Are these symptoms Perimenopause? - Menopause Message Board

Kaylasly · 07-03-2005, 01:33 PM

Hi,
I usually post on the Thyroid disorders board as I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last Dec. I thought some of the symptoms were from being hypo, but now I am on medication and I have thyroid levels in the normal range according to my doc. But my period which was always on the 28 day cycle is now coming every 5 to 6 weeks. I get the cramps and feel like it is going to start and then it doesn't. Once it does, it lasts for a few days and then I start experiencing hot flashes something terrible. They last for about 2 weeks and then I have some comfort for about a week then pms again. Does anyone else here have these symptoms? I am 42 yrs old and when I mention it to people they say "you are too young to be going through that already" Any input would be helpful, I feel like I have lost control of my body! Also have weight gain and can't seem to get it off no matter what I do. Thanks!

littlejmb · 07-03-2005, 01:39 PM

You bet these are symptoms of perimenopause! It will nearly drive you crazy. I can totally relate to what you are saying. I was probably about 45 when my symptoms like yours started - first just skipping a period about once or twice a year, but after that it got more often, got to where I would get extremely nervous, very moody, etc. The hot flashes and night sweats didn't start until I was either 49 or fifty. You will most likely suffer thru this for several years until you hit menopause. Hang in there girl, for it's going to be a rough ride! I won't lie to you. There is a lot of support here on these boards and I only wish I had known about them with I was having most of my peri symptoms! Would have made it a lot easier. Through reading on threads here, I have found lots of things that I experienced were actually perimenopause symptoms and I had no idea!

Take care

Sissypie · 07-03-2005, 01:55 PM

There are a lot of people who start experiencing perimenopause symptoms in their 30's, so 42 is not too young at all.

Your post describes classic symptoms, and I can certainly relate to the PMS one. My periods are still as regular as clockwork, but my pms is out of control. I'm like you in that I have about one good week, and then it starts building up all over again.

I haven't had a hot flash yet, but I deal with constant insomnia.

Today, I decided I was going to get one of the menopause test kits. My doctor gives me the run around about perimenopause, and seems to hinge everything on my regular periods. I am just curious to see what the test kit shows.

Hang in there....it's a frustrating journey, but there is a lot of support here and lots of valuable information from the experts. Who better than women who are in the same boat???

Sandi

Ga Lady · 07-05-2005, 06:13 AM

Your definetly not too young. I am having the same symptoms. And I am only 36. My mother went thru menopause at 39/40 and never had a problem. But mine is mixed with PMS and these peri symptoms all at once. My Gyn has prescribed progesterone, which I haven't taken yet. And also put me on a low dose of zoloft (I used to take it for PMS and got the "didn't care" attitude. But she feels that I need a lower dose than before and that it will help these mood swings. ( I pray so...my kids and hubby are ready to run away I believe) So don't let anyone tell you your too young. I heard that and heard that until I went to my Gyn and she said most definetly early menopause and peri and PMS all in one bag! Good luck and hopefully we'll get through this all together. I just wish my moods would even out! I am usually easy going. Now if the socks don't match up right, it's the end of the world!

Hopefully · 07-05-2005, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ga Lady

Your definetly not too young. I am having the same symptoms. And I am only 36. My mother went thru menopause at 39/40 and never had a problem. But mine is mixed with PMS and these peri symptoms all at once. My Gyn has prescribed progesterone, which I haven't taken yet. And also put me on a low dose of zoloft (I used to take it for PMS and got the "didn't care" attitude. But she feels that I need a lower dose than before and that it will help these mood swings. ( I pray so...my kids and hubby are ready to run away I believe) So don't let anyone tell you your too young. I heard that and heard that until I went to my Gyn and she said most definetly early menopause and peri and PMS all in one bag! Good luck and hopefully we'll get through this all together. I just wish my moods would even out! I am usually easy going. Now if the socks don't match up right, it's the end of the world!

Ga Lady, I know so very well what you mean about those mood swings. When mine is at their worst I have to warn my family. Sometimes they heed the warning other times they have to feel the wrath

. They were worst before I started taking bcp and Wellbutrin. I'll go days feeling wonderful with my mood being even then out of nowhere I mad, sad, irritable, happy, weepy, happy, mad, sad, irritable...etc..there is no rhyme or reason to this peri stuff. I hope you find whatever will work for you.