Ladies who are in perimenopause...?

I am 42,and my periods are changing,heavier and shorter lasting,but still every 28 days like clockwork.
But I've noticed something else that bothers me a lot more than it used to when I was younger--in the week or so right before my menstruation,my breasts hurt,not just tender but hurt--and are hugely bloated.Anyone else have this as a symptom of perimenopause?

I too began perimenopause at age 42. I am 46 now and am still in perimenopause. Most sources say you're "officially" in menopause when you have not menstruated for 12 months.

I too had shorter, extremely heavy periods that remained regular until 2 years ago. At that time they became even heavier and irregular; now I menstruate perhaps 4 times a year.

Breast pain (mastalgia) and swelling is caused by (surprise) hormonal imbalances. Most sources say the culprit is excess estrogen. Although I never had this symptom, I understand it is a common complaint.

To better understand your perimenopause, try these articles:

http://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/articles/misc/p...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/perimen...
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/005...
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/a...
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/gui...

These are all reliable sources.

You may want to visit the Estroven and Remifemin websites. These two over-the-counter medications are herbal supplements in the form of black cohosh, which is an old, old remedy for "female complaints". Often these two sites will provide free samples of their products. I found black cohosh helpful in decreasing hot flashes and night sweats. However, if you take any medications or have any health problems (other than perimenopause), you may want to check with your physician before taking any supplements.

You may also want to visit your physician for an FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) test for an actual diagnosis of perimenoapuse. Read about FSH tests at http://women.webmd.com/Women-Medical-Ref...

Well I've been wondering if I'm going thru early menopause for a few years now, I'm 33. My periods have always been irregular, but now are even more so. For the last year and a half my breasts have been getting mega sore and enlarged for about 2 weeks before every period, it's crazy, and they've never been like that before. What makes it worse is that I'm trying to conceive, and it's also a sign of pregnancy, so it's doubly confusing to me. I can't comment on whether it's a perimenopause sign or not, but I'm interested for myself to see how other people repond to your question...

Are you sure you spelled that right?
I've heard of Perkinsville in Durham - but perimenopause?

Similar to you, but I am now 46 with the same flow change. I too have noticed a more increased sensitvity on all counts, not just boobs. I will not now schedule a leg wax, dental appointment or even a haircut the week before.
My heart goes out to you, I know I just want it to be over.
My thoughts are with you.

I'm 42 too but haven't noticed a change in my cycle yet. However a few years ago I had the breast problem that you are experiencing. I went to the doctor in the end and it was diagnosed as cyclical mastitis. There's not alot they can do other than experiment with contraceptive pills. I got myself some 1000mg evening primose oil capsules and it went down after about 2 months. Might be worth a try though do read up on recommended doses on evening primose oil as I seem to remember reading something subsequently that too much is bad?

Yes, I get all those symptoms, it is your hormones changing and the other symptoms you might get are night sweats, hot flushes and bad moods like a teenager! Peri-menopause can last for 10 years so maybe you should see your doctor and she/he can advise some natural remedies for you and test your hormone levels. Evening Primrose or Staflower capsules can really help sore breasts, good luck!