I haven't mentioned this...

I haven't mentioned this because not too many people seem interested in my hormonal struggles, and plenty of you seem dismissive and tell me what a doctor will/won't do for me. I don't have time to fight for my needs to be met PLUS also educate those of you who are happy with the status of things and are content to remain ignorant of the changes taking place regarding our healthcare. All I can say is that if you're happy with your treatment/the way you feel while going through peri, then good for you. But I'm NOT satisfied with the bare minimum of "grin and bear it because it's natural (wtf is that? So is cancer.)/find supplements to make life bearable" so I'm pursuing more.

I've spent the last few months itching in a big way. I guess I assumed it would be chocked up by many to my psoriasis or the pool, but it's happening on clear skin and started before I started swimming. Also, I've been using a swimmers lotion before going in the pool to protect my skin.

Hormones can affect every system in our bodies, and I don't know exactly how it works, but I've read that hormone fluctuations can change histamine levels during perimenopause. I believe that is what I'm experiencing. It's not an itch that is satisfied by a scratch. Just a perpetual itch that nothing seems to help.

I also think that is why I'm having a hard time sleeping.

I'm on a waiting list to see a doctor who supposedly supports peri/menopause care with actual treatments like HRT and I can't wait to see them. They supposedly diagnose off symptoms rather than a one-time blood test (which is only a snapshot of a moment because hormone levels fluctuate), or even worse "Well, if your periods are regular, then your hormones are fine." which I have been told at least twice before by 2 different doctors.

Just because my eggs are rotten/almost gone doesn't mean I've outlived my usefulness. I still have a job. I still have a family. I still have wants and desires. I still need to be a functional member of society. It's hard to be functional when you can't sleep and just want to spend your waking hours clawing your skin off.

So, there's that. If you're of a certain age and experiencing symptoms that you can't quite explain, it might be time to do some research. I cannot recommend r/menopause enough. It's how I found the doctor I want to see and also where I discovered that peri/menopause is more than just hot flashes and rage. This is a subject not talked about/studied enough and I'm 100% sure it's because it doesn't affect men.

Don't take this shit laying down. Don't let your quality of life suffer. Be your own advocate and continue to thrive despite your lack of eggs. I don't know about y'all, but I plan to be a problem for many years to come.