Hi, everyone! I've received some great support on other threads since I joined last month, so I thought I'd start one of my own on a topic that I haven't seen here. I'm 47 years old, a married working mom of two girls, 12 and 8. I've been dealing with perimenopause for about 3 years now. Before I go on, let me say that I have firmly decided that hormone replacement therapy is not for me. I figure that this is a natural process, and I want to go through it using natural means--lifestyle changes to support my body, mind, and spirit. I have a great nurse practitioner in my OB-GYN's office who has been very supportive of me in my goal.
Over time I have discovered that the hormone changes normal to this part of my life tend to affect me in many ways--my energy level, my moods, and my ability to tolerate frustration. I also get migraine headaches. And then of course there are the surprise periods--or skipped periods--and a general feeling that I don't know my body anymore. And guess what? I also firmly believe the whole thing affects my eating patterns, and not for the good. I would like to lose 30 pounds. I walk regularly, and am not trying to do anything drastic to lose the weight, except live a healthy lifestyle. I am realizing more and more how perimenopause fits into the whole package, and that I have to consider it in my personal program.
Is there anyone out there dealing with similar issues? I'd love to hear from you and learn how you are dealing with them. I'll be glad to share more of my story.