Is It Over Yet? The Perimenopause Thread

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

One thing I wanted to share, having come out the other side -- some oddness still goes on after your periods stop. I still had times where my body acted like it was trying to do something. My breasts would become incredibly, painfully tender and stay that way for weeks and I'd get all the lovely water weight gain.

I still have cyclical water weight shenanigans happening, along with the lovely bloating it brings, even though the accompanying breast pain has gone.

This is all still happening two and half years after my last period. The occasional hot flash still happens too. I've been dealing with them off and on for ten years.

Thank you for sharing this because I imagine that others will go through it too. While our doctors may not acknowledge it at least we'll know that these symptoms aren't necessarily abnormal (well, my current doctor wouldn't be understanding or acknowledging anyway ).

DeficitDuchess wrote: »

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

I am going to add, while I'm not "happy" about any symptoms others may have I am glad to see vertigo mentioned so much. I thought something was medically wrong with me for a very long time. I have found that this is the worst nearing my period. Aside for making sure to stay hydrated as inadequate fluids seem to make it worse, I find some simple neck stretches help a lot. I don't know if it's a psychological thing or if it really does something aside from obviously relaxing the neck muscles, but it helps me.

I completely understand, your issue; with vertigo! I had it approximately a month ago, for nearly 2 weeks; for the 1st time!

Didn't it scare you?! I was convinced I had something serious going on! It also triggered panic attacks and anxiety. I have finally gotten used to it and now I know it's going to pass in a couple of weeks. I just have to try and ride it out.

I am loving this thread! I'm 44 and in a weird combination of perimenopausal while also still waiting for my first post partum period after my twins were born 15 months ago. Add insomnia to toddlers waking up 2-3 times each, and I am a sleep deprived mess!

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

I am going to add, while I'm not "happy" about any symptoms others may have I am glad to see vertigo mentioned so much. I thought something was medically wrong with me for a very long time. I have found that this is the worst nearing my period. Aside for making sure to stay hydrated as inadequate fluids seem to make it worse, I find some simple neck stretches help a lot. I don't know if it's a psychological thing or if it really does something aside from obviously relaxing the neck muscles, but it helps me.

For a year or two I could tell when my period was about to start because I would get really dizzy for 2-3 days ... and then my period would start and I'd be dizzy that day too, and then the dizziness would go away. Every single month.

Fortunately that has died off now, and I only experience it maybe a couple times a year.


I did go to a Dr about it (a female Dr), and was told that she didn't know what it could be. Perhaps I was mistaken about the onset and perhaps the dizziness really started when my period started ... in which case it might be the loss of blood.

I informed her that I was not mistaken, I had been tracking it for months, and it always started 2-3 days before my period started. And although it did continue into the first day of my period, that was a light day, so loss of blood couldn't account for it.

Then I got ... well, perhaps it's hormones. You know hormones can do strange things sometimes.

Yeah, I know. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that from doctors when they don't have the foggiest why you're going through something.


Anyway, interestingly, when the dizziness eased up, it was replaced by hot flashes, night sweats, and wicked toe, feet, and calf cramps during the 2-3 days leading up to my period.

I'm not sure which is worse.

Machka9 wrote: »

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

I am going to add, while I'm not "happy" about any symptoms others may have I am glad to see vertigo mentioned so much. I thought something was medically wrong with me for a very long time. I have found that this is the worst nearing my period. Aside for making sure to stay hydrated as inadequate fluids seem to make it worse, I find some simple neck stretches help a lot. I don't know if it's a psychological thing or if it really does something aside from obviously relaxing the neck muscles, but it helps me.

For a year or two I could tell when my period was about to start because I would get really dizzy for 2-3 days ... and then my period would start and I'd be dizzy that day too, and then the dizziness would go away. Every single month.

Fortunately that has died off now, and I only experience it maybe a couple times a year.


I did go to a Dr about it (a female Dr), and was told that she didn't know what it could be. Perhaps I was mistaken about the onset and perhaps the dizziness really started when my period started ... in which case it might be the loss of blood.

I informed her that I was not mistaken, I had been tracking it for months, and it always started 2-3 days before my period started. And although it did continue into the first day of my period, that was a light day, so loss of blood couldn't account for it.

Then I got ... well, perhaps it's hormones. You know hormones can do strange things sometimes.

Yeah, I know. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that from doctors when they don't have the foggiest why you're going through something.


Anyway, interestingly, when the dizziness eased up, it was replaced by hot flashes, night sweats, and wicked toe, feet, and calf cramps during the 2-3 days leading up to my period.

I'm not sure which is worse.

I am 44 & have always had, & still do, normal & regular periods. I've been following this thread closely & to say the least, it's been a bit mind blowing to read about the many symptoms. We always hear about the hot flashes, of course.
I imagined it would be similar to Edith Bunker with hot flashes & mood swings...and then you just know. But... so many others. The night sweats, dizziness & vertigo, how long peri typically lasts, length of time between periods (I honestly had no idea that people went 6 mo., 1.5 yrs, or even longer between periods, yet still have them) etc.. I'm really shocked about how little I know of what to expect. I have to say that before I read this latest post to the end, I was sincerely thinking
"Man, I hope someone explains what wicked toe is..." I did finish the sentence & wicked toe & leg cramps in no way sound thrilling. Whew.. I'm pretty sure that I will be making a point to be grateful for my periods from here on out while I can. It has definitely been an eye opener.

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

ronjsteele1 wrote: »

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

One thing I wanted to share, having come out the other side -- some oddness still goes on after your periods stop. I still had times where my body acted like it was trying to do something. My breasts would become incredibly, painfully tender and stay that way for weeks and I'd get all the lovely water weight gain.

I still have cyclical water weight shenanigans happening, along with the lovely bloating it brings, even though the accompanying breast pain has gone.

This is all still happening two and half years after my last period. The occasional hot flash still happens too. I've been dealing with them off and on for ten years.

Thank you for sharing this because I imagine that others will go through it too. While our doctors may not acknowledge it at least we'll know that these symptoms aren't necessarily abnormal (well, my current doctor wouldn't be understanding or acknowledging anyway ).

Wow. It just keeps hanging around. You know, I hate to sound sexist but here goes anyway! I think this is one reason we need a female doctor at some point. Men think we're crazy or hypochondriacs or whatever. They tend to dismiss the things that happen in relation to menstruation or cessation of menstruation. I have heard, "Well there's no real medical research to prove THAT." Then they dismiss whatever the complaint is and don't want to do any type of investigation. A female dr seems more open to these wacky things the female body does.

This is funny in some ways for me. Since the day I married I've always had a male doctor. I prefer them by far for delivering my babies, my routine care, etc. UNTIL this year. With working on losing weight but especially being right in the middle of perimenopause I found myself not wanting to talk to my male doctor about either of those things. I switched to a woman - whom I can't stand BTW - but she has answered my questions honestly. We clash pretty much when it comes to what we believe about healthcare, weight loss, etc. but otherwise, she pretty much does what I tell her I want to do. My plan was to keep her until I get through or almost through menopause and the weight I want to lose and then go back to my male doctor. I really like him and he's way more in line with how I think, etc. Terrible, I know, but I don't feel too bad. The lady doc said she was retiring in 3yrs. I figure that's just about right for me to switch back.

Machka9 wrote: »

stephanne13 wrote: »

Machka9 wrote: »

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

I am going to add, while I'm not "happy" about any symptoms others may have I am glad to see vertigo mentioned so much. I thought something was medically wrong with me for a very long time. I have found that this is the worst nearing my period. Aside for making sure to stay hydrated as inadequate fluids seem to make it worse, I find some simple neck stretches help a lot. I don't know if it's a psychological thing or if it really does something aside from obviously relaxing the neck muscles, but it helps me.

For a year or two I could tell when my period was about to start because I would get really dizzy for 2-3 days ... and then my period would start and I'd be dizzy that day too, and then the dizziness would go away. Every single month.

Fortunately that has died off now, and I only experience it maybe a couple times a year.


I did go to a Dr about it (a female Dr), and was told that she didn't know what it could be. Perhaps I was mistaken about the onset and perhaps the dizziness really started when my period started ... in which case it might be the loss of blood.

I informed her that I was not mistaken, I had been tracking it for months, and it always started 2-3 days before my period started. And although it did continue into the first day of my period, that was a light day, so loss of blood couldn't account for it.

Then I got ... well, perhaps it's hormones. You know hormones can do strange things sometimes.

Yeah, I know. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that from doctors when they don't have the foggiest why you're going through something.


Anyway, interestingly, when the dizziness eased up, it was replaced by hot flashes, night sweats, and wicked toe, feet, and calf cramps during the 2-3 days leading up to my period.

I'm not sure which is worse.

I am 44 & have always had, & still do, normal & regular periods. I've been following this thread closely & to say the least, it's been a bit mind blowing to read about the many symptoms. We always hear about the hot flashes, of course.
I imagined it would be similar to Edith Bunker with hot flashes & mood swings...and then you just know. But... so many others. The night sweats, dizziness & vertigo, how long peri typically lasts, length of time between periods (I honestly had no idea that people went 6 mo., 1.5 yrs, or even longer between periods, yet still have them) etc.. I'm really shocked about how little I know of what to expect. I have to say that before I read this latest post to the end, I was sincerely thinking
"Man, I hope someone explains what wicked toe is..." I did finish the sentence & wicked toe & leg cramps in no way sound thrilling. Whew.. I'm pretty sure that I will be making a point to be grateful for my periods from here on out while I can. It has definitely been an eye opener.

I didn't put together the timing of the toe, feet, and leg cramps with my periods until my husband mentioned it. He made a point of knowing when my periods were due to start for his own self preservation?? ... and after I had complained about the cramps a number of times, he mentioned that they seem to occur coinciding with my periods. Unhappily, my periods come about every 21 days now, so this happens quite frequently. My toes will stack on top of each other ... and let me tell you, it's painful!

But yes, even now when you start to do some research into perimenopause, most of the sites will tell you about hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and lack of desire ... perimenopause, almost suspiciously from a male perspective. Symptoms that could affect the life of a man in some way.

But you don't hear about the dizziness or cramping or all the rest.

Here's one ... itching. Really deep agonising itching ... and again, same time as all the other stuff ... 2 or 3 days before my period starts and a day or two into the period.

Dear lord..... I hope mine don't get any closer together! Mine being from 21-25 days as it is. If my cycle shortens by even a couple of days I feel like all I will ever be is on my period! I do get some foot cramps and leg cramps now and then. I have't given any thought to that in relation to my period though. Maybe It's worth making a note of.

LAWoman72 wrote: »

Ahoy, sounds very peri to me. What is sleigh ride tea? Does it have booze in it? Or Zanax? Please say yes.

Hahahaa.... Sleigh Ride is an awesome name for an alcoholic elixir. Even better for Xanax!

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

Thank you for this thread. LAWoman, you are hilarious!

I am wondering what's up. I turn 52 in days and have never missed a period. Never had a FSH test -- not indicated; but weird stuff is going on.
1) cold flashes.... it feels like hormonal thermal disregulation where I just cannot get my core temp up 24 hr before period starts. I'm cold generally, but this is different, to the bone cold. I dream of hot flashes.
2) excess prostaglandins last month. What a pain. Haven't had that since my early 20's when my doc put me on BC to regulate that.
3) 2 months before that, I had a freak 4lb bloat with back&ab pain. Didn't recognize myself in the mirror. It was so atypical for me, I went to GP after a week. Many tests. Clean bill of health. Big bill from radiologist. Embarrassed it was all about nothing (although metastasized liver cancer crossed my mind given pain location). Resolved upon ovulation.
4) I have charted since 2008--mean, mode, variance, standard deviation. Went from 28 days like clockwork to 26 day average with greater variance. Like Sued0, I'm bored with periods. Ready for this show to be over.

LAWoman, I feel you. Maybe a cup of holiday Sleigh Ride tea? I wish I had more to offer. (((hug)))

@ahoy_m8 Can you elaborate on excess prostaglandins? What are the symptoms of this? What did you do for it?

Prostaglandins cause inflammation, contraction and pain. Any organ can synthesize them, as I understand it, and they are involved in monthly uterine shedding and also uterine contractions in labor. In excess, they cause inflammation, pain & contraction in other muscles, i.e. bowels.... so diarrhea, nausea, lightheadedness. I take 4 advil at once and then 2 more 6 hours later. When I was in my 20's, my OB advised BC to regulate that, and it worked.

How is this diagnosed? Is it a blood test?

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

Machka9 wrote: »

stephanne13 wrote: »

Machka9 wrote: »

ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »

I am going to add, while I'm not "happy" about any symptoms others may have I am glad to see vertigo mentioned so much. I thought something was medically wrong with me for a very long time. I have found that this is the worst nearing my period. Aside for making sure to stay hydrated as inadequate fluids seem to make it worse, I find some simple neck stretches help a lot. I don't know if it's a psychological thing or if it really does something aside from obviously relaxing the neck muscles, but it helps me.

For a year or two I could tell when my period was about to start because I would get really dizzy for 2-3 days ... and then my period would start and I'd be dizzy that day too, and then the dizziness would go away. Every single month.

Fortunately that has died off now, and I only experience it maybe a couple times a year.


I did go to a Dr about it (a female Dr), and was told that she didn't know what it could be. Perhaps I was mistaken about the onset and perhaps the dizziness really started when my period started ... in which case it might be the loss of blood.

I informed her that I was not mistaken, I had been tracking it for months, and it always started 2-3 days before my period started. And although it did continue into the first day of my period, that was a light day, so loss of blood couldn't account for it.

Then I got ... well, perhaps it's hormones. You know hormones can do strange things sometimes.

Yeah, I know. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that from doctors when they don't have the foggiest why you're going through something.


Anyway, interestingly, when the dizziness eased up, it was replaced by hot flashes, night sweats, and wicked toe, feet, and calf cramps during the 2-3 days leading up to my period.

I'm not sure which is worse.

I am 44 & have always had, & still do, normal & regular periods. I've been following this thread closely & to say the least, it's been a bit mind blowing to read about the many symptoms. We always hear about the hot flashes, of course.
I imagined it would be similar to Edith Bunker with hot flashes & mood swings...and then you just know. But... so many others. The night sweats, dizziness & vertigo, how long peri typically lasts, length of time between periods (I honestly had no idea that people went 6 mo., 1.5 yrs, or even longer between periods, yet still have them) etc.. I'm really shocked about how little I know of what to expect. I have to say that before I read this latest post to the end, I was sincerely thinking
"Man, I hope someone explains what wicked toe is..." I did finish the sentence & wicked toe & leg cramps in no way sound thrilling. Whew.. I'm pretty sure that I will be making a point to be grateful for my periods from here on out while I can. It has definitely been an eye opener.

I didn't put together the timing of the toe, feet, and leg cramps with my periods until my husband mentioned it. He made a point of knowing when my periods were due to start for his own self preservation?? ... and after I had complained about the cramps a number of times, he mentioned that they seem to occur coinciding with my periods. Unhappily, my periods come about every 21 days now, so this happens quite frequently. My toes will stack on top of each other ... and let me tell you, it's painful!

But yes, even now when you start to do some research into perimenopause, most of the sites will tell you about hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and lack of desire ... perimenopause, almost suspiciously from a male perspective. Symptoms that could affect the life of a man in some way.

But you don't hear about the dizziness or cramping or all the rest.

Here's one ... itching. Really deep agonising itching ... and again, same time as all the other stuff ... 2 or 3 days before my period starts and a day or two into the period.

Dear lord..... I hope mine don't get any closer together! Mine being from 21-25 days as it is. If my cycle shortens by even a couple of days I feel like all I will ever be is on my period! I do get some foot cramps and leg cramps now and then. I have't given any thought to that in relation to my period though. Maybe It's worth making a note of.

Mine were 28 days like clockwork, and 5 days maximum ... then they went down to about 21 days, give or take, and increased in length to about 10 days. One month recently I went something like 30 days between normal periods, but most of the time it's around the 20-22 day mark.

Those are my normal periods. Then I'll also spot mid-cycle for anywhere from 2 to 5 days.

If I can go 10 days with no spotting or menstruating or anything, it's great! I actually just reached that point today. 10 whole days with nothing. Maybe even I'll go 11 or 12 days this time!

Stress and excess exercise seem to trigger it. If I've got a big exam coming up ... there it is! If I'm in the middle of a 200 km randonnee (long distance bicycle ride) ... guess what!

And I never know when exactly any of it is going to start anymore, or how long it is going to last, so I carry supplies with me all the time, everywhere I go.

I have also given up swimming. Not that I did a lot of swimming, but when all this started roughly 2 years ago, I was swimming maybe about once a month or so. I don't think I've been in a pool or lake or ocean or any body of water in 2 years.

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

try2again wrote: »

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

Thank you for this thread. LAWoman, you are hilarious!

I am wondering what's up. I turn 52 in days and have never missed a period. Never had a FSH test -- not indicated; but weird stuff is going on.
1) cold flashes.... it feels like hormonal thermal disregulation where I just cannot get my core temp up 24 hr before period starts. I'm cold generally, but this is different, to the bone cold. I dream of hot flashes.
2) excess prostaglandins last month. What a pain. Haven't had that since my early 20's when my doc put me on BC to regulate that.
3) 2 months before that, I had a freak 4lb bloat with back&ab pain. Didn't recognize myself in the mirror. It was so atypical for me, I went to GP after a week. Many tests. Clean bill of health. Big bill from radiologist. Embarrassed it was all about nothing (although metastasized liver cancer crossed my mind given pain location). Resolved upon ovulation.
4) I have charted since 2008--mean, mode, variance, standard deviation. Went from 28 days like clockwork to 26 day average with greater variance. Like Sued0, I'm bored with periods. Ready for this show to be over.

LAWoman, I feel you. Maybe a cup of holiday Sleigh Ride tea? I wish I had more to offer. (((hug)))

@ahoy_m8 Can you elaborate on excess prostaglandins? What are the symptoms of this? What did you do for it?

Prostaglandins cause inflammation, contraction and pain. Any organ can synthesize them, as I understand it, and they are involved in monthly uterine shedding and also uterine contractions in labor. In excess, they cause inflammation, pain & contraction in other muscles, i.e. bowels.... so diarrhea, nausea, lightheadedness. I take 4 advil at once and then 2 more 6 hours later. When I was in my 20's, my OB advised BC to regulate that, and it worked.

How is this diagnosed? Is it a blood test?

In my case, no. It was after the actual episode, and my GYN diagnosed based on symptoms I described. Also, my understanding is that it would be uncommon (and not good) for prostaglandins to be in the blood stream. Unlike hormones synthesized in one organ (e.g. pituitary gland) that travel via blood to other tissues, prostaglandins are synthesized locally and ideally don't travel. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can clarify.

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

try2again wrote: »

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

Thank you for this thread. LAWoman, you are hilarious!

I am wondering what's up. I turn 52 in days and have never missed a period. Never had a FSH test -- not indicated; but weird stuff is going on.
1) cold flashes.... it feels like hormonal thermal disregulation where I just cannot get my core temp up 24 hr before period starts. I'm cold generally, but this is different, to the bone cold. I dream of hot flashes.
2) excess prostaglandins last month. What a pain. Haven't had that since my early 20's when my doc put me on BC to regulate that.
3) 2 months before that, I had a freak 4lb bloat with back&ab pain. Didn't recognize myself in the mirror. It was so atypical for me, I went to GP after a week. Many tests. Clean bill of health. Big bill from radiologist. Embarrassed it was all about nothing (although metastasized liver cancer crossed my mind given pain location). Resolved upon ovulation.
4) I have charted since 2008--mean, mode, variance, standard deviation. Went from 28 days like clockwork to 26 day average with greater variance. Like Sued0, I'm bored with periods. Ready for this show to be over.

LAWoman, I feel you. Maybe a cup of holiday Sleigh Ride tea? I wish I had more to offer. (((hug)))

@ahoy_m8 Can you elaborate on excess prostaglandins? What are the symptoms of this? What did you do for it?

Prostaglandins cause inflammation, contraction and pain. Any organ can synthesize them, as I understand it, and they are involved in monthly uterine shedding and also uterine contractions in labor. In excess, they cause inflammation, pain & contraction in other muscles, i.e. bowels.... so diarrhea, nausea, lightheadedness. I take 4 advil at once and then 2 more 6 hours later. When I was in my 20's, my OB advised BC to regulate that, and it worked.

How is this diagnosed? Is it a blood test?

In my case, no. It was after the actual episode, and my GYN diagnosed based on symptoms I described.

Hmm... with those types of symptoms, seems like you would have to be subjected to every test under the sun to rule out a lot of other things before any mention of prostaglandins.

Hello, ladies! I'm 45 and was diagnosed about a year ago. My periods were regular and easy all my life until 2014, when I suddenly started skipping a month or two here and there. When the hot flashes started and I went 90+ days between periods I asked my doctor about it, and after ruling out a bunch of other things (PCOS, high testosterone, etc.) she did the hormone tests and said "yup, early perimenopause."

My periods are definitely getting fewer and further between: in 2014 I had 8, in 2015 I had 6, and so far this year I've only gotten my period 4 times. (I've kept track via spreadsheet since 1998. I have no idea what made me suddenly start at 27, but now it's great to have so much history!)

For me, the hot flashes are somewhat cyclical: I'll have them regularly for several months, then they stop, then they come back. It's all part of the "you no longer have any idea what your body is going to do or when!" fun. And by "fun" I mean "huge pain in the *kitten*." It's frustrating, and exceedingly unfair. And it pisses me off to think that I could have several years of this crap ahead of me. Unfortunately, I have no family data: my mom had a hysterectomy in her 30s and never went through this, and both of my grandmothers were dead by the time I would have wanted to ask them about it.

I've always had hormonal acne, and it has calmed down a great deal since I hit 40 but sometimes I will still get a small breakout and think I'm about to get my period but then I don't. That was always my only physical "warning sign": I never noticed bloating, tenderness, mood swings, etc. when I was younger. Some women friends say that early perimenopause is what I get for having 30+ years of short periods with no cramps.

This is a difficult topic to discuss with those who aren't going/haven't gone through it, so I'm glad to find this thread!

LAWoman72 wrote: »

Thanks for the input, Misnomer. I agree with you. Never knowing is awful.

I don't get hot flashes at all but I continue to get PMS symptoms and then just no period. After that awful bout last week...nothing happened. The worst part was the hunger. I was terribly hungry. Really tired of this. I am on I think Day 111 or 112 now. I'd have to check but I know I'm right around there.

The only things I have found that hold my hunger down is peanut butter and cutting my carbs way down on those days. Those two things seem to make a very big difference. I imagine the guessing game is very frustrating.

Oh boy. That sounds horrible.

As for your grandmothers, you're supposed to go by your maternal one, I think.

I had one glorious night of full uninterrupted sleep, and now I'm back to the waking up with them. I am taking heart from somethings some of the women at work told me, which was that the nature and character of them changes and they aren't always this bad.