5 Perimenopause Symptoms I Didn't Know
Seriously, how many pluses are there physically about turning fifty? Pretty much the only one women all look forward to is the end of periods. Ok, so we may have some hot flashes and some mood swings too. And to be honest, the mood swings I really don’t care about because it affects the people around me more than me.
But if that’s all I have to put up with, it sounds worth it to me if it signals the end of my monthly visitor. Well, surprise, surprise, there are more perimenopause symptoms than what TV has led me to believe and my mother never told me about that suck even more.
5 Perimenopause Symptoms That Suck More Than Hot Flashes
Sleep disruption.
I would kill to be able to sleep like a teenager again. Stay up all night and then sleep all the next day and catch up. Now, I go weeks without sleeping properly and there is no catch up sleep. Ever. I actually believe this is the reason for most mood swings.
I can't seem to get a good solid few hours without waking. And then it's nearly impossible to fall back asleep once I wake, until it's close to alarm time of course. I'm used to my husband's snoring and that no longer wakes me anymore but a creak on the floor downstairs wakes me up like a five alarm fire bell. I am better than any Ring camera for detecting movement.
Bloating and Cramps.
Oh yay! I'm not actually getting a period but still get the bloating and cramping. Thank you uterus. My pants don't fit. My ankles are turning into cankles. And I look more like my mother more and more with every passing day.
Heavy sudden periods.
At least when I was regular, I knew approximately when to expect my period and be prepared. But now, I can go three months without getting one and then all of a sudden have a huge whoosh as my insides empty out. And believe me, ain't no size pad gonna be able to handle that.
And of course, you are totally caught off guard. The old adage still stands btw, if you are planning a vacation or have a physical scheduled, that is when you will get it.
P.S. Don't let your supply run out yet and keep that spare in your purse too.
10 Freaking Years.
Perimenopause Symptoms can start as early as 30 and last anywhere from a few months (who are those bitches) to 10 years. Yes, you read that right. 10 YEARS! WTF!
Please don't let that be me.
Weight Gain.
The beginning of the middle age spread. Weight gain, apparently, is a common perimenopause symptom. All that work to stay active and eat right my entire life and now my body decides to do double time against me. Give me a break!
I am finally at a point in my life when I can slow down a bit. Great. Now let’s throw in a slower metabolism and hormonal changes to really pack on the pounds.
And this list is just for starters. Facial hair? I just figured out that the bearded lady was only an average woman going through menopause.
Many women experience a multitude of perimenopause symptoms. It's no wonder they have mood swings. The rest of you are just going to have to deal with that. We deserve to be cranky.
See WebMD for more information about menopause and perimenopause symptoms here.
Feel free to share your experiences with this special time in your life.
Thank you for sharing. I had no idea and had no one to even talk about these matters. My mom acts like that is foreign too her and changes the subject. I am 52 and I am not sure what is going on with missed periods and the sudden hot feeling all over my body. I appreciate your information and guidance.
Anyone experiencing high blood pressure with the premenopausa am dealing with that
Hello, I’m 52 and started experiencing chronic mood swings in my early 30’s. To the point that those in my “line of fire” thought I was either losing my mind or may be bi-polar!
After seeing a wonderful OB-Gyn in 2017 where she diagnosed me as being “Mid-Menopause” at the age of 48, and answering many of my questions for the last 10 years of my psychotic behavior along with severe forgetfulness and losing, on average, two pairs of prescription glasses per year, buying multiple pairs of readers from Walgreens, and every other symptom that comes with peri-menopause forward, if it’s a symptom, I’ve had/have it! It’s been 2 years since my full hysterectomy and the symptoms have not subsided, only intensified. I was told that women who’ve started their periods in their mid teens (14 yrs and up) and have had an easy/light period all their lives would most likely have a very hard menopause with all the bells n whistles, compared to a woman that gets her period at a younger age of 12-13 yrs old and younger with heavy periods lasting 5-7 days with cramps all their lives were most likely to have an easier menopause with less symptoms.
I started my period at age 15, not a single cramp, ever, very light periods that lasted 2-3 days for 30 years. (never even knew what a cramp felt like until menopause)
Then I had a full hysterectomy due to Pre-invasive cancer of the uterus and suddenly every symptom associated with menopause hit me like a ton of bricks! Hot flashes are so bad they hit me like I’m being “electrocuted “ that’s the only way I can describe the feeling when they hit me, this happens at least 20x’s every night as I’m watching tv or trying to sleep.
I was diagnosed with “Combined Chronic ADHD” at the age of 11 due to Sexual abuse at the ages of 4 through 10, Chronic /Severe PTSD At the age of 38 due to extreme physical abuse from the age of 19-26 from my ex husband.
Now I’ve acquired many allergies and most or all of them are to things I’ve been in contact with my entire life or have consumed a lot of over the years. e.g., Until recently, I’ve consumed on average, a gallon of 2% milk daily, now I can only have a small glass every other day, I can no longer touch anything with latex, as in paint, waxes, gloves, and multiple other items. My life work has been painting and remodeling for the past 30 years, “A woman’s Touch painting & designs”
Basically anything and everything that I have been in constant contact or have consumed on a daily basis is off limits to me.
I’ve had horrific blisters covering my legs and arms since May 2020 and was just recently diagnosed with contact dermatitis. No creams, antibiotics, steroids or shots were working until I knew the blisters were connected to my menopause, inflated allergies, stress, anxiety, hot flashes, and all the other symptoms that I got stuck with! On top of all that, A woman going through Peri-menopause/Mid-Menopause and full blown Menopause with Combined chronic ADHD like I have, or any form of Mental disability, are likely to get hit with more severe symptoms and/or, every menopausal symptom a woman can possibly be hit with, and then some! We’ll, I can confirm this theory!! I get anxiety so bad just by thinking about having to leave my house for an appt I may have a month from now! I’m always trying to find excuses to cancel family gatherings, Dr’s appointments, and my latest cancellation was just today, I’ve had airline tickets to go see my daughter and granddaughter in Texas for the last 3 months and was scheduled to fly down there 07/21/21 and I just canceled and made up a lie to my daughter because I can’t take the anxiety for the next few days until the flight. I will have deep remorse after the 21st has come and gone, then I’ll be dealing with the depression associated with that also.. it’s a non-stop nightmare of a constant vicious cycle. When does this subside or slow down? What can I do to help with the symptoms I’m struggling with? On top of all this, I lost my sister recently due to cancer of the uterus, and lost my brother from a brain aneurysm in 2018.
I’m falling deeper and deeper into a depression
I’m afraid I won’t be able to get myself out of.
Anyone else experiencing this kind of menopause? Any advice or personal experiences of your own would be greatly appreciated! I’m at the end of my rope and ready to throw in the towel.
P.S. I have a boyfriend that insists this is all in my head, accuses me of being on drugs, because I’m either “sleeping too much, or not sleeping enough”
He offers no help and refuses to educate himself on my issues and even insisted he go with me to my last Gynecologist appt to “speak with my Dr about my issues”
During the appt he followed me into the exam room, basically insisted to my Dr that I was on some form of drugs, which really upset her at this point, she looked at him very sternly and told him I’m perfectly normal with all he told her, and to get prepared for a long bumpy ride because this could go on for the next 10 years!
At that point I requested that she do a drug panel screening on my urine AND my blood so that he couldn’t say later that I somehow faked the urine test. One week later my results were in, both the urine analysis and the Blood screening. Not even as much as a Tylenol or baby aspirin were found in either screening! I was negative for any drug known and not even alcohol were in my blood/urine.
After all that, I’m still being harassed on a daily basis as to why I’m so forgetful, moody, bad insomnia, or chronic sleeping habits, and so on. I’ve had 3 more tests since then and all have been negative for everything. I’m even afraid to take my prescribed medications of iron, vitamin D, Potassium, and Wellbutrin for the hot flashes bc then he’ll insists my symptoms are due to my medications. I stopped taking my Stratera for my ADHD back in 2018 due to his accusations and it has been affecting me horribly. What can I do to prove to him that what I’m going through is all part of menopause and not me doing anything illegal? I desperately need help and have needed help for the last 3 years, I cannot handle this on my own any longer. Thank you in advance and I apologize for the long story.
Jackie from California.
I’m 36 and started experiencing this last year. Hot flashes, insane cramping and acne 5-7 days before my period, shortened period, crazy mood swings, and NOW my breasts are shrinking. There’s not much there to begin with. I’m really saddened by it and feel alone since no one else I know that’s my age is dealing with this. Drs haven’t been willing to do hormone testing, they all say I’m too young to start Peri.
I would go see another dr. My friend started around your age. Finally got a doctor to agree and test and lo and behold, she was right.
Hello I am 47 and have no idea what I am experiencing whether it is peri or straight on meno. Last year or so have had the heavy periods, brain fog, and moodiness and no desire for well you know....! I have a dr that is so hard to get into see and especially with the pandemic on... I refuse to go emerg! And as of last month I have been on blood thinners for DVT. My body is doing a number on meSo I am happy to have come across this blog to hear I am not going crazy!
Rest assured you are not! I’m glad you found the post useful.
I’m almost 45 just went to ob/gyn said my estrogen was less than 9.5 have had day hot flashes , not bad lately , always been active now have the belly weight everyone talks about , can’t sleep and I’m always drained and tired during the day .. no period since December .. who all has been on HRT? My doctor recommended duavee but I’m just nervous taking anything due to all the risk and cancer warnings .. what have you all tried naturally or anything for that matter that has worked ? I’m new going through this so any advice will be nice
I’m 45 and don’t really get a whole lot of night sweats, I get heat flashes all day long. Anxiety kicks in with them and rapid heart rate, I thought I was going to die. No period for two months, but bloating and stomach pressure like no other! Thought I was losing my mind. I’m glad I’m not alone.
Night sweats ... taking forever to get to sleep ... and oh, what was the third thing I've noticed?! Oh yeah, vagueness! The joys ;-)
One of the things besides lack of sleep is the vaginal dryness. No wonder all the jokes about women not wanting sex. I git on hormones and it did help.
Don't forget the anxiety and depression symptoms! Rushed to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. Nope! Just an anxiety attack! Then there are times I will be doing something and BOOM! Open the floodgates because I burst into tears for NO reason. I feel like I'm going crazy! Along with vaginally dryness, no desire to have sex, muscle aches, fatigue, brain fog, memory problems, incontinence, and the list goes on. No hot flashes yet but I'm sure they're a'comin' ! Ahhh...The joys of being a woman! :-/
I have dealt with most of sll these symptons. An abnormal pap revealed stage 2 uterine cancer and the DR told me that heavy bleeding or periods at or after 50 is the main symptom. Don't stopped annual checkups.
My periods started at age 9, I am now 48 and have been in peri-menopause for the last 10 years. I used to have horrendous night sweats and began taking I-Cool. I took it for 1 month (kept intending to buy more and forgetting) and never had anymore night sweats. Daytime hot-flashes are another story...the I-Cool did seem to help with them somewhat so I need to start taking it again. My biggest problem is with my memory and just not being able to think clearly, it drives me crazy. I'm constantly forgetting important things, and can hardly hold a coherent conversation with someone because I struggle to search for words I've used my whole life.... I've been period free going on 5 months now...woo-hoo!!
Oh no. You shouldn't have written that last line. I hope you haven't jinxed yourself. lol
I have every symptom that you mentioned, plus a few more. My Dr tried to help me with various drugs (which I admit that I was afraid to use, but did use because I was desperate), but was not able to find any that helped. I have heard that diet and exercise help the most. I recently lost "the spread" by following the Ideal Protein diet. Great results and while dieting my menopause symptoms went away. (double pleasure!) I can deal with moods, sweats, weight... but what scares me the most is the memory. Does it get better? Will all of the things that I have forgotten, ever come back? Brain fog is real and it is not fun.
I am so glad to hear you conquered the other symptoms but...I forgot the rest. I have no idea if it comes back but some things are best lost.
I started my periods when I was 7, Now I'm 43 full on Perimenopause. When will this ever end???? Hot flashes that makes me feel like I live in the Amazon when it's -10 out side, mood swings from Mary Sunshine to wanting to bite the heads of fluffy bunnies. I can't lose weight for anything. I'm getting head migraines like crazy.
7????!!!! You deserve a medal. I hope it ends soon for you.
Omg, Elena! I so totally feel your pain! I started symptoms in my late 30's. Now at 47, I'm still showing them. The worse ones for me are irregular, gushers of a period, headaches, and sleeping. I am so ready for this crap to be over! Thanks for sharing this! I'm passing it along to all my girlies!
I hope it is over soon for you Brenda. I am up to six months and hope I can pass that one year mark for the official sign of "done". I have been optimistic several times now before the surprise disappointment. lol Fingers crossed.
Oh yes, the joys of womanhood. Peri at 40, 55 now, flashes, rage swings (the wanna stab you kind), insomnia, horrible monthly gushing (never knew how long pads & tampons would last, sometimes only 20 minutes), forgetfullness, so much fun, NOT! Poor hubby would hide in the basement, hell, I wanted to hide in the basement. Went to doc, she suggested the Mirena, which has worked beautifully. Rage-gone, horrible gushing-gone - but still have spotting, most symptoms have decreased, except flashes and I have fewer sleepless nights. Much to my dismay, still have that beautiful monthly visitor but soooo managable now. People are still alive and I'm not in prison, so that's a positive, right?!
That is very positive! Let me know if you ever need bail money. We have to stick together!
That is progress! My gyn refused mirena. Something about my age and the risks. Im 48. Oh boy can I relate to the RAGE. It is the worst! And the anxiety can be brutal. To be honest, screw natural remedies! I treat severe anxiety with my prescription for Ativan when needed, if I can't sleep I pop a half of a prescription sleeping pill. Go ahead world......judge me. Running helps keep the weight off, but i still keep some stretchy pants handy.
Like everyone here, I understand. It is tough stuff!!
My lovely peri menopause symptoms included the hot flashes and morning sickness.
Oh dear! That sounds awful. I will stop complaining now. Lol
So far I've not had one symptom and I'm 52. My luck I will be in my sixties and still going every month. I enjoyed my pregnancies and had quick easy deliveries, so maybe I'll breeze thru this part. I can only hope.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Lol
My sister claims she had no symptoms. No hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, etc. One day her periods stopped (she was 51 when that happened) and that was it! Now, my other sister and I are experiencing EVERY symptom. It is very possible you'll breeze through! It does happen. Let's hope you're one of those people!
@lisatheatheist,
From what I’ve heard, women that started their periods from the ages 13/14 and up and have had easy/light periods throughout their lives are more likely to have a rough menopause with multiple symptoms compared to a woman that starts her period at an early age, 11 and younger, and whom have experienced heavy monthly periods, cramping and bloating are more likely to have an easier menopause with less symptoms. I started my period at the age of 15, never had one single cramp throughout the 30 years of my periods, they lasted 2-3 days and were extremely light bleeding. No more than spots at a time. Now I’m 52, had a full hysterectomy at age 50, I was diagnosed with ADHD by age 9, at 38 I was diagnosed ADHD-Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive, (due to entering into Peru-menopause and low estrogen levels)
Now my ADHD is much more difficult to manage and hide from friends/family.
Not all women have the same symptoms/outcomes.
See your OB-Gyn regularly, as well as your family Dr, and If things worsen, try talking to a psychiatrist for cognitive therapy. I haven’t tried the cognitive therapy yet, (COVID-19 )
Haven’t been able to have in person appts with psychiatrist, but I’ve read reviews on cognitive therapy and it seems to help!
I’m entering my 3rd year since my hysterectomy, the hot flashes haven’t subsided yet, the Wellbutrin to control them only makes my stomach sick so I rarely take them, basically whenever I remember to take them I take half the dosage prescribed, talk to as many women as you can to keep your mind from thinking the worst! Good luck!
I started all this at the age of 34. My doctor refused to believe it was menopause cause i was so young. But i knew exactly what was going on. My mom also went though menopause early. They tested my FSH when i was 36 and it was a 22. She said it should have been about 8 and with a level like that, i should be in full menopause at any time. Now I'm 38 and I've gained about 50 pounds over the 4 years. And lucky me, i still have a period every 8 months. Which means I'm not fully done until i go an entire year without one. I finally discovered how wonderful black cohosh is for hot flashes. I only had real bad ones for a couple months early on but i still have them every now and then. And the black cohosh makes them stop immediately. I take it for a couple of days and don't have to take it again for a long time. I wish i would have taken it years ago when i was up all night soaked with sweat. All of it is definately no fun!
Thank you so much for the tip. My friend went early too and her doc didn't believe it either till they did the test. I'm hoping to go a year since the last time. Fingers crossed.
I suspect I may be in peri-menopause!! I'm in my mid 40s and recently started with periods that don't want to end!! They start off heavy for a few days then the rest of the time are light and annoying!! I've had night sweats and insomnia for awhile now, but with all the medicine I take for my RA, I've just assumed it was that!! Weight gain has been horrible the last six months and I've been bloating and gassy!! My poor husband!! One minute I'm lovey dovey and the next, I don't want him anywhere near me!! I haven't been to my gynecologist in a few years!! I guess I should make an appointment!! Ugh!!
Yes you should girl! Get on that and save your marriage. lol
The worst for me was, and continues to be, the extreme lack of moisture - it makes sex uncomfortable at the least and miserably impossible at worst. I will be going to a new Ob-Gyn in January. Fingers crossed that she can offer more than low-dose estrogen and a half-assed mention that sex is more about one's mindset.
Wow. I have a mind to have that doctor banned. That advice was really helpful. Not.
I've been in peri for several years now...I'm only 37. Hot flashes and night sweats are miserable. I sleep with 2 fans on high, and still woke up last night dripping in sweat. I almost cried when the doctor told me. I had surgery at age 29 due to heavy, irregular periods (ranging from every 2 weeks to every 4 months, depending). So, had an ablation. All was well and good. Still had occasional periods, lasting 1/2 day and barely noticeable. Went 3 years without one, then had one 2 weeks ago. WTH?!? Blood work last year showed hormones in normal range for my age. I started using progesterone cream a couple of weeks ago. At least that helped with some of the night sweats.
That is good to hear. I hate sweating at night. Yuck. Yes, I thought my surprise periods were long over. Apparently not.
I have been having hot flashes now for 13 yrs. and since I can't have kids. I had my internist tell me oh 15 yrs. at least so I only have 11/2 yrs. to go. I hope so, cause this last year I have been so hot. I know what my mom went through. Only she felt like this a lot longer it seemed back then.
Time flies when you're having fun. Remember that. lol
Try cutting out grains. Its hard but its amazing how well sleep returns. Highly recommend The Wheat Belly books.
been in peri for 12 years and counting. been on estrogen for 1.5 years to help with the rage. Hope to drop that soon but not counting my chicks. also coming off bipolar. your husband maybe has some help with his sleep? I know, different story.
I think I took sleeping pills once in my life and they never worked so I doubt they would now. I am so strong willed that way. 12 years? ugh!!!!!
Thankful to that Hysterectomy 10 years ago for the no periods but all the other crap with the Autoimmune stuff it's just a crazy time
Peri-menopause for me (and my mom) composed of periods every two weeks! Yes, this occurred for many months until the last one consisting of a pale yellowness. Yea! No more. As for those hot flashes, when I wake up during the night (yeah, still having trouble sleeping) and move or roll over, I plan ahead and kick off the blankets and wait for the hot flash which will always occur in about 5 minutes. I'm 65. Life continues to be interesting
I think my heart fell out when I read your age and that it's still happening! NOOOOOOOO!!!!
That is what I have been going through for the past 5+ years. But I'm only 36 now. Every 2 weeks or so. Some months 3 times. Other months are now starting to skip altogether. Some last a couple days of spotting. Other times are heavy duty for 6 days at a time.
Sandy
I've figured out for myself as long as I break a sweat for at least 20 minutes during the day and no wine (ugh!), I get a good night sleep. But I still can't tame the mid-aged middle spread...i barely eat and I cut out sugar and bread/pasta exercise daily and I'm still spreading....
I give up! lol
I always had mood swings, hot flashes, bloating and pretty much everything else from the time I first got my period at 16. When I actually went through menopause a few years ago I honestly had no clue. My FSH levels were the highest my doctor had ever seen! I guess all those years of constant symptoms finally paid off :)
I'm not sure if that was a positive or negative. lol
Menopause and perimenopause are just the next steps in the "sucks at times to be a woman" part of life. I am still getting my periods but with the middle age spread and a few other 'fun' bits thrown in - I'm not sure it's ever going to end - I figure I could qualify as the oldest living fertile woman if this keeps up (oh joy!)
Oh lord, all those stories of change of life babies! I would die! Stay safe Leanne! lol
My husbands mother was 45 when she had him. She said that he was what kept her young!!!!!
I can't even imagine. I would think the opposite would be true once they hit the teenage years.
I used to sleep well, now I just seem to doze. I never drop off before midnight and gone and from 4.30 in the morning I'm just dreaming of sleep.
I hear ya! My brain turning to mush from lack of sleep.
You've hit the nail on the head, exactly what I'm in right now... its rubbish and it can stop n ow please lol. zzzzz
Exactly! Sweet sleep, how you evade me!
I saved myself with Bio-Identical Hormones. Been taking them for years and they've made a huge difference. Now, if I can just remember where I left my reading glasses . . .
Kimberly
http://FiftyJewels.com
They are probably on your head!
I was glad to get out of the perimenopause stage. Then the big M hit me at age 49 along with power surges EVERY hour. I had read about HRT and talked to my doc and got me on estrogen patch with progesterone. Worked like a charm, but gained a few pounds. Not on HRT anymore but I flash occasionally. Hilarious post but sadly true!
I can handle everything but the lack of sleep. good to hear it gets better!
I'm so glad I'm past that!! It does get better:).
I will hold you to that! lol
Must admit I'm 50 and still sleeping well - I wonder if I've passed the insomnia part to my husband instead?...I've always been hot and moodiness...hmm...maybe! LOL! I've heard panic attacks are more frequent too - that is a symptom I hate as I used to suffer years ago and I don't fancy encountering those feelings again.
I wish I could pass that on to him. My husband sleeps like a rock. Literally can fall asleep in seconds flat and be snoring! Which doesn't help me at all I tell ya.