Thank you ladies for this session! Kelly, is the clicking/ snapping that you're having in the thumbs happening at the joint between the two phalanges (near the nail)? If it is, you may be experiencing a little bit of what we call "trigger thumb". It's when the flexor tendon of the thumb cannot glide properly, because there is inflammation at the base of the thumb (within the tendon and within what they call the A1 pulley). It's funny that you mentioned the issues with the hands, because I have been dealing with an acute case of trigger thumb (of my right thumb). My thumb has been stiff and locked for a month now, and I've been functioning primarily with only one arm for daily tasks. Just today, I received a corticosteroid injection and hopefully that will help reduce the inflammation. The problem happened suddenly, out of nowhere. I can only imagine this is another inflammatory response due to the loss of estrogen. I know that the phone call was on another topic, but I thought it was an interesting coincidence when you mentioned your thumbs. All of these symptoms we are experiencing are primarily inflammatory responses to the hormonal changes. We have estrogen receptors in all of our organs, so all areas of the body can be affected in some way. Lastly, I thought I would mention that I have heard a few professionals now explaining that we should not get hung up on a specific date when menopause officially happens. We have gradually moved away from that idea, because women can experience some form of period, even several years later (and even without the use of HRT). There is also what some describe as "phantom periods", when you have all the classic PMS symptoms, and you're convinced you will get a period, but it doesn't happen. I I've experienced a few of those. Thanks again for the informative session Kelly and Iffy. 😊

@Kelly Enston I agree! Moving is everything! 😊

Thank you for the video Kelly. In person activities and meet ups are better for me. If ever you organize an activity in Toronto for the Toronto members, I would be interested in participating. 😊

@Kelly Enston I feel the same!

@Kelly Enston I'm doing well. Thank you! I still have broken sleep, but I've been going with the flow, and not too rigid about things having to be a certain way. I've noticed that an eye mask can help me sleep...not always, but there's something soothing about having the eyes covered (regardless whether it's day or night). Late at night, audio podcasts also tend to make me sleepy. I think that some of our menopausal management depends on being open to adjust and adapt, and staying curious about this whole process. How are you? I hope sleep is improving for you.

Thank you for sharing! It's interesting how symptoms are different from one person to another.