5 months to emerge as a butterfly

Sun_Addict

I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling like this. Could you join a FB group specifically for the peri-menopause where you can share how you feel, just so you know it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. A work colleague has HRT and swears by it so worth a try. Fortunately I’ve been ok, was looking forward to being a bit warmer but never got the hot flushes. Don’t suffer on your own, there’s help out there. 

Four_Seasons

Hope you are feeling better Benben I am way past the menopause but well remember crying and crying and not knowing why. Definitely have a word with docs there is help out there.
Thanx to you I now have a tidy food cupboard I was so embarrassed after reading your cupboard sorting I followed suite. Take care x

Buffythedebtslayer

Being a woman, the gift that keeps on giving. 

I get incredibly low before my period - to be fair I always have but it is worse these days, to be honest I mostly put it down to life not remotely turning out how I expected/hoped it would. Literally everyone I know bangs on about the menopause so I suppose it might be that! 

And I have spent WAY too long optimistically looking at my phone. I have a love hate relationship with it. And men generally. 

I was looking at doing things like getting a massage or a facial to give myself something to look forward to. I am not sure how realistic that is cost wise!! But I might do the (sort of) equivalent at home, spa days  or just get on a train and go "somewhere" 

Sending you love XXX 

badmemory

I swear by HRT if you can take it. I had no issues until they made (& I do mean made) me come off it in my middle 60s.  My sister is still on patches & she is 72.  As she is 8 stone ringing wet she has no negatives so they let her stay, unfortunately I have a thyroid problem so I tend to overweight, so they won't let me.  As soon as I came off it the arthritis started & it certainly hasn't got better.  Personally I would rather take the risk & not have the arthritis, but the doctors stop listening.  The warping of my fingers is a joy to behold (sarcasm) I do hate not wanting to look at myself.  But it is what it is.

Drawingaline

I am on a perimenopause group on FB. It's great for going through symptoms etc. I have had weight gain, night sweats, very very occasional hot flushes, ridiculous anger and anxiety.

The anger and anxiety came out of no where. I suffered with anxiety as a child but sort of grew out of it in my teens. It's so irrational and I control it by being in control of EVERYTHING. But then the anger kicks in that no one helps me ever. But they can't because I have to control all the things! Honestly it's been awful. Now I understand what is causing it and am slowly trying to let go of the control where I can but it has been tough. 

I am also trying to control the weight gain with more healthy choices and some gentle exercise. I enjoy walking like you, but I find actually carving out the time hard. 

And I am trying not to take HRT. Well at least not yet. My bleeds are still very light, no cramps etc, and are still regular enough to not really be an issue. I remember my mums being awful, although she has thyroid issues which also didn't help, and my mil was so bad she had it all taken out about 10yrs ago! But it sounds like it's worth a chat with your GP to decide if it may be right for you. My mil was on it for 15yrs, said she demanded she had it after throwing a dish at my fils head 😱😱😱 

benbenandme

Thank you all for your responses, I have been reading lots about it on mumsnet and the Balance app. Today, so far, feels like a good day but lets see how long that lasts Mum is coming over about 1 and we are having roast lamb. Footie is on later and ds has a day off today so hopefully I will be kept busier. Last night I slept for 10 hours, completely unlike me but must have needed it and I haven't cried yet today  

Drawingaline

Sounds positive. I haven't had the depression or crying with it, just all the rage! But I have family members who have reacted with depression, either new or worsening of existing symptoms. 

Oh and inertia. Which makes the anxiety worse. Lists upon lists of pros and cons before even thinking about making a small decision. Spontaneity has just disappeared.

Anyway enough about me, have a good day 😁

BellaLasagna2018

@Drawingaline, I’ve had the rage too. I think it started in my late 40s. It felt like it flared up inside me, for any little reason. Anything and anybody could set it off! It’s gone now, it seems. I certainly don’t miss periods (other than as a reminder of my advancing age!!) and apart from feeling a little down at times, I had not other symptoms and I’m now 59 so feel very lucky. I do miss regular, long night sleep though! Bit bitty missy these days. 

benbenandme

So today I feel better at the moment, although the anxiety tends to kick in during the evening for some reason. I've been to visit a friend who has bought her first flat, its lovely, lots of character and I'm really pleased for her. Home now for some lunch then another afternoon of football. 

Last night I had a good chat with ds about finances. I'm going to help him find a decent savings account and he's going to set up a standing order to save some money each week. Currently he pays me some rent and fritters the rest. He already has a LISA and we need to set up a standing order to move some of his savings into that regularly too. He has called the Premium Bonds people as he has an unclaimed £25 win, they need to update  our address details on their system before they can send it out but that will help fill the pot too.

benbenandme

Morning, I tried to book an online GP appointment and the earliest I could get was May 19th  , so this morning I phoned as soon as they opened and I've got a telephone appointment tomorrow morning I've taken my daily vitamin and am feeling quite positive this morning. I feel a bit like my happy batteries run out as the day goes on if that makes any sense and by the evening I'm anxious and miserable

Today I'm planning on doing an amble around some charity shops, finally visiting a local zero waste shop - I love the concept and want to support them but can never get there during term-time, a kettlebell workout, maybe clean out the car, trying to fix the kitchen tap that has decided to leak