I wonder the same thing. I had no idea this could be this bad.

Tell me about your symtoms

Irregular periods, cramping, heavy periods, deep depression, irrational rage, heart palpitations. I'm just ready to feel like myself again!

Mine are terrible depression and anxiety. I can barely function. Suicidal thoughts constantly.

No, this is not uncommon. In the 8 years of perimenopause and menopause, and the 3 years (and still going) of postmenopause, I've experienced 35 of the 37 symptoms. I finally started taking HRT several years ago with only partial success. I try to concentrate on how things ARE better than they were years ago, but it's like being beaten up every day for weeks and weeks, then getting beat up only 1-3 days a week; yes, it's improvement, but when it hits, it doesn't feel like things are better at all. Currently it's the deep depression that hits randomly, and even takes a day or two to recuperate. I even joined the Depression support group because it's so overwhelming, my life stops.
I'm trying not to be hard on myself, and keep talking to my doctors. I also keep two journals; one little calendar is for specifics ("woke up depressed, Noon: feel better, took a Tylenol," etc). The second one is more of how I'm feeling and what I need to say about what I'm going through ("Again? Another day of this AGAIN?!" etc.). The second journal is more of a venting system...There's anger and despair in there that I don't want to expose my family to. Both are helpful.
Anyway, this hormone thing affects all of us differently, so sadly, no one. My can promise anything.My mother-in-law hardly felt a thing; just stopped her period one day...that's it.
Keep checking back on this site. You are not alone at all.
Hugs and flowers to all of us!

How are you functioning? Are you able to work? I can barely get through the day.

I have this thought, that it must be something more, frequently. I also get ahead of myself and wonder how this will all turn out? What will I be like without hormones. I hear it can be a great time once we get through this part. It's only a phase. As rough as it is...there is an end so we must keep pushing forward. It really is hard to believe something else is not wrong when this hits so hard with so many symptoms! Just remember that we've had these hormones for a very long time and now we are in withdrawal!

Yes, I am feeling the same way...only my situation is a bit challenging as I also have battle lyme and cfs...so not sure what is causing what.....but seem to feel a lot worse when having ovary pain.....the mood swings, the rage, wanting to hit or smash something...plus horrible fatigue and apathy and weakness.....it annoys me when I go to the Doctor for them to ask am I having hot flushes and sweats..as though these two symptoms are the major defining symptoms of meno ! Courage to us all. x

The hardest thing for me right now is aches and pains. I have to get up constantly from my desk and walk around and stretch in order to make it through the day. Even then I'm sore at the end of the day. I used to get heart palpitations but I don't get them anymore thankfully. I think one reason I was having them was that I had iron deficiency anemia. Since I've been better about taking iron that is no longer a problem.