We've all had the experience at some point of reading a book or an article in a magazine that describes us so well we think the reporter must have been in our own living room! The feelings of identification and even relief that comes from that experience -- from realizing you are normal, and not at all alone -- can be huge.
I have been dealing with perimenopause and menopause for about 5 and 2 years, respectively. In that time I've experienced almost every symptom, some mildly and some not-so-mildly. I am a reader and an information nut, so it wasn't like I didn't know what was going on.
But I sure wish I'd had this month's More magazine a couple of years ago. They have a six-part, 13-page Body & Mind handbook on perimenopause in their October issue (Michelle Obama is on the cover) that covers the following:
1. The What, When, How and Why of Perimenopause: Information about blood hormone levels, risks for certain illnesses, erratic periods, weight gain and how to generally gauge your perimenopausal status;
2. Chill Out: Taming Hot Flashes: Research, explanations, whether blood glucose levels play a role, and medication;
3. Remember Sleeping Through the Night? All about insomnia, night sweats, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea and hyperthyroidism, with strategies.
4. The Many Moods of Perimenopause: (My husband probably wishes he'd had this part of the handbook before I got to menopause!) Take PMS. Now spread it randomly (it seems) all through the month. One day you're happy, the next you're cranky, for no apparent reason. All about mood, depression, and hormones.
5. Got That? Do This? A symptom-and-tip companion guide for migraines, irregular periods, memory problems. joint pain, crazy hair (less where you want it, and more where you don't!), vaginal dryness, low libido, urinary tract infections, dry eyes, gas or bloating and cold flashes and clamminess.
and 6. The Reward for Perimenopause? Menopause! All about moving out of the peri phase into what Christiane Northrup, M.D., calls "the mind-body revolution" of menopause, and the positive aspects and stability that accompanies this time.
If you're wondering whether aches, pains, moodiness or other symptoms are part of perimenopause, this is a great guide. And it leads you to other sources and resources along the way.