What were YOUR peri-menopause symptoms?

[JodyDFB]

I may or may not be going through peri-menopause, and was wondering if any of you wise women would care to share your experiences?

I'm especially interested in your unusual or uncommon symptoms.  You see, there is something wrong with me, but because it involves so many bodily systems, everyone is baffled.  It has been suggested I may be in peri-menopause, even though not a single doctor will even entertain the thought. (I'm 47 and otherwise very healthy.)

I don't have any of the common peri-menopause symptoms, but it is said that my PCOS can cause that.

Of the symptoms I've read, I can only say I sometimes have "burning mouth" and I may have had one "hot flash" (but just one).  My periods are more and more regular, month after month, going from 1-3 times/year, to now every 27-31 days.  (PCOS usually means irregular periods, but is said to cause periods to become more regular during peri- menopause.)

So, tell me...  What did YOU experience?  Was it pretty much what you expected, or were you surprised?  Any PCOS women who've gone through menopause?  Thanks!

[DevotedPharmTech]

Also, not sure I qualify as a wise woman. I do hope my post was at least helpful from my particular condition and symptoms. I am 46 about to be 47. I have had three children, two surviving. Boy and a girl who are now 17 and 16 consecutively.

I am glad I was at least able to have them. My symptoms began the year after my daughter was born.

[DevotedPharmTech]

My symptoms started out with random, unpredictable electric shock sensations. SERIOUS hair loss all over my head began at 29 and continues through to this day. I have to get hair weaves just to get jobs, appear in public, take my children anywhere... shaming to have such thin hair. Insomnia started after that along with hot flashes. At this point I am starting to have lapses in memory of things like where I need to be next or what was next on my to do list. Nothing that puts anyone in danger, Thank HaShem.

Weight gain is always an issue. I go up and down. Before, I never weighed in over 110. Now I fluctuate and have to work VERY hard to take it off. I cant eat dairy, and cannot eat glutten. Headache frequency and intensity are worse now and I have mood swings (not bad just odd). I am less able to tolerate what I used to shrug off in stride.... (and I can SEE/FEEL myself doing it... helpless to fight it too often).

I have severly decreased libido, and I am not sure if this is a symptom of peri-menopause or just getting old but I either am experiencing occassional light urine leakage or the beginings of incontinence. ABSOLUTELY embarrassing, but at least it is light enough to not cause social problems... so far. Usually happens when sneezing, coughing, laughing and sometimes standing up from sitting position.

Plenty enough nattering annoyances for me, thank you! LOL

It is very important for you to be examiined by a doctor with familiarity of womens health to get good care and an accurate diagnosis. There are so many things that can have similar symptoms it isnt even funny.

Good luck!

[Sanjivani Wanjari, MD]

HI,
It is indeed unlikely that women with PCOS will start having regular cycles once they approach pre-menopause. Hence you may neither be having peri-menopause nor PCOS. Burning in the mouth can be due to problems with the teeth and gums or due to stomatitis or inflammation in the mouth or due to deficiency of vitamins.
Since you have regular cycles and are in good health there is nothing to worry about. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet, regular exercise and supplements of vitamin B complex, calcium and vitamin D will help.
The answer is based on information provided. Exact advice is not possible without a proper examination and investigations. You are requested to consult your Doctor. Take care and keep us posted.