Just wondering..........My GYN said that some people's symptoms are worse after periods stop because that's when hormones bottom out. But, I read that some ladies have a harder time during peri.......I'd love to hear everyone's timeline and story. It's so helpful to hear of how others have experienced things. What a long haul!

I could go on for DAYS about this.

Peri started somewhere around 36. For 10 years I dealt with anxiety, panic attacks, IBS, lack of sleep, mood swings, achey joints, night sweats, and a several other symptoms. They would come and go. I'd have a couple good days, then a week or so of bad ones. I didn't use HRT, or any other meds, I think I didn't because I would have some good days. I know many ladies here had NO relief and searched out HRT/meds because they literally could not catch their breath, or a break in-between symptoms. I was lucky... I occassionaly found some relief. Also.. it probably took until I was 40 to realize that it was peri I was in. I went to the ER 3 times thinking I was having a heart attack. It was anxiety. Drs. told me at 36 I was too young. I quit going to Drs. for anything other than my annual, and I just kept it all to myself. It was a lonely time. I drank wine at night to self medicate, so I could sleep.

I noticed somewhere in my mid to late 40's that symptoms were coming less and less, and I found this wonderful site. I educated myself, and hung on everyword of these posts as a lifeline. Life became more bearable, and I no longer needed wine (or Tylenol PM) to sleep. I was at a happier place in my life, and things started improving. The good days were actually coming more than the bad days.

Now at 49, I rarely deal with anxiety anymore. Sometimes in a crowded space I get a little freaked out, but overall, I'm doing so much better. I've had 1 period in 15 mos, and the one that I had brought back all the symptoms. If I ever had a doubt about it all being hormonal, it went away with that period.

Peri was by far the most difficult time for me. The fluctuating hormones almost did me in. Now without a period I feel so much better. I am happy. I can sleep. I am healthy, and I am strong. I now have the occassional glass of wine in a social setting. I have more energy. There was a time when I saw no light at the end of this very long tunnel, and now I feel the light all the time!!

It IS a journey... it's NOT easy. But I feel I made it through!!

Peri was all the physical symptoms; Post - two years after my periods, the mental symptoms kicked in. Anxiety through the roof and feelings of dread and fear. That lasted about two years and now I am pretty much on an even keel with blurp every once in a while, lasting a coupld of days or so. By far - a journey's end lasting 10 years.

I think that peri had to rate as the worst because my life was almost destroyed by migraines. At menopause itself the endless fatigue and the feelings of brain fog and mental detachment were pretty scary but tame compared to the migraines and constant IBS. I grew to 'expect' pelvic abdominal pain. The journey started at about 38 and now at 52 I feel that I am into the sunlight again. I have no abdominal pain, can now eat fairly normally and my energy is back. This time next year my plan is to return to skiing and ice skating. I am keeping my fingers crossed on that one!
I feel very calm now. The hot flashes have subsided. The sweating has stopped thank goodness! I can now control my body temperature again.
It is a great relief not to have the fluctuations of a menstrual cycle. I am now sleeping well and my relationship with hubby has a renewed vigour. My relationship with my children has never been better. The feelings of being out of control and panic have gone. My weight has stabilised at a UK size 10 and the great news is that I actually have some boobs now. During the peri years I lost a lot of weight because of food intolerance, and barely had any breasts, as I entered the final stages of the journey.
My hair has come back to life. During peri, it was a bad hair day constantly and my skin is now supple and moisturised. I am taking an interest in putting make-up on again.
I think that it is fair to say that for the first time in a very long while I am starting to plan for the future. One thing is for sure, after a journey like that, I'm taking nothing for granted!


XIII

heaven help me if post is worse than peri.

I'm going to have to say peri was worse then post. Yeah, I get a bit irritable and have an occasional problem with my body's thermostat, but it isn't anything I can't deal with. Also, I'm a hell of a lot happier now then I was before.

epdp2 - I'm with you. Peri is absolutely, without a doubt, the WORST thing I have ever been through in my life. I've only had 3 periods in the last year. In the last few days, my hormones have gone from bad from to worse. I think my hormones have tanked big time. I've got the HRT sitting on my pantry shelf but I REALLY don't want to take it - I want to get through this once and for all and not face it EVER again. I am taking it one day at a time for now - but can't even say what I'll decide tomorrow.

Peri, by a long shot.

Thanks for this great thread, sciencelady:
Your responses have helped me out alot. This PS site has been such an inspiration to me and for me. I just don't know what I would be doing now if it wasn't for this PS site.
I am doing the meno now....Dr never said peri, she said that you are in meno. I am still trying to have periods..But she feels that this will all be ending....But it scares me to death to see the..10 years...wow. It has been 6 months for me and I told my husband this morning, I am tired of the fight everyday not to be anxious, not to have this headache, trying to eat when I don't want to..yes the whole 9 yards...But Post is my goal....I just cant wait to get there. I am 51. I am on HRT. thought it was helping buy now....I dont think it is..My hormones are everywhere.
But I love the experiences..
Keep them coming, reading them is such a help
Love
Sishaircut
Karen

don't want to be a downer, yet, i'm post....at least 2 years, and am still going thru the symtoms of peri.

Hi Bijous - What symptoms do you still have? Have they lessened at all?

Peri was worse...

The difference is that in peri, the symptoms were CONSTANT. And I got hit with everything: anxiety, depression, insomnia, palps, night sweats, hot flashes up the wazoo (so to speak), forgetfulness, fatigue... well, that's the START of the list!

In menopause (and I'm 3 years post now), I find that there are times when I have "dips," for example a period of a month or so when I'm not sleeping well, At other times I sleep GREAT! And the brain fog has lifted, so I don't forget my grandchildren's names now. Some days I don't think about physical things at all, but just go about my day, and this would have been IMPOSSIBLE a few years back!

I have no hot flashes. No night sweats. I do not cry at the drop of a hat. I can drive anywhere, anytime, and am not afraid to go grocery shopping. I don't feel like ripping off the head of anyone who looks at me oddly.

It's a BIG relief, and it's gotten better as time has gone on. Again, there are "dip" phases, stretches where there is fatigue, etc. But they go... and what that does is help one remember that it will not get bad and stay bad - that things will lighten up in time.

If you had told me it could really be better in post a few years ago, when I first came to Power-Surge, there is NO WAY it would have seemed possible!

(((HUGS)))

JJ

science:
heck no, i'm sweating at night, drenched, bad anxiety and no sex drive.......what's up??? i'm under alot of pressure, yet, before that, i still had the same things going on...........omg...i wish for my periods back, as much as i hated them, i still had a lively libido, no sweats, etc.
hormones can do ya in, i guess. i'm waiting for a break, in a most serious way!