Let me add that I have had a change in my body temperature. I used to be cold all of the time and now I am always hot. In fact, I live in South Florida and can't stand being out in the sun too long. I itch like crazy and can no longer use any shower products that have perfume in it. This has really been a difficult year for me and I would like to know if what I have been experiencing isn't mental illness but actually menapause. I am going to make an appointment with the GYN tomorrow to get some answers. I'm really hoping this is the answer. I would love for that red monster to stop so I can enjoy my life and my family. I am also very sensitive, moreso than I used to be. I really hope this is all hormonal.

Hopefully you found your answers today...This place in life can be puzzling for some women...Good luck...

Caroline

Unfortunately I haven't found my answers. I haven't had any responses to my question.

I am sorry as I thought you were seeing him/her tomorrow...Again, good luck...

Thank you! I did make an appt. with my gyn for next Friday and hoping to get some answers. I was also hoping that some of the readers might have been experiencing or experienced some of what I went through during premenopause or menopause. I guess I'm hoping that it's hormonal and not mental.

Hopefullly you will hear from someone on this...I really think that it is all hormonal...This happens so often...Just try not to worry and relax...It's the best thing to do...Have a great weekend...

Caroline

There are many side effects of menopause. You are describing alot of them. My guess would be that you are indeed starting the change. It's so easy for some women, and harder for others. Itching skin, hair loss, mood swings, insomnia, depression, dryness, hot flashes, are all signs that menopause had begun. I was 35 when I started, and got my last "visit from mother nature" when I hit 45. I sailed through and was so happy to see it go! Your doctor can run tests to check all this for you. Nothing to fret about, there are meds for any problems you experience if you need them. I didn't, and I highly don't recommend hormone replacement, due to the connection they are finding with breast cancer. Talk to your doctor. This could end up being the best time of your life once the side effects let up! Of course, there is always the chance it is not the change, but it sure sounds like you are starting! Good luck!

Thanks to both of you for replying! I really feel it is hormonal and not some personality disorder. Psychiatrists are so quick to place a label and prescribing drugs without checking to see if something medically or hormonal is going on.

hi wendyrs..you certainly sound menopausal and i thought at start of mine i was going crazy...i cried and flew off the handle blamed my morphine and was convinced it stopped my periods..it was several months down the line that i realised i needed this investigated at 48 yrs old..
off i went to my doctor and said " i think im going bonkers and my meds have stopped my period" then the tears started again..
he re-assured me that a simple blood test would confirm i was menopause and when results came back he confirmed i was...
I don,t miss them but the hot flashes are something else but i cope..no more tender breasts, period pain, my only downside is hair thinning but so many good products to overcome that..
im enjoying this new lease of life and you shall too..our hormones are all over the place with change honey but, my doc says the hot flashes are good sign i shall sail through..some women who don,t would give anything to have one..
you.ll be fine and keep up great work on your posts..

ioka

Thanks Ioka,

I was sick with the flu and missed my appt. with the GYN. I'm only 44 but my sister started early too. The hot flashes have been really noticable since I've always been cold all the time in a/c but now I can't seem to get enough cool air. I wake up in the morning or middle of the night (when I do sleep) with my lower body feeling like it's on fire. However, I do still get my period but for many years only for a day or so. I think I'm rather lucky for that. I have no desire to have more babies and my youngest is off to college next year so I'm really looking forward to it going away SOON! I'm going to reschedule my doctor appt. tomorrow and have him give me the test. I've been taking Lexapro (anti-depressant) for years and it really helps with my moods. I don't think pre-menopause is the answer to all that's happened to me this past year because I do have a diagnosis of BPD but who knows. Personally I think I'm too pleasant of a person to have BPD. Everyone says they are screamers and I never scream or yell at anyone. Just trying to find the right answers. Thanks! I'm wondering if anyone else has ever experienced self-injury during menopause or pre-menopause. I've learned not to do this anymore but if you have I'd really like to hear from you.

Wendy

Ok, so I went to the GYN today. He said I'm not pre-menopause but maybe something else is going on. My cervix was completely closed and it was a very painful exam. I have to go back next Friday for an ultrasound to see what is going on. Also, my Psychiatrist doesn't feel my BPD diagnosis has anything to do with menopause either. She says it's too extreme and I guess I agree. I'm not the typical BPD but I have a lot of the sensitivity symptoms. Anyway, I'm going to see a Chinese doctor who is naturopathic to help me get off my meds. I hope I can do this.