Hi. I've been in perimenopause for about three years and yep. it seems my periods just show up out for the blue. I had a patch when I didn't have one for six months - and then I had three in a row. There is no rhyme or reason to it, it would seem. Just when I think I'm not going to have to buy any more womanly supplies; then along comes a surprise visit from AF! TIP: Always have supplies in your handbag! ;)

I've missed a few over the past 2 years but that's the least of my worries. The mood swings are the worst for me, along with the weight gain and my torso looking more like a barrel. I am trying to eat healthy and starting doing some Yoga, which does help just about everything! My digestion is completely different from what it was, very gassy and constipated at times - something that I have never experienced until now! Also, acid reflux flare ups so I take Zantac for that when needed, which is mostly daily at this point. It can be depressing at times, but try to keep a positive attitude and know that all of us women have or will be going through this "change" and talk to friends your age that are probably experiencing the same problems. It really is good therapy to talk about everything, that's why I love this website!!! Hang in there and go with the flow! ; )

I've been gaining weight too, and eating less doesn't seem to make any difference.
The other thing I noticed is other than grapes, fruit is turning me right off. Isn't that strange?

I've got the supplies in my bag and wear a pad at night, just in case. This experience sure is interesting!

I do have the mood swings ,it scares me when I look at hubby who is nothing but wonderful and think how incredibly annoying he is,lol. Then the next minute i am overwhelmed with love for him!

I was depressed about a year ago and the doc put me on Wellbutrin and I had a really bad reaction so was only on them for about two weeks and I stopped taking them. Bad brain reaction to them. I now know it was only part of the peri-menopause as I do get down on occasion so now I just keep it to myself. And if I cry (which seems to be something I am great at now) I just tell hubby it's hormones.
my doc does not believe in peri-menopause but is ready with his prescription pad to give me all sorts of wonderful mood altering drugs and I won't have any of it. This is a natural process and if hubby survives, lol, we all will.

I don't think anything is strange anymore!! LOL Actually, I went through the fruit turn-off stage myself a while ago, but don't worry, that too will pass! I'm now loving my fruit again! I too, was repulsed by my boyfriend for a while recently...that is all gone now and things are good. I guess it's phases we go through of the weird moodiness and the evil witch taking over our bodies.....that was really scaring me! I'm glad that's over...at least for now anyways!! I feel bad for our guys too...just let him know what's going on with you and if you happen to turn into a raving lunatic...ignore it because that isn't you!! I think letting a guy know how you feel is good idea...just to give him a heads up on your mood of the day/hour/minute! LOL The good ones will try to understand at least! ; )

I can relate to the problem you had with the Wellbutrin. I was on it for six weeks and it was horrible. I went off it and within two weeks felt better, but then my period hit and it was back to square one. One of the biggest problems I am having now is fatigue. It has been bad for the last week or so and I am pushing myself to get things done. My worst time of day is the afternoon. I could probably take a three hour nap but I know that will interfere with my sleep during the night. IT seems sleep problems are a big problem with perimenopause and menopause, but I am not experiencing them as of yet, Thank God.

Oh, I would take the nap if I were you! Any actual sleep is welcome! I'm exhausted and can't even remember the last time I slept through the night.

sleep is a huge thing right now for me too.
I am literally exhausted all day and need frequent naps, but then around 9 PM or so I wake up and have a bit of energy so stay up till about midnight and then go to bed but keep waking up every few hours or so and lay awake till I fall asleep again.
I don't mind the sleep thing so much as I mind the exhaustion. It has me in tears at times I am that tired.
Blood levels are good, blood sugars are good, blood pressure is good, no anemia, just exhaustion.

I did have a low thyroid and my meds for that have been upped but we can't tell a difference at all. None!
And the doc did say that my cholesterol levels had come up so to watch that carefully. As I haven't changed anything in my diet or anything, I just went out and bought Dr. Strauss Heart drops to see if that will work.