What do you think?

[MaryA]

I haven't missed a period but I feel horrid! I had those weird "ovulation type cramps" ( that's how I would describe them anyway ) about 5 days ago then increasingly I have become more bloated and feel like crap ...full feeling, nausa, lightheaded, sore chest. Some history I am 42 off the pill about 7 months (periods have been a little irregualr since) My 15 daughter had her period (we normally have them at the same time) last week... my partner and I aren't really have much sex...but I could have possibly concieved on the 12th ...
Did a pregnancy test yesterday and it was negative...what do you think are these horrible symptoms ( I have NEVER had PMS) pregnancy or peri-menopausal related???

[Viola]

Well, sounds like pregnancy to me, but I honestly have no experience with peri-menopausal symptoms. I've heard that they can be confused early on, however. I'd say test again in a few days.

[stafl]

Sounds like my normal pms symptoms, but could be early preg, who knows? Seven months is borderline for whether bcps are out of your system yet, and could explain a longer cycle than normal for you. ANd, even though you never had pms before, the pill really changes your hormone situation drastically, and I wouldn't place any bets either way. I even got morning sickness when my body was adjusting back to normal after taking bcps!

As for menopause, I was on Lupron three years ago, and my menopausal symptoms were cold chills and hotflashes, dizzy spells, memory loss and general confusion, weight gain, severe mood swings, and itchy hive-like bumps on the palms of my hands. When you go into it naturally the symptoms just kind of creep up on you, and I've never heard of cramping as a menopausal symptom.