Menopause
'Menopause isn't really that bad'...said no woman ever.
For those who are approaching or experiencing 'the change' (think reverse puberty), a time where hormone levels decline either through the aging process or by medical/surgical means.
Menopause and Perimenopause (the transitional time before Menopause) are unique to every person, and while there's no one-size fits all, we support each other on this roller coaster ride of wacked out hormones, absurd mood swings and random sweaty hot flashes.
Be kind. Be respectful. We are all in this together!
RULES
1. All genders can post We are all here to learn about menopause and how to help anyone experiencing menopause, so be supportive and respectful.
2. Don't be a bully, creep, jerk or troll This means no personal attacks, no misogyny, no misandry, ageism, racism, or otherwise hateful or disrespectful commentary.
3. Read the Wiki and use the search tool before posting a new question
4. No selling products or services You can recommend products/methods that work for you, but soliciting clients or patients is not allowed. No advertising or self-promotions, including using this sub to drive traffic elsewhere.
5. Research surveys/studies are allowed ONLY after contacting the mods with details of the survey (purpose of survey, academic associations, how will the data be used, privacy/confidentiality policy) Mods will determine whether to approve the post or not. Those choosing to participate in surveys, must do so at their own risk.
6. No posting lab results We are not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your lab results should be directed to your medical professional. Hormonal tests are not an accurate diagnosing tool for perimenopause.
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We often come to figure out we're in perimenopause by our symptoms, and then having those symptoms ruled out as being due to something else. So for many of us, we come to that conclusion in hindsight. It's really difficult to pinpoint and actual start date, because the start could be something like random aches and pains, or a period that was a few days late or early...nothing significant. Then over time, we start to connect the dots.
So to answer your question...
We don't.
Does it matter? Not really. The best thing you can do right now is start tracking symptoms and look for patterns. If the symptom is new and/or really unusual for you, then get it checked out by a doctor because some symptoms mimic other things (like thyroid, low iron, magnesium deficiency, arthritis, etc.)
Thanks, that confirms what I always thought! I had a look at my medical appointment history and this malarkey seems to have been going on for a good 7 years or so. Sigh.