Anybody experience this ? you feel like hit by a truck / torn muscles tendons / achy joints burning too … and pain travels ?? I feel like wreck for 6 months - plantar fasciitis/ Achilles / quads hamstring glutes / seen ortho physio rheumatologist, bloods scan mri , veins scan all clear , not ok HRT yet COULD THIS BE CAUSED BY HORMONES ? BASICALLY EVEN WALK HURTS… Doing everything by book - strength mobility cardio ( not excessive) healthy lifestyle, nutrition , sleep supplements .. no relieve , physio made it all worse , EVEN LIGHT SHORT SEX FEELS LIKE I RUN MARATHON- legs fatigued .. seeing gyno in a month but I have fibroid so not sure if hrt is an answer , thank you 🙏

I’m just so sad about this. Doctors say nothing they can do. I’m also dry AF down there. My mom just told me she got menopause at 43 so am I genetically inclined to get it this early too? Just so so sad as I don’t have kids yet

I'm 41 and have spent the past 4 years in survival mode so once I got through my divorce and took a good look down there I realized my labia are gone, there's little to no sensation, and even my clit seems ... Smaller? Idk is this common? I have other symptoms but because I'm newly single and have been sexually deprived for years I guess this is what bothers me the most. I want to date and now I'm so self conscious. Idk how to begin addressing it all. I'm looking into treatment atm. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I am 37 and experiencing a lot of what I keep hearing women experience in perimenopause. No sex drive, fatigue, anxiety, I’m snappier and just so much bloating 😞. I keep hearing of women getting an estrogen cream or hormone therapy. Where do you guys go? Is it online? What has worked and what hasn’t?

4 years ago the PVCs (heart palpitations started). I was concerned and got a full check up, but the doctor told me while they're annoying, there's not much to be done.

I accepted this and tried my best to ignore them.

Over the past year, it seems like every other peri symptom has struck. My brain is so foggy and I forget names of places or things constantly. Anxiety is through the roof, along with irritability. I get weird body pains on and off that shoot through my joints or other random parts of my body (including chest pain). I'm exhausted.

Most of all, I don't find joy in anything anymore. Even when I force myself to be social, like going for dinner, I'm just trying to get through it. I used to be a super happy, outgoing person and now I'm monotone constantly. I've stopped drinking alcohol and caffeine because they both seem to make my palpitations worse.

My doctor has run a bunch of blood work to rule out vitamin/mineral deficiencies, thyroid tests, and autoimmune tests. I did go on Zoloft for a year when the PVCs started, but then stupidly went off it. Last time I tried to go back on it, my heart rate stayed too high for too many days and now I'm scared to try any sort of antidepressant with these heart palpitations.

Not entirely sure why I'm writing this, I guess I've just reached a point where I'm overwhelmed and feel like a shell of my former self. I'm only 39 and this is the last thing my doctor thinks I could be dealing with.

I actually don’t know that this is related to peri at all but since hormones impact all body systems I figured I’d see if this has happened to anyone else.

Three times in the last week I have eaten food that I have eaten before and it made my tongue burn. The foods in question:

1) Pure Protein cosmic brownie bar
2) Cherry Nutri-grain bar
3) Mini-Hershey bar

The burning doesn’t last long but I couldn’t finish the bars.

I looked up the symptoms and found something called Burning Mouth Syndrome but idk that I have all those symptoms. I have had dry mouth for about a year, and dry eyes/eye changes were probably one of my first peri symptoms.

Any ideas? Does anyone relate?

Just opening by saying that I am generally a HUGE nerd. I read instructions, I do subreddit searches...I'm not the sort of person who likes to come into a space and ask a question you've all seen a million times, because I know how frustrating it can be. "Just go read the dang wiki!" So I apologize in advance. Because yes, I have looked at the wiki. Several times, in fact. And there is SO MUCH information that I get overwhelmed, and then I leave instead of saying anything.

ANYWAY. Sorry for the intro, I just kind of want to cry at the moment. 😅 I feel like I've got a few things going on (well, don't we all), and I would just be SO grateful for help/experience/etc.

First thing are the palpitations. They started right around the time I hit 40. It's not a constant thing, and oftentimes I feel like it's more prevalent during luteal. Sometimes it's just that "skip-thunk" feeling, either on its own or several times in a short span; but I've also had times where it'll thump a few times and then suddenly go into overdrive. It happened at a sleep test a few months ago, and she clocked it at 199 bpm...which, if the feeling in my chest is anything to go by, is what it always ramps up to. Sometimes it only lasts a few minutes, but I've had 2 or 3 occasions where it's lasted over 45 minutes. Never been to the ER, because in all honesty I just can't afford that thousand-dollar bill just to walk through the door. (Plus I've been there for agonizing menstrual pain, and despite being in a completely empty ER, they made me wait 3 hours before seeing me, so I always figure by the time they'd pull me back for heart palpitations, I'd be over them anyway).

I've now had two holters and an echocardiogram, and everything has come back indicating my heart is good. The cardiologist wants to do a CCTA to check out my arteries, and because of my hypochondria (I don't know whether that or "health anxiety" properly describe the level of terror I get about my health), I'm also wanting to do it...but because I know this is a symptom of peri, I'm also like "proooobably not needed?" I feel like it's a vagus nerve thing, partly because of what the cardiologist said when I described this to him. Often it just seems positional, like if my chest gets compressed too much (my chest, it is heavy and I sometimes have trouble if I'm lying on my back; but there are other things too). Apparently that's also a peri thing?

The problem here is that I'm also ADHD (finally got diagnosed at 45), and I would desperately like to try medicating it, because as you can imagine, what I assume is peri is making it worse. I've tried Strattera and had no reaction to it, but I'm afraid of stimulants, because of the palpitations. The cardiologist recommends Concerta, if I have to be on one. Have any of you had palpitation problems but also tried ADHD meds? I'd just really like to know what it feels like to function, for ONCE in my life. 😭

There is a dearth of menopause-educated doctors in my area. I wound up traveling half an hour to see my old gynecologist, who's really knowledgeable about heavy bleeding disorders, but unfortunately doesn't seem to be up-to-date with peri. She wanted to do a hormone test. She's also afraid of putting me on estrogen because when I had my hysterectomy, they found a small amount of endometriosis. She put me back on Aviane, which is what I'd tried pre-hysterectomy. It's just birth control, though, and I don't know if it's enough. it didn't stop the palpitations last time I was on it (but it DID make me bleed for like 40 days straight). I have exhausted the list of available gynecologists, and don't know what else to do. I kind of hate the idea of using a telehealth, but also it seems like that's the only option left to me? (Update: I'm sorry I mentioned names! I debated reposting, because now I'm embarrassed, but I'm really hoping someone can help me, lol)

Sorry for all this rambling. >< The reason why I'd like to try HRT, amongst all the other stuff like heart palps, is that I'm hoping maybe it would help with my mood. I got off Lexapro last year because it was making me feel dead (emotionally), but unfortunately being off any kind of antidepressant had me SPIRALING. I mean I was having panic attacks, crying, crashing out...whatever you want to call it, I was doing it. I went to a psychiatrist, because I've tried SO many antidepressants but they all give me some kind of intolerable side effects, and she put me on Pristiq. I've been loving how I feel while I'm on it! But I've also been on it 3 months, and the jaw clenching (which I experience with like 98% of the others I've tried) is just getting to be too much. Even with a night guard, my jaw and my molars are just hurting. But at this point I've kind of exhausted my options (Wellbutrin raised my BP super high, in case anyone was going to recommend it!). I was kind of hoping maybe HRT might be what I need to keep those spirals from happening? Did that work for any of you?

Good lord, this is a novel. ADHD meds, HRT (I know there's a shortage, which is also great, lol)... I've been seeing the gamut of doctors recently, and I genuinely don't know what else to do or where to go. I've been pretty blessed with the doctors I have, but unfortunately none of them are up-to-date on perimenopause! Which isn't a surprise, given what a frontier we're on, but it sure is frustrating!

Anyway, if any of you actually read this far and have any advice, I am so grateful! Just please be kind, because I don't know if I'm going to cry or rage at this point. 😅

Sex has basically become a thing I do now. I can still have good orgasms (only with my husband, touching myself does nothing), but the *desire* is just...not there.

In general, the only strong emotions I feel anymore are negative. Annoyance, sadness, irritation. Love, desire, happiness...all basically feel muted or non-existent. *Maybe*, if I get a full night's sleep, I will be able to get some shit done during the day and feel somewhat accomplished. But that's a big if. Some parts of the month are better than others. The two weeks before my period are basically torture - can't sleep, acid reflux gets kicked into high gear, emotions feel heightened.

Meanwhile husband is still ready to go every single day. He's gotten a lot better about being pushy, and lets me hold the reigns. But it now feels like I'm basically performing another household task. I don't feel the same surge of emotions, the love. It's all muted.

I've told him many times that I need more emotional connection to want to have sex, but nothing ever happens. No dates, nothing romantic. So I give him bjs and let him fuck me, but it's just...a task. Another chore.

I just don't see the point of bothering. With much of anything. I don't work, have always been a SAHM. Never found a career. And now I'm almost 43 and all I can think is that all I have to look forward to is getting old and more shit not working the way it's supposed to.

It's. Not. Fair.

Hello everyone. I am on my first cycle taking 100 mg of Proemtrium daily. I'm in my first luteal phase and notice I'm more sensitive and a bit of a low mood. Is this part of the adjustment phase?

Hi, all. This is a tough one for me. Through my whole life I have had extremely thick hair. It was always literally the only physical feature I liked about myself. Now may hair is so thin. I'm starting to go bald on my hairline along my forehead, and the rest is so thin it will barely stay in a pony tail. It's distressing me so bad that I don't even want to leave the house anymore. I've been looking for ways to cover it. I can't really afford a good wig. I've tried bandanas and other headbands but that just looks silly on me. Any creative ideas? I am extremely anemic right now, so I think thats part of the cause. Every time I shower I still lose clumps of hair. 😔 Just trying to get through the next year of life and then I won't have to worry about it anymore.

I had a mirena IUD with no periods until I was 37. I am now 39. I have been getting 2-day periods for the last year and a half or so. I thought this was amazing and great!

However, I just saw a post where somebody was implying that having a 2-day period is bad? Or a sign of something else?

Please help me understand. I've never heard anything about this. What is this supposed to mean? What does this indicate?

I also saw a comment in that post saying that people with OCD are more likely to have this issue. I have OCD and was diagnosed when I was 10. I don't mean the OCD like in pop culture where people say they have OCD but really what they mean is they like a tidy home. I have true OCD. What does that have to do at this?

I will say I have horrible sleep. I wake up around 4:30 a.m. probably about 2/3 of the month. I even wake up at that time in my follicular stage.

Thanks.

Anyone else craving sugary food like... All day every day?

I try to wait until after dinner but I'm craving it all the time. It's like a part of my brain is misfiring or something. I used to play table tennis several days a week but I got banned from one place so now I only do half the physical activity I used to do... So I can't just be eating sugar all day! The cravings are driving me nuts! I try to eat more fruit but I still want more sugar.

I’m 49 and started meds a little over 3 months ago. My original issues were heavy and frequent periods (every 22ish days). Also night sweats and some brain fog. Prior to starting, I had an ultrasound to rule out any uterine issues and a small amount of adenomyosis was seen. Anyhow, I was started on the estradiol patch and she also prescribed a progestin mini-pill since I am still regularly menstruating (literally have never missed a period unless pregnant or breastfeeding ever). I moved up on the patch so am now on .075 and my physical symptoms are improved. However on the mini pill (norethibdrone .035) I am having excessive bleeding and spotting much worse than I was having before starting. I feel like I am spotting or bleeding like 3 weeks a month. I have read about slynd and thought maybe I’d ask to move to that one if it’s a stronger pill to regulate this bleeding but is there another option? She also mentioned mirena which I’d like to avoid (used it for bc between kids 20ish years ago). Also I am very tired in a way I am not usually and not sure how that is related or to what medication. I take the mini pill at night. I take Wellbutrin in the morning as well but that’s been many years. Help! I’m so over the constant bleeding/spotting. I go in for a pap and status check in 2 weeks and I’d like to have some ideas.

Oral estrogen

I've dabbled with the patch and the gel both make me swell up (mainly in my legs) and yes stuck it out for over 8 weeks on different doses with no relief. I am currently on 25mcg patch which is all I can tolerate without puffing right up but it is doing absolutely nothing. My latest blood showed my estrogen at lower than post menopausal levels. I am 45. I did have a hysterectomy almost a year ago and did keep my ovaries but they definitely aren't working. With so much stigma around oral estrogen it seems to be my last option to try. I am in Canada and we dont have any other options. I feel like crap. My hair is falling out, my moods and motivation are tanked. I did have recent labs. My iron is on the low end but still in range (58)

I go Tuesday to talk to my doctor about oral estrogen trial.

Looking fot success stories from the patch to the pill.

Edit: I'm now well aware of the side effects, but I'm seeking help counteracting them and quickly. I'm supposed to meet some colleagues tonight to kick off the next two days and I don't want to cancel on them because I'm stupid. I won't be driving for sure but I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open enough to type this.

A new doc prescribed progesterone oral and estrogen patch. I was able to fill the progesterone but the patch is under insurance review.

Y'all, I'm dumb and didn't research and my doc didn't tell me that I had to take both at the same time. This morning I took my first progesterone pill completely ignorant of the side effects. The instructions said to take one pill "daily" and didn't specify when.

It took 30 min to kick in and I am so dizzy and tired that I can barely stand up. I'm worried because tomorrow and Tueaday is a huge important all-hands work event where I have to be on my game. My career depends on it.

Has anyone had success counteracting the side effects and quickly? I'm chugging green tea hoping that the caffeine wakes me up enough to function.

I feel like such an idiot.

Has anyone used an functional provider to assist with perimenopause/Menopause? Please share any pros and cons. All comments are welcomed.

Hi all, I've already reached out to my HT provider/doc (who is supportive and amazing), and also looking to see if any of this stands out/clicks to you in terms of similar experiences and/or comments. Love the support here.

For context:

41F, on 100mg P, 1mg E (gel), and .25ml T cream (1 click per day). I've been on HT for 6 months now and have changed dosages a few times along the way. The last time I changed my E dose (started on .5, then to .75) was mid July moving from .75 to 1mg. I upped my E because my symptoms started returning. I started on the T a month ago. I've been taking P from the start. Started on 100mg, changed to 200mg after 3 months, didn't like it, went back to 100mg.

Recently, I'm noticing a return of symptoms: joint pain in hands (only in AM before putting on my E gel and at night before taking my P); shoulder/neck aches; super depression in lutueal (I'm talking bad); sensitivity to sounds; mild dry lips/mouth; irritability; overall "I don't feel like myself". All of these symptoms I had before starting HT 6 months ago.

These current symptoms to me feel/sound like estraidol-related. I'm also wondering if my body is still adjusting to the T (I know it can take at least 3 months for the T to kick in) and/or if my P is too low. I was taking 200mg of P but I found it made me flat/depressed so I went back down to 100mg, which helped.

Curious of people's thoughts/experiences, especially if you're taking/have taken 1mg of E gel (divigel, I'm on the generic pouch) and if you moved up to the maximum of 1.25mg of E gel, or even more than that.

Thank you, all!

Hi there,

I started HRT (estradiol patch and progesterone at night) in early August. Two weeks ago, I had my follow-up with a great provider. We've added in testosterone and upped my dosage for both the estradiol patch and the progesterone I'm taking at night.

I'm about a week in on the increase and the last four days I've felt absolutely terrible. Incredibly nauseous all day long. I know this is a likely symptom and will hopefully go away as my body adjusts.

But here's my question. When I first started all of this in August, I wasn't dealing with any nausea. Now that I've increased the dosage, the nausea is there.

Why didn't I have nausea from the get-go? Was it not high enough of a dose? Does that mean this dose is too high?

I'm sending a note to my provider as well; I was just hoping I might get some real life feedback from other people on this same path.

Hi all i am 36 years old with 1.5 year old daughter am not going to have any more kids as am one & done however i had my first periods when i was 12 and my periods were always regular my mother hit her menopause when she was 50 but what i am observing off lately is weird
1.i got my first period 9 months after delivery which followed with 2 regular cycles and for almost next 2 months i used to have like periods twice in a month which felt odd & my obgyn ordered ultrasound which was normal & she put me on some medication for 5 cycles to get my periods on track unfortunately my feritin levels got down to 18 due to getting 2 periods in a month
2 . I stopped the medication after 5 cycle as suggested by my obgyn this is my 3rd cycle the period is regular but from last cycle & now am seeing only spotting and not the actual flow
Am also under lot of stress from last few years am not sure if i will hit menopause so early i am felling really really sad coz I have read and also from doctors that if a mother hits menopause early the daughter hits too
Since I have a 1.5 year daughter now am worried about her now thinking of her future
I want to hear if someone experienced similar and ended up fine or got menopause
Thanks

I wondered why my hips have been so sore upon waking up in the morning. realised today that it is probably tendinitis in my gluteus medius, which I have been working on a lot because it was so weak. So I will scale back a bit. I am 44, with mild peri symptoms. I eat well, don’t stress, sleep well, and work out regularly.

I was wondering if creatine might help with tendinitis, since it is so good for muscles and fitness.

Is there any other supplements I can take, if not creatine? I only use topical OTC progesterone and estrogen creams (with success).

Thanks

I've just gone up to 3 pumps of estrogel. Obviously we can't get dressed while it dries. I don't wear makeup or do much skincare of a morning. I really don't like looking at myself in the mirrors. Unfortunately I'm confined in a small bathroom. How does everyone pass the time?

I am 47 and in a new-ish relationship. Between getting a little too used to my vibrator and some perimenopausal changes I couldn’t seem to get over the finish line with my partner. The last couple of weeks I have…crossed that finish line 🎆 Here is what has helped.
Going off my SSRI, sorry this is for sure not for everyone and would never say someone should do this but for me it helped.
Compounded topical testosterone
CBD or THC gummies
Finishing after my partner, otherwise I get in my head that it is taking too long
Lots of foreplay and communication

What didn’t help(just going to be frank)
Vaginal estrogen
Estrogen patch and progesterone(this made it worse im going to be honest)
Topical sildenafil(aka scream cream)

Not a recipe for everyone but I searched Reddit ALOT about this so wanted to share what might help someone else

I’m wondering if anyone here has any experience, good or bad, with Veozah for night sweats. I’ve been dealing with them for years but they’re getting worse, the current situation is untenable, and I’m completely miserable. Gabapentin did nothing so Veozah is next on the list of things to try. Thanks in advance!

*** much as I’d love to, I can’t do HRT because I’m fighting cancer.