Perimenopause - do you need to go to the doctor?

[TapStepBallChange]

I've found out about the perimenopause, and it seems to explain a lot of things, do you need to go to the dr about it or is it just one of those things you get on with?

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

I've just got on with mine, but it has been ok. Just anxiety and sweats as my worst symptoms.

If I was struggling I'd see my GP, other than that, I wouldn't.

[kellie39]

im just beginning to think i could be perimenopausal, i hadnt thought about it before as my periods are pretty regular still but after reading about it some of the other symptoms really rang bells with me.
im not sure if i will go to the doc or not if im honest, i think if your fine and managing ok then there is no need to go but if your struggling and want help then pop along for a chat.
what kind of symptoms are you having?
xx

[TapStepBallChange]

Periods fine, hormones and moods slowly escalating towards insanity, migraines, inability to tolerate alcohol, allergies going mad, have to be very, very careful when I sneeze and cough ......

[kellie39]

i know what you mean about the moods and hormones !!! i get the headaches and the last few days my neck aches.
do you get anxiety? im terrible at the min with it and so tearful but i am due on my period so its crazy
xx

[DN4GeekinDerby]

It depends on if your symptoms are bothering you and your age and if you have a family history of things like ovarian or uterus cancer that cause similar symptoms. When I had signs at 28 with a strong history of both early menopause and uterus cancer, I had blood checks over 6 months and an ultrasound to check for any growths -- and once clear of other things, I was just left to get on with it, but I know others worse than I who were offered hormone therapy, anti-depressants and other mood medication, and such. It depend on what you need.

[Loveleopardprint]

I have been to doctors today. Been peri menopausal for about six months but anxiety has now got unbearable. He's taken bloods and I am starting on setraline.

[JapanNextYear]

just to say there may be lots of reasons you've been prescribed setraline, but if its not suggested for purely menopause symptoms www.google.co.uk/search?q=nice+guidelines+menopause&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari. If it's just for that HRT is likely to be a better choice.

Anyway replacing st oestrogen helps with loads of the symptoms. Menopause matters is a good website.

I was headin towards thinking I needed antidepressants but HRT fixed the anxiety, depression and violent mood swings...in my case anyway.

[TapStepBallChange]

I'm not anxious, just very, very snappy.

[JapanNextYear]

Dangerously snappy like a full grown alligator...?

[Bunbaker]

I just got on with it. I did suffer from horrendous 3 day headaches, but since I have been through the menopause they have lessened considerably.

The menopause wasn't a big deal for me really, just a few hot flushes, nothing else, although I don't think my memory is as good as it was.

[TapStepBallChange]

Like an alligator with anger issues, which isn't actually like me, i'm usually quite a calm person. I'm also having disturbed sleep, so that isn't helping the mood

[PollyPerky]

No you don't need to go the the drs. (If every woman aged 45-55 went about this there'd be no room for anyone else :))
The only reason you might want to go, is if you wants drugs or treatment for any of the symptoms.
Such as- heavy periods, (flooding), acne (hormonal), physio for PF issues, etc, hot flushes, night sweats and low mood.
The latest NICE report on the menopause says that GPs ought to offer HRT first for low mood, when a woman is in peri, not anti depressants.
There are several links to the NICE report on this website on the Home page.
//www.menopausematters.co.uk and info on peri too.