Is this the start of the peri-menopause? TMI Warning.

[ScarahStratton]

Normally I have nice, light, regular periods. No cramping, no pain or bloating (I know, I've been incredibly fortunate).

This month I am having the period from hell. Very heavy, feel like I've put on 2 stone in as many days, and absolutely horrific cramps that nothing is shifting.

I've spent hours in a steaming hot bath today, and just want to crawl into bed with a big mug of tea and LittleDog to cuddle.

I'm 44.

carbs
sugar
alcohol
caffeine

What's left to like? [hsad]

I know [hsad]

But who said I had?! [hwink]

Bella - before I took Menolieve I was having a lot of dizzy episodes and panic attacks. I felt "spaced out"

It could be a coincidence but this stopped once I started taking them. I found my moods were not as extreme and I had more energy.

Don't get me wrong - they are not a wonder pill- but they did take the edge off all the symptoms. I still got hot flushes but only at night - not during the day.

I will make a trip to Boots then this week.

They ain't cheap but stock up on the 3 for 2 deals

I have found my spiritual home.
I thank heaven for whoever invented tanexamic acid - my life won't be worth living without it.
My libido's probably somewhere in Outer Mongolia, and as for the rest ...of fuck.
Anyway, Hassled, that iffy nail thing - I cleatly remember reading that's what Bob Marley died of. Iffy toenail cancer.

Cheers coffeeinbed :o. I have Wiki'd and you're quite right.

I need all the coffee and alcohol I can lay my hands on to cope with the sweating and the strops and the crying. Sugar and carbs - not really fussed about them. That balances out, surely?

I don't have a beard yet but I am obsessed with my moustache and my nasal hairs. I can out-nasal hair any man.

Hmm. I just bought a packet of "Menopace" (they advertise on the tube ...). Am rather wishing I'd held of panic buying now.

I'm really hoping the famed menopausal effect of getting more "kickass" is going to take effect - and soon - I think I could really, really do with that.

I am currently not being treated like a woman entering the third stage of her female being, and beginning the pilgrimage to fully embodying her wise woman stage: object of awe and worship for the tribe.

The powersurge..innit? No, not happening here either.
I have just googled menolieve.
Cannot believe I'm contemplating spending my Boots points on that. Or and extra big variety bot of tampax.
I used to spend it all on lipstick [whinge]

Ah home at last with other women whose bodies are alien to them.
It took me along time coming to terms with starting my periods in my teens (yes I can remember that far back).
Then my pregnant body OMG, and again with second child.
Periods after that like a horror film with out the funny bits.
Got coil, yeh normal periods still heavy but can live a life.
Now the menopause, what new hell is this?
When will it all end.
All the same things you have mentioned and a husband who seems to think it as all been just to anoy him. usual conversation " I've got my period love". "What again".

^carbs
sugar
alcohol
caffeine

What's left to like?^

Am weeping here, well, alright, just the stray tear or six but, really? Coffee and alcohol have helped through all kinds of horrid times. It is just too cruel for them to not be helping now.

I mentioned my beard earlier but didn't like to mention my nipple hairs. Mittzy, I now have a new name for them [hgrin].

Please don't tell me that coffee affects the hot flushes during the night as we've just up-graded our coffee machine as I'm a caffeine addict

Can I be in your gang too? I have all of these hideous afflictions mentioned. Tiredness was the worst . Went to docs , had blood test to check hormones and they came back as being towards the menopausal end of the scale [hsad] am 44. HRT has gotten rid of nearly all of the symptoms apart from the smelliness! Has anyone else noticed that they er.... pong more?!

ShineyBright I am a bit more whiffy [hblush]. Blimey, sound so attractive eh? [hgrin]

Shiney, gawd yes I pong more too

Some interesting stuff here about how to minimise hot flushes

And another interesting site here

I need to join in I think......The dr. has written me a referral to get a blood test, but she ticked lots of other boxes too, (might as well if you're going, sort of thing) and now I am too scared to go.....

I have had only 2 periods this year.....and am 43. I think it seems far too early. GP didn't seem that worried....

Oh yes - thought it would be nice and simple. Check HRT levels - confirm my thinking, or otherwise I guess. Oh but no - well while I am there they can check my Thyroid, liver function, glucose, cholestral, kidneys, iron levels, etc etc. I have a big phobia about hospitals and illness and I am convinced I will henceforth be diagnosed with all sorts of dread diseases....

Putrifyno As an ex-phlebotomist,I can assure you that GPs' always do that...tick every box for every blood test I mean. Something to do with "getting their moneys worth" I think [hwink] so,don't be scared...you are probably disgustingly normal/healthy. [hsmile]

Yes,the body odour is getting to some concerning level ....slight urine incontinence may hold a key.

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other peoples' gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickles for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

by Jenny Joseph

Maybe it's not all bad?

I'm looking forward to the 'don't give a fuck and get fat' bit rather too much. [hgrin]

[hgrin] I like the bit about running your stick along the railings (like a small child). I have seen some oldies wack people out of the way with sticks..and get clean away with it.
I cannot wait to be an elderly lout [hwink]