Hi everyone,
I"m new to this sort of thing so just bear with me. My name is Loretta and I am 43 years old. I don't have any children. I just found out last week that I am going through perimenopause. I don't sleep well. I have lost about 20 pounds since December. I have no appetite. I feel stupid. It's like I;m walking around in a fog. I feel like I don't have any control over anything. I cry all the time over nothing. My doctor put me on Bupropion Feb, 25 and I can't tell any difference. I hate taking medicine of any kind. I just don't feel like myself. I am so tired! I feel alone. I don't want to be alone and I don't want to be around people because I'm afraid I'll start bawling like a baby again. That makes no sense to me at all. Nothing really does. I get confused and I forget things. I used to never forget. I was always the one who remembered everything!! Did I mention I feel stupid? I hate feeling this way. Does it get any better? Please tell me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel that's not an oncoming train. Thanks for letting me vent and get this off my chest. It really did help a little.

Hi rayjo,

You're definitely not going crazy, you are experiencing some of the symptoms of peri. I remember going through all of what you mentioned, and sometimes I still have symptoms. I'm on the downside of peri, but I still get varied symptoms on a monthly basis.

It's a long, bumpy ride, but you'll get through it. Come here very often, because you can vent and find someone who will understand you exactly. I've gotten so much help and comfort here and I'm so greatful for the PS sisters!

Take care,
Deb

Hello Rayjo,
You are NOT going crazy and I DO understand how and why you would feel this way. The peri journey is often a puzzling one. Everything you've described can be a part of perim. I can relate to feeling like you're going crazy - I can't tell you how I've uttered those words to myself, my DH and others. I am not the same person "I used to be". That is a sad thing for me in some ways and in other ways, I will say that it's really ok because I have learned a great deal and come through a great deal and I"m still moving forward. I don't want to paint a "rosy posy" picture - it's not been that way for me in many ways. But I can say the horrible horrible times have not stayed = they have abated. Yes, they've come back too - but they've never stayed and not ever gong away. Right now, I am having huge crazy arm muscle pain that has me about over the top. No one can figure anything out so I'm figuring it's menopause. I hang onto my the words "this too shall pass". I get worried it won't but I have to believe it will. That's not always an easy thing for me - I'm really struggling now. I tell you that to be honest and to let you know that we all do struggle in many ways. You're not alone.

I encourage you to be very good to yourself. Do whatever you can do to pamper yourself everyday and find time to just relax - truly relax with some lovely music or a good meditation/visualization CD. Keep posting and reading these great forums - the women here are a WEALTH of support and information. I am forever grateful to have found this incredible sight.

Take good care, kathleent

Hello Rayjo,

This hit me at 43, too. My periods are still relatively normal. I haven't skipped one yet. The only change on that front is that where I was once exactly 29 days apart, I now am 25 days apart, i.e. my periods are coming 4 days earlier.

For me, it's been mind-boggling because I don't have any "physical menopausal symptoms." I just feel like I've completely gone off my rocker.

I keep thinking that it's got to be something else--some other horrible disease. But I've been tested twice for everything and there's nothing off.

It's hard for us, I think, because there is so little information out there on perimenopause. So we're just blindsided by these strange experiences with absolutely no information to explain them. And that makes it really scary.

I'm to the point where I just want to skip a period already! So that I know what to blame all of this on!

All this to say, you're not alone.

Sukie

Sukie,

I started having periods closer together when I was 43, too. I also started feeling nuts at that time.

From 44-46, things seemed to level out. Now, at 46, I'm being hit a little harder with the anxiety, dizziness, shaking, etc. etc. But instead of my periods being closer together, this time they're further apart. For instance, I'm at day 33 today and still waiting to see what will happen. Will I get my period? Will I not?

Anyway, at 43, knowing that perimenopause could last for 8-10 years, I remember thinking, "I'll never survive it." But then it calmed down, at least for a couple of years. Maybe others can attest to this perimenopausal time as one of "riding the waves" (kind of like labor . That, for me, is a helpful way to think of it, because at least I can know that I'll eventually hit an upswing.

Missy

Oh Boy!!! This site is amazing. Forgive me as I haven't been here for a while as life was getting in the way (which I guess is a good thing) but I've also been journeying on my own to see that I don't become to dependent on this incredible site!! It is so comforting however to know that it is still here and yes there are thousands upon thousands of women all unique and incredibly special going through these symptoms and many more that we just don't get!!! I guess that for me anxiety and brain fog have been 2 major symptoms that are haunting me the most at the moment. The HBP, insomnia, palpitations etc are still there but at the moment its the head thing happening. I'm getting that way that I do think my doctor will think I'm crazy if I go back to see her this week I was only there 2 weeks ago!!!! We can all go crazy together, comfort in numbers!!

(((((((((Rayjo))))))))))))

You are not crazy and you are not alone!!! I began experiencing the symptoms you described a few years ago. It is a long ride but it will get better. Your symptoms will change around some. It is not a fun ride either but as someone else, come here and talk and read. You will find lots of info and lots of support here from some fabulous ladies.

Jeaninne

Missy,

Thanks for letting me know that you, too, experienced periods that came closer together (and nuttiness along with it!)

So odd to me that you had 2 full years of calm after the mini-storm and that now the mini-storm is erupting again.

I feel the way you do right now: I'm thinking, "8-10 years? You've got to be freaking kidding me."

Fortunately, I am on Zoloft now and that does make it managable. But it would be nice not to have to be doped up just to get through the day!

Big hugs to you all,

Sukie

Dear'rayjo'
This was me at the Menopause.You are not crazy but going through symptoms that sure feel like you are.Neither are you alone.We are all here and not going anywhere.

I remember well the aversion I had to food and the great wight loss which was not welcome in my case as am inclined to be too slim any way.I found that custards,jellies,porridge and bannanas were about all I could ingest.I also took Complan which is a powder loaded with Supplements for people having trouble in eating sufficient amounts of food.Also sipping warm water with a little ginger and lemon helps ease the nausea.

There are plenty of Herbal preparations that may bring you a lot of relief if you are adversed to medication. Go to any Herbal Store,check out the products and have a word with the Pharmacist for those that may help.

You deserve to feel better and enjoy a good quality of life

Wish you all the best
God Bless
Elizabeth

Dear'copingcapers'
Agree with you completely!All aboard the train for those mentally compromised curtsey of Menopause International.Free tickets to all those who are still able to remember their phone numbers etc!
Great Fun!
Elizabeth