Let's get off that skinny topic and discuss something else...LOL

First off, been to the doctor all is GREAT with me...(yearly exam...nothing came back irregular) but I've noticed a change in my cycle and didn't address it at my last exam...Was thinking mabye it was Perimenopause but I'm a bit young...(33)

So anyways, my cycle used to be reliable every 28 days!! (from first day to first day) now its down to about every 21-24 days...not like clockwork anymore and lasts about 5-6 days....so as you can imagine it ALWAYS feels like its that TOM for me Got thinking about it, because this weekend I was a bit grumpy and hungry....and it never occured to me that it was PMS until I noticed my breasts were tender and big......Last one started on the 6th and this one should be here by tuesday...making this cycle again VERY short...

So I was looking online at the symtoms and change of pattern of cycle is #1.....So anyone else?? What kind of Menopause-related symptoms do you have/had during perimenopause...How hold were you???

I have been experiencing perimenopause for about a year. I have experienced vomitting before my period. Was worried but looked some stuff up and nausea is very common. My sleeping patterns are kind of weird sometimes. I have severe mood swings. I am either starving or not hungry.
My feet are cold, I have hot flashes and cold chills.
And the most severe symptoms are emotional. I find myself more and more nostalgic looking more for meaning in things in my life.
I have realized that I am really getting older that my physical body is not capable of as much as it used to be. I am consciously aware of the possibility of a broken hip which I have seen people have and it is not pleasant and hard to recover from.
I am more aware of my safety i.e. in parking lots and who is following me while driving.
I am feeling mortal.
All in all I am not disappointed. I am thankful I am experiencing this at a time when age is not a limitation and where there is so much helpful information on how to keep myself in good shape. My Mother was 45 in the 70s and my grandma was 45 in the 30s or 40s and that was old back then.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I just turned 40 and am peri-menopausal. It really stinks....you get all the menopause symptoms (hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain) and still get PMS and your period! So unfair!!

My dr prescribed a low dose birth control pill to regulate my periods....I would go 2 months without one, then get one every two weeks for a couple months, etc. BUT...the pill made all the PMS worse! I was snapping at my kids and completely not myself!

Finally, I called the local health foods store and talked to the most wonderful lady....(I was totally bawling on the phone as I talked to her!) She advised me to use Fem-creme, which is a progesterone cream. You count the day you start to bleed as Day 1, then start using the lotion on Day 12--rub it on your wrists, inside your elbows and on your chest for about 14 days, until you get your next period. It works so well, keeps me regular and I have noticed less cramping, bloating etc!

She also advised me to use Remifemin, which is a sleep aid. Life is sooooo much more managable when you get a great nights sleep!!! All told, it was about $50 for a two month supply of both things.

Necessary Disclaimer: the Health foods lady is not a medical doctor and I would advise you to check with your Dr if you have any other medical conditions to make sure the Fem creme and Remifemin dont interact with other Rx's.

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"It's not about how much baggage you have, it's about whether or not you can carry your own baggage with grace and dignity."