I really didn't understand how much my body was affected as I began going through perimenopause. I was lying in bed for up to four days during and after my menstrual cycle. I would force myself to work even though I was dizzy and light-headed. I had brain fog that affected my cognitive abilities. Hot flashes and restlessness made it difficult for me to get to sleep easily. I also gained weight even though I was eating healthy becoming almost borderline overweight. When I began taking bioidentical hormone therapy all my symptoms went away. I wasn't even aware how much my quality of life was affected until the symptoms disappeared. In order for me to have the full and productive life I have now, I need the bioidentical hormones. My career and my personal life have immensely benefited from my decision to balance out my hormones during perimenopause. This is a tremendous gift in the world and has greatly improved my life.