Hi, I am new to all of this but I am finding that this is the only place I go to get support and understanding. I'm such a wreck, I feel like I am having out of body experiences and everything makes me uncomfortable. My two little boys are so sweet, yet I find it so hard to even take care of them sometimes. I am going to end up back on antidepressants pretty soon but I am trying a new Dr. an Gyn this time and I am praying for some affirmation. My regular MD thinks I am under too much stress and am depressed... yes, from the Peri Meno symptoms Dummy! She can't really say if that is it or not because my test- of course- are still within normal range. These tests are useless! I just want to be me again, I'm only 33 and everyone will not accept that this is what it is. Every woman on my father's side went through early meno, I have heard stress makes the symptoms worse. Please someone help me out and give me some advice. The birth control pills the put me on were ok until I had the week when I didn't take them, then I went crazy again with anxiety. I feel so lost and alone at my age and no one who understands.

Hi susieeb, It sounds like you know exactly what's going on with you own mind and body. The way you describe how you feel sounds just like I do when those "out of body" feelings hit. And don't they seem to come out of nowhere? It makes it so hard to concentrate on the truly important things like your little ones. I've found that the trigger for me is caffeine...of any type. I can't even eat chocolate, so I'm fortunate that I never was a fan of coffee or caffeinated sodas. I'd be a real basketcase then! Keep reminding yourself that the feelings are only temporary, although at those times, they seem to last forever and a day (or week, or month). I hope you find a doctor who doesn't discount your instincts, and who listens to you. Best wishes to you... Stephanie

Hi Susieeb,I know how you feel. I have been going through this also at 44. My doc put me on the low dose pill and I feel so much better now that i only have the one period a month plus I was craving carbs two times every month and I was exhausted!!!!!!I feel for you with two little ones. That has got to be hard. Hope that you get through this and feel better soon.

It's nice to hear that I am not the only one sometimes. Today I just can't stop crying, I went for my morning walk and cried the whole way. I dropped my kids off at school and cried to the preschool teacher, who, thank God knows what I am going through and has known me for awhile. It's taken over my life, the obsessive horrible thoughts, anxiety and depression. I have to get on some medication but I am afraid because I have had so many bad side effects from some that they have put me on. Should I wait and see if different hormones help, or should I just go on something? My dr. wants me to see a psychiatrist who can put me on the right medication... the stigma of that is so hard for me to deal with. I guess if I am going to be any good to my kids I am going to have to go. I'm just scared... pretty stupid, I'm scared of everything. I just don't want to label myself Crazy... I know it is the hormones but sometimes I just can't get past the crazy thing. I think it's because my husband doesn't understand, doesn't want to and just keeps saying "your crazy"... he doesn't mean it like that but just thinks I should stop feeling like this. ARRR. Men, gotta love 'em but sometimes! Thanks again for your replies.

Susie, Hang in there kiddo. I'm only 35, but I think the peri started a few years back. I work full time, my kids are older (15 and 9), my husband is a workaholic, and most days I end up beyond my last nerve. I have a few friends who keep telling me to "just get the little blue pills". Well, I have chosen not to go that route. Now, in some cases, anti-depressants and/or anti-anxiety drugs may be needed. If you choose to go this route again, also get a good therapist to go with the psychiatrist (two different people). The meds may help you get your head above water enough for therapy to help you. I finally found some good doctors, both female, who understand that this is going on. The OB/GYN told me "Honey, this is normal, you are getting older. I can help you get thru this." Hang in there. The most important thing I learned is to make and take some time for yourself. As my math teacher used to say, a "mental minute". Let the dishes sit in the sink, the laundry go unfolded, etc...and run a nice bubble bath. I'm glad you found this site. The information here and the women here have been of enormous help to me. HUGZ Michelle

Susie, I understand how lonely it gets when your husband understands "nothing." It gets pretty lonely when our husbands act like "what's your problem?" Or "just what brought all this on?" My husband gives no understanding and it makes it so hard. The wonderful ladies on this board have helped me with their understanding. Yvonne

My sister has a friend who just stopped her period at age 38 years old and never had one again. She did not even have a symptom one..... according to her. My sister is 52 years old and would like to strangle her best friend because she is going through such anxiety. My sister did get some Zanex (not sure if that is how you spell it) just to get her through some of her anxiety. Don't let anyone call you crazy......you have a lot of company on this board....including me as I type this and feel dizzy.

Terry

I want to strangle your sister's best friend, too!