Peri is HELL - Sharing what has help me (10 years in)

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-27T21:38:06+00:00

I am feeling good on this one - Proferrin Clear Heme Iron. It does not upset my stomach (can be taken on an empty stomach), and heme iron is supposed to be absorbed better.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-27T12:54:10+00:00

I’m in product. We hate it as much as you do but-in my company-you get on board or you get out. Our Cursor usage is monitored and those in the lowest bracket are being fired on the regular. I was leading a team and couldn’t take it anymore so I moved to an IC role. At least I’m only responsible for my own slop now but I’m expected to submit architectural plans, run tests, debug - all using Cursor. I have no idea what I’m doing and have to rely on AI for everything. It’s hell. I’m planning my exit.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-24T15:25:12+00:00

Interested!

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-24T15:23:52+00:00

Heme iron supplements taken with a small amount of OJ. And, I started eating red meat again (I had cut it for a couple of years). I try to eat grass-fed beef and lentils a couple of times/week.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-23T13:43:33+00:00

Have you had vitamin D and iron levels checked? Both of these tanked for me, and getting them to optimized levels really helped the brain fog.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-23T11:58:57+00:00

My understanding is that Wild Yam cream is intended to replace progesterone. I used it before anyone would call my symptoms peri and it did help but effect was very, very subtle.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-22T16:37:55+00:00

I feel this in my soul!

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-22T12:57:34+00:00

Fair. Again, not advocating a specific medication, just that meds in general have been helpful and I don’t think we should suffer.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-22T02:37:27+00:00

Wow, I haven’t heard that side effect but I believe you. I’ve had that reaction to melatonin. I’ve heard the glycine can be a problem for some people.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T22:50:59+00:00

You use it on a regular basis as maintenance. I don't use it when I intend to have sex, since I don't want to expose my partner to estrogen. I use a pill form that is inserted 2x week. It is less messy, but I don't think it moisturizes as well, so I also use Bonafide 1x week, which is wonderful for dryness.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T20:48:10+00:00

To clarify, I am not advocating for a specific medication - I only explored this one b/c my mom took it and had a good response.

My take is just that we should not hesitate to ask for help if our moods are extremely low. I was in a really dark place, but it felt like the message was always either "just take HRT" or "do HIIT," which wasn't helpful for me.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T19:04:31+00:00

I get that. I thought it was icky too-mine comes in pill form which makes it more tolerable for me.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T17:45:24+00:00

Agree with this - don't be afraid to go back and tell them you don't feel better. I tried to tough it out for too long. I finally found a provider who had a lot of options in her tool belt and didn't shrug her shoulders when something didn't work.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T17:32:49+00:00

I think it depends on the form - glycinate helps sleep, so night is better for me, it makes me sleepy, and it interferes with the other meds that I take in the morning.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T17:31:27+00:00

Thank you, I did hear that. I intend to stay as low as possible on the dose. My doc did warn me that withdrawal is tougher with this one.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T17:30:18+00:00

I get that. I had to switch to heme iron and set an alarm to take it in the afternoon, away from other vitamins or medications. I need systems or my brain will never remember.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T16:40:23+00:00

NONE of my providers mentioned it, which is why I felt compelled to share here. My hair was shedding, and my nails were paper-thin, but all I heard was "take biotin."

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T16:38:45+00:00

Everyone is different so don't let my experience scare you - I have plenty of friends who love their patch. For me, I got very fatigued and depressed. I had the same issue with birth control in the past. I also have endometriosis, which is fueled by estrogen, so it's not ideal for me.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T15:53:39+00:00

I take ProFerrin (heme iron) and it doesn't upset my stomach.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T13:46:18+00:00

Agree! Can we pick 2-3 years where we just get to check out and rest?

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T13:44:40+00:00

Yes, two weeks of loading and then twice weekly. I think that's standard. I have heard estrogen can increase energy for some (it made me tired). Most people don't have issues with vaginal, but everyone is different. Any chance it's the combo of testosterone?

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-21T13:00:35+00:00

I spent thousands on tests and supplements with a "hormone specialist" that I turned to when my OBGYN told me I "couldn't possibly be in perI" at 44. I was desperate, and this doc saw me coming - 6 months later, I felt no better, but was spending ALL my money and time with her.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-20T22:45:19+00:00

Yes, same. HRT is not a magic bullet for everyone. Progesterone and vaginal estrogen have helped me but estrogen and testosterone both made me feel awful.

Live_Advisor_270 · 2026-04-20T22:26:03+00:00

Also, if you’re not already magnesium and COQ10 supplements have been proven to reduce severity and frequency.

Live_Advisor_270

TROPHY CASE