I am only 42 have 2 sons 19 and 22 and had not heard of menopause starting at such a young age (or what I like to consider young). I was wondering if anyone knew if there was any correlation between age of onset and how long ago you had your last child? I just figured my body said you havent used this stuff in 19 years lets go ahead and shut it down..lol!

I am so anxious all the time. I jump at everything. Sometimes the anxiety is almost debilitating and I feel crazy. I think I'm having panic attacks but always during the day none at night (so far).

I have also become the queen of doom and gloom...this used not to be me. I am scared of everything now.

My skin is sooo dry now and aged looking. I have even recently developed eczema on my eyelids....very attractive.

Is there anyway to know how far along you are in the process or is all a mystery. I hate not knowing what I'm in for each cycle. I haven't missed any periods I'll get two a month. Do the drastic and irratic changes in your cycle mean the end is near?

Thanks for all your support!
Susan

Hi Susan,

Perimenopause varies depending on the person and YES! it is a big mystery! Some people begin in their 30s, some in their 40s. There are many symptoms, and they also vary. Some women may get all of them, some are lucky enough to get none of them. They just suddenly enter menopause. I've been in the peri stage for about 5 years and suffer several of the symptoms -- irregular cycle, headaches, weight gain. I'd suggest just reading as many of the posts as you can, picking what sounds familiar. You'll learn a lot from the ladies here!

Anna in Texas

Hi Susan:

I agree with Anna. It is a big mystery. I have been experiencing symptoms since a little while after my son (last child) was born in 1998. I started symptoms in February of 1999. Mine started with messed up cycles and panic attacks.

I still experience hotflashes, anxiety alot of the time. Like right now I am anxious but I do not have a reason to be.I have dizzies, bloating, weight gain, appetite up and down, etc, etc, etc!!!!

I wish I had better answers but I am still having periods just not on a particular schedule and they are very light and last only a day or two. I keep hoping that means I am near the end plus being this way for 10 years is quite enough for me!

Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

I don't even want to think of having to endure this for 10 years

I was post meno at 40 and I'm 46 now. Never really had bad symptoms then. Now I have severe anxiety, lack of appetite, depression, sometimes sleepness nights. I just went with my daughter to her OB app. and asked the doctor if what I'm going through could be hormonal and she said highly unlikely since all of the meno symptoms you get are during peri. So I'm confused. She said I'm probably depressed. I have nothing to be depressed about. I do take Paxil and Klonopin. The Paxil will work good for a while and then I have my days of blahs. Then I feel good again. Does anybody else feel like that after years of post?
Char

I'm glad to hear from someone that's post meno at 40....makes me think I'm not so crazy at 42!

Other than the ladies on this board every one says "you can't be menopausal, you're too young", which just made me feel MORE crazy!

Not sure where your daughters doctor gets her info because every person is different...she probably meant the average is to have symptoms during peri....both my mom and my sis seem to have more symptoms since being post...

I have 4 sisters all went through peri early, all stopped altogether at 45, im am now 45 amd have all classic symptoms, why do doctors assume that your not in your 50's so write it off? they frighten you to darn death.

Of course in your 40's you are losing them, some people do go on longer but average with my family and friends is early 40's.

My best freind lost hers last year at 44.

My periods are so freaky at the moment and my Dr said the same its not peri without even given me a blood test.

After years and ten years of a normal 28 day cycle suddenly at 45 them going crazy i can pretty much establish that i am peri without medical intervention.

I had no idea I was had so much company.. I am almost 50 and have been having really bad anxiety issues in the last two years. I am up all night tonight looking for an answer to my inability to cope. I have read all about myself in each of you. I am grateful for these posts and take comfort that I am not yet crazy and not alone! thanks
Di