Hello again to everyone...I will be 45 in June. I am still having regular periods, but my cycles have shortened considerably over the past 5 years.
I have been having some perimenopause symptoms for the past few years that have been quite bothersome.
1. My PMS headaches are insane and hard to treat. I have had migraines my whole life and am currently taking amitriptyline daily for them. About 5 days before my period, and then during my period (and a few days after), my migraines are just awful. My usual triptan meds don't work so well.
2. I have terrible insomnia about a week before my period now. My doctor has given me Ambien but I don't like to take it. I have read too many terrible stories about Ambien and links with cancer. So most of these nights, I just either lay awake or sleep in some weird dream state, where I don't feel rested and have VERY vivid dreams that are sometimes disturbing.
3. I just don't feel like myself anymore, especially during PMS. I feel like I've lost who I was. I don't know any other way to explain it. I cry so easily, I'm so emotional. I have never had a weight problem, and now I have put on about 10 pounds I can't seem to lose. And I can only blame myself because I have NO, and I mean NO will power in the evenings. Food seems to comfort me now, where it never has before. I know that amitriptyline can contribute to these cravings, but I cannot stop taking it because my migraines will come back with full force.
It doesn't help that I also have interstitial cystitis. I've been diagnosed now for about 3 years, even though I had symptoms a few years before that. I really have to watch my diet and it flares sometimes, which is very hard to handle along with the perimenopause. I also have tried Prozac, but it really bothered my bladder (IC).
I am currently taking a very small dose of vaginal estrogen cream twice weekly because I was having burning and vaginal pain. That part has improved.
I just don't know how I'm going to make it another 5 years or so of this. I am due for my period in about 3 days. I literally cannot wait to start every month. At least emotionally, I feel SO much better after I start.
My poor husband of almost 23 years is very patient with me, but I can feel myself being a horrible person, and sometimes can't stop it!! I guess I just really wanted to vent to some people I hope will understand.
Thanks for listening,
Jane