Hello everyone, I hope I am postiing this in the right place. I am doing this at 11pm and I have just been woken by my husband as I lay practically comatose on the couch. Every night I fall asleep while we are watching TV. I  am SO tired I can't believe it. I am almost 44 and the Mum of 5 children and 1 fosterchild. They keep me busy but I used to have far more energy than this. My periods are irregular and often heavier than usual, I have been getting EXTREMELY irritable over nothing lately, and I have put on weight especially on my tummy. I gather this is perimenopause but does anyone else feel THIS tired? It is shocking. I have started going to the gym to get fit and tone up a bit, but I feel so old and tired so much of the time that it is scary. Please  tell me if this is a 'normal' side effect.

I'm just a bit younger than you but have been going thorough all this for a few years. I have noticed myself getting very tetchy and irritable at times and feeling as if I cant control it, and I DO get tired... I feel ready for bed at 8 00 sometimes, and really feel it if I dont get my sleep......aand I only have two children.. I think you have every reason to feel tired!.Eliza

5BoysMum,        You really truly have your hands full! I'd imagine that even at 35 you would feel the same way almost. I have 3 boys and sometimes it seems so much. I wouldn't trade any of it in, but...sometimes it seems so overwellming.Most importantly, I think more than annything we need is rest and sleep. Getting into shape is important, but I think rest is more. Keep trying different things to help . Take care  and Peace Cabo.

Hi,I"m with you girls. I've been suffering with peri for 3 years now. I get extremely tired too and fall asleep on the couch almost every night. I also wake up 3 or 4 times a night to go to the bathroom . Often times I have night sweats too. I usuallly wake up for good anytime between 3:30 and 4:30 AM. I get extremely irritated at little things and it doesn't take anything to set me off . I also get anxious and have obsessive thougts . I really hate it !

Suzie

You can burn up your adrenals to feel like this.  I'm nursing mine right now.  Anyone here have anxiety issues or suffering undue stress lately?  I'd go have a serious talk to my doctor.

Are you craving chocolate, coffee, tea?  That would indicate you are trying to force those poor adrenals to perform.

I think food allergies can wear you down, too.  Also many women are hypothyroid and don't know it.

Thanks to all who have replied, i am so glad i am not the only one falling asleep all the time. The stress thing is interesting. I guess it is like PMS, the more stress you are under the worse the symptoms become. As it happens i do have a lot going on in my life right now. My husband and I have just got back together after 2 1/2 yrs apart. It is wonderful but also quite a big life event. Lots of adjustments. I have also been asked to take on the long term care of a previous foster daughters 4 mth old baby. I have taken note of the reply that suggests a lot of rest and it really did me so much good yesterday to truly relax and have a lazy day. i appreciate all the advice. Thanks again

One more thing;  progesterone makes me very sleepy.  Even when I know I'm not tired, if my progesterone levels jump, I start taking these little drugging naps.  It's the hormone that put you to sleep during the daytime when you were pregnant.

If you are using a progesterone cream and start doing these little dreamy naps, cut back!

Hi bigbaby, that makes so much sense. Pregnancy was like that wasnt it? All sleepy for no reason. I havent started taking anything yet but will now be mindful of the progesterone thing. Thanks,

You know what's amazing?  I could probably go through EACH and EVERY one of the issues posted here in Am I Starting Perimenopause.  I have so many symptoms at present I think I'm having a nervous breakdown.  Never in my life have I felt so "out of control".   And the funny part of the whole thing is lately I've been taking better care of myself than EVER.  I'm exercising for at least an hour 4 times a week at the gym (if not more); eating much better; have always taken vitamins; and yet seem to be getting worse and worse.

I'm 45 and I really just don't know where I'm at anymore.  Yesterday I swear I was in such a fog that I couldn't even think straight!  I'm doing crazy things, can't concentrate, my energy levels are astounding -- last night fell asleep right in the middle of my favorite show  on tv -- I mean COME ON.  To get me to do anything lately is a MAJOR production.

Well, thanks ladies for listening -- the only thing I can say is I'm going to my gyno today and I'm hoping and praying that she will have some soothing advice for me, if not major DRUGS!  HA!

have a good day,

I can relate to a lot of what has been written in these posts.

the tiredness, which I put down to being a shiftworker, except I have been a shiftworker for 15 years and over the past 12 months I just dont seem to have any energy at all. I wake constantly during the night, and then have problems getting back to sleep. I have nightsweats, which didnt bother me as I have always had nightsweats, but I have noticed of late that I am colder than normal which is not too good when I live in a sub tropical climate. Irritable, memory playing tricks on me, I have always been a bit absent minded, but of late its out of control, can barely remember my own name at times. Periods are like yo yos, one month heavy, the next month light and the time between is getting less and less, I have gone from a 28 day cycle to a 21 day cycle, sometimes only 18. And I have been very very emotional, even broke down in tears at work, which was stupid and so embarrassing. I also have tinnitus really bad, I have had tinnitis most of my life, but for the past 18 months or so, its a constant, never ending high pitched squealing in my head that is driving me crazy.

I am taking vitamins, but I have no energy at all to exercise, or even do the daily things that need to be done, like housework and such. My life is just sleep, go to work, come home, sleep, go to work.

I have an appointment with a  doc today, this morning in fact,  to have a blood test and get it over and done with. If its not perimenopause I don't know whats going on.

Hi, Flashfire!  Welcome to Power Surge  Your symptoms sure sound like they could be perimenopause.

I hope your appointment went well this morning, but please bear in mind that the FSH test can be inaccurate.  I had 2 done by different doctors, on different days - both said I was POSTmenopausal, but that didn't happen for a few more years.

At this sometimes weird time of our lives, it's better to go by how we feel than what the numbers say.

Best of luck to you - read all the info on the website, keep yourself informed, and keep us posted on how you're doing

Hi Flash -- keep us posted on how everything came out.  I can relate to all of these except that my periods are still regular.  I'm going OUT OF MY MIND with some of these symptoms, though.  I feel like someone's taken over my body and being!  Sometimes I'll say something and then say to myself, Dang, who said that?!!!!!!  It's all so very strange.

Best of luck -- let us hear from you.  This entire site is GREAT.  I've never found anything like it.

Hello everyone..after seeing myself in all of your posts.. I told my gyno yesterday I thought I was going thru perimenopause..( I just turned 40 ) she said I was too young  to be going thru it unless my mother stopped her cycle in her late 40's. She didn't offer to do any testing. Of course my mother doesn't remember, she is 65, already thru it, and didn't really have many problems. ( lucky her! ) I know what I am going thru and am not making it up, so you really do have to listen to your own body. I know this is a way out there thought, and I don't mean to offend anyone with it, but do you think being overweight can exacerbate the symptoms? I need to lose a good 80 lbs and I thought I read somewhere that overweight women have more certain hormones...my 45 yr old sister is very thin and only has the occasional night sweats, nothing else.  I am not saying thin women do not have any trouble and  I hope I don't sound like an idiot, but does anyone see where I am going with this?

Hi, Seamist.

You know, I've actually read in quite a number of books that it is believed that women wih extra body fat tend to have an "easier menopause." The theory has been that fat cells themselves produce estrogen, so there isn't such a sharp decline (or so much rapid fluctuation) in hormones as for women with very little body fat.  However, I think there are so many variables in the perimenopausal experience that this is probably only a small one--if it even is true.

Hi.  I'm new here and just finished reading some of your posts.  I am 43 and know I am perimenopausal.  I have been having hot flashes for a few years now but they have increased this past year and I am also low on energy and always wanting to sleep no matter how much sleep I get at night time.  I also get these wierd headaches where I can feel my blood pumping through my veins and can hear my heart beating at nighttime which I have never been able to do before.  Anyone else have these symptoms?  My periods are still regular and I too take my vitamins and am quite active with work, volunteering, and my three girls age 15, 12 and 10.  Anyway, I'm glad to hear that what I'm going through is normal.  

Hi Ladies,Yes , I can relate to the feelings of feeling my blood circulate and my heart pumping. It does happen alot at night. Probably because I"m lying still. In response to the weight issue - I am very thin and I"m having a H---- of a time ! I have been thinking of trying to put on a few pounds to see if that helps. I too have heard that women with extra weight have an easier menepause. I guess that isn't true all the time! Hang in there gals. It's a rocky road for sure.

Suzie

Hi ya fellow Perimenopausies!  If one can't find some humor in this, how can one keep from going crazy?  I am a newbie here and have been searching for answers myself...am I Perimenopausal.  I am 52 yrs old and still having periods...though they seem to be getting shorter now....sometimes more frequent, too.  In the last year, I have been extremely moody and at times felt isolated.   I went off a diet last year and put on a whopping 45 pounds....the doc says this is all part of the changeover.....I just can't believe it.  I went into denial that the change of life could do this to my body.  I also developed a Hyatis Hernia which causes Acid Reflux and Edema, swelling of the ankles and legs.  All this in a years time.......it did get me worried.  Has anyone else gone through all these changes all at once?  I can't sleep through the night anymore without waking up at least once...sometimes 3 or 4 times....I used to sleep through all kinds of noise and never wake up.  I am a late menopausal lady and haven't started the night sweats yet, but have just started drinking the Soy Drink (Revival) every morning and I hope that helps me.....it has given me lots of energy, though.....which I certainly needed.  Sorry to be so long winded....it's just nice to talk to other women going through the same thing.  Thanks for sharing.

Mom2Boxer

hi all i am 35 and i sadly have atleast 25 symptoms of perimenapause.i have gained 18 kilograms in 10 months ,i have hot flushes, burning sensation in my mouth, ringing in ears, sore muscles, pass urine far to often, forgetfulness, mood swings, irritability, anxiousness.......i am so depressed, none of my clothes fit , i feel so unattractive i just wish i could hide forever, everybody comments on the weight i have gained   and as u can well guess some people are so insensitive and i already cry so easily...plse plse give me some urgent advice ,i feel so alone .all i do is work , kids and sleep , sleep , sleepno energy , i have 2 kids - a 16 year old and a 5 year old.thanxrejaune

hi all i am 35 and i sadly have atleast 25 symptoms of perimenapause.i have gained 18 kilograms in 10 months ,i have hot flushes, burning sensation in my mouth, ringing in ears, sore muscles, pass urine far to often, forgetfulness, mood swings, irritability, anxiousness.......i am so depressed, none of my clothes fit , i feel so unattractive i just wish i could hide forever, everybody comments on the weight i have gained   and as u can well guess some people are so insensitive and i already cry so easily...plse plse give me some urgent advice ,i feel so alone .all i do is work , kids and sleep , sleep , sleepno energy , i have 2 kids - a 16 year old and a 5 year old.thanxrejaune

Hi Angelic

I'm 37, in retrospect have been getting into periM for a couple of years and have absolutely no advice to give you at all, but just wanted to say 'hang in there'.  I've been thinking I was dying of all sorts and have, with enormous relief just figured out what's happening.  Now I'm coping better with the constant rushes to the toilet, not being able to remember what someone asked me to do five minutes ago, and I can't even remember the rest!  I thought I'd gained lots of weight (after working over 18 months to lose it all!) because of antidepressants, when all the weirdness got too much, but it might be the periM too.  The hardest thing to cope with for me, is the anxiety - I jump three feet whenever there's a noise anywhere unexpectedly and of course the world is going to end this afternoon.  I'm starting to look on these things with a bit of humour, since I figure this too, shall pass.  I've just discovered the woman with whom I work most closely at my job, has the same state of forgetfulness, which is such a relief and hugely funny, since neither of us have a clue what we we're supposed to be doing at any moment, so we have frequent coffee breaks, since we don't remember when we last had one!  But it's lonely, even with others sometimes near.  I keep reminding myself that all women go through this some time, but somehow it feels 'different', hitting this phase so much earlier than I'd ever thought of.  

Hi y'all.  This is Sally again and am relieved to hear that I'm not the only one feeling blood rush through my veins.  I've been able to avert it somewhat.  I now sleep with two pillows so my head is higher than my body -- it seems to help.  I've also started to take flax seed oil in caplet form - 3 a day and also starting drinking soy milk especially before and during my period.  Symptoms have been relieved tremendously and I recommend any and all to try it.  As far as anxiety and loneliness are concerned -- my relationship with the Lord really helps to ease that.  I talk to Him about my worries and concerns and He gives me rest for my soul.  If there are any of you out there who don't pray I would highly recommend that as well.  God is so good and loves us soooooo much and talking to Him is such a great comfort -- when noone else seems to care He does so hang in there and let Him carry your burdens.  God bless.

Hi Everyone, so glad to have found this support site!  I am 47 and have struggled with perimenopause for a couple of years (that I know of).  I also thought I was losing my mind.  Also have always exercised and felt that my friends who never did, were better off than me.  I have tried different things and am currently trying Revival Soy.  I've only been using it a week, so hopefully will see results.  Honestly, my husband and I have noticed a difference in the last couple of days, especially since I'm due to start in a few days.  

Anyone else with positive results with Revival Soy?

Thanks.

Hi yo.....Many women here at Power Surge (and I'm sure everywhere0 have been helped by Revival.  I have been using it for almost 2 years and it has made a world of difference for me.  Higher energy, no hot flashes, no night sweats, sleep better just to name a few.  I am post meno now but it still helps as the hormonal fluctuations do not go away overnight unfortunately.  So glad you gave it a try....I'm sure you will feel much better shortly.

Happy to have you as part of Power Surge.  Make sure you visit the rest of the site, www.power-surge.com/intro.htm will link you to the Homepage and from there you will be able to navigate the whole site.  There is an abundance of information available so take your time and look around.

Please keep posting.......the more the merrier.

I've just found this site and it looks great!  I've been having irregular periods for a couple of years and now haven't had one since Sept.  These last couple of weeks have been horrible--I feel like this is what PMS must be like although I've never really experienced it before.  The worst part for me is fatigue. . . I can barely function past  8:00 in the evening and often feel so tired that I feel like I am going to be physically sick to my stomach. I think it is related to menopause but I'm not sure--I've been on anti-depressents on and off (mostly on) for the last ten years and winter is often the worst time for me anyway.  Also this fall, my doctor said I was hypothyroid and so I've been taking medication for that which has affected how the anti-deperessents work, etc. etc.  I really don't want any more medication but I am finding this quite hard to live with.

Lain, I am a new member as well. I am 46 years oldand began perimenopause about 3 years ago.I did experience some of the same symptomsthat you described, and I am still experiencing newones almost monthly.

Collect as much information on perimenopauseas you can. Read, research and gather information.Knowledge is power. You will be better prepared to  handle it, if you know more about what you are experiencing.

A good place to start is with the book, "The Wisdom ofMenopause" by Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D. Thisbook is my "Bible" for menopause. You will findsuggestions for symptoms and recommendationsfor herbal alternatives to traditional HRT. This bookdiscusses the emotional and physical aspects ofmenopause.

I like to say that menopause is a journey, if you know where you are headed it makes the trip a lot smoother.

Wishing you well, Good journey.

Hi Lain, Sorry your feeling badly, but you've come to the right place... Liberating Eve gave you some great advice, and this is the best place to come when your looking for information:confused:. If you return to the home page, you should be able to pick a site that interest you. The Recommendations page is a good place to start. If you have questions don't hesitate to ask. you will find the women here very helpful... By the way fatigue is a symptom of perimenopause, and hypo-thyroid so please double check with your Dr. before you make any medication changes.                                                                      Take Care                                                                    sturdy

Dr. Northrup (along with hundreds of other wonderful doctors and other experts) has been Dearest's guest in Power Surge Live!  You can read the transcript of her visit in the Power Surge Transcript Library .

Another place for this kind of information is the Power Surge Recommendations page.  The rest of this website is filled with a massive amount of information.

Here's some info that Dearest (our host and founder) has posted elsewhere on the boards:

Remember, these boards, as supportive, active and wonderful as they are, are only a small part of an enormous award-winning Web site, with a wealth of information to help you. I hope you'll visit What is Power Surge? to read a little more about this community and hear a personal message I've made just for you.

Where do I begin?

There's so much valuable information on the site. For example, there are some basic introductory articles, such as Power Surge's Menopause Survival Tips, and What's A Hot Flash? and About Your Hormones, and a simple explanation of menopause in the Menopause Primer, Midlife Sexuality, Relationships / Vaginal Dryness, and many, many others including, of course, Being The Best You and the ever popular RECOMMENDATIONS AREA.  

You'll want to read through the wonderful articles that go into detail about estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and other hormones; depression, panic attacks, heart issues, phytoestrogens, exercise, mood swings, weight and vaginal issues, dealing with anger and mood swings and much, much more in the Educate Your Body and Newsworthy areas -- and don't forget the hundreds of transcripts in the library of some of the most prominent names in the area of women's health!

I'm also providing some convenient links at the bottom of this message. With knowledge you will arm yourself with the information you need to make educated decisions regarding how you approach menopause. The Recommendations page provides many methods of treatment, as do the guest transcripts in the library,replete with chats with some of the most prestigious names in the area of women's health. There's the newsletter and resources area, the Educate Your Body articles, and the Ask The Experts area with a medical doctor, Revival Soy doctor, Anxiety-panic expert, midlife women's therapist, relationship and intimacy experts, Ask the Pharmacist and Diet expert, plus the newest area. You'll also find quizzes, polls, greeting cards, the women's pages, the male point of view, q-aire's, et al.

When you registered for these boards, the default included automatic addition to the mailing list to receive the monthly  newsletter and weekly announcements of Guest chats. If you chose not to join the mailing list, you can  sign up at any time by clicking here and receive the newsletters containing information about menopause and related women's midlife health and other issues, excerpts of outstanding guest chats, affirmations, Power Surge  recommendations and announcements of the upcoming chats on the Web site and the chat on America Online (for AOL members only).

1) Power Surge does not send out a *lot* of E.mail (Personally, I think we all get too much E.mail as it is) and 2) Any list you add your name to, or any information you input in registering for these boards will be kept totally confidential. See Power Surge's  Privacy statement.

Last, but not least, please read the Power Surge Disclaimer. This is essential because you must bear in mind that nothing shared anywhere on this site is intended as a substitute for a visit to your own, personal healthcare practitioner. There is no way that any of us can know your personal health history, nor if what you are experiencing is definitely due to any phase of the menopause experience. Power Surge recommends getting yourself checked by your physician to eliminate any possible health issues before attributing symptoms you are experiencing to menopause and not immediately assuming what you're experiencing, such as heart palpitations, is DUE to menopause because other women are experiencing it, too!

Also, bear in mind that messages posted here raving about one product or another are those women's individual experiences. How one woman reacts to any method of treatment may be totally different from the way YOU react to the same method.

This site is here to inform, educate, support and assist you in making the most educated decision regarding your own healthcare in getting through this transition of life. The ultimate decision is yours and yours alone.

I hope your experience in Power Surge is as positive as it has been for so many other women who've visited with us.

Here are some convenient links . . .

• Sign-Up!
• Meet Dearest
• Recommendations
• Chat / Guest Schedule  
• Transcripts of Guest Chats
• Web Message Boards
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• Web Power Surge Live! Chat
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• Comprehensive Reading List / Bookstore
• Your Feedback
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• The Poll Vault (fun)
• Being The Best You!
• The Women!
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• The Post Card Shoppe
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• Resources
• Some Helpful Women's Links
• Site Map for Quick Navigation
• Contact the Power Surge Team

This may be a lot to absorb in one fell swoop, but Power Surge is a BIG site with lots of nooks and crannies. Try clicking on "Printable Version" at the top of this message and print out a copy to read offline. You can also bookmark this page (or save to favorite places), so you can use it as a reference page.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Dearest

Welcome to Power Surge!

Hello,Oh yes can understand right where u are coming from, I have o engery as well. Everysince my hyst back 3 yrs ago i have had no engery seems to be getting worse. I can't lay on my couch either without falling asleep! And all the outher things u said u had yup me to. hang in there its got to get better.

This extreme exhaustion is debilitating...I have to force myself to do anything, I drag my behind every day..it's awful...all I want to do is sleep . Moozie

I don't remember the last time I woke up and felt great. Is this what I have to look forward to for the next few.... Today especially, not only do I look tired, I feel so tired and got what I thought was a good night's sleep. I also feel lightheaded at times w/waves of nausea. Does anyone else get this? I try not to think about it but sometimes you just can't help it. Since misery loves company, I'd love to hear from you that it's not only me!!! Take care, EJ

ej Hi - I feel that way too - I get what I think is a good nite's sleep and still feel groggy and tired in the morning - I usually have anxiety first thing in the morn too - which is great - what a way to start the day. I try and push myself to get going and I usually do feel better. I sometimes get lightheaded and dizzy too which I always attributed to my anxiety - not sure though - could be hormones. I hope this gets better

mindis We can only hope! I just can't believe that there are so many of us going through this.... Hang in there! EJ

Wow. I don't know what is going on today, but I feel like a giant tree sloth. I'm drinking a bit of ginsing tea right now. Hopefully it will help. I could be that I have not had a day off work for a while. Or too many valentines day candy hearts (addictive and dangerous!). Sugar high then CRASH! MK

MK It's Friday. That's a good thing. Of course the freezing, bitter cold we're experiencing in the northeast doesn't help to motivate except to just sit around. We shall get through this:D Have a great weekend! EJ

Hello, sisterhood of the troubled? I, too am perimenopausal, having had some of these symptoms for a few years, now. It has taken a very rocky (and falling apart) marriage to finally send me over the edge, and send me scurrying for information on how to make my life better. I know my high anxiety has exhausted my body's resources, and I have started taking Estrovert, and I'm studying the effects of the various herbal remedies, perhaps to grow and prepare them myself someday. Sharing our troubles and victories are sure ways to make it though this turn in life. I'm glad you are all out there contributing and I hope all of you weather this stormy time well.