42 - too young for peri-menopause?

[WhiffOfBath]

I am 42 and have endless low-grade health-type problems. I have always tended to be anxious, but it's even worse than it has been in the past; I am permanently hot (to DH's horror, as I never want the heating on); I have intermittent stomach aches/nausea; I have a generally achey feeling; I wake up at night in a panic about nothing specific; I am now Mrs Grumpy, having always been Mrs Cheerful.

I have been wondering whether it might be peri-menopause related, but then think I'm too young (my mum went through the menopause when she was 50, having started her periods at 13, like me). My periods are still drearily regular (28 day cycle on the nail) and have become neither lighter nor heavier. DC are 14, 13, and 11.

Has anyone else experienced this kind of thing at a similar age - and, if so, could you please let me know if anything helps? I don't want to take HRT whenever the menopause actually happens - but alternatives would be welcome if that's what I need!

[PlumpingUpPartridge]

Don't know I'm afraid, but my mum went through the menopause aged 45 and so did my aunt (her sister). I'm waiting to spot the signs in myself in the next decade or so (I'm 33)....

The stomach aches and anxiety could be linked, mind you. Is there anything at all going on that's worrying you? Any chronic family issues?

[Figrus]

Have you had your ferritin iron levels checked recently?

[Hairylegs47]

I was having all those symptoms in my late 30's so 42 isn't too young. I had my last period at 45. I don't miss the symptoms, but the lack if libido us a bit of a bummer! I'd like to hear what others have taken - apart from HRT - which could help too.

[WhiffOfBath]

Ah, did I forget (yes, forgetfulness is another problem) to mention lack of libido?

Funnily, I have just had a full blood count and am awaiting the results.

If my periods are going to go, I wish they'd just get on with it instead of tormenting me with the possibility that they might be on their way out some time in the next ten years.

PlumpingUpPartridge: hmm. Yes, several long-term family-related things are worrying me. However, I'm not sure if they are (partly?) causing the problem, or if I'm worrying about them even more than usual as a result of some strange hormonal thing - iyswim...