Hey ladies! I’m 42, homeschooling mom of three. I’m finding it so difficult lately with the brain fog, sometimes emotional numbness, sometimes rage, anxiety, being on edge, and crying at the drop of a hat, being absolutely convinced everyone hates me and I’m just the stupidest person in the world, can’t do anything right… It’s almost always the worst a few days before my period but it can sometimes come at any point in my cycle. It can be so debilitating. 😢 And then it’s like a switch is flipped when my period is halfway done or mostly done and I’m fine. Then I’m left wondering, “What the heck was I so upset about a few days ago?!” I definitely get a lot of the other physical symptoms as well but the emotional rollercoaster is the worst part of it for me. I have an appointment to meet with a hormone specialist next week. I’m so hopeful but kind of terrified they won’t think I need any BHRT.

Hi! I'm about 47 and a half, and the signs and symptoms of perimenopause have reared up quite dramatically in the past year. Last month, I had my first "missed" period (after a lonnnng, drawn-out period in October), where I only experienced spotting and about a two-minute bleed at the beginning of November—and nothing since! Until today. Dangit. I thought I might finally be DONE with periods, lol! I'm also finishing up a six-month school and am SOOO tired. Hanging on by a thread! I'm taking some supplements that have been recommended, but am seriously protein-starved, since my husband has been doing the cooking and only likes chicken (no shade; I don't want to cook, I just need some STEAK). Anxiety has been super-high, too. Anyway, once I graduate, I hope to find a doctor and get a hormone panel done so I can see whether peri will become PAUSE in the nearish future. Until then, it's great to have a community to learn from! 😊