Not sure where to post this - I just want to scream!!!!! - I'm having the "symptoms" but no bleeding (phantom period?)  Bloating, tenderness, PMS like crazy, crying jags, chocolate cravings (well I'm like that anyway - very emotional and a chocoholic);  I just plain feel like crap.  I never thought I'd be begging for my period to show up.   I know this is all pretty "normal" right? I went through this last year but it finally showed up after 89 days and then I was "regular" again.  It's been 3 months now and I wish it would make up its mind already.  I just want some relief.

Hi Donleeann,

Don't know what to tell you except that you're not alone.  I'm going on my third month without a period also and feel like I'm pmsing 90% of the time.  I guess all we can do is hang in there and hope it gets better!

Thanks Joline - want to go get some CHOCOLATE?

sounds great to me!!!  Especially the dark chocolate!

Donleeann & Joline ,Some chocolate would be excellent right now! It might not make any symptoms go away but I might forget them for a few moments... I like milk chocolate:biggrin:                                              

:biggrin: :biggrin:   - I can ALWAYS count on chocolate!!!   dark, milk, - I don't care, bring it on.  :)  

I'm going thru the same thing!!  I feel extremely fat because I'm so bloated, my back hurts, I'm eating chocolate CONSTANTLY, moody, don't want to have sex, - isn't there something we can take for this??  Pls help me!!!

Chocolate does help, doesn't it?!! I had a badd-ish day yesterday, combination of my hormones, husbands giving-up-smoking-grouchiness (I am VERY proud of him for this) and him having a headache. We argued on the way to the supermarket, me driving, I burst into tears as I parked the car. Managed to compose myself when I got inside, and bought a big block of creamy Lindt milk chocolate. It did help!!Hope everyone feels better soon

Hi everyone,

I wish I had known about this site several months ago. I went without a period for 3 months and was going nuts; bloated, PMS, and full of angst.

Then, voila, it arrived. Had it for a week.

Then, voila again, a week later, had it again.

Then voila once again, eleven days later, period #3 in a single month, following none for 3 months. I am scheduled for tests at the gyno, however, during those 3 months I thought I was going nuts, now I'm certain of it!

Best of luck to you all. I'm sorry other people are going through this stuff but I am sort of glad not to feel totally alone and crazy anymore.

Congratulations Beth on driving under pressure!!!!   You earned that chocolate the hard way.   LOL  

Hang in there ladies it really will get better.  PS is a wealth of information and support.          ~Helen  

Same here, GOD I hope this doesn't go on for 3 months.I haven't had mine since only April 8 and I am ready to scream also.I feel like I am getting bigger and bigger and bigger.No I am not pregnant!!!You have to have sex don't ya???HA! So, you are in good company.Just waiting here in Michigan for relief! Linda

Well I haven't had a period since December 6 (but who's counting?).  The bloating and "phantom" symptoms come and go.  The blood tests aren't back  yet but at this point it really doesn't matter.  Regardless of what the tests show, It's either going to come or not.  I have the full unopened box of Tampax ready for a friend.  :)  At least we don't have to go through this alone.

Hi Girls,Don't wish your period back ! ( just speaking from my experience anyways !) I'm half way thru my 11th month without a period and I feel much better! It gets easier as it goes along! At least that has been my experience. I have the " phantom " signs every month mid month- but now I know what it is and try not to let it bother me. The symptoms for me haven't been as severe the last several months. It's been much more bearable. I'd say most of the time now I feel like I'm beginning to see my old self again! Hang in there and just wait it out. Not like you have a choice anyway LOL ! Ha ha! Just wanted to post some encouragement!

Hugs,Suzie

Thanks! I feel better.

I am still waiting!!!I go to the doctor on Wednesday to see what is going on.Linda

Got my period the other day after 6 months.  Finally feeling a little relief - I just couldn't stand the bloating and phantom symptoms - enough already just either come or leave for good.  I had blood tests done (posted numbers in another message but didn't get responses on them).  My thyroid (TSH) is normal so I'm not too concerned.  Been using Revival soy and it has helped with night sweats but really that's about it.  

Hi - I am curious on your ages - I am 42.5 and have been having irratic cycles since 37 - I use to be on time, all my life..then starting at 37 I would be weeks late, then early, then late...etc. Now I am 8 weeks late and counting and PMS'ing like crazy! Not to mention sweating and hot "flushes" more that usual. Dr. recommened the pill to regulate, but I am hesitant. Any suggestions that have helped you? P.S. I only have 1 ovary - left ovary was removed at 31 due to dermoid cyst. Regards. Janice

I hear yaaaaaaa!!!! I am supposedly 1 day away from my period and have lots of pms etc. I love chocolate and posting on powersurge. Come on period lets geton with it or please just STOP.

I suppose I was fortunate!! I never had cramps, until perimenopause. Now I get cramps premenstrually. What's with this? I've had some killer cramps with my period, where I felt like my colon was slamming into my uterus. I want this to end, as I'm sure we all do!! Yummy, dark chocolate and chips. I don't keep either in the house, but they do taste great premenstrually.

[quote]Originally posted by chriscarol where I felt like my colon was slamming into my uterus. What a visual Chris! LOL!! I bragged for years how I flew through my periods. No cramps..... little or no discomfort. Now it's constant discomfort!:mad: I always say how now it feels like I'm about to give birth to a brick:D I'm with you Darling. I wish they would just stop. ignats- I would suggest you do a little more research before going on The Pill. I don't know what a "dermoid" cyst is, but I wouldn't take hormones if I had any kind of cyst. You asked for suggestions??? REVIVAL!!! I am 44 and started this at 37 also. Revival made a huge difference!! Good Luck!

Leanne - What is Revivial?

Soy protein powder. They sell it on this website. There is a thread for it.

ignats- go up to the top right hand of this screen and you'll see POWER SURGE QUICK LINKS... then click on "Why Revival?" Also... there is a whole thread on the Message Boards about Revival. Chris is right, it's a Soy supplement. It doesn't help all, but for many of us it's been a Godsend. If I can help you at all, feel free to email me at Leanne0721@msn.com. Good Luck!!

Ignats, I'm sorry, I didn't see your first post. The pill makes me morbidly depressed, so it never cured my PMDD(severe PMS) I could tolerate the pill before I gave birth. My sister used the pill for several years, during perimenopause, and felt it helpful, but not a panacea. It's much trial and error, plus a whole lot of riding it out. Check the recommendations page, perhaps you can find something useful. Also, I think checking the thyroid in mid-life should be protocol for women, since hypothyroidism is so common. Good luck!!

Personally, I would find out if estrogen promotes the growth of dermoid cysts, before considering the pill. I know it promotes fibroid growth, but I know nothing about dermoid cysts.

Personally, I'd find out whether supplemental estrogen promotes dermoid cysts. The pill contains a lot of estrogen. I know estrogen promotes fibroids. My sister ended up with a bigger fibroid, which she shrunk with balloon abalation. Oh yeah, she's married to a GP., who did his residency in OB/GYN. The man has had to leave the room when my sister, and I started in about, some DOCTORS!! I'm premenstrual!!! God, I'm having comma anxiety!!:mad:

I'm losing it. I went to look up balloon abalation on yahoo, to make sure the terminology was correct, and somehow I couldn't find the message that I'd started. This is crazy~~ It might help if I take the glasses off my head and place them on my eyeballs. I"M CONFUSED!!!!:o:o

Thanks ChrisCarol and Leanne for your info - Right now - I wouldn't mind trying a natural approach...then the pill. It's just waiting for this period to show up is so frustrating!!! Not to mention the PMS that goes with it. If one goes on the pill..when does one go off? Especially when we have to go through this anyway? I see my Dr. next month for my annual and will discuss further. I'll look up the Revival. Thanks. Ignats

ignats- If you take the pill, then its going to begin the synthetic hormone cycle. I don't think anybody should be in agony, but unless you're head is spinning (and my friend ChrisCarol can tell you that's NO fun;))..........you might want to take a more natural approach, or at least check out your options. You're right about going on the pill, then going off..... UGH... none of this is easy!:mad: If you go on, you will have to eventually come off, and does that cause more problems than you have right now?!?!? Me? I'm about a week late for my period and questioning everything. I do this once a month, so I try not to make panic decisions. I'll stick with my vitamins, Revival, low sugar diet........ ..... and Chris, I always love your posts!

Leanne, I enjoy your posts, as well. Particularly your gift of putting a humorous spin on the unpleasant.

I'm feeling sensitive, as an exposed root!!

If I listed my vitamins, we'd be here until the cows come home. My vital health markers are excellent, but the hormones RAGE. I am an exception, however.

Anxiety will make one's head spin. I thought I was going insane again, in a premenstrual panic. Looked up anxiety, and head spinning. Okay, validated, I won't likely end up psychotic in a back ward. Cyberchondria!

Ignats, check out the page that Dearest made for us, to save on tons of email at Menopause and Revival Soy Protein and the area on the boards called Revival Soy / Soy Isoflavones There are also several transcripts with audience questions, and answers in the Power Surge Transcript Library. Look for the Dr. Aaron Tabor transcripts.

Speaking of spinning, the internet compounds my obsessiveness. Is there any way I can be blocked from coming on this website? It would be most appreciated. Thanks for the support.

LOL Chris... we dont want you blocked!! You're too valuable! Just screw that spinning head back on and keep moving forward! Have a great weekend, and enjoy your New England fall... winter will be here soon!

Yeah, Leanne you're right, I'm really not a quitter. Sorry for being a pain. I'm so sensitive, particularly, before my period. The cauldron of mood swings, irritability, and anxiety is bubbling today. I'm back!!

chriscarol I so love reading your posts. Please don't talk of being blocked even in jest:( You tell it like it is and i'm grateful for that. keep posting Love Pauline

Chris, was this an example of "frustrated sarcasm" ? LOL Keep on posting now and then OK? Moderation in all things... (ducking)

Thanks Pauline. I enjoy your posts, as well. Is it getting chilly in England? I know you enjoy bronzing those bits. You got mine, girl!!

Hope you have a nice day, Chris. I have gone through periods where I was super-sensitive and not just to ideas either. Can you surround yourself with beautiful, enjoyable and soothing things to be sensitive to ? I find your posts enjoyable, however some of the distressed posters which you and I have replied to lately haven't even signed on to read any replies, perhaps their posts are more like venting than anything else. So please don't wear yourself out trying to be there for other people who post here.

W.H, Hi, I appreciate your support. Before my period my coping skills are zip. Beauty abounds in the New England foliage. I'm out of here, to seize the day. I can't pull up the previous posts on some threads. Likely some people do just need to vent. I don't get why, even though I've plunged to the premenstrual depths many times, it still has the same impact. You'd think I'd say that's that, and ignore it.

Hi Chris Glab your feeling a little better today. Its getting colder here and me "BITS" will have to go into hiding untill next year I like your posts because i can so relate to them and most of the things you talk about i can feel them coming through in your posts. I'm routeing ( do you understand that word) as i keep forgetting that at times you may not understand my English. for you when you are low and happy when you sound better. WH I try to answers posts as much as i can, i to find it hard to understand when persons vent but do not reply to any posts that may of been wrote for them. Perhaps they are like me sometimes and forget where they have posted, i do that all the time and usually come across it by accident. Take care Pauline

Hi there ladies Nice to see you all posting here. Autumn is truly here now, leaves are changing colour and falling, and the days are cooler, it has been a warm fine autumn so far though. I am busy, I have my full driving test next month, and am part time at college, as well as my part time job. I am loving college, and looking forward to being able to drive my car alone, don't know when that will be though! I will try to post here more often. Hope everyone is OK. Bye for now xxxxxx

I am ever so happy I took the time to join this site today. I've been experiencing these phantom periods off and on the entire year ( 2003 ) normal periods for three, then skip a month , then back to three , etc.. as the year draws to a close , I wonder if they are coming back.. Every month , mid month I began feeling pre menstral 'as if ' then zero... Made an appt. with my dr. for Jan. ---but recently began to rethink ...this is getting weird , maybe I should go in NOW.. Reading thru the posts / stories shared by others has helped me tremendously today... I feel like crap but at least I know I'm on the normal curve.. Exhaling ~~ now I'm taking myself to bed , having some St. John tea ( mild depression ) and making this site my first destination in the morning.

Welcome to Power Surge La*la ~ love the name . You will benefit greatly through your visits to this wonderful, friendly and informative site.....makes the ride a little more enjoyable

Hi, Donleeann, I am new here and a day of research and panicking has brought me to you guys and your great site. I am 10 dyas late for my period, I was three days early last month. I am not pregnat and I have had symptoms galore and no period. Obviously, this is not uncommon, but it is for me. I am 37 and quite curious. Do I wait this out, do I buy every herb on the makrket, or what else is there to do? Waiting to hear from someone and thank you.

Hi twenevere and welcome to Power Surge! There's no need to buy every herb on the market - sounds like overkill to me! If you need suggestions, though, Dearest (our host and founder) has provided lots of help for everyone. A great place to start checking out herbs and such is the Power Surge Recommendations Page. Some other great "starter" articles are Power Surge's Menopause Survival Tips What's A Hot Flash? About Your Hormones and a simple explanation of menopause in the Menopause Primer Best of luck to you as you start your menopause. You'll find information and support here, in the weekly chats, and on all of this huge site.

twenevere, so glad you've found Power Surge MaryO has provided you with useful links with information I've put on the site about herbs, vitamins and other methods of treating "perimenopause." However, I don't know that I'd jump on the "remedy" bandwagon until you know exactly what the "cause" is. Granted, it's not unusual for a woman in her late 30's to start experiencing subtle symptoms of perimenopause. The average woman begins the process in her early 40's. I started having my first symptoms at 43, but my first step was to get throughly checked out by my gynecologist. What I would recommend is to make an appointment with your gynecologist. Get your hormone levels checked and an FSH test. At least this would give you some idea of whether your body is starting the menopausal transition. Many symptoms of PMS can be confused with perimenopause symptoms. OR, it's possible you're going through early menopause. I would first read this article, The Signs of Menopause -- Tests. You might want to click on the "Printable version" of the article and print it out and take it to your health care practitioner. Erratic periods can be caused by a number of things. I would check everything out before "assuming" you're starting perimenopause. There's also an article, Selecting A Healthcare Practitioner. It includes the types of questions you need to ask your gynecologist. It's important to have a doctor who knows about menopause. There are more and more menopause specialists popping up each day because so many of the baby boomers are going through menopause now. You can also take advantage of the many experts in the Ask The Experts area of the Web site. Read through the archived answers because thousands of other women have experienced the same thing as yourself. Again, my suggestion would be to do these things before getting started on any plan to treat symptoms until you're absolutely certain the origin of the symptoms is menopause. Best of luck, Dearest