Phantom period

[kaylasmum]

Hi I'm pretty sure I'm perimenopausal, I'm 49 and for the last 3 years or so my periods have been very irregular, spacing out a lot. Last year I only had about 3 periods and so far this year I've only had one which was around March/ april.

I have other symptoms such as disturbed sleep, aches and pains, I think I have flushes, I suddenly feel really hot and this can last up to half an hour.

For the last 8 days or so I've had the feeling that a period is about to start, pelvic cramping, increased discharge and very tender nipples. My mood is horrendous, actually feel like I hate my dp although our relationship is rocky. I've not been to the gp about this as I have health anxiety and I have a phobia of medical testing.

Anyone else able to relate to this?

[pinkfrocks]

Phantom periods or whatever people call them are very common. No need to see your GP unless you want to use HRT or other prescribed drugs.

[kaylasmum]

So I assume no tests are needed to confirm perimenopause?

[Crosbybeach]

I get this, in fact I have it RIGHT NOW. I'm googling places to rent so I can leave my husband, feel like strangling a colleague and am eating for England. All v common PMT symptoms for me but I know there won't be a period at the end of it and it should only last another day or two...

Last GP appt she said that being on the pill (to stop bleeding caused by perimenopause) might be causing my hormonal swings and only way to tell its over is to come off pill. She's suggested staying on it unless it gets too awful and trying agnus caustus to control mood swingery.

There isn't really a test for perimenopause only for when its all over.

If you did go to the doctors there's unlikely to be any testing involved, I think they'd just talk to you about your symptoms and see what might help.

[pinkfrocks]

The new guidelines from NICE on the menopause say that only women under 45 should have blood tests for menopause(because then it would be an early meno and treatment should be offered.)

There is no point testing all women- which is what it would amount to as we all experience this.

Blood tests are unreliable and there is no point. Between 45 and 56 all women will be peri meno at some age, so unless you want HRT or other drugs for symptoms then no need to see a dr.

[kaylasmum]

Crosbybeach, how old are you? I've been having symptoms for about 3 years now. Because of my health anxiety it's difficult for me not to worry. Hate this feeling that a period is about to start, it's been a week

and a half now

Pinkfrocks, I really have no idea about HRT, prefer not to take medication. I've been on antidepressants for 11 years now and I'm desperate to come off them.

[Crosbybeach]

Hiya

I'm 46 - bit this has been going on since late 30s - and got worse about 3 years ago.

A friendly GP could really help in giving you some options just to think about. Menopause is completely normal - we'll all go through it at some point, pills really have helped me though, but it is different for everyone.