Find out how seemingly unrelated issues may be related to menopause symptoms or pre menopause symptoms

In the summer of 2001, right before I turned 49, my life was turned upside down. I had been married for 10 years and had a 6-year-old son. I was mostly a stay-at-home mom.

Through a series of seemingly unrelated events, it became clear to me that I needed to leave my home and my husband to sort out some things for myself. I ended up moving from a travel trailer that we were living in while we saved up enough money to build a house (we'd been "saving" for 4 years with no building plan in sight), into a 3-bedroom home that rented for about the amount I made in a month from my part-time job.

I had recently started a home business and was certain that income would rapidly increase so that I would have no worries. I didn't want my son to have to travel back and forth and live in 2 homes, so I talked my husband into staying at our new home 3 nights a week.

This was the beginning of a very stormy time for me, my son, my now ex-husband, and my business partners. My emotions were a roller-coaster ride. I might cry at absolutely nothing. For days on end.

I started having migraine headaches for the first time-some of them lasted for 2 or 3 days.

I used to fall asleep pretty much as soon as I closed my eyes; now I was an insomniac. Even when I was asleep, it wasn't nearly as deep as I was used to and so I would wake up tired.

Alot of this I attributed to my marriage trouble and trying to make my home business work. It wasn't until probably a year later that I heard a friend of mine referring to progesterone cream and what it did for her menopause symptoms that the light went on.

I had studied herbs and other natural remedies for years. I knew all about progesterone cream, I had even bought the book by Dr. John Lee, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, just to have in my library (I hadn't read it).

I went home and found the book right away, and started reading. The menopause symptoms that progesterone cream was supposed to help with sounded like a fit for me, so I went out and bought some right away. It was like a miracle cream for me. I started sleeping soundly again, my headaches went away, and my moods stabilized. I even had more energy!

After that I started reading about menopause symptoms and found out that not only were all of my physical symptoms related, but even the breakup of my marriage (at least the timing of it) might be related to this very powerful time in every woman's life. Now don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting that anyone needs to lose their marriage -- I am simply pointing out that this can be a time of tremendous change for you. Empowering change.

For more about the psychological changes of menopause, see stages of menopause

It's now been 5 years since that time, and while I did follow through with a divorce, my ex-husband and I remain friends and supporters of each other.

So What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?

Headaches, depression, water retention and bloating, foggy thinking.

Hot flashes, heart palpitations, hair loss, increased gum disease.

Tender breasts, decreased libido, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness.

It also becomes important during this time to take steps for preventing heart disease and osteoporosis.

You may be wondering just how long these symptoms are going to last. If so, see How long does menopause last?

Or, you may wondering if you should get a blood test for menopause

When did you first realize you were having menopause or pre menopause symptoms?

Many women either wonder whether their symptoms are menopausal...

or they are like me and assume they are unrelated.

We all have different symptoms when entering into pre menopause or menopause.

Sharing your story can help others who may be wondering.

Or just share because you are with others going through the same thing!

Read Other Stories About Pre Menopause or Menopause Symptoms

Click below to see stories from other women to this page...

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Natural Remedies for Menopause