Hi, I am new to this site. I am 46 yrs. old and have had a few hot flashes over the last year and changes to my period - mostly shorter and lighter. About 3 or 4 weeks ago I suddenly started experiencing many of the symptoms discussed here.
Mostly tingling, burning sensation, itching and the feeling of something crawling all over my body, a few heart palpitations, my mouth and sinuses so dry it is difficult to be inside where the A/C is running constantly (I live in the SE). and fatique. Most of these have fluctuated over this time. I was so concerned after the first week that I went to my family doctor, I had several blood tests that all came back normal. I am wondering if these more severe symptoms can occur so suddenly.

Hi Tate and welcome to Power Surge,

Yes, symptoms can start abruptly. That is exactly what happened to me a year ago at age 47. In fact I had several wierd, seemingly unrelated symptoms, like my whole body was just going haywire - muscle twitching, joint pain, anxiety 24x7, and you name a wierd symptom and I'm sure I've had it. I started with my GP - everything came back normal, but from there saw several specialists, thinking something had to be going on....but tests kept coming back normal. I felt anything but normal. After 8 months of searching I found this site and figured out on my own that this is perimenopause. Finally a trip to my gynecologist confirmed it

This site is a great resource and the ladies here are incredible. Just knowing what's going on and being able to talk about it with women going through the same experience makes all the difference in the world.

Ya, what Pixiegirl said.. =] welcome aboard tate, fasten your seat belt baby, because you may be in for a ride of your life. But* and I stress but* you'll make 'er through.

Same here. Overnight, I swear, I began with arm and leg tingling and these odd sensations of being too warm....and the same thing with the dry mouth. Also went from having a panic attack every few months to having one almost every single day. Alot of lightheadedness too.

Thanks for your replies I really had no idea things could change so quickly. I can almost tell you the exact hour when these symptoms starting occurring. I had been outside that day and gotten very hot but I am one that does not normally sweat much. Anyway, the sweat was pouring off my face and I did not feel very well later that evening, no particular symptoms, I attibuted it to being overheated and to starting my period that day. The next day it was like all heck broke loose - from the symptoms I mentioned before and also muscle twitches, hot spells that would last for as long as an hour or so and then chills - it felt like my internal thermostat was out of whack. I became concerned because a few weeks before that I had a tick on my neck. It could't have been there very long and I don't think it bit me or at least I did not feel it. I know for sure that it was not engorged. The symptoms starting a few weeks after that. My doctor ran several blood tests CBC, ANA, Sed Rate, Electrolytes, Thyroid, Rheumatoid factor and also Lyme antibody. They all came back normal and she ruled out any problems from tick (also did not have the charteristic rash associated with Lyme).

Yesterday I went shopping and had a list with me when I entered the store. Somehow I managed to misplace the list about half way thru and could not find it before I left the store. Last night I threw away the newspaper before I ever read it and don't even remember putting it in the outside trash. It was there this morning. This absentmindedness seems to be the symptom of the last few days.

I agree with the "WOW" this can start fast thing..it really surprised me and like everyone you think "what in the world is wrong with me?" and I really think, without being diagnosed, this is what it is. I'm really amazed how the symptoms "kick" in during the week of my period too..which is this week..I had a great week last week and it was feeling my body was getting back to "normal"..but..at least we have knowledge which is POWER!

I started all this just about overnight as well. I experienced some hot flashes several years ago which subsided - then last week - whamo! Irritiability, mood swings, hot flashes, and sleeplessness - I am running on empty at the moment. This is about the six night in a row I have woken up between 1 and 3. I also am getting leg cramps - but not the normal charlie horse back of the calf type - along the sides of my shins, and sometimes my toes cramp up.

So right now it's me and Beau the kitty, sitting on the front porch and hoping Ophelia stays far away!

Ditto girls....bottom fell out all at once. Went from 46 to feeling like 90 overnight. What a ride it's been and still is. Can't wait to get off of this one

DITTO DITTO

Well put TeeJay!!!!!!!.

Are we there yet?

Welcome, I'm new here too and have found alot of support and info here.
I'm 39, my symptoms hit me out of nowhere in June. I've been for blood tests, ct scans, ekg etc. So far everything comes out great!. As far as the doctors are concerned I'm so healthy, results show nothing. One even handed me a list of therapists, they almost had me convinced I needed to talk to someone until I sat on my computer and searched and searched about hormonal changes. Since day one I was convinced it was hormonal, after reading these boards (almost word by word from others suffering the same) there is no changing my mind! I've kept detailed notes of the last 4 months for my gyn and found alot of info to take with me to my next visit. It was a very scary thing not knowing what was happenening ... these boards have put my mind at ease.
I found so much info here, hang in there.

Very interesting! I have to say I have been having the same type of things happen to me over the years. I was told it was stress, and usually I notice that it does seem to happen when I'm under stress. The numbness and burning in my face has been going on for years. The last time I really noticed it was after my 5th child (she's now 4) and I fell when she was 6 weeks old. The numbness and short term memory loss was said to be accident related. I seemed to be fine after being treated for a year from a chiropractor. Now at 42, I developed stomach(IBS) problems back in Jan., had some bleeding problems(they said was related to polpys and may need a d &C, they changed my dose of bc pills(the higher dose seemed to help, but they think its not good on my body). Then the numbness started again a few months ago. Generally about the week of pms time. I also experience from time to time freezing feelings (not every month) in the night, (my hubby seemed to do this too at times, so i figured it wasn't related to menopause?lol) I've been tested, and tested, and the doctor says I'm too young for menopause , thinks it might be the onset of carpral tunnel. They found nothing but severe artherites at the hip area (from that fall), my mood swings come and go, I feel anxious at times and have that numb burning feelings in arms, neck, legs, and sometimes the face. My blood pressure went up so they put me on blood pressure meds, having trouble now with what I eat seems to upset my stomach more (am using perscribed heartburn meds) If I sit, the numbness gets worse, and if i put more weight on my hip area its worse. Now I feel like the nights I can't sleep I get panic attacks I am going through more stress, divorce, fights with new boyfriend, etc. Does life get better? I was wondering if anyone else had had chiropractor work done, takes bc pills while these symptoms occured, or thinks that any of that could make the condition worse? I too am beginning to think I'm crazy, have been on depression medication, but it made me too sleepy to function with kids. The only thing I've found to help was at times relaxing, if i can lay down and ice packs on my hip and neck areas, tingling is still there..but at least I feel like it helps somewhat. Do you think this is menopause? What can one do for it? Thanks for listening, nice to know that I am not alone after all. God bless.

Mindyj were you tested to see if you were indeed in peri? or has the Dr. just stated that you were too young?

If it is the later, make another appointment tell the recptionist that is what you want to be seen for..a testing...dont listen to him/her in that regard..if they still say your too young, I advise you to go to another Dr that will listen to you.

oh, and welcome aboard mindyj

Mindyj,

42 is not too young for menopause. My mother and sister were completely done with periods, etc and were in menopause by the age of 42. I agree with DaMomma, I would find another doctor that would listen to you if you feel you are not getting results from the one you are currently going to.

Maeflower

I went to a new doctor today. Wouldn't you know he wouldn't hear of it that menopause was the reason? (he says for at least 10 more years for me) ha!! He figures if my peroids are regular and everything is on track there that possibly it could be Lupus or MS. (Ms does seem to have some of my problems, but LUPUS??) He put me on an anitdepressent meds that is suppose to help with pain for artheritis and the numbness, depression, restless nights, and said a massage would be better for me and stop using Chiropractors. I will return in 3 weeks to see how these meds worked and then if no goodness, he will begin to test for Lupus and MS. (do they not rountinely test for menopause? along with other things? or is doctors just totally blind on this subject?) I am in SC and find that a lot of doctors do not test for alot of things in this state. Recently found out that most doctors do not check you rectal here unless asked and there is a problem.(where in NY, where my mom inlaw lives, its a routine test) In my life time, I was only checked 1 time. My BF whom is 31 was never checked and once the problems started, it was too late he had colon cancer and had to have his colon removed (family trait). Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I will let you know what they find out and 3 weeks from now, if the same things are happening....I will ask for more test. I will keep you updated on what I find in hopes it helps others. God bless.

P.S. thanks for the welcome aboard. Also thinking Menopause would have been better to deal with I think if I only knew and knew how to be treated!! (that would be a relief to finally know)