Peri-menopause are the years (? is the years ?) when we notice differences in period patterns: mine waxed and waned for several years; missing several months then a few periods, followed by same old. Same old. The blessing was that the pain and flooding disappeared. In 2002 I noticed that I hadn't had a bleed for ages .......... we are supposed to count for 12 months without a period B4 we consider that we might be into menopause = end of periods.
However, Mother Nature might throw in a curved ball, so counting from 1 starts all over.
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
. Add to that hot flushes [which many GPs think that's it as far as menopause, along with no periods, goes
![Angry >:(](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/angry.gif)
]. Aches and pains. Brain fog. Etc., etc., etc.
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/rolleyes.gif)
Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use. As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: inside and out; skin, scalp, between the toes, deep in the ears, nostrils, vagina
![Shocked :o](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/shocked.gif)
; as well as the muscles becoming lax = aches and pains. It's The Change, does what it says on the tin
![Cheesy :D](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/cheesy.gif)
Let us know how you get on.