Quote Originally Posted by DebTX View Post
No hot flashes for me (yet), though I'm still menstruating at 48. Definitely in the "Perimenopause" though. My symptoms include sleeplessness, night sweats, worsening menstrual cramps, moodiness, and hair loss

The hair loss bothers me a lot. I've diminished the number of washings, diminished/nearly eliminated use of heat products, use good conditioners, etc... But each time I wash it I'm surprised at how much hair circles the drain. I'm not balding, by any means - but my hair is probably half as thick as it used to be.

I told my GYN and we checked thyroid levels (normal). I was reassured when I watched "the View" about a week ago and saw Barbara Walters lean over, exposing the top of her head. I could see her scalp, plain as day, under some very thin teased hair. I've read changing hormones can do it.

I've also followed the recent Oprah shows where they talk about it, including bioidenticals. I have my "beefs" with Oprah, but I have to admit I liked her idea of "starting a national conversation about perimenopause/menopause". This shouldn't be a secret that catches all of us by surprise.
Deb, we sound very similar. I'll be 48 in April. I'm still having regular periods (sometimes closer together than they used to be). I have the same peri- symptoms you do, along with some forgetfulness.

I definitely have the hair loss as well. I've been noticing it, mildly for several years. Thyroid tests have been normal, though I haven't had it tested for a couple of years - need to repeat it this year just in case. This past year, the hair loss seemed to accelerate. Everything I've read says that it can be a very common part of peri-menopause/menopause. My mom also has thin hair -- definitely not balding, but thin. My hair looks a lot like hers now, where it used to be a lot thicker.

I found this article on hair loss on the Power Surge website posted above by ccnyc (thanks!) We are not alone...but it still sucks!