I am *so* excited to find this thread! I am 47 and I am certain I have started perimenopause. My periods used to be clockwork and now they are completely unpredictable...drives me crazy. I remember my OB/GYN came and spoke to a group of moms several years ago and she said perimenopause/menopause is like puberty in reverse. You get cramps, sore breasts, acne, etc. with your periods. Check that one off for me. Plus, I’ve been experiencing hot flashes mostly at night, night waking, and extreme fatigue at times. Like so tired I *have* to take a nap. It feels like I felt in the beginning of pregnancy.
The BIGGEST issue I have had has been depression - like crying almost every day. So, I decided to try St. John’s Wort, and I’ve added in a B Complex and D3 for good measure. I’ve also started eating a healthier diet. So far, the combination has worked really well for the depression and for not waking at night.
I was feeling somewhat “alone” in this as my mom had a hysterectomy and so she says she didn’t really experience this, and my mother-in-law said hers was minimal. My friends are mostly much younger than me. So, if nothing else, I have found a place to commiserate and be encouraged!