Jokes are made about menopause and premenstrual syndrome, but any woman who’s experienced either knows they’re no laughing matter, especially when you’re in the throes of PMS or menopausal issues. And here’s the worst part: in menopause, you still deal with PMS! Thought menopause meant no more periods or PMS? Sadly, no. PMS symptoms can actually be worse in menopause. Here are first-hand experiences of menopause PMS.
* Menopause is PMS without the hormone rush. In pre-menopause and peri-menopause, I still have monthly cycle problems (bloating, back pain, irritability, mood swings) even if I’m not menstruating. I still experience PMS. The problem is that when I don’t get my actual period, I also don’t get that rush of feel-good hormones. I only depleted of progesterone with no repletion. As I progress in menopause, I have fewer periods. So feel-good hormone levels drop even more.
* Menopause PMS intensifies mood jags. No matter how put-together I am sans PMS, I still come unglued at “that time of the month.” In fact, more emotionally sturdy women sometimes experience more extreme mood swings. And more frightening. Women who already struggle with mental health issues, bi-polar, depression and anxiety are familiar with the feelings produced in PMS. Unfortunately, they may overlook them. I actually checked myself into a psychiatric hospital once during a bad PMS episode the depression was so strong.
* Menopause PMS lasts longer. Not only am I missing the feel-good hormones after getting my period, the periods I do get don’t produce as many. Ironically, menopausal periods last longer and are more severe, too. I entered menopause very early–about 42. One clue was that the feel-good hormone rush didn’t come until the second to fourth day of my period. Later, I only got a mild emotional reprieve. Finally, I now feel PMS all month instead of just a few days of the month.
* Menopause PMS hits you at your lowest. PMS was easier than menopause PMS. I was younger, stronger and healthier. I had less chronic pain. In child-bearing years, I had prolactin from breast-feeding to help. Nursing babies made me take pregnancy weight off faster. Kids kept me active and busy. I was more involved. Then I lost two stillborn babies and went directly into menopause, I suffered depression and anxiety. I took an antidepressant and gained 100 pounds. My health spiraled downward. The kids were growing, moving out and not needing me as much. I quit homeschooling, went back to work and didn’t have little ones around to do things with. I worked all the time but not at work I enjoyed. I lost my zest for life.
* Periods in menopause feel pointless. Now that I’m past child-bearing, periods now are just a slap in the face. Accepting that I won’t be having any more babies has been very difficult.
All this sounds really negative. Without giving them too much power, it’s important to identify negative feelings, not ignore them. That way you can start to feel better. Remember: you’re not crazy–it’s hormonal.
