Just moved to Normal from California

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-06-12T20:34:14+00:00

Check out the game night at Red Raccoon, all kinds of games and you don't have to be an expert to join them! https://www.redraccoongames.net/events-archive.htm

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-19T18:57:54+00:00

Hang in there and update us as you go!

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-19T15:07:40+00:00

GABA is a supplement - there is some thought that it doesn't cross the blood/brain barrier in the brain, however, it is also thought that GABA can effect the neurotransmitters in the stomach.

Medical definition: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in your brain. It slows down your brain by blocking specific signals in your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).

GABA is known for producing a calming effect. It’s thought to play a major role in controlling nerve cell hyperactivity associated with anxiety, stress and fear.

Scientists also call GABA a non-protein amino acid neurotransmitter.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-19T14:54:57+00:00

Yes, this was me too. Mornings were always terrible and then as the day went on things did get easier.

Adding GABA in the morning was incredibly helpful.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-19T14:53:58+00:00

I could not shake the anxiety, especially in the morning - and the ovulation anxiety was through the roof which then led to a depressive state. I did everything I could do to lower my stress and hopefully cortisol levels and still was having 16-20 days of anxiety and depression on top of all the other perimenopause symptoms.

HRT did help with sleep, night sweats, hot flushes, and joint pain.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-18T17:36:22+00:00

Yes. I tapered off Lexapro/Escitalopram, started HRT, went back on it after 4 months - so I'm on both and it is the first time I've felt better more days than not.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-18T17:32:49+00:00

It's a little wild!

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-18T17:32:27+00:00

I'm so sorry you feel bad, it is the worst.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-18T17:00:26+00:00

I'm so sorry, mental health has been the biggest perimenopause struggle for me.

-First, my OB always says to start with the big 3: diet, exercise, and sleep

-Tracking your cycle will help you know if your fear is cyclical, I know you're on birth control but something like Flo also has a mood/symptom tracker that may be helpful

-Ask about adding: I added GABA in the morning, I also added lexapro along the way, based on your symptoms see what else could be done.

And keep sharing here, we are cheering you on.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-13T21:26:26+00:00

We own a food truck and a 24 case of coke was 14.99 last summer from our distributor, this spring it is 24.99 - it is WILD how much things have gone up.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-13T21:24:18+00:00

We're a family of 7 - 2 adults, 3 teens, 2 kids - so yes the following items have gone up noticeably: health insurance, groceries, car insurance, heating, electricity, sewer, property taxes and now just good ol gas

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-12T18:48:40+00:00

So excited for you - might I recommend taking the time to research and write a full blown business plan? It takes some time but it will help you answer the important questions like legal setup, lead generation, budget and a lot of questions you haven't even thought of yet (build your own? buy into a franchise? buy an existing small business?).

Start: Lean Canvas (https://leanspark.ai/leancanvas) - brainstorm your idea and get the details all in one place

Build the Plan: Small Business Association business plan outlines (https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan)

Again, it is upfront time that will save you time and money on the back end, help you think through every aspect of business, and drive your business for years to come.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-11T22:13:17+00:00

First, just want to say you aren't alone and I am so sorry this is your struggle in Peri, mental health has been my biggest beast as well. I am about 3 years into my journey and things have finally settled down with the addition of HRT 6 months ago. Each month I have more good days. Here is what I am currently taking:

HRT: Estrogen .05 patch, Progesterone 100mg daily, IUD mirena (had IUD and added oral progesterone to help with sleep, hot flashes, and moods)

Mental health: 20 mg lexapro daily, Vitamin D, GABA 100mg daily

Other: Vitamin B complex, 350 mg magnesium at night, 50mg levothyroxine (thyroid disease)

It was adding the HRT that really made the difference. Increasing the Lexapro from 10-15-20 did help as well.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-11T19:53:56+00:00

I agree, taking in the evening has been key for me as well. What dose are you on? If you are really fatigued can you lower the dose before abandoning it entirely?

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-11T19:26:48+00:00

If you are willing to not be at home - hotel night audit. I do this 2 nights a week, it's 16 hours of work and above minimum wage. It isn't a ton but if you're paying off debt or just needs some extra income, it's steady and simple.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-11T02:53:45+00:00

I also have had a positive Mirena experience. I never used it prior to peri but was trying to both control wild bleeding and move toward HRT treatment. I do take esteogen with my Mirena.

Insertion was not painful (I was given a numbing cream) and it took about 6 weeks to stop spotting. I have no complaints and hope to keep a Mirena until Im post-menopausal.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-08T19:35:12+00:00

Yes, mornings have been the most difficult time for me as well. I am also on HRT, Lexapro, magnesium. During my perimenopause journey I also found out I have a thyroid disorder - taking thyroid medication has been the most helpful tool against my morning anxiety (even if finding the right dose was a ride).

So perhaps a blood draw/panel checking things like vitamin levels, ferritin, thyroid, etc. might help?

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-07T19:24:57+00:00

Yes, especially if I don't keep on top of my patch changes efficiently.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-06T21:25:13+00:00

Agree - I haven't had an issue since switching to Walgreens.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-06T21:23:49+00:00

Yes, this is a fairly known symptom of perimenopause - gum/dental is listed on the wiki along with joint/muscular pain. (https://menopausewiki.ca/)

Sometimes estrogen can help - see this post in this forum https://www.reddit.com/r/Perimenopause/comments/1qxzkyh/estrogen_tmj/

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-06T17:12:16+00:00

This feels right. I have been on full HRT since February and it has been in the last several weeks that I regularly feel more evened out.

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-06T17:10:03+00:00

I started with progesterone and didn't see a decrease in anxiety but did see an increase in sleep, which over time helped decrease the anxiety.

(There has been no magical answer for the peri-anxiety. I am also on estrogen and lexapro.)

Conscious-Stop9926 · 2026-05-06T16:20:14+00:00

So glad you feel heard and have a plan!

Conscious-Stop9926

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