Perimenopause, or what is going on? - Menopause Message Board

Jenny R. · 01-22-2007, 03:11 PM

I am 35, soon to be 36, for the last 5 years, I have had migraines, which I never had before this time, weird bug crawling sensations on my face, scalp, legs, and back. The bug crawling sensations is very bad about a week before my period. Migraines come with ovulation, and when period starts, I have insomnia, and once I do get to sleep, about 4 in the morning, I have a hard time getting up, periods our light one month, heavy other times, and they range anywhere from 22-32 days apart. My muscles are sore, hair and skin is definently different, and heart palpitations. Sometimes at night I am awakened by a sudden internal trembling, its so scary and weird. I have had all kinds of bloodwork to rule out anything serious, such as Lupus, RA, Lyme, myeloma, sed rate is normal, thyroid, normal, just last week my gyn had me have my hormone level checked, haven't got the results back yet. My maternal gram went through menopause, naturally at 39, my mother at 50. My neuro wants to do a lumbar puncture next, to rule out MS. My brain, lumbar, thoracic, and c-spine MRI are normal except for a bulging disk at C-3. Does this sound hormonal. Forgot to, neuro told me that she was going to make all the bug crawling sensations go away, it will take a few weeks with the Metanx, but you will notice a big difference. I felt great for 3 weeks, until the PMS started the week before my period, and BAM, everything was back to where it started. Now that I'm finished with my period, its starting to calm down a little, but not as good as before. What do you think? I'm lost. Thanks so much!!!!!! Jen

katidid95 · 01-22-2007, 03:30 PM

All the symptoms you are describing could be peri. I think you are smart to get checked out by your doctor, if anything, to rule out other issues and have peace of mind. Especially since you are on the young side. It will be interesting to see where your hormones are at. I started having peri symptoms around age 38 with an increase in migraines (although not severe, just more frequent), heavy cramps, increased PMS, periods closer together and mild insomnia during PMS. In my early 40's, I also started having increased fatigue and more insomnia, a few hot flashes here and there and lots of chills (basically my body mainly too cold and occasionally too warm, ha!). I read a couple of books about menopause and peri and changed my diet and started taking more supplements. Then about 2 years ago, I also started having horrible anxiety, racing heart or heat palps, dizzyness, horrible insomnia (somethings literally getting about 1-2 hours of sleep) - I thought I was dying of some horrible disease. When I finally had my hormones tested, my Doctor told me I was at menopausal levels even though I still had periods (I'm 48 now). Anyway, I'm now on bioidentical hormones which have helped tremendously, although I still have all or some of my previous symptoms, only at much milder and more manageable levels (and it also helps to know that I don't have some horrible fatal disease!

If you read through the boards, you will see a lot of threads about natural remedies, such as supplements that can help with some things. I take 400 mg of magnesium and have found that it helps with reduced frequency of migraines (as well as cutting way back on the red wine). I also take fish/flax oil capsules, iron, potassium, calcium.

Jenny R. · 01-22-2007, 03:52 PM

Thanks Katidid95!!!! I think I'm on a long journey!!!!

Deeraysmom · 01-22-2007, 03:57 PM

..... Welcome to my world........ Have had all those symptoms too.... Also little zaps that make you jump as if your being shocked...

... Good that you went to your dr. and had a harmone level test....... but I bet it's ugly old peri showing it's face...... Best of luck... Dee

Jenny R. · 01-22-2007, 04:02 PM

Deeraysmom, you had the bug crawling sensations, too? Did you ever get buzzing sensations also? I can't stand it, it drives me crazy!!!! Thanks so much!!!