I will be 45 this summer. I started going thru perimenopause about 1.5 years ago. I've never had children, and doc told me that women who don't have children are apt to go thru it sooner in life than those who have had children. She gave me b/c pills, and it took care of EVERYTHING, including my return-to-puberty skin, which wanted to break out ALL the time... Ugh!
But then... after being on the pill awhile, I developed PE. "Pulmonary Embolism" - blood clots in my lungs. I nearly died. But after a hospital stay & being on some major meds for 6.5 months, I am now clear & deemed "healthy" again.
However, the past few months have been crazy with the PMSy symptoms like cramping, headaches, backaches, etc... but also some new funzies...
such as hot flashes
mood swings
night sweats
loss of libido
weight gain
insomina
joint pain
mental foggy brain

etc.
And because of my blood clots, I can never ever have anything with estrogen again. No replacement hormone therapy, etc. I thought I was doomed to be this uncomfortable UNTIL IT WAS OVER... which can take YEARSSSSSS.....
BUT THANK GOD... a friend told me about a website that is operated by WOMEN doctors, for women - it's ALL NATURAL - and OMG I am soooo glad I went to that website! I am on their "personal program" and I feel SOOOO much better. I can't praise it enough!
The website is womentowomen.com and it's chock full of information about perimenopause & menopause - & it's for ALL AGES - because some women go thru it very early (I have a 28yo friend who had to have a full hysterectomy who is going thru it now) and some in regular time... some have a multitude of symptoms... some only have a few... some last a year or so, & others last 10+ years!!!! -but PLEASE believe me.... this website is WORTH a visit.
Good luck to you all!!! Remember... WE ARE WOMEN... HEAR US ROAR!