So many things in life are a mixed bag and perimenopause/menopause is certainly at the top of the list in illustrating this dynamic. I remember vividly telling someone within the last few weeks, that I just wish that menopause would come already, because I was so frustrated with the hotflashes. Now, however, I am almost a week late with my menses and I keep waiting, maybe even wanting, it to happen. UGH!!! I know that I can't have it both ways. It is just that I wish that this rollercoaster ride would cease.

I know...Everyone told me I woudl be so happy with my hysterectomy because I woudl not have periods anymore. I admit it is nice, but my periods were part of life so it really did not get me happy about a hysterectomy. lol

I read a couple places that it is 10-13 year transition, and if that is the case, you may not be there yet. Once there is no menses for a year, they say you have safely crossed over into it. lol

Have you ever tried the black cohosh in any form for flashes? That is the praised remedy. I never remember to keep my bottle near at night. I shoudl remember and see if it helps.

I *think* that I have some Black Cohosh, I'll have to take a look and see. How safe it is during gestation? One never knows!

If I started having peri-menopausal symptoms in my mid thirties, can I safely hope that I might be coming to the end of all of this?

Lets hope so. I hope other mama's can come visit adn give some ideas on it.

Menopause is one area I always wanted to study, but thought I had plenty of time...
Life is funny that way sometimes.

Black Cohosh is typically contraidicated during pregnancy until the last week.

Black Cohosh can be either uterine stimulant or relaxant so it is the err of caution for pregnancy in case it acts as a stimulant on the mother.

No pregnancy, just wild, WILD, hormone surges. Enough to make me think that I was going to lose my ever lovin' mind on Saturday! I took the weekend off, totally, so that I could just re-energize. It totally hit me by surpise and my family was like a deer caught in the headlights. I went for a nice long and hot soak in lavender oil and epsom salts, then took a nap. One second I would be fine, then the very next second I would be sobbing uncontrollably. I know that there was some mourning taking place, but for sure it was the menopause raising more of it's head.

Today, I am investigating a doctor who is in town, who does bio-identical hormone therapy. We need this to be covered by our insurance though, so I'm not sure how it is all going to pan out right now.