Over the last few months I've discovered something I don't like about myself. I've become a real negative Nellie, and I take offense at everything and I'm super grumpy. I used to be so laid back and calm and now I've turned into this raving lunatic at times.

I've been snapping at DH and coworkers, mouthy to supervisors. When I realize what I'm saying usually after I've calmed down, I'm completely mortified and immediately apologize.

But that only goes so far, I mean I shouldn't be acting this way. I'm a grown up. I know how to act in public. And poor DH, he's confused why I'm acting this way.

I don't think it's menapause because I get my hormone levels checked every year and they are fine. The dr says I'm probably in peri-menapause. I had a hysterectomy a few years ago.

How do you control yourself when you are about ready to do or say something stupic?

Those of you going through menapause, have you noticed an increase in anger? or other not so positive emotions?

So, today I will consciously think about what comes out of my mouth. I will consider what others say and not automatically think that they are attacking me, I will take a deep breath and be calm.

Oh yes! I am also peri-menapausal. No sweats yet (fingers crossed) but the mood swings can be frightening. I have been this way for about 3 years. I actually stop menstruating for over a year. Thought I had slid into menapause without any of the negative symptoms. Then I had a heart attack and I was given estrogen and bam it came back. Not regular but my mood really escalates right before it. Oh, the burdens we women have to bear! That darn Eve!!

New definitions for OBW-

Ornery B*tchy Woman

Old B*tchy Woman

tell me about it!!! had the same problem - thank goodness all done with now - I tried very hard not to be such a grump but more often than not the words just tumbled out of my mouth I certainly did alot of aplogising during that time

I am menopausal and I have the same problem. It comes on so sudden and I wish I could control it better.

I had a time of grumpy-itis about 8 years ago. Mine was caused by stress. A lot of things all happened the same year one after the other. By themselves they were nothing but together they were overwhelming.

The eyeopener came when DH & the lady that worked with us kicked me out of the store for being grumpy. Told me to go do something enjoyable for myself.

I was lucky in that the local 2-year college offered a stress management class. It was one on one for 10 weeks. It did help me and I still use what I learned. Have to add that it reminded me a lot of Lamaze but without a coach.

Yes stress........take note if you are raising your shoulders and if so lower your shoulders....sit tall in order to relax on purpose and take a deep breath, hold it and slowly let it out....then proceed.... :^)

That sounds like me! I'm not diagnosed as peri-menopausal but I think I am. My Mom got really mean during menopause so I talked to my doctor and got something to take the edge off. It takes several weeks to work because it builds up in your system but it did help. All I had to do was hear a co-workers voice or my DH's voice and I was literally gritting my teeth so hard I had my jaws out of alignment ... and the kicker was they didn't even have to be talking to me ... just hearing their voice did it!!! I was not normally a moody person and was generally upbeat that's what made it even worse. I knew I was being an unreasonable nasty person and I hated feeling that way.

Susan

Well this is somewhat timely... I just read another quilter's description of her experience (http://thebitchystitcher.blogspot.co...thly-dose.html) and while it's an hysterical read, I'm somewhat terrified! I sure hope there's something that can be done about the irritability. My dad was a horrible grump for most of my life, and I don't want my family to feel about me the way I feel about him. :(

I take Effexor XR - really helped with mood/anxiety/sleeping and no sweats!!! I just got tired of the roller coaster every month. The medication is an anti-depressant.