Hi Patty,

No one can tell you if you're going through perimenopause except you and your doc. I started myself about the same age as you are now. I'm still in it 6 or7 years later.

Check out www.minniepauz.com. There's a list of 35 symptoms. Also, if you can find it, there is a GREAT book out there called "Could it be Perimenopause?" I think you can find it used on Amazon for just a couple bucks.

For what it's worth, I'm single and living by myself too. It's no picnic. But I'm also seeing there is a big upswing to it ... I don't have to deal with a spouse when I am cranky, irritable, moody LOL. I can let things go to pamper me.

I have kids, though. They're grown and we have a decent relationship and we have fun, when we can get together. The closest one lives 150 mi away, one is moving 2000mi away this summer.

Coping isn't easy sometimes, but I've found calling my sisters and friends helps a lot sometimes.

Oh...and while I'm thinking of it...they DO hire folks our age!! I actually landed what I think is a dream job just six months ago. So, just keep trying. I had to get a couple of jobs I really didn't like but needed for income before I got this though.

Keep posting, I'm sure there's others out here in a similar situation.