Perimenopause

Sorry you're having such a hard time. I don't know much about menopause, but my mom started it abruptly at 38. So it's not unheard of. Good luck!

no, it is not to early. my mom had it at 32, actually!
S.

I started going through Perimenapause in my early 30's before I even had kids. I always know when my period is on the way because I get the worst headaches I ever had in my life.

I was seeing a Chiropractor for back problems, and the female doctor who saw my children, also specialized in women's issues and gave me a progesterone cream which not only cured my headaches, but I got pregnant very easily. (Because I had to take my temperature to know when to use it, thus I knew when I was ovulating!)

The same doctor is not there, but there is another female doctor at Hopkins Health and Wellness Center who specializes in female issues. She has classes sometimes, and really knows her stuff. Dr. Llewicka.

Good luck. You're not old. It's natural.

I recently heard that you can find out if you are perimenopausal by just a blood draw. I have a friend who is a medical assistant and she told me this can be done. I would ask a Doctor about it.

I feel the same way and I am 38. My mom went through it early, so chances are I will. My sister who is 36 feels like she is going through it, too.
S.

What a response! Although I'm not surprised.
I have a couple of suggestions. The first one is a holistic chiropractor. I come from a western medical background, nurse, and I'll tell you that western medicine does not have many answers for us in this arena, But, holistic medicine does. I'd start with a good holistic chiropractor as most of them have some level of training in nutritional supplements and in Chinese medicine. I have the name of a really good one on the west side of town.

The second thing I'd suggest, and you can pretty much only get this through a chiropractor, is an herbal supplement called EstroFactors. It contains natural herbs that balance your hormones. It's manufactured by Metagenics, which is one of the best supplement manufacturers in the country. Here's the link to the information page on it http://www.metagenics.com/products/detail.asp?pid=214&amp... What happens to us over time is that our adipose tissue, our excess fat, becomes a store house for just about everything including excess hormones. EstroFactors cleans the excess hormones that cause a lot of these symptoms out of our systems but does not monkey with the hormones we do need. You'll be shocked how different you feel after the first two weeks of taking it.

The other thing I suggest is a good multi vitamin, an Omega 3 supplement and a good B complex supplement. The B complex really helps with the moods as well.

OK, that's my two cents. I'm 40 so am going through a lot of the changes you shared as well, but have found this regimen to be a really good one. I'm not a doctor, this is not to be interpreted as medical advice. I'm just a mother of three who has found something that actually works and am sharing it with you.

T. in Eden Prairie

Hi CT, my neighbor was going through some of her old books and brought them over for me to look through. I grabbed the book by Christine Northrup, M.D.-"The Wisdom of Menopause" I believe you will find a lot of your answers in her book. I believed I was going through menopause early for many reasons but also because my mother went through menopause early. I do not know where I heard this but that women can experience the change earlier than once thought. So keep looking. I would be happy to lone you the book or I bet you could find it a the library. The book is a must have for every women. Let us know what you find out. A. J.

No, you are not too young. My mother went through perimenopause around 37, 13 years ago. Isn't there a blood test they can do? Good luck finding a doctor that will listen to you.

S.

I have heard that you can go through menopause as ealy as your 30's. I would go with what your body is telling you. I would go see the over doc for sure. You know your body the best. Best of luck

That is not late at all. My sister-in-law started around that time but it took her several doctors until she found one that understood her. There's no relationship between perimenopause and post-partum. Would you consider alternative herbs or treatment to help alleviate your symptoms?

I am going thru this too, although I am almost 46. I have a friend who completely went thru menopause a could years ago and she's younger than I am.

I too was put on birth control pills (again) for the same reason, but part of the problem was I had three weeks of heavy flow in a matter of 4-5 weeks. Very unusual for me. My ob/gyn said my ovaries are going nuts (well, she may have said it more medically), and the pill helps keep things under control. I've been back on the pill since about May and things have gone better and my lows aren't nearly as low. I would not want to take an antidepressant if not needed. Do some research on the internet and see if there are some healthy alternatives (vitamins, minerals?) that might help your symptoms.

I can't help much, but I do know that my best friends mom went through menopause at 39, so it is possible that you are starting at 37. I would find a doctor who will listen.

Good luck.

J.