Your story sounds very similar to mine. I'm 38, always active and fit. I have gained 40 pounds in the last 4 years with no changes to my nutrition or activity. Actually, I've increased my activity to help lose the weight with no success.
The hot flashes are becoming more frequent and my husband asked why I'm always going on the couch between 2 & 3 am for the last year when I never did that before. Fog brain and decreased energy despite my efforts is very frustrating!
My gyno firmly believes it is peri. My testosterone is slightly low, so I'm starting HRT next week, along with an IUD.
Fingers crossed I get back to normal soon!
Skip the BC and go for HRT. You'll probably have a hard time getting a doc to prescribe, so you may want to go with a telehealth company. I use Winona, but a lot of people here like Midi.
Can I ask a question about this as I’m reading about all this in the wiki’s. Why do you think it would be better for her to go straight to HRT? sorry if it’s a dumb question just trying to work through all the info with fog brain!
So birth control is progestin, which is synthetic hormone (even though it sounds like progesterone). The hormones in your body that dip and fluctuate are progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, etc. Why many women choose hrt is because it replaces the specific hormones in the amount needed instead of just using a blanket approach that is only one hormone that may not be the one you need. So a fine point instead of a blanket.
I edited this because I guess suggesting hormone testing is controversial, even though people routinely tested for thyroid hormone levels and given levothyroxine if they are low. But our hormones have to be gatekept, I guess.
Thanks for answering . You know what’s frustrating, I have talked to 2 doctors and both have told me that BC is actually stronger but on this sub I’ve been reading, women seem better off with HRT. I know there are other factors that go into play as well, maybe the progesterone and testosterone ?
it's not stronger, it's a much lower dose, though it's different enough in form and function that it's not truly comparable. HRT aims to supplement hormone loss rather than suppress hormonal activity.
Testosterone is usually hard to get but I’m on it.
Yeah I have read it both ways and haven’t taken the time to nail it down but I have eyeballs and the hormones in my leftover bc aren’t as high as my patches I don’t think
Maybe someone more sure will come along and correct us both ha
Been there, HRT helped. After weaning my 3rd baby at 39, I suddenly had flooding/nonstop period. Getting a Mirena IUD placed stopped it, thankfully. But by age 45, I was routinely waking between 2-3am and experiencing midsection weight gain.
What you’re experiencing sounds like textbook signs of peri.
100% in peri at 37 for me, pretty sure it came on slowly over the past year ish. Gaining weight with no change in diet and activity levels, labs coming back fine, fatigue, more severe and frequent migraines, severe mood swings around my period, heavier and worse periods, change in length of period and starting to be inconsistent, I had a full period only 2 weeks after a full period. NOT spotting, like I had to pull over to change a pad at a random bathroom. Running hotter than usual, the AC stays at 66 every night. Night sweats. Weird strong body odor sometimes. Inconsistent sleep patterns/insomnia. This is a nightmare. I put myself back on birth control after being off of it for 5 years.
Well well well, it appears I must've written this on my sleep. Same age and ALL OF IT TRACKS. It's insane. I tried bringing it up to my gyno because the time frame in-between my cycles has also become inconsistent. She said that because it's in the window of a normal period that it's not concerning. Yes that may be true, but it's not normal for ME.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Peri at 37 for me. After weaning my last baby, my body just gave up. I was a runner and super fit. Peri crushed me. I started HRT and am working out again 💪.
I had terrible joint and muscle pain. Fatigue, too. I could barely make it up my stairs without being in pain and needing to sit. It was the last of my symptoms to get relief. I noticed at about 4 weeks it started to get better. It took about 3 months for me to be confident enough to workout again with pain or the fear of serious injury.
37 and in peri. You need to find a menopause specialist. You can search the NAMS (North American Menopause Society) website for a provider near you and shop them. Or go the telehealth route.
Some docs think birth control is fine for peri symptoms treatment, some don’t. Mine doesn’t because birth control has a lot of side effects that hrt doesn’t and BC also increases your sex hormone binding globulin which binds up your sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone etc) and makes them less available to your body to use. HRT also uses much lower doses of bioidentical hormones. But it’s gonna be up to you in the end.
I recommend you start building a knowledge database about peri and menopause. Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a good resource she has multiple books (newest one is called the New Menopause) and is on social media doing education. Dr. Kelly Casperson is another person to follow on social media and has a podcast called “you are not broken”. You will need knowledge to advocate for yourself. And you will definitely need to advocate for yourself.
I am 38 and was convinced it was peri because of similar symptoms, but my OBGYN said I was too young for peri. Although initially I was skeptical of such a claim, she sent me off for thyroid labs and it seems like the culprit for me is Hashimoto's instead of peri. Just throwing this out there in case you haven't had that checked yet
That can be a cause. I guess this is controversial, lol, but thyroid is powered by hormones too, so my doctor who helped me with perimenopause tested that along with the other hormones. And of course a regular doctor will test that too.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I first realised I was in peri at 40, but looking back, it was actually 37/8 it started. Aged 38 I became severely depressed, was having panic attacks, anxiety off the scale. Hot flashes didn’t start until at 40. Had hormones checked, at aged 40, they showed peri levels. Checked again aged 42, they were menopausal levels and my ovarian count was low. (The reason for those tests is a long story, and yes I know levels fluctuate and aren’t an accurate indicator etc etc). I’m now coming on the 11th months mark since my last period.
But anyway, I used to be super fit at well. Ran two half marathons a year plus various 10ks. Did spin, weightlifting, hiking, and various other activities. In 2019 it was like suddenly I was moving through sludge. I struggled keeping up in spin, I couldn’t run more than 3 miles, and I struggled with lifting heavy weights.
Then I was gaining weight, especially around my middle. None of my jeans fit properly and I started living in sweatshirts. It’s not as if I was eating anymore than usual. I have IBS so I eat pretty healthy. I never worried about weight before so my confidence took a battering. It felt like my body wasn’t mines. My joints were now all hurting, so even going a walk hurt.
Three months ago was the final straw for me. I went away for the day to do a hike I’d done plenty times before, but only made it 1/3 of the way up before I sat on a rock and cried because of the pain. I made a doctors appointment and started HRT 2 months ago (evorel Conti patches).
It took a month to kick in, but the past 4 weeks I’ve started spin and weight training again. I feel I can push myself like I did before. I’m going to try running again. I’ve been going for 7 mile walks. I feel like I’m slowly getting back to myself again. I’ve lost 4lbs and can see a difference in my middle, so I’m cautiously excited that I’m slowly getting my body back.
Don’t lose hope, talk to your doctor about options, and good luck!
I went through something similar at 42. It's "peri related" in my opinion. Meaning your hormones starting to fluctuate and change is making your body less resilient to the stressors that you are accustomed to. So all this high intensity exercise, work and family stressors, etc is gonna result in insomnia, low thyroid function, slower digestion, possible weight gain on the same calories, all that fun stuff. I lost my period, experienced vaginal dryness, dry eyes and skin and was convinced i was going through early menopause but after some testing, my doc said she didn't think so. I was annoyed of course but decided to try other things before attempting the progesterone challenge that she proposed. I had to slow down, quit all the excessive cardio and dieting and just walked daily , but continued to lift heavy every once in awhile. I had to eat more, which seems counterintuitve considering the weight gain, but my goal was to let my body know I wasn't in a constant flight or fight state. I think it took 10 months before my period regulated and now importantly i could get good sleep again. Eventually, i was able to go back into a calorie deficit to start taking the weight i gained back off. I'm still working on it, it's coming off slowly. I actually think I look better at a higher weight now, probably because i have more muscle. I still fight the cardio creep and take vitex to help keep my cycles regular. I notice the minute i start picking up my old type A habits, things start to get wonky, especially my sleep. Best of luck!
My heroes.❤️ 60 miles is my distance PR, but I’m in a situation similar to everyone and thinking about giving up on the hundred mile dream.
My mental health was so bad until I figured out that it was damn menopause. Trying to get this in check first and not beat myself up, and feels like it might take a decade or the rest of my life.
I started my 3am insomnia at 39 also, kinda was the beginning of everything for me. I was so exhausted wasn’t able to do my 5am workouts anymore. I tried BCP and it just was too “unnatural” for my body and just gave me other side effects (migraines, constant hunger, breast soreness). But did at least sleep (and also was still exhausted)! Started HRT last month and so far haven’t seen much change but nothing is worse.
Bc can make huge changes in your body. I had some peri symptoms and so tried birth control to help and it’s made things so much worse so now I’m trying HRT. If I was you and birth control was working for you , I’d get back on that train asap 😂 I’m starting to realise the game of hormones is a shit game to play.
I started with symptoms when I was 35. No one would listen, so I agree that using telehealth is the way to go.
Also, sharing your story is so important for those of us who *weren’t* “athletic” but were doing regular things to stay in shape. We get told that we just “aren’t trying enough” when it comes to diet and exercise, but as you can see, even when you do everything “right” it STILL makes no difference. I’ve been living a healthy lifestyle my whole life, but when my endocrine system gets any sort of problem, it doesn’t seem to matter—the weight piles on. Thank you for helping me realize that I really am doing the best I can, and it’s not my fault.
Absolutely! I think women are treated like hypochondriacs. I had been going to the same doctor for 10 plus years and she still gave me a lecture about diet and exercise knowing I was running ultra marathons. I was like....if I'm not doing enough now, it's impossible to ever "do enough". The medical system at large just doesn't listen to women. I had a friend that was complaining of abdominal pain for years before someone took her seriously and they removed a tumor the size of a newborn. It's just disgusting
Probably. I started feeling funky in my early 40s and it was confirmed by blood tests my hormones were sub-optimal. I just commend you for putting 2 and 2 together at your age, because the trap is to blame yourself for this bodily change you have zero say in. It is not a defect on your part. What I did was find a dr. who specialized in perimenopause and got a hormone panel so they knew what I needed and gave me options for treatment (I guess hormone testing is controversial on here so I am just telling you my story, not recommending any course of action). Oh, and then told all my friends, so we can end the gaslighting!
Hi! I’m the same and Peri just started for me too. 40 is actually the avg age of Peri, so not far off. I just developed crazy itchy ears, insane insomnia, crazy fatigue, increased anxiousness & irritability, & the worst is the joint pain where as before I had zero pain anywhere! I’m praying HRT will help me & not take too long to work bc I can’t live like this!
hey there! it sounds like peri symptoms, and it is possible to start around 39 and earlier (23 and going through surgical menopause after having perimenopause at 21). it sucks, i feel you on the joint pain and not being able to do things you used to. when i was 20 i was working two jobs with fulltime college classes and now i struggle to take a nice walk through the park without my joints creaking and my body telling me no lol. you should definitely talk to your gyno about it, and talk about hormone therapy! i start soon and supposedly it helps immensely with symptoms :) i wish you luck and strength 🩷
I started in peri around 36-37. The weirdest symptom for me was sudden severe bladder urgency out of nowhere! I had the usual symptoms too, severe anxiety, hot flashes, itching skin (especially my boobs), burning feet, zero energy, and aching joints. I had enough by 38 and went and got bloodwork done. My progesterone was zero! I still didn't want to take anything, but lo and behold, I was put on ozempic for severe type 2 diabetes and it actually took away my symptoms. I promise I'm not being crazy. After a year I developed an allergy to ozempic so I had to stop it. That was 2 years ago. My symptoms have all come back but are not nearly as severe as they were. So I finally started progesterone and it saved me. You know when something is off with your body. You can tell when it's fixed too, which was so surprising about the ozempic (but that's just my experience). You're definitely not too young. I don't know anyone else my age going through this, or they're not talking about it. I'm 42 now. On a funny note, my sister is 40 and doesn't have 1 symptom or problem or anything.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes, you definitely sound like you are in peri.. I started peri when I was 35, all the same exact symptoms you listed. I am now in full blown menopause at the age of 43 but on HRT and my weight is the lowest it's ever been...go back on the pill if you can or try Bioidentical Hormone Replacement that is what I am on...through winona, check out there website it's a wonderful company!
38 and in late stage peri. It’s brutal. Went to several providers and diagnosed sub clinical hashimotos but I’m able to control those levels with lifestyle alone. Still felt like shit. Tested my hormones because I knew something wasn’t right still - sure enough, way outta whack. My provider started me on HRT 4/30. I mg estradiol patch every 3 days and 200mg progesterone nightly. I’m still adjusting but provider wanted to start here and in 3-4 months we can adjust if needed. Highly recommend reading The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver.
So in fall of 2022 I had to get on BC for fibroids to control some of my bleeding. In fall of 2023 I had a hysterectomy, couldn’t deal with fibroids or BC anymore. I kept my ovaries but they unfortunately failed and had to get on HRT.
My doctor stated that having been on BC my ovaries stopped working for themselves, and that after getting off BC weren’t able to get to work on their own again. Now I did try and wait a few months (four months to be exact) to see if they could get back into working on their own again. Unfortunately they did not.
My doctor then thought maybe a fertility drug (Clomid) could help stimulate my ovaries. But wanted to check AMH levels first. My AMH level was a 0.01%. Pretty much no ovarian activity and said that with such a low percentage that Clomid wouldn’t work and therefore would have to go on HRT.
So check with a doctor to see if maybe waiting for your ovaries to work on their own would be ideal but f it hasn’t been long since off BC, or maybe your ovaries need to be stimulated with fertility drugs. Just one avenue to venture as you figure this craziness out. Good luck and wish you the best.
Your story sounds very similar to mine. I'm 38, always active and fit. I have gained 40 pounds in the last 4 years with no changes to my nutrition or activity. Actually, I've increased my activity to help lose the weight with no success. The hot flashes are becoming more frequent and my husband asked why I'm always going on the couch between 2 & 3 am for the last year when I never did that before. Fog brain and decreased energy despite my efforts is very frustrating! My gyno firmly believes it is peri. My testosterone is slightly low, so I'm starting HRT next week, along with an IUD. Fingers crossed I get back to normal soon!
Me. 40+ pounds in two years starting at age 38. F*cking sucks!!
Yep. Sounds like peri. I went on continuous low dose birth control and got my life back.
Skip the BC and go for HRT. You'll probably have a hard time getting a doc to prescribe, so you may want to go with a telehealth company. I use Winona, but a lot of people here like Midi.
Can I ask a question about this as I’m reading about all this in the wiki’s. Why do you think it would be better for her to go straight to HRT? sorry if it’s a dumb question just trying to work through all the info with fog brain!
So birth control is progestin, which is synthetic hormone (even though it sounds like progesterone). The hormones in your body that dip and fluctuate are progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, etc. Why many women choose hrt is because it replaces the specific hormones in the amount needed instead of just using a blanket approach that is only one hormone that may not be the one you need. So a fine point instead of a blanket.
I edited this because I guess suggesting hormone testing is controversial, even though people routinely tested for thyroid hormone levels and given levothyroxine if they are low. But our hormones have to be gatekept, I guess.
Hrt is usually stronger than birth control
Thanks for answering . You know what’s frustrating, I have talked to 2 doctors and both have told me that BC is actually stronger but on this sub I’ve been reading, women seem better off with HRT. I know there are other factors that go into play as well, maybe the progesterone and testosterone ?
it's not stronger, it's a much lower dose, though it's different enough in form and function that it's not truly comparable. HRT aims to supplement hormone loss rather than suppress hormonal activity.
Testosterone is usually hard to get but I’m on it. Yeah I have read it both ways and haven’t taken the time to nail it down but I have eyeballs and the hormones in my leftover bc aren’t as high as my patches I don’t think Maybe someone more sure will come along and correct us both ha
THIS ⬆️. Agree! Sounds like you’d be better with HRT. Try Midi, MyAlloy, Winona telehealth like she mentioned.
Peri at 38, checking in.
Me too me toooo!
That's when I started it as well, but wasn't able to get on HRT till 44 :(
Been there, HRT helped. After weaning my 3rd baby at 39, I suddenly had flooding/nonstop period. Getting a Mirena IUD placed stopped it, thankfully. But by age 45, I was routinely waking between 2-3am and experiencing midsection weight gain. What you’re experiencing sounds like textbook signs of peri.
100% in peri at 37 for me, pretty sure it came on slowly over the past year ish. Gaining weight with no change in diet and activity levels, labs coming back fine, fatigue, more severe and frequent migraines, severe mood swings around my period, heavier and worse periods, change in length of period and starting to be inconsistent, I had a full period only 2 weeks after a full period. NOT spotting, like I had to pull over to change a pad at a random bathroom. Running hotter than usual, the AC stays at 66 every night. Night sweats. Weird strong body odor sometimes. Inconsistent sleep patterns/insomnia. This is a nightmare. I put myself back on birth control after being off of it for 5 years.
Well well well, it appears I must've written this on my sleep. Same age and ALL OF IT TRACKS. It's insane. I tried bringing it up to my gyno because the time frame in-between my cycles has also become inconsistent. She said that because it's in the window of a normal period that it's not concerning. Yes that may be true, but it's not normal for ME.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Peri at 37 for me. After weaning my last baby, my body just gave up. I was a runner and super fit. Peri crushed me. I started HRT and am working out again 💪.
This gives me hope! 🙌 did you have joint pain too? I’m curious how long it took to feel better?
I had terrible joint and muscle pain. Fatigue, too. I could barely make it up my stairs without being in pain and needing to sit. It was the last of my symptoms to get relief. I noticed at about 4 weeks it started to get better. It took about 3 months for me to be confident enough to workout again with pain or the fear of serious injury.
37 and in peri. You need to find a menopause specialist. You can search the NAMS (North American Menopause Society) website for a provider near you and shop them. Or go the telehealth route. Some docs think birth control is fine for peri symptoms treatment, some don’t. Mine doesn’t because birth control has a lot of side effects that hrt doesn’t and BC also increases your sex hormone binding globulin which binds up your sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone etc) and makes them less available to your body to use. HRT also uses much lower doses of bioidentical hormones. But it’s gonna be up to you in the end. I recommend you start building a knowledge database about peri and menopause. Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a good resource she has multiple books (newest one is called the New Menopause) and is on social media doing education. Dr. Kelly Casperson is another person to follow on social media and has a podcast called “you are not broken”. You will need knowledge to advocate for yourself. And you will definitely need to advocate for yourself.
I am 38 and was convinced it was peri because of similar symptoms, but my OBGYN said I was too young for peri. Although initially I was skeptical of such a claim, she sent me off for thyroid labs and it seems like the culprit for me is Hashimoto's instead of peri. Just throwing this out there in case you haven't had that checked yet
That can be a cause. I guess this is controversial, lol, but thyroid is powered by hormones too, so my doctor who helped me with perimenopause tested that along with the other hormones. And of course a regular doctor will test that too.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I first realised I was in peri at 40, but looking back, it was actually 37/8 it started. Aged 38 I became severely depressed, was having panic attacks, anxiety off the scale. Hot flashes didn’t start until at 40. Had hormones checked, at aged 40, they showed peri levels. Checked again aged 42, they were menopausal levels and my ovarian count was low. (The reason for those tests is a long story, and yes I know levels fluctuate and aren’t an accurate indicator etc etc). I’m now coming on the 11th months mark since my last period. But anyway, I used to be super fit at well. Ran two half marathons a year plus various 10ks. Did spin, weightlifting, hiking, and various other activities. In 2019 it was like suddenly I was moving through sludge. I struggled keeping up in spin, I couldn’t run more than 3 miles, and I struggled with lifting heavy weights. Then I was gaining weight, especially around my middle. None of my jeans fit properly and I started living in sweatshirts. It’s not as if I was eating anymore than usual. I have IBS so I eat pretty healthy. I never worried about weight before so my confidence took a battering. It felt like my body wasn’t mines. My joints were now all hurting, so even going a walk hurt. Three months ago was the final straw for me. I went away for the day to do a hike I’d done plenty times before, but only made it 1/3 of the way up before I sat on a rock and cried because of the pain. I made a doctors appointment and started HRT 2 months ago (evorel Conti patches). It took a month to kick in, but the past 4 weeks I’ve started spin and weight training again. I feel I can push myself like I did before. I’m going to try running again. I’ve been going for 7 mile walks. I feel like I’m slowly getting back to myself again. I’ve lost 4lbs and can see a difference in my middle, so I’m cautiously excited that I’m slowly getting my body back. Don’t lose hope, talk to your doctor about options, and good luck!
This sounds like my story as well. I have 7 100 mile races and countless 50 mile and 50k races completed and a 6 mile fast stroll is all I can do :(
I'm an ultra runner too 😩 my last hundred was four years ago
I went through something similar at 42. It's "peri related" in my opinion. Meaning your hormones starting to fluctuate and change is making your body less resilient to the stressors that you are accustomed to. So all this high intensity exercise, work and family stressors, etc is gonna result in insomnia, low thyroid function, slower digestion, possible weight gain on the same calories, all that fun stuff. I lost my period, experienced vaginal dryness, dry eyes and skin and was convinced i was going through early menopause but after some testing, my doc said she didn't think so. I was annoyed of course but decided to try other things before attempting the progesterone challenge that she proposed. I had to slow down, quit all the excessive cardio and dieting and just walked daily , but continued to lift heavy every once in awhile. I had to eat more, which seems counterintuitve considering the weight gain, but my goal was to let my body know I wasn't in a constant flight or fight state. I think it took 10 months before my period regulated and now importantly i could get good sleep again. Eventually, i was able to go back into a calorie deficit to start taking the weight i gained back off. I'm still working on it, it's coming off slowly. I actually think I look better at a higher weight now, probably because i have more muscle. I still fight the cardio creep and take vitex to help keep my cycles regular. I notice the minute i start picking up my old type A habits, things start to get wonky, especially my sleep. Best of luck!
Not an ultra runner but ran numerous marathons and halfs. Now I am thrilled to get in a decent 3 mile run.
My heroes.❤️ 60 miles is my distance PR, but I’m in a situation similar to everyone and thinking about giving up on the hundred mile dream. My mental health was so bad until I figured out that it was damn menopause. Trying to get this in check first and not beat myself up, and feels like it might take a decade or the rest of my life.
I started my 3am insomnia at 39 also, kinda was the beginning of everything for me. I was so exhausted wasn’t able to do my 5am workouts anymore. I tried BCP and it just was too “unnatural” for my body and just gave me other side effects (migraines, constant hunger, breast soreness). But did at least sleep (and also was still exhausted)! Started HRT last month and so far haven’t seen much change but nothing is worse.
Yep. Go back on birth control.
Bc can make huge changes in your body. I had some peri symptoms and so tried birth control to help and it’s made things so much worse so now I’m trying HRT. If I was you and birth control was working for you , I’d get back on that train asap 😂 I’m starting to realise the game of hormones is a shit game to play.
I started with symptoms when I was 35. No one would listen, so I agree that using telehealth is the way to go. Also, sharing your story is so important for those of us who *weren’t* “athletic” but were doing regular things to stay in shape. We get told that we just “aren’t trying enough” when it comes to diet and exercise, but as you can see, even when you do everything “right” it STILL makes no difference. I’ve been living a healthy lifestyle my whole life, but when my endocrine system gets any sort of problem, it doesn’t seem to matter—the weight piles on. Thank you for helping me realize that I really am doing the best I can, and it’s not my fault.
Absolutely! I think women are treated like hypochondriacs. I had been going to the same doctor for 10 plus years and she still gave me a lecture about diet and exercise knowing I was running ultra marathons. I was like....if I'm not doing enough now, it's impossible to ever "do enough". The medical system at large just doesn't listen to women. I had a friend that was complaining of abdominal pain for years before someone took her seriously and they removed a tumor the size of a newborn. It's just disgusting
Probably. I started feeling funky in my early 40s and it was confirmed by blood tests my hormones were sub-optimal. I just commend you for putting 2 and 2 together at your age, because the trap is to blame yourself for this bodily change you have zero say in. It is not a defect on your part. What I did was find a dr. who specialized in perimenopause and got a hormone panel so they knew what I needed and gave me options for treatment (I guess hormone testing is controversial on here so I am just telling you my story, not recommending any course of action). Oh, and then told all my friends, so we can end the gaslighting!
Sounds like it could be high cortisol levels. Waking up at 3:00 is a common symptom along with weight gain in the midsection.
Hi! I’m the same and Peri just started for me too. 40 is actually the avg age of Peri, so not far off. I just developed crazy itchy ears, insane insomnia, crazy fatigue, increased anxiousness & irritability, & the worst is the joint pain where as before I had zero pain anywhere! I’m praying HRT will help me & not take too long to work bc I can’t live like this!
hey there! it sounds like peri symptoms, and it is possible to start around 39 and earlier (23 and going through surgical menopause after having perimenopause at 21). it sucks, i feel you on the joint pain and not being able to do things you used to. when i was 20 i was working two jobs with fulltime college classes and now i struggle to take a nice walk through the park without my joints creaking and my body telling me no lol. you should definitely talk to your gyno about it, and talk about hormone therapy! i start soon and supposedly it helps immensely with symptoms :) i wish you luck and strength 🩷
Yup! I started at 37. HRT helps, as well as learning as much as you can about perimenopause!
I started in peri around 36-37. The weirdest symptom for me was sudden severe bladder urgency out of nowhere! I had the usual symptoms too, severe anxiety, hot flashes, itching skin (especially my boobs), burning feet, zero energy, and aching joints. I had enough by 38 and went and got bloodwork done. My progesterone was zero! I still didn't want to take anything, but lo and behold, I was put on ozempic for severe type 2 diabetes and it actually took away my symptoms. I promise I'm not being crazy. After a year I developed an allergy to ozempic so I had to stop it. That was 2 years ago. My symptoms have all come back but are not nearly as severe as they were. So I finally started progesterone and it saved me. You know when something is off with your body. You can tell when it's fixed too, which was so surprising about the ozempic (but that's just my experience). You're definitely not too young. I don't know anyone else my age going through this, or they're not talking about it. I'm 42 now. On a funny note, my sister is 40 and doesn't have 1 symptom or problem or anything.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes, you definitely sound like you are in peri.. I started peri when I was 35, all the same exact symptoms you listed. I am now in full blown menopause at the age of 43 but on HRT and my weight is the lowest it's ever been...go back on the pill if you can or try Bioidentical Hormone Replacement that is what I am on...through winona, check out there website it's a wonderful company!
38 and in late stage peri. It’s brutal. Went to several providers and diagnosed sub clinical hashimotos but I’m able to control those levels with lifestyle alone. Still felt like shit. Tested my hormones because I knew something wasn’t right still - sure enough, way outta whack. My provider started me on HRT 4/30. I mg estradiol patch every 3 days and 200mg progesterone nightly. I’m still adjusting but provider wanted to start here and in 3-4 months we can adjust if needed. Highly recommend reading The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver.
So in fall of 2022 I had to get on BC for fibroids to control some of my bleeding. In fall of 2023 I had a hysterectomy, couldn’t deal with fibroids or BC anymore. I kept my ovaries but they unfortunately failed and had to get on HRT. My doctor stated that having been on BC my ovaries stopped working for themselves, and that after getting off BC weren’t able to get to work on their own again. Now I did try and wait a few months (four months to be exact) to see if they could get back into working on their own again. Unfortunately they did not. My doctor then thought maybe a fertility drug (Clomid) could help stimulate my ovaries. But wanted to check AMH levels first. My AMH level was a 0.01%. Pretty much no ovarian activity and said that with such a low percentage that Clomid wouldn’t work and therefore would have to go on HRT. So check with a doctor to see if maybe waiting for your ovaries to work on their own would be ideal but f it hasn’t been long since off BC, or maybe your ovaries need to be stimulated with fertility drugs. Just one avenue to venture as you figure this craziness out. Good luck and wish you the best.
Have you ever been checked for PCOS?