Perimenopause - the things they didn't tell us in fourth grade

Okay I am now officially complaining! And yes, it's personal! They have all kinds of ads and info and comedy about menopause, but why isn't there more public info about perimenopause? I'll tell you why! It's because it's perhaps a bigger nuisance than when you first started getting your period. So, here's the rant and the 411. The signs of perimenopause include:

• Hot flashes - they're just what they sound like. And when they happen at night- night sweats. Oh! And they're also a part of menopause. So the fun just continues. Nothing like wondering "What, oh what, should I wear to bed at night? I'm cold. It's winter, but come 3:00am it may feel like I'm sleeping in a sauna!"


• Breast tenderness - Why does every life transition include this one? Puberty, pregnancy, pms, etc.


• Worsening of premenstrual syndrome - like the other symptoms weren't enough to make you cranky. Cramps like you had when you were first starting out.


• Decreased libido - Lots of women in this age group have teenagers... You know, those people who say, "Not my mom and dad!"'


• Fatigue - see the note on breast tenderness.
  
• Irregular periods - this does not necessarily mean less often. It may mean twice as often! How is that fair?


• Urine leakage - If you didn't learn to cross your legs when you sneezed during pregnancy, now is the time to start!


• Mood swings - No kidding!


• Difficulty sleeping - You have cramps, you're cranky, you think you might pee in your pants and you can't regulate your body temperature- yeah, you're going to have trouble sleeping!

Okay, I feel better now. I think I'll go have some chocolate, even though "they" say that I shouldn't!