Jazz! and Welcome. I too have alot of the same symptoms as you. Just had bloodwork today to check thyroid as it seems to mimic peri... also had my first mammo this morning. Pap came back normal so that is a plus. Just know that you are not alone and we all have felt or are feeling just like you are. I took the Peri & PS sisters advice and asked for the thyroid testing. Will know my results next Monday. Hang in there!

Kim

Thanks for your answers. I had my thyroid checked and this also came back normal. By the way I am 48 years old. This is all so sad because I used to have a zest for life and was so energetic. I feel like everything has gone downhill fast.

Thanks again

Jazz

Jazzbyrd

Welcome to PS!

Yes, perimenopause can make you feel scared and awful. You wonder if you are losing it because test results come back normal. You imagine the worst things...brain works overtime. BUT, this website is a good grounding for ladies experiencing peri, meno and post. You will find sincere support here.

I am big on lists. Take your list of symptoms to your doctor and discuss them. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with the symptoms. Be sure to discuss the medication he is prescribing...side effects, drug and food interactions, etc.

Take care and keep us posted!

(((HUGS)))

Bella

Oh hi there - I am so sorry you feel so desperately anxious. I am sure you are grateful that they have not found anything wrong with you. It is very much disconcerting when you feel so strange, but rest assured that many of the symptoms, if not all are peri!!! What on earth did women do before PS!!!

Take care of yourself as much as possible - visit here often and try and have a positive outlook on the changes that are bound to occur. You will get through this.

Suzanne

Oh my dear, I am so sorry you are going through such a hard time. We all understand how you feel and what you are experiencing. But please take heart. You will find out what helps your symptoms, and how to deal with the feelings that go with them.

Please come here often. It is a real godsend.

Very best,
Marcy

Hi Jazz ..

welcome aboard! Yes, peri CAN definatley cause all those symptoms, and in fact, you sound like you're in the thick of it. I am too, so you're not alone. Most of us here have or STILL HAVE a lot of these symptoms, I have them on a daily basis, and you don't get time to breathe in between either. Don't worry though, there is nothing seriously wrong with you, but the hormonal changes can make it SEEM like there is. I know, it can be outright scary sometimes!!!!

Hang in there, you've found a haven!!!!!

Hi there..

All of your symptoms sound like me! I am going to be 42, but as you read we are of all different ages etc. I just wanted you to know you are not alone in this. I had my FSH tested and doc said it was all good.. it was 5.0 but I dont know, have you had yours tested? My thyroid was fine too he said.. so I am like you.. they cant tell me anything is *wrong* right now. Just hang in there, we are all here for you!

Are you sleeping ok?

hugs..
~L

Welcome to a place where you can always come and feel better. Sounds like what so many of us are going through and have already been through. I, too, a 48 and feel like you describe. tested and tested and sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I feel noone else is feeling like this but me. My friends seem to be breezing through. I feel like a hypochondriac as well. After being here I know I am not alone and so many of us are suffering as well. Hang in there, it is a wild ride, but we will be here to help you through.

Hey Jazz,

I had to check the username on this post to make sure I didn't write it! LOL....You described my experience with this peri/meno crap. How old are you? I started this journey in my early 40's. I had given birth to a beautiful boy at 40 and nursed him for a long time so I was convinced it was just from having a baby and nursing. No it was ALL of the above...
By the time I turned 44/45 I was in a fullblown crisis. All of the symptoms you have posted here I was living. I was sure I was having a nervous breakdown. I am now on Antidepressants and keep Xanax around for the panic attacks. I am not willing to gut it out without help anymore. I don't know who I am anymore. My body does not resemble anything I remember. My brain is out to lunch half the time. I need to take naps. I am exhausted all the time. You pretty much described me in a nutshell. (How fitting, NUTSHELL) lol.
That pain below your left rib sounds like what I had. It's either related to reflux or liver. Have it checked out.
I am 100% certain that perimenopause can make you feel that scared and awful. I am living proof. This is a great place to read posts from others going through the same thing. It is really the key to getting through it. Debra

Most of my tests are clear, too, yet I still have symptoms which are partly relieved by the use of topical estriol (which tells me it is indeed a hormone issue). My question is, how do you find a doctor who will take a chance on giving low doses of bioidentical hormones, etc, if your tests are normal? Are there doctors who go by symptoms and who are not scared to try low doses of estrogen or progesterone for patients with peri symptoms?
Or do we have to mailorder everything and try stuff ourselves?

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to answer. My doctor told me not even to consider menopause because I am still having periods. As *enough* said...I too feel like a hypochondriac!! It seems to me like as soon as one symptom goes away another one follows and there I am back at the doctors again. Today a new symptom appeared...the only way i can describe it is to say its like someone plugged me into the mains supply and electrical twitches are having a merry dance with my body. Last night in bed I felt cold but my husband said I felt really hot! Oh boy never rains but it pours at the moment. I just wished there was a doctor outthere that would diagnose peri menopause and then I can at least maybe cope with knowing what is making me so ill. Is there a special diet that might help? I wish estriol was available in the UK

Thanks again Jazz

The electric buzzing thing is normal too. Even though it doesn't feel that way. We have learned that many doctors dont' get it, some do and for those of us that have that kind we are fortunate. The best place for info in my opinion is right here. WE know how we feel and look at how many people have viewed the posts and when you see, 17000 looking up internal shaking, I think we know our bodies best. I try to limit all white flour and sugar, sometimes it doesn't seem to matter but it doesn't make me feel great after days of eating lousy.

Please, keep reading old posts and asking new questions, we help and learn from each other every day. I hope you feel better today.

Well that list about sums up my experience EXACTLY. Except one item ****LOSING WEIGHT**** come on now--that is not fair! Usually it is the opposite, as is the case with me! I am 45 and still having mostly regualr periods----that doesnt mean it isnt Peri. My latest problem is 'just not feeling right' it is hard to describe to anyone not experiencing it. my insides are revolting! alot of gastro issues and anxiety. i have noticed they increase around PMS time! I will say the most relief i have gotten is by simply reading all the posts here. I cried when i found this site---up til that point i thought i was dying or going nuts! Hang in there---take full advantage of the good days or hours! just know that you have alot of company

Welcome! It sounds like peri to me! I agree with Crazymom18 "where's my weight loss?!!" LOL....It seems when peri firsts hits you are so offguard that you are conviced you have a terrible disease (atleast thats what I thought). You go through the battery of tests ( cause the doctors NEVER mention peri to you, i swear they don't teach them that in med school)...then after you find out that you are fine, you figure out it's peri! Then the fun starts. Just knowing what it is makes you feel better ( kinda)...well atleast you know you're not dying. Then you have to find a doctor that believes you and doesn't say the words " no you're too young for that".......ahhhhhhh........I am 44. Started with this stuff at 40. I have been skipping periods since 41. I keep telling myself " I have gone through the worst"...but I think I am just lying to myself! I don't know when it will end but I do know that all these symptoms are peri related ( and even some of them aren't "oooh my foot hurts, must be peri"...lol)....Just know you have come to a wonderful place where everyone can relate to you you're saying. No one I know can relate to me. My mom forgot the whole experience, my sisters peri was completely different from mine, and my friends, well they haven't even started yet. Guess being 44 they are too young!

Hey Jazz:
Add me to your list of support. I am 51...I dont know or even understand but I don't think I went through Peri....Just one day I had every symptom you have explained as well as the great emtional dread, and anxiety....I sure can't sleep, and yes I lost alot of weight because of lack of appitiete and diaherra. Went to the dr. and took my fsh levels and she said yup you are in menopause...It is rough and hard but now that I have found PS. I feel a great deal of support with so many women that I have never met before. I admire their courage and their fight to get through these days that feel like there is no end. I myself, espeacially days like today for me, alot a crying and just such a low sad feeling. Just come here so I can make it one more day.....
I agree with everyone you are in Peri..
We as women sure have alot to deal with. But my journey up to now has been a great time.....Looking forward to what it will be after all this mess.
sishaircut

You know that is a great way to explain them.. electrical twitches!! I get them 24/7 mostly in my legs.. and esp. when lying down or now.. typing. My doc said I am not in peri because I was only a 5.0 and 10+ is peri I guess, anyhow what should I believe?? I know I am tired all the time, anxious, feel in a brain fog, get chills, then hot, back aches, muscles aches... This started in June..
just remember you are not alone!

Jazz, I think estriol is available in the UK. I was thinking of having a word with my doctor about it next week when I see him. I have been on estradiol patches, but I really didn't get on very well with them so stopped them. I was going to persevere with the natural remedies, but I think I need something extra.

This is such a good place to be right now I thank you all once again! If I had listed all my symptoms and taken them to my doctor I am sure he would have put me in a mental home. Tonight I am feeling so exhausted for no reason. I hope this means I will sleep well tonight. Has anyone gained any relief from eating more soya products? or am I clutching at straws?
I am willing to try anything. Is estriol classed as HRT?

Jazz

Jazz,
YES YES YES TO SO MANY OF YOUR SYMPTONS.

Especailly to the left sided rib chest pain area.
Sometimes you will skip from one pain to another.
Dont despair.

If I may add the chest pain can be called COSTROCHONRITIS, now the spelling is off but its close, this is an inflamation nothing serious but scary and painful.
I have found HEAT, HEAT, STRECTHING, EXERCISING, cutting out caffeine (sorry for all the misspellings)
I take supplements like Non fishy fish oil supplements, I take a real good one called RANUNCLUS BULB, you can google this

hey welcome! & good luck on the journey! that list sure hits familiar territory for most of us. the doctors won't believe you & most folks won't understand, but you'll always find help & support here.

& to crazymom 18 - i was one of those who lost a ton a weight a few years ago without trying. it comes back & beyond with the same intensity that we all deal with here.

Hi Jazz,

You sound like me to a T

I have just turned 47 and have most of the symptoms you describe, except i have packed on the pounds!

I still have regular periods and they vary from light to heavy.

Make sure you get your Iron levels checked !

Good luck and your in good company

What a lovely photo ~ its just what I needed (the eldar) and thanks to all of you. I will definately get my iron levels checked too.....and will google COSTROCHONRITIS thanks so much

Jazz

Hi

I just read your list sounds like me.

I have

Anxiety
Muscle twitches in my legs and arms (not constant) mostly when resting
Muscle tension and some pain
Tingling in my legs and arms
Weakness in legs and arms ~~ legs feel like jelly (sometimes)
Chills
Lower back pain
Joint aches
Tearful
I think I am dying
I have aches and pains in various parts of my body that mysteriously appear and disapear.
Tinnitus which is constant
acid reflux
Some mornings I cant get out of bed other days I have bundles of energy but the high energy doesn't last and the next day I feel like crap!
Lack of appetite and losing weight!
Unable to sleep through the night and never feel really rested

This really stinks. I have been going through this since I was around 45 and am now 50. Still not skipping periods although they are really light.

My newest symptom is this muscle twitching and muscle and joint pain. I have been really anxious so it is probably related but it makes me nervous. Also this tinnitus is not helping me relax and this is also new. The noise never stops. I have only had this about 3 months.

I wish I would start feeling some improvement at least on the muscle twitching and tension. Never had this so constant before and I really do not want to talk to the Dr again about it. The Neuro gave me the all clear but the twitching and muscle tension started after she started testing me for stuff and I was waiting for an answer so I am chalking this up to nerves.

When will this end!

I've been reading all these posts and one point keeps coming up time and time again. "I think I am dying". I think this might be the key to a lot of our problems. How can you sail through the days, with energy, being productive and happy all the while you think you're dying?
It's just not possible.
I've just come to the conclusion that this thought has been buried deep in the back of my mind, but recently has come up as something that I really have trouble dealing with.
I have to say though, that it might not be a feeling exclusive to women.
I have a male friend who is 51 and feels this also. Maybe it's a mid life issue; we're facing our own mortality at this time?

Hi there,

"40 something" its hell isn't it. I just want to feel human again. Instead of this snappy irritating woman! At the moment I even hate other peoples good news!! I have never felt like this before. If I find anything that helps I will let you know. I have cut out caffeine and I am drinking loads of camomile tea. I thought why add to my problems by eating loads of stimulants. I need to calm things down perhaps?? I am now taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. I am not sure why but I am thinking it can't do any harm and maybe a stronger immune system is a good thing. I have also started doing pilates but I find it really draining on my body....I hope this will improve. My symptoms listed above change from day to day. Today I feel as though there is a thick collar around my neck area???? its very uncomfortable.

"manyboys" I agree with you...I wish I could feel happier and not think of doom all the time.

Jazz

Hi there,

"40 something" its hell isn't it. I just want to feel human again. Instead of this snappy irritating woman! At the moment I even hate other peoples good news!! I have never felt like this before. If I find anything that helps I will let you know. I have cut out caffeine and I am drinking loads of camomile tea. I thought why add to my problems by eating loads of stimulants. I need to calm things down perhaps?? I am now taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. I am not sure why but I am thinking it can't do any harm and maybe a stronger immune system is a good thing. I have also started doing pilates but I find it really draining on my body....I hope this will improve. My symptoms listed above change from day to day. Today I feel as though there is a thick collar around my neck area???? its very uncomfortable.

"manyboys" I agree with you...I wish I could feel happier and not think of doom all the time.

Jazz