I'm not certain, but I started at 101/2 and I had a hyst last year. I was experiencing peri for a while, so I'm guessing I started around 45 or 46 years old. It makes sense.

Were you in peri for a long time? I guess I would deal with this better if I knew there was an exact time frame, but that is too much to ask for right? Thanks for getting back to me

I got my period when I was 12, and started with the perimenopausal symptoms right after I turned 40. I didn't expect to start having them until age 50 or so. My mother was 56 when she hit menopause, with most of the symptoms appearing afterwards. I am 47 now, and had a hysterectomy at 45.

I was in peri for about 3 years before I had my hyst. My periods were getting more irregular, but who knows how long it would have gone on for.

Started at age 12, was still having normal 28 day cycles with no signs of perimeno at age 49 when my gyn removed all my sex organs for a benign ovarian cyst. I had been looking forward to turning 50 because I felt great (and looked great too - people thought I was in my 30's) and was in excellent health. The hysterectomy changed all that.

My mom and sisters had very easy menopause transitions. They just started skipping periods here and there and then they stopped. They never had many symptoms either.

It seems like a few of you had hysterectomies. Was that due to the peri symptoms? I also feel like many of the symptoms I have have been around for several years now. I am hoping that that means I am approaching menopause soon (I am praying!) Have any one you felt better since going into menopause? Thanks for all getting back to me - I will keep you all in my prayers.

You're the only one (so far) who hasn't had a hyst - lucky you! I felt great BEFORE my hysterectomy and surgical menopause 6 years ago. My hyst was not for perimenopausal symptoms - wasn't even in peri yet. I developed a large ovarian cyst that looked somewhat suspicious and my gyn rushed me into surgery and removed my healthy organs.

I changed overnight from a 49 YO who looked more like late 30's to looking mid-50's due to rapid skin aging and massive hair loss (and texture changes, graying) within a matter of months post-op.

The happy, vibrant, sexual person I was became suicidally depressed, anxious, and asexual along with many other physical issues, both hormone deficiency related and hysterectomy related.

I hope the perimeno symptoms abate soon and you come out on the other side happy, healthy and still intact!

Morrj27, my hysterectomy was due to adenomyosis, rapidly growing fibroids and polyps. While all of these conditions are benign, they can greatly affect the quality of life. I had constant cramps, bloating, heavy irregular periods and painful intercourse. My peri symptoms weren't pleasant, but not a cause for hysterectomy. I feel much better after having my hysterectomy, but of course, now I'm in full menopause. My worst symptom is hot flashes, but tolerable, especially compared to how I felt before.

I got my period at 17. I was perimenopausel around 42.

I had my hysterectomy because of a very large fibroid mass. It was taking up my lower right side, and had also taken up the spot where my bladder should have been. My bladder was on my left side, and that was causing horrible problems for me. I waited two months after the surgery (20 months ago) to see what menopause symptoms I would have. I started with the hot flashes, I had a different body odor, and the skin on my face got worse. I actually have had bad skin all my adult life, and it got better with the peri. I found that one really strange. It just went back to being the way it was before, nothing really horrible. All my other symptoms started after I turned 40. Two months after the surgery I started taking estradiol. 1mg works for me, no hot flashes, my skin looks better, and I smell like I did prior. I have never had the mood swings. I have been severely depressed and anxious all my life, so nothing changed there either. I am glad I had the surgery, I feel so much better and my bladder is working properly. Kinda feel like I don't belong in the support groups, as I feel I am doing pretty good. Both post hyst and with the meno (even before the estradiol).

I think you belong here, nuchels!

A support group is for women who have Been Through It!

Ya don't have to be miserable!

I don't have much to complain about as far as menopause goes.. I am 3 years into surgical menopause and I love to talk all things hormones, hysterectomy, menopause.. you name it.

I think it's interesting how we are all so different.

Also cool that your skin improved during peri.( I was the opposite). I'm glad things are going well for you now!

yep period around 11 . and started having problems at 43

I'm glad to hear nuchels that you are doing well. It is amazing how different we all are and how differently we are all affected by these hormonal issues. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when peri starts. My periods are heavy now, pretty much stop after 3 days and then pick up again. Thanks to all of you for your support and have the best day you can.

I feel like the odd person out. Period started at 12, I was declared peri when I was 35, now at 48, I've been in meno for at least a year.

Four yrs ago, when I first had my meno. test, it was at 25%, so I stayed on birth control, to control back spasm issues I would encounter when ovulating. My last physical, blood test put me at full menopause, so I stopped the birth control, no back spasms, no periods, and very few problems. I think peri was worse than what I'm experiencing now, which are very few symtoms of meno.

I think the worst thing, with all my peri symptoms, my now ex begged the Dr. for a hysterectomy. Luckily, she blew him off, and explained without any physical problems, they won't even contemplate it. I think that's when my marriage started falling apart.

Everyone is different. Good luck to everyone dealing with peri.

julchr -
Sorry you had such a tough time in perimeno to the point of causing the breakup of your marriage but glad to hear meno has been much easier.

Your husband (now ex) probably had no clue that a hysterectomy could have put you in worse shape, at least in the long run. Of course, YOU may have refused even if your gyn would have done it.

I wonder if your ex would have considered having his prostate removed if it was causing some sort of problem!