A chief complaint from patients aged 35-55 years is worry that their hormones are all over the place. They notice changes in their bodies and menstrual cycles. Conversations frequently include their frustrations of not feeling like their usual selves.

Many mention snapping over minor issues and experiencing tighter waistbands (despite sticking to a strict diet). Falling behind busy schedules (that used to be a breeze!), tossing and turning at night, forgotten sex drives, and a new onset of uneasiness are also common.

Some patients say they might expect some of these issues after menopause, which is why they are surprised to be dealing with them while still getting a period.

So what's going on? There's a space of about 10 years of a woman's life, typically between the ages of 40 and 50,

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