I think one of the issues here is that we're all basically a bunch of hormonal females so it's inevitable that some of us are going to be ultra sensitive and/or read more into others' posts than was probably intended (me being the worst offender!). That makes people feel they have been criticised so they feel they have to defend or justify themselves, hence the 'race' you refer to CKLD. The good thing is that, as someone else pointed out, this thread has remained balanced and friendly.
![Smiley :)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/smiley.gif)
I was going to email Emma, HB, til I remembered your previous experience. Maybe a peri post/thread will just occur naturally. 'If' there was a separate part of the forum, crucially, it would need to be inclusive. I could not have got through the last year if it wasn't for the support, advice and views of some of the more experienced ladies on here, those who've given me confidence and reassurance when my friends at home just didn't get it (a number who are contributing to this thread so
![thankyou :thankyou:](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/thankyou.gif)
) Many of the things discussed are relevant to both peri and menopausal members - the more peri focused issues being some of the treatments available, the risk levels associated with some treatments, coping with fluctuations rather than lack of estrogen and the alienation (stigma?) experienced when your 30/40 something social group is still discussing the joys of having babies whilst you're secretly battling the grief of never being a birth mother. A case of night feeds vs night sweats!
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