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Day 1: Menopause – What It Is & Why It Happens

By Team CariaPublished 2 January 2022Updated 11 January 20224 min read

Welcome to your first lesson! If you’ve downloaded this app, you’re probably looking for help in understanding the changes your body is going through, or will go through. Over the next few sessions, we’ll learn what’s really happening and what you can expect. We’ll also do a deep dive into the science, history, and culture around menopause. All of this will be really useful to help us better understand what can be a mysterious and confusing time, and tie in to the techniques we’ll learn to deal with these changes in a positive way.

But first, let’s talk menopause.

Literally speaking, menopause is the point at which you experience your last period. But when most of us hear ‘menopause’, we think of the entire process that leads up to our final period – from that first weird period right through to that final period. Depending on who is talking about menopause, it can sometimes be confusing. Do they mean the process of menopause? Do they mean the actual time that you’ve officially had your last period? The distinction is important to know, but in general, people talk about menopause as the process, and that’s what we’ll do too.

So, what’s happening during this process?

Menopause is a time when the levels of hormones in our bodies is changing. When we’re born, we are born with our ovaries already containing the total number of eggs we will have for our whole lives. Some of us are born with more eggs, some of us with fewer eggs.

As we mature and reach puberty, the ovaries release estrogen and progesterone – these are hormones that trigger ovulation and menstruation. This cycle generally occurs monthly well into your late 30’s or early 40’s. Every woman is different so the timing varies quite a bit.

As we begin to enter our middle years, things start changing in our reproductive systems. Remember, our eggs have been hanging out in our ovaries since we were born. After more than 30 years of monthly cycles, there are just fewer eggs to release. On top of that, the ovaries are gradually producing less and less estrogen. Taken together, the body is getting ready to stop making babies.

This is the time that we begin to notice other changes in our bodies as well. It can be changes in our hair, skin, weight. Oh, and the hot flashes! All these changes can be confusing, and even a little scary, if you’re not sure why they’re happening. And popular culture is full of myths and “war stories” about someone’s battle with menopause. They leave us scared, anxious and dreading what we think is coming. But what we think or assume isn’t always what is so.

The good news is that you don’t have to be afraid. Yes, your body will undergo changes but know this: these changes are very manageable. Not every woman experiences every symptom and not every symptom is severe. There are things you can do to manage symptoms very effectively and there are steps you can take to be your best self – not just during, but also after menopause.

What we feel and what we think influences what we do and what we experience. When you understand what’s happening and know what to expect, you can take charge and make choices that can help you through this time of change. How you approach your menopause can make all the difference. And this app will help you do just that.

So as we wrap up the first lesson, I’ll leave you with some questions. What are your ideas about menopause? How do you view this time in your life? Do you see it as all positive? All negative? Something in between? Take some time to think about these questions, and we’ll see you in the next lesson.

Community comments

278

Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.

  • MB4 years ago

    I am glad to be going through the change

  • Shan4 years ago

    I do not miss the cramps and the stained underwear, but I have been having a decade of hot flashes and a couple of years of foggy thinking and I want it to stop.

    • Terri4 years ago

      I take vitamins B, C, E and Zinc but the other I don’t know cause I’m diabetic

    • Desirée4 years ago

      Hi Wendy, I’m awful with taking vitamins! What brand of vitamins and liquid minerals do you take? Do they help with hair thinning?

  • Jean4 years ago

    I’m sick of having night sweats, been now a couple of years, I just want to get a decent nights sleep!

    • Flutterby4 years ago

      I’m miserable too.

    • Michelle4 years ago

      Me too!

    • Polly4 years ago

      Me too washing pillow and duvet every day as well as all the sheets wake up like I’ve just came out a shower it’s so hard x

    • Yol3 years ago

      I’m miserable too. I miss sleeping through the night

    • Julie2 years ago

      I use a bath towel in bed as once I’ve sweated my body weight in sweat I can throw it out of bed and have a dry bed to sleep on

    • MT2 years ago

      Me too. It is so hard to manage the day, to work. Each day.

    • Kelly2 years ago

      Oof the night sweats are tough. And my mood lately to my daughter has been horrible. I hate it.

    • Jen7 months ago

      I have had horrible night sweats since September. When I asked Microsoft Copilot to create a diet plan, it mentioned taking electrolytes with or after a workout. I started doing that three weeks ago. I’ve only had night sweats once since.

  • Yvonne4 years ago

    I had a very hard menopause. I had what everyone is scared of. I was very sick for 2 1/2 years with migraines, 24/7 light sensitivity, vestibular disorders, crazy and manic, and high estrogen causing problems. My hormone specialist finally put me out of my misery and removed my ovaries and I am starting to feel better.

    • Lesley4 years ago

      Yes I'm about to go that track if doesn't settle. Ovaries gotta go!

    • Kim3 years ago

      What type of Dr helps with hormonal issues, sorry to sound ignorant- I have a host of non menopausal related issues and see many different specialists- but wow I am a complete looney toon! Emotions are everywhere, I’m exhausted and I don’t want my darn ovaries either!!

  • Laetitia4 years ago

    I am definitely dreading this change! For as long as I can remember I have always been a very moody person, I am not the easiest person to be around. Have been working very hard to change this pattern and be more calm and attentive to others. I thought I had improved greatly, but for the past few months I feel like I’m going backwards, and I fear it’s only the beginning!

    • Christel4 years ago

      I feel the very same way.

    • Inge3 years ago

      I feel the same way about myself but when I read your comment I thought: let’s not be so hard on ourselves, it’s already tough enough. It’s important we understand ourselves and aim for self improvement, self improvement includes self care and acceptance. ?

  • Rei4 years ago

    I thought I was postmenopausal for three years, but come to find out I had a granulosa cell tumor of the ovary that had stopped my cycle. Long story short just had to have a total hysterectomy with oophorectomy, so in my head I feel like I am having to go through menopause all over again. It makes me really sad.

    • Dee4 years ago

      I’m so sorry that happened to you! How was it discovered that you had this tumor?

    • Katie4 years ago

      i an also sorry to hear about your struggle. It is also making me wonder if I should have a second opinion. I have never heard of a granulosa cell tumor. I am glad you caught everything in time.

  • Sil4 years ago

    The night sweats and hot flashes are the worst.

  • Dawna4 years ago

    I’m in a house with four young ladies. So puberty and menopause rule. At least as an experienced woman, I’m better able to deal with the craziness of hormonal fluctuations.

    • Katrina4 years ago

      It’s me and two teen daughters. It’s a house of hormones!

  • KSK4 years ago

    No one told me to expect such heavy bleeding during my peri menopausal periods! I bleed like crazy and have made messes I couldn’t believe. I’m doing my best to work with the shame of feeling like I’m “dirty” or irresponsible. I can’t wait wait for the bleeding to end.

    • Michelle4 years ago

      Me too. Working from home is a game changer because when I was going into an office I was petrified I would bleed through and suffer embarrassment on top of the miserable experience itself. Now at least I have my own bathroom and don’t have to worry about feeling ashamed.

    • Michoureplying to Michelle1 year ago

      I was the same, I felt like I just had a continuous period with a few days rest in between for close to 2 years, finally last year, my doctor recommended having a womb clean (a build up of blood in the lining) and having a Mirena IUD. This took some time for my body to sort itself out, but after 3 months my period stopped. Which has been a blessing. I can wear white again. Ha ha On the flip side, I still feel the emotional effects of when I would be having my period , the cramping, bloating etc and my weight has gone out of control, regardless of eating well proportioned whole foods and regular exercise… And now the spicy hot creeping of flashes!!! Doing my head in!!! I feel like I’m constantly on fire.

  • Dannielle4 years ago

    I’m not really having any symptoms other then I haven’t had a period in a long time . I guess I feel guilty even saying I’m in menopause because nothing is going on but that really

    • Dani4 years ago

      Don’t feel guilty! I had one hot flash and then no symptoms for a year (except for wonky periods). Three years later—no periods and all the hot flashes. Ugh.

  • Kathleen4 years ago

    I’ve had mild symptoms compared to others. Hot flashes and night sweats with the moodiness are the worst.

  • Ash4 years ago

    I’m over having night sweats!

  • Jacquie4 years ago

    See you next lesson !

  • Melissa4 years ago

    I am learning to be kinder to myself than I’ve ever been which is nice and makes me hopeful, but I am definitely struggling with ALL the peri menopausal symptoms. Looking forward to learning some new ways to find balance and relief.

    • Michelle2 years ago

      I agree, Melissa! I think the comet best thing to do during this time is be kinder to ourselves!

  • Amanda4 years ago

    Well, I was peri menopausal for a little while and then went right back to regular cycle. I really didn’t know what was going on. 3 years ago though I was diagnosed with breast cancer that was hormone induced. All of my organs are strong and healthy so the doctor didn’t want to do a hysterectomy. I was put on meds to help induce menopause. The hot flashes are terrible, so is the foggy head, and the forgetfulness.

    • Tiffany4 years ago

      I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. I was given radiation therapy for 5 weeks. I thought everything was okay. Then I was diagnosed with it again (same breast, different cancer) in 2018. Had a mastectomy. I was unable to take any of the anti-cancer drugs because I had weird side effects. At first I had to have mammograms every 6 months, and see an oncologist for bloodwork. Now I am having mammograms yearly, but I still see the oncologist every 6 months.

  • Dawn4 years ago

    I’m so over it already and I’m only peri and everyone keeps telling me is a beautiful 10year journey!!

    • Tiffany4 years ago

      That’s true…lol!

  • Tiffany4 years ago

    I was in perimenopause for the last 8 years. It was unbearable. Now my periods have finally stopped and I’m having other weird things happening, like an abundance of hair growing everywhere. I’m also having brain fog, which is bad, because I have fibromyalgia. The combination of the two makes for a nightmarish life.

  • K.4 years ago

    I’m still having regular periods but they’re getting heavier and the cramps are debilitating and last for the whole period - never had cramping like this. Night sweats are getting more regular, I wake up soaked & shivering. At least I’m figuring out why I’m having these frequent & sudden wild mood swings. Ahhh this gonna be a long long adventure… ?

  • Kelly4 years ago

    Anxiety and heart palpations along with brain fog have really made me think that I was going crazy!

  • Brie4 years ago

    I’ll be 39 in April and have started perimenopause, I’m on an emotional rollercoaster and upset one minute then crying the next. On top of that my friends and older siblings keep telling me I’m too young to have begun the “change of life” and I feel like a fraud. I’m so thankful for this app. It’s nice to have resources and support!

    • Nikki4 years ago

      I started having odd things happen to me 3 years ago and my Gyn kept telling me I’m too young! (I was 42). I had just switched to a new primary and explained my symptoms and she immediately said perimenopause and that Inwas NOt too young. I felt validated. Then my Gyn later took blood test and confirmed it. Wow… gotta be your own advocate here

    • Malissa3 years ago

      I started missing periods and experiencing symptoms at 23. Afters years of them telling me everything was in my head and throwing every psych med ever made at me (none of them helped) finally someone thought to check my FSH/AMH and hormones. This was at 29, they stated based on my levels I was already post menopausal. I was placed on HRT and have to remain on it until I am 50. I am now 32. Unfortunately, I was so young I never had an opportunity to have children and all of the other symptoms really stole my youth and the ability to establish myself in life the way everyone else I know seems to be able to. Anyway, point being it can happen at anytime, it’s rare to happen before 35 but my ovaries stopped working and the doctors say that it could have been anything and I will probably never have the answer as to why. And in most cases if you start menopause prematurely the symptoms can be more severe.

  • Colleen4 years ago

    This makes it so much less scary

  • Katrina4 years ago

    The nightmares, night sweats , body odour , cramps and brain fog have been struggling with these symptoms for last 5/6 years - feeling rung out for 1/3 of every month makes me feel imprisoned in my body

  • Michelle4 years ago

    I think it’s part of life. I think it reminds me that I’m still a woman and in all honesty because I could not have children because I could not carry, it makes me feel relieved. Relieved that I will never go through another miscarriage. So I see it as positive.

  • Bear724 years ago

    I have judt started swimming regularly and was feeling really positive about it. I have put on so much weight in the last few years, what with hormonal changes, a hip replacement and lockdown, and was finally doing something about it. But then…. Going from slightly irregular “normal” periods I had no period for 2 months and now have had spotting for the last 10 days. Its not enough to use a tampon and too much to be able to get in the water. Its so frustrating, and I feel dirty all the time. Feeling down now because it feels like I have lost the control that I was regaining.

  • Awilda4 years ago

    Yes, yes, and yes.

  • Toni4 years ago

    I am so over this! I started my cycle at nine so why oh why am I still dealing with a cycle of any sort at 51. It’s not regular but it’s annoying nonetheless. The night sweats are a horror show and the lack of sleep is downright criminal. I have to question my sanity on a daily basis and keep my emotions in check because no one wants to go to prison at 51.

    • Stacee4 years ago

      Same started at 9 and still at 53 dealing with periods. Fortunately over the last year it’s down to only every couple of months so getting irregular. Hang in there!

    • Michellereplying to Stacee3 years ago

      I just turned 50 in Jan and hadn’t had my period for 2 year already idk what happened but it was there then gone then it came back one last time with a vengeance like I had every period that I ever had in my life all at once again and then it was gone and haven’t seen it since.

    • Mickki3 years ago

      I started at 10 finally at 54 years old I’m finally in menopause. Loving not cramping and bleeding but absolutely hating the night sweats day sweats hot flashes not sleeping. It’s like going from the frying pan into the fire. WHEN DOES IT STOP? When do I get my life back?

  • Mel B4 years ago

    It’s positive for me as used to suffer when I was younger, I don’t miss periods (stopped June last year), don’t miss the monthly pain and having to avoid white clothing in case I leaked, stopped going to gym as couple of times I leaked but luckily had dark clothing on

  • mC4 years ago

    I’m ready to learn how to manage my symptoms!

  • Kelly4 years ago

    I feel like every day it’s something new. I’ve gained weight, hot flashes day and night, bloating, exhaustion. I don’t feel like myself at all.

  • Jo4 years ago

    My mental health suffered at the start of Perimenopause but I have been on HRT for over a year now and it has changed my life! Weight gain was also stressful which led to pressure in my relationship due to body issues but I have been on a diet and exercise plan for 3+ months and the weight is starting to come off. Not only do I look better but mentally I feel so much better.

    • Shannan2 years ago

      My doctor said I could only be on hrt for 2 years. My symptoms are going on year 8. What are we supposed to do after year 2??

  • Flutterby4 years ago

    My hair is dry and falling out, my skin is dry, my mid section has expanded, and I have hot flashes. I’m just miserable!!?

  • Lesley4 years ago

    8 Yrs of night sweats was driving me crazy. I got some cheap towels from Kmart & sewed a basic nightie...AMASING!!! I still sweat but the towelling soaks it up. No more waking soaking wet & changing 3 times during the night. I sewed 5 in all & it's changed my life. Totally not sexy but hubby is so happy after all these years I'm finally getting a full nights sleep...Hallelujah ??

  • TP4 years ago

    Thought I had the hot flashes managed but they se to be returning

  • Jas4 years ago

    I’m going to be 47 and my peri menopausal state worries me because my body and mind no longer feel the same as the year before. My mind seems to be full of more negative thoughts than positive, sometimes without any triggers. This makes it harder to be kinder to myself.

  • Cally4 years ago

    Perimenopause….wow, I think I’ve been going down this road for awhile. From severe mood swings to heavy bleeding, hair loss, dry skin, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, hot feeeet!….I’m grateful for this app. I thought I was going mad, maybe I am. But It’s wonderful to see the info and support of other women on this journey and know I’m not alone and that we can weather the storm to the other side!

  • Awilda4 years ago

    I believe women got the short end of the stick and we need to have more information readily available for our next phase!!

  • Mandy4 years ago

    Hot sweats and brain fog

  • BE4 years ago

    Concerned about weight gain and how irs affecting other parts of my health

  • Cindy4 years ago

    I don’t miss the monthly thing! I am the first of the women in my family to have menopause naturally. I would love to get a good night sleep and loss some of the weight gained!

  • Carney4 years ago

    Hi everyone. I’m not really seeing menopause as a negative thing. I don’t deal with periods anymore which is good. The occasional hot flashes usually aren’t too bad. I do wonder when they’ll stop. I’m also curious about whether changes in my joints (knees a little less strong and arthritis in my thumbs increasing and starting to spread) and some mental fogginess on and off is related. I eliminated alcohol from my diet about a year ago and eat mostly vegan which definitely helps with literally everything except for the thumbs so hard to know what’s related to menopausal hormone shift or diet or making sure I get regular exercise. I think I’m most confused about how long all this is supposed to last. My last period was more than 2 years ago (I think…)

    • Shameful4 years ago

      I can relate. However my hot flashes are unbearable. My fingers (left hand) ache, and my knees are always sore. And what is with the smell of my vagina??‍♀️ and not to mention the bathroom runs?

    • Brigid3 years ago

      The average length of time hot flashes/night sweats last is 8 yrs- some women have none and for some women they last for decades ! There is no test that will tell you how long you have to deal unfortunately! Other menopausal symptoms depend on each person- mood, brain fog, sleep, joint pain and weight issues are complained about the most and may be inter-related- night sweats/flashes disrupt sleep and cause brain fog and mood issues, weight gain and stiffness- and that is why we are all here to learn some CBT coping strategies

  • Yvonne 734 years ago

    Brain fog is the most distressing. Feel half the person I used to be and don’t really know what to do. Family just think I’m crazy

  • Jan4 years ago

    Just want to feel like me again. The menopause has had a huge affect on my mental health which I didn’t realise as I’d only heard about physical symptoms. Got those too with joint pain a problem

    • Songirl483 years ago

      I know where your coming from it’s awful, I just want to feel like myself again

    • Joanna3 years ago

      I’m on HRT now and I don’t feel quite as anxious as often. Plus my joint pain has gone completely!

  • Filly4 years ago

    I recently had an urgent hysterectomy so going through surgical menopause and the symptoms are overwhelming, struggling with all sorts of symptoms, finding it hard to be nice to myself

  • Nicole4 years ago

    I am struggling with the physical changes that I can’t seem to control [hair loss and DRY skin]. I'm also experiencing more cold spells than hot flashes. Lots to learn in this new chapter of life.

  • Michelle4 years ago

    I’m really struggling with the night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, and the hemorrhaging periods. I’m 54 and it feels like I should be done with all this already. So frustrating and exhausting!

  • Lynda4 years ago

    I’m 53 and started having symptoms a few years ago. The worst for me are the hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain and brain fog. I spoke to my GP about HRT last year, and this week decided to take the plunge. I stuck my first patch on yesterday. I’m aware that it could take up to 3months for any of the benefits to be felt. I’m also aware that I need to look at improving my nutrition and physical activity, so I’m excited to start this 40day challenge to learn even more. I’m hoping that soon the symptoms (at least some) will abate and I will be in less discomfort and be better able to enjoy life.

    • Katie4 years ago

      I could not take the hot flashes any longer. I was having about 5 a hour. I started taking estrogen and progesterone and feel so much better. It only took a week or so for the hot flashes to subside. I am grateful for this community. It is my first time looking at comments although I have had the app for a while.

  • Nikki4 years ago

    I’m needing a good night sleep and loose this extra weight!

  • Michele4 years ago

    I consider my side effects pretty light. Heavy bleeding but not necessarily every month, headaches yet not migraines, but the acne is really getting to me. I didn’t have this problem as a teen and really not enjoying it as an adult. Trying to get my diet better and exercising more regularly. We will see how it goes.

  • Kiki4 years ago

    anxiety and UTIs have been bothersome.

  • Susie4 years ago

    Negative. I’m getting old

  • Linda4 years ago

    Very little positives and lots of negatives. Sometimes I wonder if my body has been taken over by an alien.

  • Terri4 years ago

    Nice, want to learn more

  • Moxie4 years ago

    Hot flashes are the worst part for me, it’s been years and they keep coming, oftentimes every hour day and night. But not dealing with the pain and inconvenience of menstruation is a real blessing.

  • AJ4 years ago

    I’m on HRT patches which have helped with the brain fog. Though the anxiety and fatigue is exhausting. I struggle to get up in the morning and I can’t go an afternoon without having to go for a lie down. It makes me feel like I’m missing out on my young daughter’s life as I have such low energy. I’ve read about testosterone but I don’t have the energy / confidence to bring this up to the drs as its well known it is not prescribed here :(. I try and be grateful for the small things though I’m finding things hard.

  • Rf4 years ago

    Mariella Frostrops book Cracking the Menopause said that in matriarchal societies menopause is not viewed negatively and the women show less symptoms and are less distressed about it.

  • Mickki4 years ago

    I want to sleep through the night. Every time I have to urinate hot flashes let me know. I’m either freezing or burning up. If I could order some energy that would be wonderful. I’m tired of being tired. The great part of this process is that I no longer have out of control periods nor am I having migraines every few weeks. It’s like I traded one set of agonizing symptoms for another. When do I get to have peace in my body?

  • Lia4 years ago

    The inability to drop weight. The brain fog. The irritability. Poor sleep.

  • Ingrid4 years ago

    I think is a new fase os life and I’ve been preparing my self for it. But I just discovered many things happening in my body that I didn’t know it was because of menopause such as joint pain, blowing and so on. Learning all about it will help me go through it.

  • Jenn4 years ago

    I’m so tired of sweating and being hot :-/

  • Theresa4 years ago

    Everyone talks about Hot Flashes but what about Tiredness. For the past 3 or 4 years I have noticed needing a ton more sleep but still wake up tired. I’m tired of being tired!!!!!

    • Sam2 years ago

      I feel the same as you. Tiredness is the worst, sometimes I feel like a zombie, my life just happening before my eyes wide open without really being part of it. All the sleep in the world can’t take away this tiredness, sometimes I even nearly fall asleep while exercising. The worst is at work, I can’t concentrate, this has consequences on my performance and goes hand in hand with brain fog. And at home? I barely listen anymore to the stories my daughters tell because I am so tired…

  • zandie4 years ago

    I view this time of my life as confusing & depressing…only as the view of society is that you are now officially old!!

  • Jen4 years ago

    I cannot lose weight. I am frustrated! I’ve never had a big stomach and now I feel like a balloon inflating.

    • Sarah2 years ago

      Same. I've never had gut fat. I've always been a gym rat and have had great muscle tone and low body fat for a good portion of my life. Menopause starts and not only do I hurt from head to toe so can't work out (which for me means my butt and thighs carry fat) but now this huge gut from out of nowhere for the first time in my life. !!! And no matter what I do, it won't go away. Brain fog. Exhausted constantly. Can't sleep (getting up every 2 hours to pee). Everything hurts. Irritability due to all the above. HRT has only helped the hot flashes. Everything else still is carrying on as of I'm not taking anything at all. I can't increase the estrogen amount because it caused such severe heart palpitations I spent a year working with cardiologists to find out what was going on, only to have one tell me he thought it was the estrogen. Lowered the dosage and the heart palpitations immediately stopped. My obgyn said he'd never heard of that. !!!! Seriously crazy making.

  • WackieSuzi4 years ago

    I thought I would skate the gate on this & all of a sudden bam!!! Woah! Every symptom & very severely- thought I was pregnant at 54! Ugh… doctor confirmed today -since I am having irregular periods and am currently try 2 months late? But she won’t give me any hormone replacement until 12 months without? Ugh ? dizzy, headache, joints hurt, stomach cramps- acid reflux- feels like I am coming unglued ?‍??

  • Kimberly4 years ago

    My face and body are so dry it’s so irritating to deal with I’ve tried all kinds of thing and nothing is working.

  • Sarah4 years ago

    I’ve been suffering with hot flashes and night sweats for over two years, and my anxiety levels are pretty high, but when ever I saw my Dr they’ve said I’m too young and that I’m just over weight and depressed. I finally saw a different dr last week and was listened to!!! So now at least can start to move forward again!!!

  • Hazel4 years ago

    I’m not sure if I’m peri menopausal or not. I have a hormonal coil so haven’t had periods for years but I’ve noticed over the last few months I’m having period type symptoms more days than not - cramps, altered bowels, needing to pee more often and oddly hot feet (but that might be to do with the heatwave here). I really have no idea but at 46 and after researching my symptoms I guess this is what it could be. I already struggle with sleep and poor mental health so that’s no different

  • Katie4 years ago

    Anyone else here feel like Axis Endo has infiltrated the menopause chat room?

  • Katie4 years ago

    anyone else get muffled when they questioned why certain supplements were being pushed?

  • Jenna4 years ago

    I would pay good money to be able to sleep through the night again and not wake up at 2am

  • Sharon4 years ago

    I feel so hot and sweaty all the time and keep forgetting things plus my knees and leg muscles are constantly aching.

  • Vera3 years ago

    Reading these testimonies have help me relate to my menopausal experience. I hope I will find relieve with brain fog and regaining my enthusiasm to participate in my pervious activities.

  • Kim3 years ago

    I’m post menopausal- fat , tired, crying constantly, constant joint pain, angry ,sad,scared, lonely (although I’m never alone) and dizzy. The only thing positive I can think of is not having a period- which is something!

  • Caz3 years ago

    I found this very informative. Hoping this will help me on my journey

  • Gillian3 years ago

    I’m finding the weight gain very difficult to control.

  • Alexandra T3 years ago

    Omg I don’t even know where to start, been in menopause for a year and it’s been rough! I’ve gained 30lbs while eating healthy, have hot flashes, brain fog and night sweats. By far the worst part have been the weight gain and hot flashes.

  • Mo3 years ago

    I just wish this was a process we all were more educated on in general. They sit us down and give us the puberty talk so we know to take care of our changing bodies then. Why aren’t we giving ourselves and each other the same respect and grace? I have an IUD to control heavy bleeding. I’ve been noticing symptoms but haven’t been good at paying attention to what may be cyclical in nature. Odd cramping (for lack of a better word), mood swings, temperature changes, severe mental fog, and good god will I ever care about sex again????

  • Cassy3 years ago

    I’m struggling with mood swings - very emotional then fine. Extremely painful in regular periods and daily migraine.

  • Cirivera3 years ago

    Menopause is terrifying. And the mood swings and depression is driving me insane. Just hope I can see the light soon because right now it’s pitch black out there.

  • Little1783 years ago

    I am so tired and angry and the brain fog is awful

  • Mandy3 years ago

    I am 44 and just finally figured out that this is why I’ve been feeling so crappy. I spent the whole summer depressed, withdrawn, and with irregular periods and night sweats. The night sweats and hot flashes have stopped for now, but my weight and skin are feeling very blah. I am hoping that I can learn how to deal and start a support group in my area because there is very little support in the area where I live.

  • Bec3 years ago

    Having suffered with rotten periods I’ve been looking forward to this stage my whole adult life … not quite such a fan right now ?

  • Faz3 years ago

    Oestrogen/ progesterone increases decreases. Depressing, tiring, urine infections, heavy bleeding. Exhaustion. Excessive hair fall. Anger issues. Behaviour changes regularly. Life is so difficult at this time. More negative than positive. I’ve learnt very slowly how to RELAX. Happier when I have the 5/6 week gaps & once I had a 5 mth gap ( so no bleeding). Urine infections can be regular. WeAker at the knees. On a more POSITIVE note had to get use to it and learn from my mistakes. Approximately 5 yrs now that is a long time. On top of that my husband and children suffer cause I can’t do what I enjoy/ love doing. Not going in to that. Forget an essay I could write a book on it. Thanks NB. Glad to get it off my chest. Don’t talk about it like I use to. So confusing, disabling. What more to say, next time.

  • Hells3 years ago

    I can’t wait for my periods to end I e always had heavy periods and cramping now they’re irregular and very heavy. I’m not worried at all about menopause and getting older I am embracing the changes. Just a couple of things with weight and bad headaches, insomnia, restless legs is worse then of course tiredness so far! I hope for positive things to come from this app to help me glide through peri menopause and into menopause. xx

  • Candace3 years ago

    The night sweats and brain fog is the worse for me, I feel like I’m losing my mind sometimes. And waking up in the middle of the night like I just took a shower is the worst. Makes it hard to go back to sleep cause now you have the chills.

  • Inge3 years ago

    I am 50 and still menstruating regularly. I started quite late, at 13 I think. I am so tired of the monthly cramps, I don’t know if they have to do with the perimenopause but I am in pain almost continuously, during ovulation, before and during my period. I hope this finishes soon!

  • An3 years ago

    Bruh… I’m so over all of this! However, I need to lean into this community and these conversations with more kindness towards myself.

  • Bru3 years ago

    brain fog, sleep, joint pain and weight issues are the symptoms I complained about Sometimes I feel like I lost my mind

  • Tash3 years ago

    I’m finding that alike a lot of other women I wasn’t very educated about menopause so when I started getting these crazy changes going on I didn’t know how to deal with them. I’m grateful that my cycle has been over and I don’t have to deal with that nightmare anymore. Although right before it stopped I bled so much I really thought I was going to bleed to death. It was insanely heavy . Like going thru a super plus tampon and a pad in 30 minutes . So trying to deal with that and dealing with the death of my husband it was quite overwhelming. I’m hoping I can start seeing my body in a new light as I learn how to cope with this mess.

  • Tanya3 years ago

    I’m 48 and I have HORRIBLE periods. I don’t know where I’m at in the menopause cycle. I have night sweats sometimes. I’m supposed to be taking the pill to help with my flow when on my period but I hate taking the pill. I am so night a great person to be around a week before and through my cycle. I’m working on it My hair is thinner and I have no idea what is going on with my vagina! Lol. Lord help me! Lol. I’m thinking of trying this hormone replacement therapy. Not sure yet. I don’t want to take pills for this. Im just a little bit of everywhere. My fatigue is more and I don’t feel like myself. ??‍♀️??‍♀️?

  • Char3 years ago

    I’m confused if it’s chemical menopause (from chemo and now taking tamoxifen for breast cancer), or whether it was going to happen. If I stop taking tamoxifen will periods come back and hormones change non-menopausal

  • Eva3 years ago

    Hot flashes and insomnia are significant, however what doesn’t feel sustainable is the irritability which doesn’t fully describe what I feel. This occurs when my daughters approach and are on their period. It’s like I’m on their cycle without the period except every 6 months or so. It feels like I need to explode so I hide and shut my mouth as much as I can.

  • Shell3 years ago

    Feeling anxiety, depression, low energy and have bouts of crying for no reason. Hard to get out of bed on most days. I Just want to feel normal again.

  • Justwhy3 years ago

    I don’t see it as positive at all. I have had my ovaries suppressed as part of my cancer treatment and so gone into a menopause very quickly and have found the symptoms to be getting worse. I’m tired of being tired and thinking so negatively about it all. I want the old em back but have taken a few weeks of work to try and figure out this journey and find a more peaceful way of managing it.

  • Faz3 years ago

    How long am I going to be pre, peri menopausal for? Physical symptoms ( hair loss, bloating, bleeding out of control, body odour) Just to name a few. So it can be physically/ mentally exhausting. Mild to occasionally severe headaches. Diet & exercise is so important. Started off with 10 mins & building on that. Been 4 yrs, how many more to go I don’t know.

  • Ari3 years ago

    I sometimes feel like I have so much going on, and this isn’t helping… night sweats are the worst. My husband loves holding me, but that equals waking up because I feel like I suffocate! I’m not sleeping well at all because of this.

  • Ali3 years ago

    I’m exhausted from the night sweats and insomnia which then I have brain fog and am too tired to exercise and drink caffeine to stay awake. It’s such a vicious cycle. I have embraced my grey hair and am rocking that pretty well though!

  • Michelle3 years ago

    I have these headaches that wake me out of my sleep and it’s there all day it feels like a tension headache like someone is squeezing my head it goes into my shoulders especially my neck it’s awful my vision is off I never had headaches like this in my lif

  • Songirl483 years ago

    I am so tired of having night sweats, painful sex and reoccurring UTI’s. Will they ever be an end to it GOD I hope so. And don’t forget mood swings

  • Ray3 years ago

    See here I thought my symptoms were just my response to a global pandemic! I wonder if the shift could be positive in the sense that I will no longer put so much focus on the needs of others, care-taking, etc. I’m hoping that I can prioritize my own needs and find balance. Like I need to get more sleep. No joke. Shifting priorities for sure. I am going to make a vision board of women owning their personal power apart apart from society’s values and roles. Maybe I can be strong, wise with boundaries, (my moods are often boundary issues I used to just let go) and get some of the personal power back that I kind of lost when I started puberty. ?

  • Marina3 years ago

    Constantly working out and restricting calories but my weight is not budging. Going up if anything. My body doesn’t feel like myself. It’s really hard. The anxiety and depression and irritability are hard to cope with. On the plus side, not worrying about accidental pregnancy, no periods to deal with and whole lot less hormonal acne.

  • Heather3 years ago

    Having a huge hot flash as I read through these comments. I’m so over all of it. The hot flashes, the sweats not just at night anymore, the fatigue I feel like I’m dragging most days.

  • LLuLLu3 years ago

    I am new here and like many very happy I found this app. I was simply looking for somewhere other than my phone Notes to track my period, and was lucky enough to find this. I just turned 46 2 weeks ago. But I’ve been in what has to be Hell for the last 2 2 1/2 years. As I think back this “perimenopause” BS Hell.. started before 2020. Because I realize now that the crazy moments of loss of speech, words, confusion for about 30 secs to a minute started around 2015… but no other symptoms at the time had be believing it was likely stress do to changes/stress/problems in life at the time. Well, well, that was this creeping up on me. My history is that I started my period at 9 years old. No talk, or guidance from a beyond olé school culturally stuck mother. So I struggled and figured it out on my own (at 9!) I’ve always had normal periods, no skips, no weird anything. Barely any PMS. I’ve had one pregnancy and was blessed with twins. A boy and a girl… and being the crazy baby person, that was it. No more. My pregnancy was healthy, went to the very end, wouldn’t dilate so had a C-section after 32 hours in labor. No postpartum depression or anything. All went well. I’ve never suffered from anxiety or depression. Literally nothing! Now here comes perimenopause! I started tracking my periods (in Noted) December of 2020 because it felt weird and I thought I missed one. (Don’t think I did) at the time Covid was happening, I was supposed to start a new job, they took it away because of Covid, he’ll broke in the world and at home for the first time with my husband and I on the edge of divorce due to arguments over (In retrospect) nothing. I went through it… I started having what I though was anxiety, than fear of feeling whatever that was made it worse, i started having moments of complete utter confusion, couldn’t move, couldn’t talk, didn’t know what was being said even though I could hear it, started tossing and turning at night (never before) sweating at night, waking up and not being able to go back to sleep, twitching all over my body, legs especially, my face, eyes, chin, weird itching, and sudden (now I realize it’s depression) sadness and sudden fear) anxiety to the extent of several times suicide thoughts…. So, I decided to research an a little less than a year ago realized I’m probably in perimenopause. This is the worse and I wouldn’t wish this on absolutely anyone! Is it normal? To wake up with heart raising about possibly having an “episode” of confusion? Getting terrible “episodes” right before your period, or right after? Only having pockets of times (very short) of feeling yourself and as soon as you realize you’re feeling good fear comes that it will go away and it goes away? I’m not a doctor person and honestly haven’t been to a GYNo in years,,, but I’m going at the end of this mint. If there is a test to confirm I’m in perimenopause I want it! It would be nice to know there’s a light at the end of this because honestly it is so bad..

    • Chelleeebell2 years ago

      I feel like I just read a paragraph on my life. Mine started in 2018.

  • Rose3 years ago

    My joints hurt so bad it makes it hard to sleep at night

  • Claire3 years ago

    I’m really unsure of this next stage. So far I’ve experience extreme mood swings and been doubled over with cramps. I’m hoping to learn a lot from this!

  • Diane3 years ago

    I am post menopausal and would have loved to have this tool to guide me through. I am enjoying my current stage without having periods anymore. Looking forward to improving my sleep and brain fog and making more time for me.

  • Sisa3 years ago

    I’m sick of being this miserable overweight and overwhelmed person I would like to be me again

  • Joan3 years ago

    Hi just joined the group - coming to this a bit late as I turn 60 next month and feel I haven’t had too bad a time since I had a hysterectomy in my early 40s but ovaries left intact. The past few years I felt like it was all coming back but looks like hyperthyroidism & a few other autoimmune issues are causing similar symptoms and so I’m hoping to learn some useful techniques to help manage these!?

    • Anna3 years ago

      I can relate to hysterectomy at age 40 but left with ovaries. Had a whirl of time with symptoms since. Now 56.

  • Shauna3 years ago

    I’m trying to embrace the positive…no more horrific cramping with awful periods every 23 days! Endometriosis and adenomyosis has made the last 15 years difficult. My last two cycles have been over 50 days between nightmares and I’m thankful!

  • Vic3 years ago

    I can’t tell you how encouraging it is to read your honesty and know I’m not alone. I’m new to this community am 61 and I’ve had it all, the hot flashes, brain fog, moodiness, crying at nothing- totally irrational thinking, overreacting, dry skin, pigmentation changes. Yuck. Big dark spots on my face that make me feel old. Splitting nails, painful sex, UTI’s, weight gain despite exercise and good nutrition; you name it. Need coffee to get my system going in the morning but had to give it up- gives me hot flashes. Switched to prunes. Makes me bloat. Lovely! Enjoy wine but guess what, gives me hot flashes too. Although I’ve been on bio identical hormones for a while and take St. John’s wort to elevate the mood, I still feel like a prisoner in my own body. I just wanna feel happy again and I want this ALL to be over. Can anyone relate?

  • Vic3 years ago

    Hi there! Trying to get connected to share my thoughts and share, but comments aren’t being posted somehow. Confused…help please.

  • Inge3 years ago

    Until now my symptoms have been mild. I am so tired of menstruation cramps and honestly very sad that those are still happening, for weeks on end, even if I had my last period two months ago. The fatigue is real but manageable as I sleep very well. I also seem to be gaining weight at a crazy speed. On the positive side of things, I so look forward to a renewed freedom.

  • Debby3 years ago

    I heard from friends and in-laws it was going to be terrible, but I never saw my mom go through anything really dramatic so I’m hopefull I have good genes!

  • Julie3 years ago

    My weight gain has become ridiculous and depressing

  • Mercedes3 years ago

    I had no idea what it could mean for me being in the menopause. At the end I felt different during the process. Mostly nervous and like loosing the control over my body. I always had had a close relationship to my body’s needs. Now I lost the connection and in have more and more difficulties to find my balance. I’m nervous without any clear reason, starving all the day , gaining weight, searching energy…. Feel like getting depressed. Thought I have enough knowledge to handle this. However, I feel it’s good being connected with other great women here. ThnX

  • Evangeline3 years ago

    I have worked sooooo hard to breathe, unravel my “stuff” and take time for myself in this busy life….and now…all the changes happening. It’s quite frustrating. Trying to get all the information that I can do I can go back to some sort of peace.

  • Nuala3 years ago

    Just desperate for a good nights sleep & not feel bloated all the time!!

  • D3 years ago

    I want to be able to separate my infertility grief from my physical symptoms. I want my buoyant, optimistic self to smile at me in the mirror in the morning again.

  • Kimberly3 years ago

    I’m tired of my muffin stomachs and putting on weight.

  • Traci3 years ago

    I’m tired of the hot flashes, the waking up at weird times of the night to turn on a fan or have to get a drink to cool down. I am on HRT and take meds for the anxiety. Taking some supplements that seem to help, watching sugar intake cuz for some reason sweets increase my hot flashes. Struggling with the irritability right now more than anything. Staying hopeful it gets easier

  • Elaine3 years ago

    The bloating and exhaustion is so hard

  • Angie3 years ago

    First, I had no clue it would be this bad. I’m taking natural supplements and feel better, but not 100%. The anxiety is prob the worst. I just want to feel “normal” again.

  • Maya3 years ago

    Night sweats, hot flashes , irritability and evaluation of every aspect of my life .. I hope my family and me going to survive this very frustrating period

  • Too soon3 years ago

    I fear being less sexy, out of the game. A feeling of finality, like a reconciliation of my life, like a death. I like having no more periods and caring less about what people think of me. I know there are better days ahead, both mentally and physically, as I figure this out and manage it better. But also feel too old and tired to have to relearn my body and self. My youngest child just graduated but at 41 I feel like an 80 year old trying to be a 25 year old.

  • Stephanie3 years ago

    I just need to be me again with less stress overall. No hot flashes or night sweaters lately but waking up at 2:00 am is getting old.

  • Salmon3 years ago

    Have gained confidence in my 40’s but most media portrayals equate young with sexy… torn because some of the menopausal changes feel less than sexy lol

  • Mandee3 years ago

    I’m super new to things. I hadn’t planned on forced menopause in my mid 30s. I just had a full hysterectomy 2.5 weeks ago. The estrogen seems to be helping with some of the hot/cold flashes and night sweats.

  • Cristin3 years ago

    I’m all of the sudden extremely bloated all the time. My joints hurt - knees, elbows, neck, upper back and now my left hip. I’m just tired of being tired. I’m desperate to find some natural solutions.

  • Dee3 years ago

    Night sweats, hot flashes, brain fog, headaches, hungrier than a ravenous wolf. I try to fight this by eating healthier and exercising but that only lasts for a week or two before I go right back to stuffing my face. :-( My stomach is fat, my skin looks cottage cheesy (sounds alot worse than it is but it’s true). I can’t believe I have love handles now. I’ve been skinny my whole life and kept a flat tummy even after three kids (with no exercise) but now, I feel like crap. I haven’t had a decent nights sleep in months and I don’t know how I am supposed to live this way.

  • Lalacakes3 years ago

    For a few years I’ve been dealing with the hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog but the last month has been terrible

  • Vicki3 years ago

    I need to find a way to get rid of the night time hot flashes. I need sleep!

  • Mara3 years ago

    I just had a hysterectomy and I don't have any symptoms yet. What symptoms should I expect from menopause?

  • Sabrina2 years ago

    I’m tired of not being able to lose weight.

  • Rebecca2 years ago

    I’m frustrated. My body is like an unruly child who refuses to listen. I exercise and eat right, but nothing seems to help. I’m bloated like the Michelin man. No matter how much water I drink or fiber I eat, I cannot poop. I had minor symptoms for about 1-2 years but in the last three months it’s gone full force.

  • Kattywompus2 years ago

    The random hot flashes and consequential and additional lack of sleep are getting me down. Aging is hard enough without the negative symptoms— and I’m actually a pretty positive person!

  • Silya2 years ago

    My back and knees are killing me. I’ve been feeling stiff like a rod lately….it’s awful! ?‍?

  • Claire20252 years ago

    Insomnia, hot flashes and ringing ears - I think I’m the only one. Days of brain fog when I can pay a bill twice in 10 minutes!

  • Julie2 years ago

    I’m now post menopausal it’s been just over a year since my last period but still having symptoms

  • Julie2 years ago

    Also trying orange blossom essential oil at night to help sleep early days will let u know

  • Diana2 years ago

    The worst for me is the nausea. I am 59 and just went off HRT. I have been getting hot flashes for over 7 years, and still was getting periods! I can’t take it anymore so I’m meeting with my dr again to discuss a different form of HRT since she said what I was on was bad for me. Even though her colleague was the one who recommended I take it. I’m having them every 20-30 minutes. Anyone else experience the sickening stomach feeling?

  • MT2 years ago

    I only want to sleep. My hot flashes are so hard to endure. It is a very hard period! (Menopause caused by surgery for a cancer).

  • Lelo2 years ago

    I am just trying to take it day by day bc I never know what to expect, from irregularity of periods to strange and highly varied symptoms that don’t seem consistent with what I think I should be experiencing.

  • Krissy2 years ago

    I am challenged with understanding if my symptoms are menopause or auto-immune disease related. They seem to mimic each other and overlap. Anyone else having the same issues?

  • Jenn2 years ago

    Tired of being sick and tired - this transition is cruel lol to say the least . The anxiety- feeling less than a woman now has me in a mental state. I feel like a stranger to myself - the joint pain - brittle hair - face changing - it’s a shame some doctors fluff us off like it’s in our heads . I guess I’m just having a hard time with this change right now / it’s been 7 years but this past year has been really hard -I turn 50 in a week , crying a lot looking at old photos being young …. Can’t wait to feel normal again - I hope !

  • Janine2 years ago

    I am over hot flushes and sweating throughout the day and night especially at 0200, 0400 and at 0630 when trying to sleep. My only wish is to have one night sleep not being interrupted by this process!

  • LC2 years ago

    Has not been an easy transition - feel like a shell of myself. Irritable, angry and the brain fog is terrible. Some days I feel like I’m a complete failure at work and unable to communicate effectively anymore.

  • Mel2 years ago

    I am in my early 30’s and i have induced menopause and I am depressed because I don’t have sex drive no more. Everything is fine.

  • Mel2 years ago

    I am in my early 30’s and i have induced menopause and I am sad because I don’t have sex drive no more. Everything is fine. I have a lots of other symptoms but do my best to manage them.

  • Kelly2 years ago

    Not sure what I think about this post. Maybe we can have a healthy approach and understanding of mood symptoms to recognize them as real but hormone- based. But these other symptoms - the hot flashes and fatigue and insomnia - those are just miserable! Not sure how to view any of that positively. Help?

  • Charlie2 years ago

    I have just come on after 3 months and am vey heavy could this be one of my last periods. I have epilepsy and changes in hormones can hinder me so I am a little worried but also hopeful that when I get through menopause this may no longer be a problem

  • Michelle2 years ago

    I am trying to understand the different ways life stress are affecting my experience. I am at the time where I want to spend more time getting to know myself. And it feel like my body is against me when the hot flashes hit and my brain feels fried. Can I just say it drives me crazy when some women say “hot flashes, oh I never got those!”

  • Veronica2 years ago

    I should have got the whole complete survey. I kept my eggs they say it wouldn’t be a problem. Now at the age of 52, I been ovulating every two weeks. I’m drain and can’t sleep. I’m all over the place. I’m cramping now, out of nowhere. I’m so over with this ovulating and all that comes with it.

  • Sylvie2 years ago

    I am solidly postmenopausal, on hormone replacement. Osteopenia by bone density and I am worried about that.

  • Veronica2 years ago

    So far so good today💃🏾

  • Jan2 years ago

    I don’t feel I had any apprehension but now that I’m in it I feel angry at how little understood it is and all these physical symptoms were such a shock. My periods kept coming regularly but I am losing my memory and such bad brain fog. But the vertigo and nausea is the worst. I had no idea this was possible

  • Jackie2 years ago

    Negative I can’t enjoy life I just exist

  • Autumn-Brooke2 years ago

    I view this as a sad time, I didn’t get much of the correct womanhood experience periods, and what not just a handful or so nothing to heavy no bad side effects some time to time I guess doctors never found out why never tested me for everything either unless you ask or tell them anyways I had one baby girl which is perfect but when the changes came they came an after miserable months I found out why hair loss no sex drive hot flashes lack of hunger no motivation irritation nausea I mean dry skin there is so much randomness oh boy but finding out seem to of lifted some of the burden I suppose I thought somthing was seriously wrong anyways I love the process of womanhood I just am not enjoying the extra lack of hormones from my already slim Pickens lol

  • Aniseday2 years ago

    In 2015 I began having many symptoms named in this tracker. I was labeled as having General Anxiety Disorder. Painful sex was deemed a psychological disorder. Seriously - our medical care providers need this education. Seeking support from individuals that never once brought up my age or perimenopause. Thankful to discover this App even years after I needed it. Now post menopausal I still struggle with many symptoms on the list but stress management and nonrestorative sleep are the major ones.

  • Sheila A2 years ago

    I really don’t know what is going on with my body and mind. I don’t know how to dress anymore, one minute hot then cold. Mood swings foggy brain etc energy levels never the same.. and the weight gain.. what torture when the body decides to change…

  • Gail2 years ago

    Menopause to Me is a time where I have gained lots of weight fat on my mid section and the feeling that I am not in control, my sleep in marred heating up and not sleeping

  • Ren2 years ago

    It’s great to hear other women talk about their symptoms to help me realise that I am not alone. I have been going through the menopause process since I was at least about 46 years old and am 52.5 years old now. My symptoms gradually built up until the mood swings became so severe that I started on a mild antidepressants just to cope with them. They have helped although have also come with their own side-affects so am slowly trying to come off them now. I also use oestrogen patches 50 mg plus a Mirena coil for the progesterone HRT. I get hot flashes whenever I am physically active during the day so I use a handheld fan constantly and just plough through them so I can stay as physically active as possible. The fatigue and brain fog are another matter, I struggle to get used to it but just have to accept them. I have slowly gone from working full time whilst co-parenting two kids with a partner and running a home to managing part-time work only and fortunately my kids are now grown up and no longer at home. My motivation to do much else has all but disappeared which again I struggle to accept and get used to…not to mention battling the weight gain….is this just the way it is nowadays I always wonder…….all the best ladies. I still prioritise enjoying my life as much as possible and try to keep my outlook positive, with an independent fun-loving spirit :)

  • Sharon2 years ago

    I love not having periods anymore. I hate not getting a good night’s sleep. It’s been 12 years and no relief.

  • Anna2 years ago

    Although I have the hot flashes and insomnia, my main meno hurdle has been my mental health. The sudden anxiety attacks and feeling of being totally overwhelmed in situations that never fazed me before, are awful. Having looked very similar for decades, my body and face are suddenly aging rapidly. I feel that I am going through the 7 stages of grief for my youth. I hope that I reach the acceptance phase soon because this is really no fun at all!

  • Blondie2 years ago

    I’m sick of brain fog I’m forgetting so much stuff especially peoples names

  • Aran2 years ago

    Something in between. It is like when you have your first period and you are moving to your “adult” years. Hard to admit that you can feel young but you are aging.

  • Tee2 years ago

    In hindsight, I was experiencing things like migraines, hot face, anxiety, and sleep disruptions that I did not recognize as being symptoms of menopause.

  • Joy2 years ago

    I’m enjoying middle age but a little nervous about the hot flashes that just started last week. It feels like something is wrong. I’m trying to be at peace that this is part of life and see the positive. I like the hot flashes better than cramps!!

  • Dani2 years ago

    I’m always cold so I’m glad I’m not having hot flashes . I just want my hair back 😞

  • Noelle2 years ago

    The joint pain was a very unexpected symptom and it is really bad.

  • Emmz2 years ago

    Mine is the lack of wanting sex, my body smells and I get angry, upset, confused and all the above. Sometimes don’t know why I am here.

  • Courtney2 years ago

    I’m almost 42 and haven’t had my period this month. I have all the symptoms of pre menopause. It’s scary! Took a pregnancy test to quit the worry and of course not pregnant. I just thought I was young to not have a period.

  • Christy2 years ago

    I’m losing my mind! My feelings are all over the place- ugh! Everything is overwhelming! I started having perimenopausal symptoms about a year ago and I’ve been a train wreck ever since 😬 My experience thus far has been confusing, frustrating and debilitating- I really look forward to the day I can get some relief 💙

  • Kita2 years ago

    I recently had to have surgery due to a mass so I quickly went in to menopause 5 days later. My Doctor recommended natural supplements but these hot flashes night sweats and insomnia is about to truly take me out! I just ordered a cooking blanket from amazon, got a neck fan and taking the supplements. Anyone has any suggestions?

  • Lucie2 years ago

    I’m excited to not worry about getting pregnant, but all these physical symptoms make me think that I’m going to have a stroke or a heart attack! With the added stress of being a full time single mom and work full time with financial burden, it doesn’t help my symptoms and this transition. Nausea, headaches, palpitations, pins and needles, neck tension and aches, bloating, belly weight gain, brain fog, depression and anxiety…to name a few. I’m ready to tackle these symptoms and start feeling better for most of the month instead of only feeling good for a few days of the month.

  • Shannan2 years ago

    I've been having night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, and brain fog for 8 years ! Does this ever end??? I'm not sure how changing my thinking is going to help me stop sweating profusely every night.

  • Bet W.2 years ago

    I have gained 40 lbs since I started menopause, and every diet in the book doesn’t work ! One misstep and I gain 5 . And I eat mostly all organic Whole Foods with minimal carbs most coming from vegetables! My food choices are small . started feeling symptoms of menopause at 38 I’m now 48 . I think that because I eat very healthily , and have cut out 99% sugar out of my diet and eat lots of greens ,I don’t really get to many hot flashes and not many night sweats . I don’t have many other symptoms besides the mood swings and I have no patience with “ stupid people” . which I’m trying to overcome . I think that the worst part for me is not being able to loos the weight I’ve put on . It’s that mental battle of body image that hurts me the most! I think Ive tried everything but ozempic!

  • JJ2 years ago

    Never had a muffin top until now. It’s a miserable feeling. It seems as if each day is a new issue or new symptom creeping up. Too many variables to try to fix them all.

  • Anya2 years ago

    So far it has been awful-so no, I do not see it as positive and I am scared as sh*t. That said, I am grateful I figured out what was going on so that I can find a solution rather than listen to my doctor saying I’m just losing my mind because I’m too young (I am 44).

  • Ellena2 years ago

    Being in perimenopause it’s a new stage of life. My feet are so hot at night. But feeling content hasn’t changed x

  • Nicole2 years ago

    I invested in a BedJet and it’s helped tremendously with night sweats, although it is $$$.

  • Rosetemples2 years ago

    Hi! I am new here. I am 51 and have been struggling with weight gain for a year. I tried intermittent fasting diet, low carb diet, and some exercise and I am only maintaining the weight that I have gained. I also have hot flushes, fatigue, and bad insomnia. Hope to find answers.

  • Tara2 years ago

    I’m struggling with feeling good about myself when I’ve gained so much weight. 😞

  • Pooh2 years ago

    I spent most of my adult years dreading my period , and NOW .. that the end might be near , why oh why does my mind get a little sad when I see the feminine product aisle ?

  • Chris2 years ago

    losing memory, libido and always hungry for fatty things… on top i am losing sleep quality…

  • Older and wider2 years ago

    I want to approach with knowledge, I want it to be about positive change and new beginnings. I think it’s another lesson in a change- to prioritise our Heath and wellness after years of sacrifice for our children.

  • Shayote2 years ago

    I see it as something in between and have come to realise of late that in general menopause is culturally in our western world looked as a burden as opposed to a transition

  • Lisa2 years ago

    Don't think about it too much

  • Kristi2 years ago

    Anxiety, migraines, and dizziness are where I am struggling. I spent a year in Physical Therapy and my doctor sent me to a psychiatrist. Even with my history of postpartum depression, she would not give me hormones and said I was jumping on the bandwagon. Thankfully, I found a new gynecologist, that started me on HRT and my symptoms have improved greatly. I think a lot of the uncertainty and fear is that you don’t get any support. It’s very overwhelming.

  • Franceska2 years ago

    I was put into a forced menopause while having chemotherapy for breast cancer in 2021. I didn’t get to experience perimenopause but am here in the middle of menopause symptoms which feel similar to the hot flashes and insomnia during chemo. Menopause is just an experience I’ve got to accept as the new normal even if it’s a decade earlier than planned. I find these symptoms a reminder of gratitude that I am alive.

  • Alicia2 years ago

    I’ve gone into early menopause and my period has stopped since six months ago, I am having terrible hot flashes I can’t wear makeup or wear my hair down due to looking like I just stepped out the shower. I have Addisons disease and they think that’s the reason for my early menopause I feel tired all the time and my weight has gone from size 8 to 18 which is affecting my mental health massively.

  • Mary2 years ago

    When will the symptoms stop. I feel like it’s never going to end 😫

  • Sierra2 years ago

    I’m 46 and my last period was in May. I realize I haven’t had the full year of no periods to be officially declared menopausal, but I think I’ve ticked off all the rest of the boxes on the list to one extent or another. Hot flashes ✔️✔️, cold flashes ✔️(I never even knew that was a thing until I found myself shivering in 105 degree weather), severe dizziness ✔️, sporadic nausea✔️, light sensitivity ✔️, anxiety✔️, mental fogginess and no focus✔️, mood swings✔️, joint pain✔️, headaches✔️, etc. My ears are wide open if anyone has any survival tips.

  • Kris2 years ago

    I think it’s a change for the better and worse. I just hate the changes that make me not feel like who I was

  • Marina2 years ago

    My only concern for this time in my life is the symptoms. I think about how I’m feeling a lot and these symptoms have been very disruptive. I don’t think about them as positive or negative, they are just there. I have started hormones, so hopefully that helps because even more so than brain fog, the constant thoughts about my symptoms has been a lot. Hopefully with this support things will stabilize. =)

  • LeahAnn1 year ago

    The relief I felt some what to finally put two and two together, realizing that I’m not absolutely losing my mind…. Menopause! The horrific feeling of not being in control of your own body, mind, thoughts, emotions was more than I could take this weekend. Physically, the heart palpitations, internal tremors, hot flashes, itchiness, brain fog, confusion and feeling of being lost absolutely floored me. :( Where and how did you start this journey? GP? OBGYN? I am so lost and confused on where to even begin to take control of this mess.

  • Angel1 year ago

    I am happy to be done with cramps, tampons, and pads. I am struggling though with this process. Specifically the weight gain, anxiety, irritability, and aches and pains.

  • Jilly1 year ago

    I have had crippling self doubt, and often feel like I’m watching my confidence drain away - along with my career. So much more needs to be done to help women not only understand but plan for this transition - and workplaces need to do so much more in this space. In my industry we do so much to help people enter the work force and develop their skills but we do nothing to help them transition post-50.

  • Diana1 year ago

    I have ME so a lot of my symptoms are very similar what makes it hard to tell them apart I haven’t had a period in almost a year so I don’t think it will be coming back now. I’m 52 I haven’t had any hot sweats or night sweats but have most of the rest I don’t know what to do because my doctor will probably say it’s my ME

  • Kali1 year ago

    My idea of menopause is that it is a transition that I have to go through and as a doula, I understand this change. I view this time as a trial and error time of my like. I am learning something new about this transition. I feel as though the negatives outweigh the positives for me. My body changed in such a way physically, mentally and spiritually that all I can do is to learn to adjust to this new me. Some days are better than other’s, and some days are really so rough that I want to give up.

  • AlaskaJen1 year ago

    I just started having hot flashes a month ago, and night sweats this week. It seemed sudden and intensified quickly! I can’t wear sweaters (I’m in Alaska!), I had to leave church twice to cool off 😅, my blanket is on and off so many times during the night, it’s a little insane…

  • Latasha MacG1 year ago

    I would like to reflect on the questions asked. What are your ideas about menopause? How do you view this time in your life? Do you see it as all positive? All negative? Something in between? My answer: I am 47 years old, and this journey has been about 1 ½ years long. I started having symptoms in early 2023 but had no idea it was perimenopause until early 2024. I went back and forth between my primary care doctor, my rheumatologist (for RA), and my hematologist (for anemia) for an entire year, trying to figure out what was happening with me, because the severity of the symptoms far exceeded those of my other diagnoses. When I finally found out what it was, my experience had already been tainted by negativity in my mind. However, now that I know what it is, I have learned and am still learning how to manage it. I’ve “grown” through some of this experience, and I can say my view of perimenopause is somewhere in between. I am a spiritual person, and to be completely honest, perimenopause kept me at the foot of Jesus Christ because there was nowhere else I could find a piece and peace of mind. I felt like I was going to lose it at any moment; I feared I might leave my husband or that something worse would happen. BUT GOD! This is where the positive comes in. I’m still experiencing some very challenging symptoms, but I’m still in the game and looking for ways to manage this. I pray that this app is one of those God-sent resources. At least it seems hopeful. ☺️🙏☺️.

  • Jen1 year ago

    I am in perimenopause and have much heavier periods with cramping, weight gain that seemed to begin when I turned 40 (I’m 46 now), I am now pre diabetic and have been having heart palpitations which cause me a lot of anxiety. I have a lot of negative views towards perimenopause and menopause as from what I’ve learned, the declining estrogen really wreaks havoc on a woman’s body causing inflammation to go way up. I am taking steps to try to keep myself healthy such as weight training 3 to 4 times a week and eating a lower carb diet for my insulin resistance. I recently took out caffeine to see if that would help reduce my heart palpitations. I rarely drink alcohol anymore as it makes me wake up every night, even if it’s just one drink and the next day I freel so tired and really grouchy. i’m hoping this program will help me to find ways to reduce the help heart palpitations. I’m experiencing as well as get my insulin resistance under control.

  • Bri1 year ago

    I have a negative view on this time in my life. Especially when I know doctors are not really educated much on a issue that hasn’t been really studied except maybe the last 10 years. My body is just starting this journey and so much has changed in my mind and body. I have brought up to 3 different doctors/specialists about thinking that my body is low on Magnesium even though I take a supplement. Which I started years ago because it took away my migraines. Now they’re back with also muscle tightness to the point of injury. And I tell them I think it has to do with perimenopause. “No,no, no, just take this medicine to help with that symptom.” —No thank you! I want to try to make healthier choices to combat this and then if that doesn’t work, seeing a doctor that understands this, maybe even has gone through this and seeing what they say. Someone that will listen to me, I know what I’m experiencing!

  • Pam1 year ago

    I feel like I have morning sickness. The stomach pains and vomiting daily is unbearable. Anyone else having this symptom. I haven’t heard any one mention it yet. I also have horrible night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety and depression. I have them all. I have been vomiting almost daily for 2 years now. Haven’t had period for 7 months.

  • Heather1 year ago

    I just recently realized that the brain fog and skin changes I’m experiencing are related to menopause. I have a lot to learn!

  • Lou1 year ago

    I can’t seem to articulate how I feel about it. Damn brain fog 😂

  • Susie1 year ago

    I am both a bit scared but also kind of curious and excited about a new phase of my life, where I can feel and express my being a Woman in a different way, maybe with more awareness and understanding of who I really am 💜

  • Jen1 year ago

    I’m sick and tired of not sleeping and feeling moody and not having energy to do anything

  • Sunshine1 year ago

    I’ve been having hot flashes for several years and extremely heavy periods since age 12. It was horrible! One dr thought I miscarried bc of the large clots n so much bleeding. The last year 2024 I had more regular periods until about 6 months ago they’ve started becoming irregular not knowing when I would start or stop. I had a pelvic ultrasound n it showed a mass on my cervix n an abnormally thickened lining of my uterus. So with family history of female cancer I had my hysterectomy n they removed everything. That was in December 2024

  • Shallon1 year ago

    I hate how my body has changed. I have been to my doctor who just said it’s natural and it won’t last forever. This can’t be the answer - do nothing.

  • Judy1 year ago

    Never thought about menopause until it hit me full force. I don’t even feel like myself anymore - tired, gaining weight, cravings out of control, hot flashes, insomnia, zero sex drive.

  • Lee1 year ago

    I just want to not feel like I’m going crazy.

  • lagogo1 year ago

    It’s been rough my brain has been a shitshow for a couple years even on HRT.

  • Melissa1 year ago

    I’m miserable and was just diagnosed with POI so I get the joy of all the symptoms and still have my periods.

  • Amy1 year ago

    I thought all the symptoms would go away but the sleepless nights and random hot flash will always be annoying. But I appreciate the conversations that I have with other women. It’s a pretty big boat!

  • Kels1 year ago

    I am in menopause at 28 years old because Covid affected my uterus. This big change I had in my life is very different than any other surgery I had. The post symptoms change over time and there’s no way to know when it’ll slow down or get better. I’m really hoping this app makes my body adjust easier and healthier over time.

  • Princess Donut1 year ago

    My main concern is not wanting to be aloof one moment and raging the next.. which was the experience with my mom growing up- knowledge is power 💜.

  • Mo1 year ago

    I have been in menopause for 4 months. I do not miss my heavy periods and awful cramps. I have hot flashes and brain fog but nothing bad. I am also experiencing joint pain and that hasn’t been fun.

  • Mignon1 year ago

    I had a partial hysterectomy 9 years ago. I kept my ovaries. I haven’t had periods since the surgery so it’s been difficult to tell what stage I’m in of menopause. But it’s like everything hit me like a ton of bricks suddenly in the last two years. I feel unattractive, emotional, tired, and smelly. I’ve always taken aging in stride, but seeing and feeling my face and body change so much so quickly is really doing a number on me. My skin has always been my best quality and now my pores are the size of Saturn. Nothing that I try helps. My mom is in her late seventies and looks twenty years younger. Her menopause was essentially symptom free so I’m on my own with no guidance. I thought because she had aged gracefully that I would too…not so much. I’m really hoping this app will help this transition go more smoothly cuz right now…the struggle is really real!

  • G-Unit1 year ago

    I am post menopausal and still have hot flushes. They went for a couple of years but are now back, hate them!

  • Stacy1 year ago

    For those struggling with warm pillow - try adding a chillow ( try Amazon for reviews and description). I run hot usually and use one for my chair at work when it was hot but it’s really made to keep your pillow cool.

  • Ri1 year ago

    How has it been beneficial for you in the weight gain department?

  • Jacquie1 year ago

    Menopause is a stage of life that is in fluctuation. I went from weight gain to night sweats. Then after medical relief, just stomach issues. After the lumpectomy, I’m searching for relief yet again. Incontinence, UTIs, and now severe hot flashes are the issues of the day. Weight gain never stopped, by the way. I’m just hoping it ends soon.

  • RiRi11 months ago

    I feel like there isn’t enough acknowledgment/ talk about surgical (and I’m sure medical) menopause. I am 42 and have no ovaries and it is brutal! I am on HRT but still fighting to get the dosage right and I have had to go private because my GP have been less than useless. It is so hard. I am not experiencing a gradual reduction in hormone production; it literally stopped completely from one day to the next and I feel like no one understands what it is like 😭

  • Moonstone140511 months ago

    I have multiple sclerosis too so some of my menopause symptoms are overlapped with that, for example: fatigue, brain fog, unable to control body temperature, itchiness and tingling, hot feet.

  • Moonstone140511 months ago

    I’ve been in HRT patches for approx 6 months and my doctors has just prescribed Progesterone too as apparently I should’ve been taking that at the same time. Just glad something is finally happening. I told my doctor at least three years ago I thought I was menopausal and he kept telling me I was too young. I had a hysterectomy at 38 years old but they left my ovaries in situ as they didn’t want to cause osteoporosis. Finally starting to experience less in terms of night sweats but getting to sleep and staying asleep is not so easy. Fed up!

  • Sara10 months ago

    I look forward to figuring out what I can do to lessen the symptoms I have and make things a bit more bearable than they have been the past couple of years. It’s been rough. I didn’t know what was going on for a period of time, but now that I realize I’m not going crazy I want to do whatever I can to help me feel more like myself again.

  • Kat10 months ago

    The lethargy is something I am struggling with

  • Gemma10 months ago

    I feel like I am falling apart. Anxiety is the worst problem I have. Anybody have issue with growing worries and sleepless nights?

  • Duckling10 months ago

    I knew it meant the end of periods and I knew that meant fewer chances of getting pregnant. I didn't know it also meant I was down to my last egg. If any are left. I didn't know. And while I can't currently financially afford nor do I want another baby right now but the fact that I won't get that choice in the future is heartbreaking. I cried through the lesson. Grateful for the informationand insight. This has been so hard. I'm 26. It starts early in my family.

  • Homesick on the east coast10 months ago

    “…to deal with these changes in a positive way.” That is my hope! I have heart palpitations, brain fog, lack of focus/concentration, joint pain, major digestion difficulties, and I think the world is entirely too peopley. We moved across the country several months before the pandemic and when the lockdowns ended I felt even more lost. I only leave the house when I need to because my irritation level can flare over the smallest things. I also wonder if I’ve developed anxiety between moving and lockdowns, but I’m too embarrassed to say anything to my doc. Just looking for tips and as much natural wellness as possible to keep my head above water while staying out of legal trouble while riding this never-ending wave of changes. Looking forward to the end of periods and hormone fluctuations, for sure! 🤞

  • Anonymous9 months ago

    I get how hard this can be and found myself nodding along with so many of the comments. I came into menopause because of hormone suppression for breast cancer treatment — I’ve heard some people call it ‘chemopause.’ I’m still in radiation right now, and the exhaustion on top of the hot flashes and mood swings can be brutal. But as brutal, frustrating, and downright annoying as it all gets, I try to remind myself that it means the meds are doing their job and keeping the cancer from coming back. That perspective helps me push through

  • Bryn9 months ago

    It’s been a lot for me. Mostly the mood swings are what I want to go away.

  • Ange7879109 months ago

    I’m definitely dreading this process. I’m most worried about loss of libido, painful sex or unsatisfying sex, and am hating the brain fog and painful joints right now

  • Nicole8 months ago

    I’m 50 and I missed my first of period. I also developed this hard bump like bone on the pinky joint. I looked it up thinking it’s arthritis and might be ganglion cyst? I read it can be caused by hormone changes…

  • Vicki8 months ago

    I hate the way I feel

  • Jen7 months ago

    I see pluses and minuses to this time of life. If I can manage the symptoms effectively, I think it will be a positive experience.

  • Autumn4 months ago

    I have mixed feelings about menopause but I know that if I have tools I can confidently go through this new phase well. I’m mostly worried about mood swings because I saw my mother struggle with this. She had little resources or understanding of what to expect so I plan to do much better

  • DH3 months ago

    The brain fog, dizziness, anxiety and night sweats are driving me insane. 😭

  • Debbie2 months ago

    I want to embrace this time of my life with self compassion and help myself as much as possible with various techniques. I am a breast cancer survivor and have been advised HRT is not an option for me. I am suffering with brain fog, recently hot flushes and palpitations as well as waking up several times in the night. All tips and suggestions welcome for helping to manage symptoms.

  • Candice2 months ago

    I’m not sure how long I have been in perimenopause. Over 5 years ago I had such extreme periods that I ended up needing blood and iron transfusions. I’m not sure if that was the start of this but the last 3 years I have been dealing with hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, extreme anxiety (leading to panic attacks), irritability, tiredness, and most recently body aches/joint pain has started. How do we really know when it starts and stops? Will it ever stop?

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