SparkPoints: (46,790)
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Posts: 8,486
4/27/13 10:45 A

SHEREE73, back! So glad your here:)

SparkPoints: (56,584)
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Posts: 2,427
4/27/13 9:18 A

Hi, Sherry! Yep, memory is one of those interesting symptoms, I think?!

Glad you are back!

Edited by: SHERIO5 at: 4/27/2013 (09:19)

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4/26/13 10:43 P

I can't remember if I introduced myself earlier or not (symptom right? ) I'm getting back with the program & logging in to SparkPeople. Have been away a few months.

So, hi everybody!

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4/24/13 8:53 P

Hi, again! Yep, your doctor needs to check facts! Perimenopause can last for quite a while...and start in the 30s...might not be typical...but it happens...and hormones can fluctuate for lots of reasons, producing symptoms.

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4/24/13 3:04 P

Hi ALL4ME13 , glad to have you with us.
And yea what do Dr's know.
Until your going through it you have not idea.
Little do they know women can start as young as 32.

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4/24/13 12:33 P

Hi everyone.
I'm Kara and I'm from Colorado. I am 45 and have been experiencing symptoms for a couple of years now, even tho the doctor won't listen to me and tells me I'm too young. RIGHT! Anyway, I am looking forward to learning and getting to know everyone and encouraging one another along the way.

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4/23/13 3:02 P

Hi Betty,
And A BIG to the team.

And I do hope you feel that you can find loads of support on this team.
Cause I for sure want you to know that we care and that your not alone.

SparkPoints: (56,584)
Fitness Minutes: (52,922)
Posts: 2,427
4/23/13 12:22 P

Welcome!

I think for me, knowing I am not alone in this has made a big difference.

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4/23/13 11:22 A

Hi, I am coming up on 49 and I THINK I am perimenopausal. I have some of the symptoms (mood swings, food cravings, sleep disorders) but much is mitigated by birth control pills taken to control fibroids. Thought I was going crazy before realizing might be hormonal. HMO discourages tests for non-life-impeding issues so don't know FSH levels. I am hoping to find coping mechanisms here for my biggest problem -- cravings for foods I would normally shun. I find myself thinking, "what am I doing? I don't like sweets!", as I am stuffing my face with candy.

SparkPoints: (56,584)
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Posts: 2,427
4/23/13 10:58 A

Hi, Betty! Glad you found the team!

Sheri

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4/23/13 10:40 A

Hi! My name is Betty, I am 44 and live in central kentucky. Have been showing signs of menopause for a year & a half now. Grateful to still be losing weight during this time. The hardest part of this season is the unexpected mood swings - can't stand feeling blue for no reason. It doesn't fit my personality or my lifestyle which makes it more frustrating that my mood takes a dive at random times. Thankful that it only lasts one or two days but I'm wondering if it will get worse. Looking forward to help & support in this group. Thanks in advance!

SparkPoints: (56,584)
Fitness Minutes: (52,922)
Posts: 2,427
4/16/13 9:03 A

Welcome!

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4/15/13 11:50 P

Hello GOODLANDGAL3 , and welcome to the team:)

Posts: 1,372
4/15/13 10:22 P

Hi I'm Marybeth. I'm 50 and peri. I feel my body going through changes and it's bazaar at times. I hoping to find/give encouragement , support and laughs. Looking forward to getting to know all of you.

SparkPoints: (46,790)
Fitness Minutes: (29,585)
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3/22/13 10:32 A

Hi Linda,
Glad you found us and a BIG to the Peri team:)
I think I can say you'll for sure find support on the team for sure with what your going through in this time of your live.

SparkPoints: (56,584)
Fitness Minutes: (52,922)
Posts: 2,427
3/22/13 10:31 A

Yep, crazy times!

I think knowing others are in the same spot in life has made a HUGE difference to me! Maybe if we keep sharing "war" stories this time of life won't be such a mystery!

Glad to have you both here!

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3/22/13 9:42 A

Hi, my name is Teresa. I am 44.

Started experiencing symptoms last year. Dr. put me through every test to figure out what was up EXCEPT suspecting perimenopause.

Extreme flooding (we talk about these things here, right?) finally led me to understand what was going on. I've never had but one hot flash, but COLD flashes. Seriously, I get waves of cold chills so badly they hurt in my bones! You'll often find me sitting next to the woodstove in layers of clothes and blankets. I never knew such things EXISTED! The weird skin sensations that make me look to see if I'm getting bit or crawled upon by a bug, brain fog, and the weird change from being the uber-caretaker of others to "that's ok, I don't need to hold the cute baby." I now understand why some women suddenly start cussing for the first time in their 40's! You just get these spells of, "will someone please tell the world it's full of $#!+!"

I don't recognize myself sometimes.

Why is this stage so secretive? Is the pink hat/red hat society a secret badge for this time of life?


So thankful for this message board and group. I've been trolling through the posts and nodding my head and saying "THANK GOD someone else is as 'crazy' as I am and ready to chat about it!"

SparkPoints: (3,277)
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Posts: 206
3/22/13 9:06 A

Hello All.....I'm Linda..Just turned 50 yrs young in Feb! Started experiencing symptoms last summer..got the hot flashes and sweats under control...but the insomnia, and a totally screwed up cycle is making for some crazy days.......staying positive and embracing the changes!!! Looking foward to hearing and reading how others are dealing with their 'changes'

SparkPoints: (56,584)
Fitness Minutes: (52,922)
Posts: 2,427
3/8/13 12:26 P

Glad you found us IMLOSINGITFORME!

All of your symptoms sound familiar! Good idea to get that physical...hopefully, you will find good information here..I know you will find others who are going through this change...and doing it together.

Sheri

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3/8/13 10:45 A

IMLOSINGITFORME, we are glad your here let us know how we can help you.
We are here to support you any way we can:)

SparkPoints: (1,314)
Fitness Minutes: (941)
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3/8/13 9:36 A

Hi all! Just joined spark today. I've been having experiences with various symptoms of menopause since I was 32. I'm 38 now, dealing with all the fun on my own it seems. Hot flashes, horrible breast tenderness before period shows up (sometimes early, sometimes late, sometimes 4 days in duration, sometimes 2 weeks), lowered libido, can't remember where I parked my car LOL. What a ride!!!

I'm glad this group is here because I know a lot of women who just don't want to talk about it! What's up with that? We all go through it. Oooo, maybe I should look into that Poise commercial discussion on menopause also!

Have to make an appointment with my doc for full run up. Maybe an appointment with a naturopath too.

Keep well, ladies!

SparkPoints: (56,584)
Fitness Minutes: (52,922)
Posts: 2,427
3/6/13 8:10 P

So glad you both have found us! This is a great group...funny and supportive! Let me know if I can help you out..no expert...but willing to listen! Lots of great resources on Spark.

Sheri

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3/5/13 9:08 A

SUPERMOMMY127 to the team, we are glad you here with US.

Posts: 3
3/4/13 9:55 P

Hi. My name is Susan and I live in Minnesota. Yesterday I turned 48 and all last night had hot flashes. Yippee! Just starting on my journey through the land of M. Have two boys with special needs, going to grad school and working part time, take karate, and am overweight by about 35-40 pounds. Looking for straight talk, humor, and hanging with you all.

SparkPoints: (46,790)
Fitness Minutes: (29,585)
Posts: 8,486
1/31/13 10:18 A

WINTERROZE, thanks for your story:)
It was entertaining for me.

Glad your here and I look forward to encouraging you the best that I can.

SparkPoints: (1,037)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 34
1/31/13 7:56 A

Sorry that I did not see this the other nite ... feel free to delete the other thread that I had started so here is a bit about myself ...

I have been apart of SPARK PEOPLE off and on since 2007 and never really stayed with it for a good amount of time ... so this time I am going to STICK w/ IT !! I am glad to see a group for ah LADIES going thru this as I want to be able to share my story ... but first I will finish telling you - about me ...

* Married for 35 years in April

* Mother of 3 - 30 year old male married, 28 year old male single, 24 year old daughter who is engaged to a wonderful young man

* From ... Ohio and lived here for 34 years this summer


Ok here is my story in short ...

Every year for the last 6 years each time that I went to see my OB - GYN she would do a blood test to see if I was at the MENOPAUSE and each time I would get a call telling me ... NO your PERIMENOPAUSAL so I was upset .. so I continue to think positive that maybe it would be the next year ... Well 2012 brought some total off for month since January I would have my period and it would 2 or 3 days at the most & very light. A few times it would be ~ very LATE so ... I just went with it.

Then in JUNE I had a period & it was 2 days then the next 2 months { July & August } came & went w/out nothing. So, I did not think anything of it ... so the end of August I ah went in 4 a blood test & the nurse called me & told me the NEWS " YOUR in MENOPAUSE " so I ah was so happy to hear those words ... Well here is the strange part as I said my daughter is engaged so her fiancé could pretty much tell when both of us were having our period because of our moods so ... in JULY he was placed into JAIL & now he is in PRISON for something he is not proud of but will ONLY BE GONE for 2 YRS. but all of this happened when he was gone ... so go figure. He leaves & this hits for me. So, the next few months went by and so, come OCTOBER I started spotting and it was not looking right so they did some other tests and it came back OK so here it is January and I have not had a period since November so I am all the way into MENOPAUSE so I am HAPPY it is OVER !!

So ... to celebrate my hubby took me out for dinner and even brought me roses. So, ladies that is my story !!

If anyone here wants a friend feel free !!

SparkPoints: (119,443)
Fitness Minutes: (109,746)
Posts: 4,545
1/29/13 2:03 A

Hmmh, had to think about that, since it is a long time since I did this.
Have you created your sparkpage yet?

If not go to the page that shows your sparkpoints, look for the category "One time Challenges", which is below "daily challenges". Look for "create a sparkpage". The weight ticker is one of the options on your sparkpage. Select the ticker background, the ticker icon and check "display ticker", so that it can appear visible for others.

Did that help?

SparkPoints: (1,265)
Fitness Minutes: (269)
Posts: 2
1/28/13 3:59 P

curious - I really like your weight tracker at the bottom of your message - where do I get that?

Di

SparkPoints: (119,443)
Fitness Minutes: (109,746)
Posts: 4,545
1/28/13 3:36 A

HI Diane,

welcome to the team. I am also still new in the team, but loved the warm welcome I got.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday dinner with your DH.

SparkPoints: (46,790)
Fitness Minutes: (29,585)
Posts: 8,486
1/25/13 11:32 A

Hi Diane,

And BIG to the team & glad you found us:)

Your in the right place for support...vent away all you need to.

Your for sure not alone in your journey.

Posts: 1,564
1/25/13 10:29 A

Hope you had a great Birthday!
You are right to focus on caring for yourself! We are always better caretakers of others when we take care of ourselves well first :)

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1/25/13 8:34 A

Hi Girls! I just joined this group today. My name is Diane, but my friends call me Di. My birthday was yesterday and I realized that I was way to excited that all I got was my P! (My hubby is taking me out tonight). Between the erratic cycles, weight gain, being hot, working fulltime, having a 5 year old at home and we're trying to adopt... I have decided to focus a little more on me - so I can be a better mom, wife and friend. Lord knows an overweight/hormonal me is not a pretty picture. Ha ha! I live in PA and the average temp here this week has been about 10 - brrr! I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and finding ways to manage this crazy time of life!

SparkPoints: (119,443)
Fitness Minutes: (109,746)
Posts: 4,545
1/19/13 1:19 P

thanks for the wonderful welcome to the team!

Posts: 1,564
1/18/13 10:22 A

Welcome to the team!
Great strategies you have in place to avoid temptation. It's great to be armed with healthy options ahead of time. That is a great survival tool- I live by it too!

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1/18/13 8:18 A

Hi Step,

Glad you found us:)

Here's to us working together to find the answer to losing those inches we have seem to have collected.
Here's to our health.

SparkPoints: (119,443)
Fitness Minutes: (109,746)
Posts: 4,545
1/18/13 7:18 A

Hi everyone,

I am Steph, 46 years old this year and living in Kenya. I am German, but have lived here for 20 years.

I trained as a nurse (that's why i tend to give health sermons at time.... ), but now work as a Project Manager in the IT Industry. Don't ask, that is a story that can fill a few books.
Still learning the job, but enjoying the challenge. At the same time it fills my days so hard, that if I don't leave the hosue prepared with snacks, water etc. I will be tempted to snack unhealthy on the way, when stuck in traffic or site meetings.

I manage most days, and exercise 3-5 days a week. but now with Perimenopause weight is trying to creep up again.

SparkPoints: (76,216)
Fitness Minutes: (54,344)
Posts: 3,750
1/5/13 7:52 P

Welcome, welcome back Kathleen! The good thing about sparkpeople is that it is always here for you! You can start again! I start every day!

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1/5/13 6:46 P

OTRADIOGIRL, A BIG on the team:)

Posts: 64
1/5/13 2:41 P

Hello my name is Kathleen and this is my 3rd start on SP. I know it works because I lost over 40 lbs but I have alas gained 20 back (over a year and a half) Simply by not following what I need to do.

I am 47 and I get different perimenopause symptoms at different times to varying degrees. Sometimes they simply make me exhausted and stressed out and other times making me wonder if my brain has left me lol!

I need lots of support and want to chat with others who are dealing with a lot of the same issues. Thanks!!

current weight: 193.5

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1/2/13 7:34 P

Hello Cathryn,

Glad your here with us.

And going through this can be quite a change for us.
We are here for you.

SparkPoints: (76,216)
Fitness Minutes: (54,344)
Posts: 3,750
1/2/13 6:09 P

Welcome Kat!!! Perimenopause seems to be different for everyone -- but we're still in this together! WELCOME to the team!

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1/2/13 4:28 P

Welcome, Cathryn !

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1/2/13 3:19 P

Greetings , my name is Cathryn or Kat if you wish . 44 years old yoke.. Just been diagnosed peri menopause so this is new terriorty for me. I
volunteer at a local library and LIKE to read books and do some art stuff and live with my parents ( they are getting older so I have keep an eye on them . ( my other siblings dont quite understand i nneed help bit frusting)
I have a disabity so finding a job is bit tricky however I meet people and learn different things along the way. I do some medicating-- visualalzation to bring me peace and focus. Have a good day

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1/1/13 5:34 P

Thanks for the welcome!

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1/1/13 5:06 P

Hi Michelle and Kitchendancer! (love the visual of a "kitchen dancer"!) WELCOME TO THE TEAM! We are all in this together! Stick with it and stick with us! We need you as much as you need us! Good luck in this new year! A great time for a new start! Let;s keep sparking!

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12/26/12 9:42 P

Tracking- whatever method fits you ( for me it's points plus on paper) is what I credit as the main tool for success. It's also critical for me in maintenance too.

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12/24/12 1:22 A

I have tried other diets too. Up and down. I tried the atkins diet... it worked i lost thirty pounds. But it didn't stay off. I gained it back. I wanted a diet that i could live with and be balanced. I bought weight watchers cook book gluten free... Everyone is happy... I finally feel good and have lost 5 pounds so far. Thanks to tracking here and getting support. So keep it comimg and I hope to pass it on.

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12/20/12 7:26 A

KITCHENDANCER -
Thanks! it isn't impossible- I yo-yoed for around two decades, but when I finally accepted that it's a slow, learning process, I was able to succeed- finally- you can too!

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12/19/12 11:15 P

DEAR MICHELLE, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 100PD LOSS!!!! YOU ARE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME I HAVE TO LOSE 119 PD. SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE :(

current weight: 231.0

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12/16/12 3:02 P

Hi, I'm Michelle, and I turned 40 in March. I've been experiencing mild (mostly) peri-menopause symptoms for around a year now. I have 3 kids 20 year old son, 17 year old daughter, and a 14 year old son. I fortunately was able to lose 100 pounds to reach a healthy weight this past February while my symptoms are still mild, and I'm so glad that I was able to achieve that, so now my focus is on maintenance. I have been active at spark since 2008, and I just love it here- all the positive people who interact here are so wonderful!

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12/2/12 3:39 P

My name is Laurie and I am 51 years old. I have 5 kids ages 24, 22, 20, 18 and 15, 3 dogs and a husband. I have been experiencing perimenopausal symptoms for about 2 years now, but things have gotten worse in the last few months when I started getting heavy periods about every 3 weeks. I've never had the mood swings before, but now I find myself moody, quick to anger and sooo impatient with everyone and everything. It's so bad I don't even want to be around myself, so it must be awful for my family and the other people in my life!! I'm not keen on taking drugs to cure this - it is after all a natural process. I think for me, the worst part of all of this is the cramps that leave me unable to walk, stand up straight or exercise, the heavy flow that makes it impossible to leave home for 3 or 4 days every few weeks.....it's the quality of life being less than with perimenopause. Also, I have to admit, I threw-up for essentially 45 months of my life with my 5 pregnancies - I really thought I'd catch a break lol. I'm not looking for alot of solutions - just a group of gals that find themselves in the same situation and an opportunity to share, complain, celebrate this next stage in my life

Posts: 1,799
11/17/12 2:08 P

Edited by: DISAPPEARING1 at: 2/25/2013 (08:51)

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10/29/12 3:57 P

Hi! My name is Marie Rey and this is my first time with SP. I'm 45. I've gained and lost the same 15-20 lbs repeatedly over the last 10-12 years. In the past it's been easy to drop the weight (always done on my own, without using a program or support group), but this time I'm having a harder time of it. I have been in perimenopause for at least a year and suspect that this is the reason weight loss has suddenly become so difficult. I'm looking forward to learning from the experience of the team members here. Thanks!

Edited by: MARIEREY at: 10/29/2012 (16:08)

SparkPoints: (43,591)
Fitness Minutes: (28,826)
Posts: 5,726
10/28/12 12:32 A

Hi team. My name is Gabi and I just turned 52, September 8th. I have been going through perimenopause for a few years now. I didn't know it at first, just figured it out. My periods for the past five or so years have been every 20 days, usually pretty heavy for a couple of days. This past September gave me a little scare because I had my period more days than not, but thankfully went to my gynecologist and she order all of the necessary tests to make sure it wasn't anything other than 'the change' and thank God didn't find anything, not even a fibroid.

I hope I can learn from others in this team who have either gone through it already or are going through it now. Thanks for being here for the help!

Gabi

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10/24/12 8:48 A

Well, Brandtsgirl; here I am :-) I'm looking forward to sharing some info and learning from others. Hi everyone! Glad to be a part of the menopause posey Pat

Posts: 4,586
10/15/12 6:44 A

Hi , my name is Barbie and I am 46 years old I have not had a period since June of this year 2012. Have had a few hot flashes to go along with it , so I am almost positive that I am going through menopause . However I do go to my gynocologist this Tuesday for my yearly exam so will see what he tells me . But this is the same guy which last year I told him I thought I might be because I would have one and then go 2 months without and then have another , and he told me I wasn't . But this year it has almost been 4 months counting this month , so we will see what his theroy is this time . I also just had blood work done at my regular docotor's to and he is checking a number of things one including my hormones . so hopefully this will tell me something as well , I will find out those results next week . I really do not miss it at all !! just would like to know what is going on with my body for sure . Since last Tuesday I have gain 9 pounds !! and I had lost from 238.5 down to 230 now this morning I am up to 239
so needless to say I am not a very happy camper today :(

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10/7/12 4:50 A

Hi! My names Megan. I'm not sure where to start only that you'll probably think I'm too young to be experiencing any symptoms of perimenopause, but I'm pretty sure I am. I had my tubes tied in december of last year after my son was born and since I've had lots of interesting things happening.

Posts: 729
10/5/12 11:52 A

Welcome, Celeste! You've joined a great team. My mother passed away before I could ask any questions. The women here are very supportive and offer a lot of great advice. Best wishes on this new phase in your life.

My household (former horse owners): three cats, three rats, and three human beings:)

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10/5/12 6:35 A

Hi, I'm Celeste. I'm 40 but seem to have started with many of the symptoms of the change of life and when I talked to my doctor she confirmed my suspicions..needless to say, I was in denial.

I was relieved to find a group that covered this area because my mom isn't someone to talk about these things with. She's not one to talk about anything with, honestly and there are many instances where I feel so left in the dark about things. Thank god for the WWW....but sometimes the www doesn't give you the full scoop.

I live in Maryland about 30 minutes from our nations capital with my husband of 4 years, our 2 horses and 2 dogs.

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SparkPoints: (15,931)
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10/3/12 9:34 A

Hi, I'm Ellen and I just turned 50. I also just graduated from a Surgical Technology program and took my certification test saturday. I am hoping to get the results today. I do know a little bit about change. lol

Weird thing is I haven't started perimenopause yet! I waiting for it to happen and thought it would be a good idea to have a support group when it does.


Edited by: ELLENSANGEL at: 10/3/2012 (09:35)

current weight: 171.8

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10/3/12 8:23 A

Hi all, my name is Kris. I live in Grand Rapids Michigan. My birthday is May 19. I got married almost a year ago. I have 4 basset hounds, the mom and 3 of her pups, the pups are now almost 2. I love dogs and horses... ok I love animals. I hope to be able to open a dog and horse rescue one day. I am a legal assistant so I sit on my butt most days. I haven't really been having any problems at this point. A bit irregular but I can deal with that. I want to be aware of what is coming.

I am also relatively new to SP. I started with another app and found this. I started my weight loss at 189 so being "stuck" at 172-171 isn't so bad. I just keep pluggin along. Hope to chat with everyone often. Talk to you all soon, keep up the good work and if you falter, pick yourselves back up. God bless.

Posts: 4,986
10/2/12 11:05 P

Hi I am 51 (nearly!) and have been in peri-menopause proper for about a year - no hot flashes or not yet thank goodness - but unpredictable (more often - sometimes 26 days/21/even 14) and sometimes extremely heavy periods. Feel like I always have PMS. But for last three months have been taking some chinese and other herbs - and have twice returned to my ordinary 28 day cycle (but still heavy heavy - and remember my mother saying she felt like she had to wear a nappy at night!). But being aware of what is happening and trying to accept it helps me. And of course having friends who have already gone through all this and support my mood swings. I live in South Africa

Posts: 453
9/30/12 8:24 P

Hello my name is Linda, this menopause sucks my Dr says my estregon levels are very low have not had tom since June hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings had Dr change my anti-depressant because I am up and down like a yoyo mood swings.

You can visit my spark page to learn more about me I look forward to joining this team.

current weight: 193.5

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Fitness Minutes: (969)
Posts: 11
9/24/12 7:50 P

Hi there! My name is Pam and I've been sliding deeper and deeper in menopause since my hysterectomy 10 years ago. Oh wells. I don't have hot flashes too much any more but the weight gain!!! YIKES! I am working on eating healthier and doing strength training and walking over 20 miles a week to try to remove 20 pounds in 5 months!
I love art, my old parrot, cooking, electronics, and hanging around the farm. Not too many people out this way and it can get lonely!

Pounds lost: 2.5

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SparkPoints: (113,254)
Fitness Minutes: (112,770)
Posts: 33,864
9/23/12 10:27 A

Hi! My name is Denise, and I believe I am definitely starting menopause.The hot flashes are frustrating.
Anyways...I hope to find out more about everybody else's experience with menopause and what they go through although I know we are all different.
Have a good day everyone!

Posts: 21
9/20/12 8:25 P

Hello, new to the team about 3 years ago the doctor told me that my FSH levels were high and that I was in perimenopause....today he tells me that I am now in menopause. The last 3 months, since I turned 45 have pretty much been hell. Hot flashes, migraines, chest pains, shortness of breath, emotional freaking roller coaster , weight gain, insomnia, overwhelmed, at my wits end!!! He has suggested that I use the Estring Vaginal Ring to control my symptoms. Has anyone else used this and if so how did it work for you?

current weight: 136.4

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Posts: 389
9/16/12 11:55 A

Welcome to all the new members.

Mary

Posts: 64,152
9/16/12 10:47 A

Hello, I'm new to this team. I went to the dr. Aug 20 and he said I was in the early stages of menopause. My periods have been messed up, like I will be 3 days early or 3 days late, they could be heavy and last 3 days or 8 days, or be very light. My last TOM was aug 2. I was 16 days late, I just started this morning.

I'm glad I found this team. I really don't know what to expect. I have heard the horror stories!!

Have a great day!!

current weight: 227.1

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SparkPoints: (314)
Fitness Minutes: (180)
Posts: 16
9/12/12 3:59 P

Hi everyone, I am new to Sparkpeople and joined this group to feel more prepared. I am 44 this year and have a feeling I may be going through the "change" soon. I had a hysterectomy when I was 41 and have always had an irregular cycle since puberty. My doctors told me that I was born without a whole lot of eggs and probably would not be able to get pregnant naturally. Well when I was 27 I got pregnant and had my first and only boy. He is a teenager now, and I am about to hit menopause (nice). I feel warm at times but when I am warm everyone else seems to be too, so that does not tell me a lot. I get moody, but doesn't everyone?! It's really hard to say. My older sister who turned 46 this year is going through her change, so I am gathering I am right behind her! What are other symptoms other than, slower metabolism, sweats, mood, period ending? I look forward to chatting with you all on this topic and how you deal with it all. Cheers!

Posts: 32
9/10/12 7:17 P

Hi!

I'm 47 years old and going through some kind of change. Not sure if its peri or meno. lol I'm disabled from birth, born without arms and partial legs. I am adopted and never knew my birth mother, so I don't know what to expect during this part of my life. My mother (adopted) has passed, so I really don't have anyone to ask questions. I'm really glad to have found this group!

I know that my periods have become very irregular and very light. Sometimes I go for months without having one at all. I love that! I have gained, like I've never gained before. I have embarrassing hair growing on my chin and upper lip. My emotions love to swing and don't get me started about the hot flashes. Oh, I almost forgot, if I don't write everything down, I'll forget. So, that's me in a nut shell!

Any tips or advice will be appreciated.

current weight: 120.0

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Posts: 389
9/10/12 4:04 P

Hi Laura,

I think you will find this team very supportive in your journey. I learn something new quite often by reading these posts. Welcome.

Mary

Posts: 3,374
9/10/12 8:30 A

Hello my name is Laura and I’m 41 years old. I’m just starting perimenopause. Just noticing subtle changes, for example, my TOM had always been regular now it’s all over the place one month starting late next month starting early. I've been getting night sweats a couple of times a week and I've been extremely scatter brained lately. Plus I've been gaining weight. Just a few pounds but since I've been trying to lose weight, it’s frustrating me. It’s all in my belly…if I don’t hold it in I look pregnant.
I know that all these emotions and problems are just the beginning of this long journey I have a head of me but I’m hoping for some support along the way.

Pounds lost: 3.0

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Posts: 389
8/30/12 11:00 A

Welcome Lisa and SNOOKUMS19
The ladies on this site have been very helpful in my journey from hot flashes to missing periods for 5 months and then coming back every month. What a roller coaster. I think their advise is better than you will get anywhere.

Welcome

Mary

Posts: 824
8/30/12 10:31 A

Hi! I joined this team a bit ago and have been reading up on the topics often. It's great to be here amongst other women who are going through this! I'm 42 and have had may night sweats in the past year. My husband has called me his furnace when we are sleeping. :) I haven't had that in a while but I am hot oftern during the day. Trying clothes on in a dressing room is a disaster. I'd rather buy things and try them on at home so I can work with the sweating and bring things back I don't like. My entire body is changing. I've become quite an hour glass shape. ;) Thank God for exercise that has help with keeping the waistline down. If not I'd be a big apple...from the Big Apple :). My period has been crazy since spring. I totally missed one in June and I was 10 days late in August. Forget about pretty undies anymore...I have to be prepared for anything. :( This fall I have to do an overall update in my wardrobe. My bra size is totally different and forget about jeans....I can't even imagine what that size will be! So thanks for being here team! I will call upon you often!

SparkPoints: (21,502)
Fitness Minutes: (20,580)
Posts: 639
8/27/12 11:39 P

Hi my name is Lisa & I just found this team tonight. My TOM startd going crazy just before I turned 40 & now that I am 50 the night sweats are realy bad. The hot flashs are like small heat waves going through my whole body.

Posts: 479
8/23/12 6:09 P

Thank you! There is a sp team for the 17 day diet. It is by a Dr. Moreno and has been endorsed by The Drs and Dr Phil. A lot of people are having success with it when they are not having success with anything else - including me. You do cycles of 17 days with food lists for each cycle - each cycle adds foods to the previous cycle making the diet easier as you continue on eventually getting you to a maintenance level. I did not follow the diet strictly at all (nor did I do the exercise required) yet lost 20 lbs from May till beginning of Aug. I did then follow cycle 1 strictly for 14 days and I have to say, I really began feeling great physically and am now energetic enough that I am exercising and very active. Many that follow cycle 1 strictly from the beginning have the same results with large weight loss in the beginning. I notice this time that my appetite is way down and I am having to force myself to eat enough to get to 1200 calories.

Edited by: MJZHERE at: 8/23/2012 (18:13)