Perimenopause: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

Dr. Monica Christmas discusses what to expect during the perimenopause transition.

[@natalie3608]

I am 48, I’m experiencing thining hair, muscle and joint pain, my left shoulder and knees hurt the most. Mood swings, fatigue and no drive to do anything. Brain fog, GI issues, night sweats and the list goes on.

[@duraday152]

😲 I'm 43 and going through it. It's terrible

[@reginaharding9855]

48 and going through this too 😢

[@Michricci]

I have the same symptoms. What have you done with them? Are you still experiencing after almost a year? If not, what have you done. Just came back from my gyno and she told me. Oh it’s part of getting old. Just ride the wave. I was furious

[@natalie3608]

@@Michricci I think most physicians don’t know how to treat perimenopause. They told me the same thing. I’ve tried pro vitalize that claim to help with these symptoms did nothing. All my gyno offered me was iud to ride it out. I was getting irregular bleeding heavy periods. My advice save your money. I am still researching natural homeopathic remedies.

[@trinimom7686]

I needed this only 43 and just started . 10 years of this my lawd.

[@mahoganyspiritually]

Soiy milk helped me

[@mahoganyspiritually]

We go thru so much

[@B.Christine_W222]

Started at 30 for me and now I’m 40

[@Amy-528]

I can’t handle this shit. It’s exhausting.

[@trinimom7686]

@@Amy-528 Girl who you telling my issue is my weight and other bs

[@80sbabyruth]

I’m 41 and have been definitely going through peri menopause. I started at 40 with flashes and night sweats. The mood changes are crazy. 😮😅

[@alyssamiller9329]

Same here... It's been hell!!!

[@CharmaineReyes-xh7wo]

The hardest part is the physical pain that bothers our daily living, and the anxiety sucks!

[@e.w8917]

My Rerimenomause started at 37 and I'm 43 now. PMS is much severe, as a black woman i don't have much body hair, but now my legs are growing hair and i am having few bard 😂 Digestive issues,Foods intolerance, developing allergies that I've never had before. Heart palpitations, Body aches, anxiety, mood swings, low libido, feeling unloved, irritable. I used to feel great during my fertile circle, but now all i feel is hot flushes. I'm now ovulation on just one side as if the other ovary is getting slower 😅 Mind you, I've had my thyroid tested severely and I'm fine. Sports and the word of God are my strength. I will share this experience with my 20 year old daughter to be prepared because doctors aren't helping at all.

[@JulieLAgresta]

It's been 4 weeks since my last period & I never thought I'd miss my friend so much. Hot Flushes are just unpleasant, & just turned 46 two weeks ago & I'm not ready for this.

[@Jolei33]

I have been skating along until 48. My last two cycles have been horrendous. Cramps off the charts, achy, fatigue, brain fog for a whole week before my period showed up. 6th day of feeling awful! I’m headed to the doctor to make sure there isn’t something else going on.

[@shellyknight2202]

I just turned 48. I’m experiencing mood swings, emotions going all over the place, anxiety, more tired than normal, can’t do the long workouts like I use to, night sweats, get hot easily… etc…

[@yontine]

Since I turned 41 last year, I noticed that I have spotting off and on before my actual period and it is happening till this day and my anxiety has been off the roof. However, I will survive this thing. I just had my Pap smear last year and the doctor found nothing. However, I will inform my doctor about this on my next appointment this year in July. 🙏🏾

[@maricelperez6755]

Relate much

[@AJ-jf2ui]

Spotting and cramps in-between periods

[@angelsarah79]

They didn’t mention heart palpitations. That worries many women.

[@tinajohnson5685]

Yes….

[@BobT_10006]

Just turned 40, menstrual cycle infrequent and down to light spotting only. Increased depression, noticeably dry skin and hair. Drive to do ANYTHING is gone (this bothers me the most because I'm usually an extremely driven person). I elected to have my fallopian tubes removed at age 34, no partner for various years, 1 pregnancy 19 years ago (not sure if these facts affect it). Anything else, it's hard to tell. Bipolar basically my entire life so mood swings since youth. Never been sensitive to the cold. I gained a lot of weight throughout 19 years and still gaining. Sleep has always been unstable since I work 60-70 hrs weekly, stress for 2 decades & has always messed with sleep. Joint pain may be due to weight, lack of proper shoes.

[@kathryn.gardner.counseling]

I love sharing tips and education with my female patients! Moms are wondering - is this normal!?! Thank you for bringing hope!

[@makeamericakateagain]

I’m 48 and it’s been 10 months since my last menstrual cycle.

[@myvoice31]

When I asked my gyno about 15lbs weight gain in a short period, she said “you probably don’t realize your eating more fast food” complete shut down.

[@J-dt8li]

Wow, that's ridiculous! I wish doctors and health experts were a lot more educated in this area. You got this, girl! ❤

[@jammyjay917]

Its very tiring, unfortunately alot of family members and friends dont understand...there are so many symptoms

[@arica1798]

More studies need to be done

[@PensacolaCyclistRunnerPetlover]

I just turned 43 last December and I'm definitely starting to feel the perimenopause symptoms. I had started noticing even in my late 30s and as soon as I turned 40 that loosing weight was a lot harder then it was before. I'm just now finally getting over my period that I've been dealing with for close to 2 weeks and it's been way heavier then it ever was before.

[@maricelperez6755]

For me it was started at the age of 39,the worst thing when I turned to 40,I've experienced high blood,palpitations,fear of something before it wasn't just like when the night comes I'm afraid of the dark,I can't sleep I'm afraid that I can't wake up in the morning,anxiety,nervous,chilling,hot flashes. But thank you so much for this very informative video,it helps me to overcome everything and of course with the help of our prayers. Prayers are so powerful,just leave it to God and trust Him always, everything will be fine.

[@lovelyletter7460]

My mom said she was done by 47. I’m 47.5 now and seem to be going through various symptoms since 42 when my periods went from every 26 to 21 days. Besides stronger mood swings, some dizziness and harder to maintain my weight, it’s been “relatively” manageable. The cramps were replaced with migraines (which I think is worse). Night sweats and insomnia some months during my cycle.

[@angelicaflores505]

Hello I'm experiencing this now. How did you cope with the dizziness?

[@lovelyletter7460]

@@angelicaflores505 well I’ve had dizziness on and off for years ever since my RAI treatment for my overactive thyroid and was placed on synthroid for that. This dizziness feels different. Honestly, I just try to take it easy and lie down when I can. I’m just not as productive as I’d like to be during those times. 😞

[@angelicaflores505]

@@lovelyletter7460 It is so hard to be productive lately! The migraines are so hard to deal with also😔 I've been getting panic and anxiety as well

[@belindalegrange6863]

severy anxiaty with breathing problems, no one talks about these symptoms.

[@reginaharding9855]

Yes, that's my issue. It's absolutely terrible

[@ADAM5th]

Same situation I'm going through. Anxiety is the symptoms that persist the most, I'm not even able to drive my car anymore. I want to gain my life back.😢

[@PrinceUzochi]

Am really excited 🎉

[@kendrag.]

I know that's me im 49yrs old and yes my body is aching like overexertion, never been much sexual active person whether that makes a difference or not. Hot flashes yes not to bad yet weight gain yes i feel it like im extremely heavy in my uterus, legs, and back it's killing me 😭

[@imanjones8240]

Y haven't you been much of a sexual person?

[@rustinstardust2094]

The other day I tried putting my hair up in a french twist like I wore all the time in my thirties. There's just so much less hair now and it doesn't really work...

[@J-dt8li]

Major hair loss was my first symptom. I lost half of my hair in only 2 years 😢

[@B.Christine_W222]

I wished she was my doctor

[@cindimahtaj6455]

Yesss

[@algorythym]

she basically said she doesn't know.

[@TheNordicHunter]

I wish she had talked about options for mood swings vs bleeding, because I think most women know that already and would rather fix the moods.

[@lorraine.-.]

Macaroot & chlorella supplements have worked wonders for my mood swings!

[@TheNordicHunter]

@@lorraine.-. Thank you for the advice. Hope the rest of your week is great! :)

[@livinginflow333]

Never had any issues, until BC stopped working to skip periods. So i stopped them to see if i would have a normal cycle. (After being on them since late teens). Now 47yrs. Had one period after stopping, now been nearly 4 mths. Anyone else? 🤔

[@reginaharding9855]

Lets talk about the severe anxiety and physical debilitating symptoms that happen. I have believed i have a deadly infection/disease from this. And i have hypothyroidism. Its the worst experience in my life.

[@marilyn.g]

I'm 31. And I've had hot flashes since I was 29. I get my period for 13-17 days and super heavy. And then I get a week off and then get my period again. 🙄🙄🙄🙄 but on my week off I have menstrual cramps and migraines 😮‍💨 I can't even sleep anymore especially during my period, I have to get up every 30 min to change my pad 😪. I'm going to university to get my bachelor's, and I'm seriously thinking of quitting because I can't handle it all, I'm scared to have a period accident in class 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@lesley5380]

Goodness Marilyn you must feel half dead, you need to see your doctor and be insistent. I suffered with heavy periods too. I am have anemia and this systoms of this is hard. Take care and I hope you get this resolved ASAP x

[@ccalexander1924]

Hysterectomy !!!

[@luisamarquez5735]

Get checked for von willebrands disease for bleeding. Ask your doctor for lysteda (tranexamic acid)

[@twistedmindssweettea]

My mom had hers start at 35. I started mine at 35 as well. Insurance refuses to help with hormone treatments required to help it...what do I do? I refuse to lose my marriage,and family over this. It's got my already emotional self crying over the stupidest crap, moody AF, nausea etc PLUS I'm still getting full7 day menstru. Doc refuses to talk with me about it bc insurance won't cover it. So I'm lost

[@nateajoc]

I'm glad to see this, as I'm 39 and I'm experiencing symptoms. Also, I'm sorry for what you're going through. I'm very scared because I do not have insurance at all.

[@YadiraEspitiaVelazco87]

Shoot im 36 i feel im going through this and when i get real bad I just want a divorce all the time like im done being a wife and being mom i feel drained tired moody as f and sometimes depressed and no motivation no energy night sweats sometimes insomnia, cravings, anxiety and top that off im the default parent which isn't helping either..

[@chinnid5671]

Try meditation and yoga , that has been helping

[@twistedmindssweettea]

Update: fun fact..you can get pregnant while being perimenopausal... I just recently gave birth to my 2nd son in November. Both my sons were concieved a few years after being diagnosed perimenopausal...lol so yea. I now have an 18 yr old and 2 kids under 5 at 38yrsold (ill be 39 in may)...😮‍💨🫣🤦

[@twistedmindssweettea]

@@YadiraEspitiaVelazco87 have a doctor check for you to be sure. Sometimes it can be just a few extra vitamins you might need or another underlying condition. I had to be checked by 3 separate doctors and blood tests n junk. I also started taking elderberry, a b vitamin complex, and cod liver oil on top of my normal daily multivitamins. It has helped energy levels and my overall sanity. I'm taking care of 2 small kids under 5 plus a husband who assumes wives are meant to do everything he doesn't...😂ya know ...livin the dream 😂

[@suemarmol]

Im 37 & have been diagnosed with PCOS . Not sure if it’s that or pre menopause. I’ve had no periods which I take birth control for & my hair has gotten very dry even with weekly masque treatments. Deff always warm & mood swings are out of control & that’s never been a thing for me. Going for my annual & hoping to see something in my blood work.

[@tinat5484]

My worst symptoms were constipation and migraines

[@geomu9]

I am 36 years and being perimenopausal is very uncomfortable. It’s been a few years now 😩

[@khdijah93]

Sheesh! You too huh? I feel like my emotions got worse smh

[@Claire-cj6nn]

Been watching a few episodes from your channel. I hear a lot about hotflashes.. but the worst thing happening to me was muscle and joint pain. I am normally build. Loosing muscle power to a degree i couldn't walk anymore.. my feet muscles became so weak. And i was totally unable to train them. I didn't recuperate from training anymore,not even a mild one. My tendons all got inflamed, cartilage got damaged.. etc.. once i started on hrt.. i already gained strength after pil 3 of estradiol. Could you perhaps make a broadcast about this subject?

[@rit20095]

Even I m having joint pain n nerve pain...what did you to overcome these?

[@scorpio7241]

Going to a dr and self advocate. Besides the symptoms, which are awful, is having a dr actually listen to your concerns and not dismiss you as just being depressed. This needs to stop. I’m so over it.

[@J-dt8li]

Amen! I wish doctors were way more educated in this area.

[@MrsTracyGuichard]

Low carb diet fixes hot flashes and night sweats..

[@melmclean7738]

So many qualified ppl when asked about perimenopausal symptoms fail to mention sore nipple or breasts. If a person specifically asks if this is normal then sure thing, there are many out there talking about it. But o. General chats like these the breasts aren’t commonly mentioned.

[@florameng521]

I am 46, night sweat is killing me … I don’t use quilt anymore , I only use throw at night to cover my body , my feet sometimes gets insanely hot , I have to stand up and put my feet on the icy cold floor tiles

[@africangirl189]

I don't think I would need a solution after menopause instead will be the happiest human that ever existed.

[@imanjones8240]

Yea me too

[@reginaharding9855]

Same here

[@Methequeen]

Unfortunately most issues for women, such as heart, begin after menopause

[@berlynmeave416]

I started my perimenopause symptoms at 44 and I’ll be 51 It’s been horrible 😑

[@user-ly4bo7zk1t]

So, basically pick the worst symptoms and see a dr. For help minimizing said symptoms? I’m happy women are now vocal about the lack of interest and studies by Dr.s in the past. It’s almost as if we are just now beginning to ask for answers and it’s frustrating that our own female doctors are just as clueless as we are about how to handle each patient’s needs.

[@tammiemcinnis4971]

Prior to being put on the Depo shot my period was very irregular and at times would go on for months. So they put me on Depo AKA birth control to stop my period and now I never have one. But I’m experiencing hot flashes this year and now 40 and unexplained hair loss. I’ve always had very thick hair and now I’m noticing it’s very thin and I can see right through it. I’m wondering if I’m experiencing menopause.

[@miriamjenkins3560]

I premenopausal I have had cramps in calf toe next to big toe

[@pandeyGCooking]

Good to know this. Thanx doc!

[@nateajoc]

I'm 39. Is this too young to get periomenopause? Because I'm definitely experiencing symptoms.

[@SleeperInTravel]

Me, too, sister. But I've lost weight, and am having night sweats. It feels really early for me, too.

[@algorythym]

yes its early. if u still are having a period they may say it's nothing idk.

[@komalmononoke]

I'm 36 and having them

[@jammyjay917]

No its not early, if you have lots of these symptoms...we are all individuals...

[@sharlenemorrow9528]

I'm 37 going throught night sweats loosing hair obesity in the stomach area I cannot loose despite gym good diet, and nothing but vegetable and fruit smoothies and the fat still dosent budge and also two periods in one month and the one towards the end of month with cramp the last all day and I never cramp with period since I was at school

[@32446]

My thinning hair is really upsetting me 😢

[@CherilynnCofer-br3gu]

Thank you for making this video. I have been going through Piremenopause for 10 years now. I had my tubes cut tied and burned when I was 25 years old. How likely is it for me to become pregnant naturally ??

[@swetashetty941]

I'm just starting at 46 ...and I'm a mess half the time ! My periods last 20 days (heavy flow) to..but come when they please ... sometimes alternate months ..sometimes 4/5 months gap .. Yes to hot flashes occasionally Yes to mood swings .. Sometimes feel like a old lady !!

[@mrscouponer6893]

Omg I know how you feel. We are the same age and I am experiencing what you are are as well, but my last period lasted 25 days!

[@josephinewellington9001]

Can one get pregnant while going thru premenopausal

[@doyleyerica4529]

Yes you can

[@imanjones8240]

Im almost 49andl I think its starting to happen to me...i dont know what to think

[@pommiebears]

I have become a menace to society. I HATE this.

[@CherilynnCofer-br3gu]

I'm 46 years old now

[@reginaharding9855]

What about insomnia? Severe insomnia?😊

[@J-dt8li]

Magnesium helps my insomnia tremendously. Gotta try different types until you find the one(s) that work for you. I can't go a single day without it.

[@kitsunesloth3680]

I'm 39 turning 40 23rd of November tried Asking my Gp about this she Dismissed me Saying your Only 39 it doesn't matter grrr

[@SecretSquirrrrel]

50 and none yet 🤷‍♀️

[@lorraine.-.]

Why when they talk about options do these doctors never suggest natural ways of dealing with peri & menopause?!

[@visam28]

Go to Dr. Bergs channel he offers solutions

[@algorythym]

they are doctors getting paid for treating women. drug therapy is their way.

[@sharlenemorrow9528]

I hate it when a female doctor says i dont think its perimenopause eh hello its me thats going through the symptoms 😢

[@777MAG]

Omg there is no more use for me as a female. After menopause it ain’t long. It’s all down hill from there. It’s like dooms day. No more 🥚 eggs and your body is going into shock. I’m not happy about this. I am happy to still b alive for now. I love how they talk about it like it’s a great casual conversation about becoming dust. I’m sorry I can’t b positive about this. 🤨😩☹️🥺IM 45!!!😭

[@algorythym]

u sound like a troll😂

[@samanthamerchant702]

I did not gain weight I lost weight

[@jessicaelias4836]

Me too im 41☹️ i get so much heart palpitations and dropped so much weight

[@الوردالجوري-غ6و]

Women use to go normally without all ths drama, need to find the reason why.

[@reginaharding9855]

Exactly

[@davidmcclellan9495]

Shold not adem the apple

[@martinaconroy2328]

HRT

[@lorettajohnson9066]

Im 58 and just starting

[@patriciakeats1621]

Yikes!

[@patriciakeats1621]

I’ve been through anemia and an emotional roller coaster for past so many years. Now, feeling calm and period came in day 23. Horrendous pms switched to basically none…am I close I wonder? I don’t have any vaginal dryness so I feel like I haven’t even started yet…so, will I go off the rails again?!?!? That’s what I wish I knew.