The first hints of perimenopause started in my mid-40s. It was not pretty to say the least. I was way more emotional overall than ever before, and this would happen every single month for the whole week before my period started. It sucked. I did yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and went hiking or walking as much as possible. I had temper tantrums like a three-year-old might.
I was still drinking wine then and that only exacerbated things. I had to stop drinking altogether as the wine was just pushing me over the edge of what was reasonable behavior. I sought out therapy of all kinds – experimental, holistic, herbal, medicinal, one-on-one and group talk therapy. I read books on perimenopause, listened to podcasts, talked to sisters and friends about symptoms and remedies of all sorts. It helped, especially when I talked to someone who honestly shared real feelings and experiences and didn’t try to diminish their impact on their lives. It was a tough learning curve, but I knew I had to get through it one way or another and trying different things was necessary.
Sometimes I found myself at the precipice of disaster or emotional breakdown. I experienced a slew of short-fused episodes linked to PMS, but they were ten times worse than ever before. The slightest thing could set me off into a heightened rage. At times my existence teetered between anger and frustration. It was confusing and exhausting, and I needed help. I got it, but it took some time.
My advice is, don’t waste any time, get what you need to find relief and fast. Know that strategies for finding relief will have to change and adapt as you and your body go through these changes. There is no one way to manage all the issues you will encounter, and the process is different for everyone, so you will need to find your way through it. Know that you will get through it. Be kind to yourself and your loved ones. Know that you will cherish the wisdom gained and the connectedness you share with others because of it.