I turned 44 last Sept. I had my blood and such done last year and the dr. informed me of the same thing (though I could have told you that myself :-). I figure the best thing I can do for myself is lose weight so that is what I am trying to do. Friend me if you would like, I understand what you are feeling.

I'm 48. Have always had regular periods, every 28 days. This past year they have started to become irregular. And now my period is over 3 weeks late. I'm thinking I must be starting menopause. But no other symptoms.

I'm 49 but my brain tells me I'm 29. Always had, regular, light periods. couple months ago started heavy bleeding, hot flashes and weight gain around my middle. need reading glasses and have ridges on my finger nails, doc answer to everything is the same...your peri-menopausal!!!

I'm 47 and first started noticing things (like hotflashes and night sweats and dizziness) when I was about 43.

I still have periods. Sometimes.

Hi I'm new to posting too, but I'm 44 and started getting hot flashes a good 3 years ago. It drives me insane. I also think I have slight depression from it and it affects my diet and exercise, often turning to food as comfort, so my weight goes up, then down, then up, then down. Classic example of yoyo dieter and I'm over it, Just want to shift the kgs and keep them off for good. Am interested in knowing what others have done to control the hot flashes and menopausal symptoms in general. Is anyone taking anything ? I went to see a naturopath for a while and that helped, then I went and saw an alternative doctor and that seemed to help too, but truth is I don't want to rely on anything but feel I really do need something most days. My emotions are all out of whack too. I'll cry for no reason at times and get angry and impatient with "life". I must really sound like a fruit cake lol!!!

I'm 45, last cycle was when I was 42. Symptoms started prior to that.

I am 44, have not had a cycle for over three years. Fully menopausal. Hot flashes have been very rough, mood swings, whole nine yards. The worst is not sleeping well. I have found if I eat healthy, exercise regularly and keep alcohol intake low, hot flashes are much better, Easy, right? :embarassed: Have had some miserable days but keep telling myself it is only temporary. I highly recommend the book Our Bodies Ourselves Menopause. Great info no matter what option you choose and great insights. Reading it made me feel glad to know I am not alone.

I'm 48 and have some of the symptoms now for a few years. Still have the period though
It's very hard to adapt to getting old, but my husband is dealing with low-testosterone issues, so I don't feel as bad.
The hard part is still wanting sex, and he doesn't . Well, he does, but he doesn't get the desire because of the low-T, and that's hard to take as a woman too because we want be be desireable.
It's a matter of telling yourself that it's life, and we have to find a balance to our self-worth, rather than age.
Taking vitamin supplements definitely helps with the night sweats !! I take a good green powder vitamin supplement every morning and the difference is huge ! I never had hot flashes, although I do feel warm overall most of the time.
I can't stress enough that vitamin supplements are huge in squelching alot of the symptoms.

Can you please share the name of the supplement you're taking?

Thanks!

Hi, I'm a newibe to both this group and MFP. Janaury 2012, my blood work up confirmed peri-menopause. Since my 45th birthday, I'm not in a good place meantally or physically. Feeling over whelmed all the time, sad, angry, not giving a rats *kitten*, severe case of clausterphobia for some reason, I just got get enough space!!! No hot flashes but running warm ALL.THE. TIME! Now, I'm having trouble sleeping and whoever came up with "Don't sweat the small stuff", I just want punch square in the face!! Cause if the garbage is taken out, dirty clothes not in the hamper and the 2 dishes in the sick can't get washed...those around me run for the hills..LOL
My job is another story but definitely does not help with my rollercoaster ride of emotions. I'm tired of feeling this way and being uncomfortable in my own skin. I'm 5'11 and 166# so I am within my weight range (I think) but I can't stand the loose, jiggly feeling anymore either, I don't even want my spouse touching me. After months of reading articles on menopause, diet/exercise, nutrition/supplements...Here I am! Ready, willing and able..today anyway as the mood swing permits..LOL

Looking for friends to share this rollercoaster ride with

I'm 37 and already experiencing insomnia, night sweats, crazy nightmares and dreams, and occasional hot flashes. I'm finding it insanely difficult to get off the midsection weight I've never experienced before. I've gained 10 pounds. I used to be able to lose weight with no problem, not now! I'm also crazy emotional- very similar to when I was pregnant. One minute I'm crying over nothing (and I'm not one to cry) and the next I'm fuming mad at nothing as well. I am scheduled to go in for bloodwork to confirm peri-menopause since I had a total hysterectomy 3 years ago my cycle is not a good predictor of where I am.

I am 42 and having intermittent hot flashes (particularly when agitated) mood swings and some depression. I cannot get rid of my belly which I never had up until this past fall. now +20lbs later and I feel horrid. I just can't seem to drop the weight or the "front bum".

I'm so glad I ran across this group! I'm turning 43 next month and my periods have been irregular for about a year. My worst symptoms are sleeplessness and mood swings something awful! I don't really have hot flashes, thank God...but have had night sweats a couple of times. I thought I was losing my mind! Everyone keeps telling me..."you're too young!" But, my Mom went thru this about my age... I found Remifemin at Walgreen's that seems to be helping with my mood swings and I take a Melatonin at night to help me sleep. So far, so good.

Does anyone else experience dizziness or get lightheaded?

Hi there

42 and having HEAVY periods every 2 weeks like clockwork. I went to my Doctor who confirmed Peri-menopause and get this he wants me to go on Birth Control to control the periods.
When I was 35 I had my tubes tied because I had been on Birth Control for 21 years at that point and was tired of putting the chemicals in my system.
How is that for irony?

Hello ladies. I'm 46 and dr. confirmed that I'm in peri-menopause. I have been getting hot flashes since I was 42 and irregular periods. I used to miss a month then get it regular again then miss again. Now I'm having phantom periods. For 2 to 3 weeks I'm bloated and cramping and feeling like any minute I'll get it but nothing happens. It was easier when I just got my period and got it over with. These phantom periods last much longer and are worse than if I just got my period. Anyone getting phantom periods?

I started peri-menopause right before I got pg with my daughter when I was 36.
I think it was my irregular cycle that got me pg in the first place.
Anywho, after I had her, that seemed to re-set my body and I was back to normal for a few years.
But between 40 & 42, I went back into peri-menopause and am definitely moving towards full menopause.
I've gone as long as six months without a period and then it comes on like gangbusters and trickles out for weeks afterwards.
The hot flashes come and go with zero predictability as well.
Don't even as about mood swings.:grumble:
I used to be a 28 day cycle with the same flow pattern every month.
I've heard this whole peri thing can drag on for 10 years.... :sad: