I got my lab results back from my appointment last week. They did quite a bit of bloodwork. I haven’t seen my specialist yet to talk about my levels but so far everything is “within normal range”. I had my blood taken during my luteal phase. I know that does not mean I’m not experiencing perimenopause (the symptoms alone tell me I am) but to have blood tests come back in “normal ranges” is tough. I really wanted it to validate my symptoms… I have to keep reminding myself that the blood work isn’t everything and that despite being in range a lot of them were on the low end. I’ve been taking my oral progesterone for about 4 nights now but I haven’t seen much improvement. I know it takes time to see big results and if I need to have estrogen and/or testosterone that might balance things out too but I was hoping to a least sleep a bit better. Anyways, I got my period early (surprise!) and have been having a really rough couple of days. Lastly, does anyone have any insight into a CBC-RLM blood test? I have low neutrophils Absolute at 2.03 and high Basophils Absolute at 0.04. My white blood cells were within range but on the low end at 4.12. I did a bit of googling and the most likely explanation is that I’m fighting off a bug or am experiencing allergies due to a histamine issue. So I guess my question is, since histamines can be a problem In Perimenopause, could that be causing these levels to be off? Sorry for the long post! I hope everyone is having a good day! Thanks! 😊

We’re going live tomorrow night (Thursday 12/18) for a Peri After Dark Q and A where nothing is off limits. Hormones, brain fog, weight changes, libido, sleep, labs, frustration with doctors—bring it all. This is a safe space to ask the questions you don’t always feel comfortable asking out loud. 👉 Join us here at 7 PM (EST): https://www.facebook.com/share/1AHGvHr6S2/ Drop a 🌙 below if you’re coming!

Ever feel like your brain is… just not all there? 😅 Comment your funniest or worst moment below! Brain fog—how often do you feel it?

I just had my 1st appointment today with a clinic to re-establish care (haven’t been seen by them in a few years) before I could see the menopause specialist. I was just expecting to do a basic visit and not get a chance to talk much about my symptoms or anything. Well… the NP I saw was so awesome and had even prepared before my appointment by talking to the specialist, got info on the labs she orders, had my blood drawn and wrote a prescription for me for progesterone per the specialist’s recommendation! I’m just blown away and so relieved! I will still make an appointment with the specialist to talk about my labs and see what direction I need to take going forward. I’m very blessed to have an amazing community online through my local clinic that I was able to ask for recommendations. Turns out my clinic has a specialist! I cannot express what a relief today has been. So please, please don’t give up and don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for recommendations in your area. Use Facebook to crowdsource for info!

Hey ladies! I’m 42, homeschooling mom of three. I’m finding it so difficult lately with the brain fog, sometimes emotional numbness, sometimes rage, anxiety, being on edge, and crying at the drop of a hat, being absolutely convinced everyone hates me and I’m just the stupidest person in the world, can’t do anything right… It’s almost always the worst a few days before my period but it can sometimes come at any point in my cycle. It can be so debilitating. 😢 And then it’s like a switch is flipped when my period is halfway done or mostly done and I’m fine. Then I’m left wondering, “What the heck was I so upset about a few days ago?!” I definitely get a lot of the other physical symptoms as well but the emotional rollercoaster is the worst part of it for me. I have an appointment to meet with a hormone specialist next week. I’m so hopeful but kind of terrified they won’t think I need any BHRT.