Hello. New here .

[doglover1973]

Hello. I believe I've been in the perimenopause for a year or so. I feel very sad sometimes and I don't know what to do. Does anyone else feel the same way? If so what do you do to lift your spirits? I haven't seen a doctor or taken any meds as yet . Will these feelings get worse with the menopause itself? Thank you.

[DylanTheRabbit]

Hi doglover1973, I can relate to that. I often feel low and tearful. Being on HRT has really helped me with the mood and phycological stuff as well as the physical symptoms of perimenopause. Although at the moment I'm not feeling as good as I know I could and I'm waiting to have my oestrogen increased.

Everyone is different so it's impossible to predict how it's going to be for you.

Things that lift my mood, generally I have to force myself to do them, or work them into a routine because I'm really unmotivated right now...

Exercise, preferably either outdoors (walking, cycling, jogging) or with a group of women and loud music.

Doing absorbing things that I enjoy, drawing, reading, playing my ukulele and singing (when there's noone around!) I think there's something special about singing, to do with the breathing?

Dancing in the kitchen.

Being around people, going for a walk with a friend, also I work in a shop so I have an excuse to chat to strangers.

Hugs.

Helping other people (I don't do enough of this!)

Not exactly mood lifting but I'm also using the Headspace app to do a little meditation and I'd recommend it.

If you want to take up running/jogging there's the couch to 5k forum here on HeathUnlocked which is very friendly and supportive.

Good luck x

[doglover1973 in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

Hi DylanTheRabbit Thank you for all those lovely ideas. . I'll work thru the ones I have the energy to do . I didn't realise you could get HRT for the perimenopause. That's a revelation to me. I'm going to book an appt with my GP to discuss the matter . I hope you get the balance of your HRT just right.

[DylanTheRabbit in reply to doglover1973]

Thank you. I hope you're feeling better soon.

[Brambledoggy]

I can relate. I was perimenopausal for a few years, but maybe didn’t fully know what was going on with my body. I had and still have many many menopause symptoms. It can be horrendous and I chose to go HRT free and totally hormonally free. I would worry about oestrogen reactivating my endo lesions, but I know not everyone chooses this route. It’s so very personal to each individual. At 51, I’ve gone 14 months without a period and it has been life changing. NO MORE PAIN!!! NO MORE AGRO!!! After 35 years it’s the weirdest thing to be pain free after a life of hell. If you read my profile, you’ll see my endo journey. I’ve just had some abnormal bleeding (not much) which I’m getting tested for on Monday. I’m not too worried about that but must get it checked by specialists to rule out any cancers etc. Who knows what the future holds, but we must try and live in the present. Something easier said than done and I’m no expert. What can I say, it ain’t easy all this, but you are not alone. I hope you have a more supportive partner than I’ve ever had. My boyfriend is selfish and doesn’t want to know about my “womens issue’s” and as a result I’ve also felt incredibly sad and isolated. I am a massive nature lover and am lucky enough to have a gigantic garden which I find really grounds me. Going for a walk. Phoning a friend. Planting a few pansies. Making a lovely latte or a huge glass of wine. A good book. Keeping a diary. A bit of a kitchen disco by yourself! It’s the tiny things that can make a big difference. Feel free to message me direct if you want an older endo friend. Sending a hug. Nina.

[doglover1973]

Thank you Brambledoggy I must admit I'm looking forward to the end of my periods. I'm sorry you've had a tough time and hope you resolve the abnormal bleeding soon. I don't the energy for a partner so no problems with men. Some great suggestions there. I'll give them a whirl!