I am new to this site and have spent some time reading the posts. How refreshing to find so many of you, especially my age, 39, who are experiencing this. My doctors have said that PMS will always be there but the perimenopause symptoms start stirring up the pot!! The calm before the storm. My periods are getting further apart and I already experienced months of hot flashes about a year ago. Are they gone? Was it a phase?
I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 Disorder in 2004 after losing my first child at birth. I then acquired a very rare autoimmune disorder where my body attacks my skin. They think the amniotic fluid reabsorbed and became toxic to my entire body. This all caused depression, lack of sleep, panic/anxiety, trips to hospitals, ER, loads and loads of meds, you name it. Like living in a hole with no way out. I am just about 100% these days but still fill the effects of the "skin" issue during ovulation and my period. I still get some rash or little blisters that show up almost like a reminder. I do take Zoloft for depression but don't really take it unless I need it. IT IS GREAT FOR PMS!!!! Ask your doctors about it. I am also on Depakote for a mood stabilizer. When doctors say "chemical imbalance" it's all the same as "hormonal imbalance". I just can't take birth control pills because it will trigger my disease and this is also why I cannot become pregnant ever again.
Hang in there all. Knowledge is power. I know the docs hate websites but are the few young ones, like my fiance's with Kaiser, who love when I bring him new things about my fiance's diabetes!!!
Thank you all for sharing and letting me tell a little about my life. I just pray that when I go through menopause, I will not have to take anything!! anymore, not even for the Bipolar. I am extremely functional, have a wonderul, responsible job and enjoy educating people and myself!!