Hi - I am 36 years old and have been experiencing some strange things. My periods were coming about every 3 1/2 weeks and then began getting irregular - (sometimes clotty - one very light ect..)dragging on for 10 days - I have had night sweats usually a day or two before my period and increased anxiety and strange bouts of exhaustion (out of the blue) and flushing - my face feels like it is on fire. Now I am not ovulating until day 22-24 and my cycle is 38 to 40 days long. Have had routine blood work and gyn. exam plus ultrasound and all is well. Doctor says I am way too young for peri - but this is all very strange? Could it be or am I just stressed out?

You are smart to get checked out! I was 38 when I started my peri symptoms, and I have a friend that said she started around 36 or 37. I don't know if there is any age that is considered 'normal' for starting the 'change'. See your doc and make sure everything else is ruled out, and after that your body will pretty much let you know if you're peri or not I would say! HUGGERS! Kleeo

I forgot to mention the moods swings and breast tenderness. Throughout my cycle now - and PMS is positively scary:D

Hi cin! I was 36- 37 when my peri symptoms hit. If the average age of menopause is 51, and if perimenopause can last 13-15 years, then it would make sense to start somewhere around your age. Family history is important also. How old was your Mom?? Your grandmother?? My doctor told me at 37 when I started experiencing major PMS, along with anxiety, that I might need an anti-depressant. What I needed was to understand what was happening to me! I'm 44 now, and thanks to this site, and Dearest's recommended page, I feel much better, and definately more informed! The only thing "normal" about this is that nothing IS normal! So, trust your instincts. You are your own best judge. Hang in there cin36! Knowledge is power, and unfortunately not all doctors are very knowledgeable about this topic. Go to "Books! Books!", the "Recommendation" page, and to "Guest Transcripts" to start. The more you understand, the better you will feel. Good Luck!

Thank you for your encouragement! I have had these things happening on and off for a while now and I was beginning to get a little scared that I was cracking up. I began to suspect that this could be the answer and was glad when I found this site. As I am adopted - I don't have any info that would help this make sense.