Hi all,

None of my friends here who are in perimenopause have any suffering at all! They are "breezing" right through it with NO symptoms. My mom had a hysterectomy when she was 26, two years after I was born, so she really didn't have much besides hot flashes and headaches for a while.

I feel that the only people who understand the suffering I am experiencing daily are you ladies on this board! I am so grateful for each of you, because I know you understand. Last night I must have gotten up at least 8 times to go to the bathroom. This part is driving me crazy because I get so little sleep. I also deal daily with the stomach issues, the buzzing, the food cravings, etc., etc.

Do you feel that the people in your life understand what you are going through? Do you find yourself not participating in certain things because you just don't feel good enough? I long for my periods to end and to get through this!

Have a good Sunday everyone,
viktik

Happy Sunday Viktik...I understand :).

My sister, who is a year younger, is the only person that I know who is also on the perimenopausal rollercoaster ride. I do have a co-worker who did understand what I was going through and suggested that I try progesterone. She even mentioned a popular book about perimenopause that confirmed what she was going through.

When I mention what I'm experiencing to other women, they try to be sympathetic, but I can tell that they have no idea. They understand about mood swings, anxiety, depression, dizziness and other symptoms, but they can not comprehend the intensity of these symptoms to the point that they can be debilitating.

I think that some of those women who breeze through perimenopause actually had some symptoms, but their symptoms must have been very mild and some were not attributed to hormones.

I truly thank God for this board and others that provide us with the encouragement and support that we need during this time. :)

I once mentioned to both of my sister-in-laws who are both my age about my symptoms. They both looked at me like I was strange and said that they have experienced nothing. One sister-in-law is still on the pill, so that might have something to do with it. I thought my other sister-in-law would admit to having some symptoms as she uses progesterone cream and in the past admitted to having major monthly PMS.

Besides this board, the only woman I know to ask questions to is my 61 year old co-worker. She will let me know that my symptoms are normal, but she never took any kind of vitamins, supplements or HRT for her symptoms.

I have explained to my family what is going on with my body. They are mostly understanding. If I had continued being short tempered and moody, it would have definitely taken a toll on my families good nature. I was able to resolve this by taking what Anne Gittleman recommended in her book.
I worry that a new symptom will develop where nothing I do will take the edge off of it and I will become unbearable to live with. It is so hard to be upbeat and chipper when you feel so lousy.

Yes, I would say that my family and friends do understand.

My sister has gone through much of what I'm experiencing right now. I have a couple of good friends the same age who are not exactly loving this time of life and my dh is really supportive.

I just wish my doctor took it all as seriously as my friends and family.