perimenopause symptoms

[Diana2378]

I am 40 years old and just started to experience changes in my cycles: my cycles are getting shorter (22 days instead of normal of 26 days) , I am getting some mid cycle spotting , the cycles are lighter than normal and start/stop with a few days of spotting...Anyone experiencing such symptoms? I was wondering if this can be perimenopause
Thank you!

[Theshittyendofthestick]

I'm going through similar. Periods more frequent but lighter, spotting in between. Saw GP about this and had pelvic exam and blood tests to rule out anything else. All results were fine so GP said prob perimenopause
Annoying isn't it?

[Diana2378]

Hi Theshittyendofthestick,

Thank you for your reply..much appreciated... It is indeed very annoying . Are you experiencing any other symptoms? I started to gain weight and I am also getting breast tenderness and vaginal dryness which kills me........

[Emerald13]

The same here! I started to have more light periods at 40 and diagnosed with early meno at 42. My meno symptoms were gradually more severe and I needed help. Hope it helps.

[Dumbledoresgirl]

I'm through the menopause. Yes, what you describe sounds very peri menopausal to me. But be warned, it can go on and get a lot worse for many years yet. I would say I was peri menopausal for about 8 years.

[ParisUSM]

Sounds more like what is called the late reproductive stage. You could google straw 10 for more information. I had those subtle changes a good while before my periods became irregular 5 years ago and I'm still not through it. So don't assume you'll have an early menopause or need to rush onto hrt

[ParisUSM]

Not sure the weight gain is connected to hormones as much as it is to getting older I'm afraid. Menopause often shifts fat to the middle, but it is harder to maintain weight in general. It's a good time to prepare for peri by looking at what you eat and drink, and how you exercise. I do far more weight bearing exercise now and have more or less ditched alcohol and fast food as it got to the stage it just wasn't worth it.

[Theshittyendofthestick]

Yes to the vaginal dryness and weight gain. I should probably take Paris's advice and start watching diet and exercise

[ParisUSM]

Either that or just embrace the changes - I'm twisted and fighting til the bitter end, haha. I have had major digestion issues with peri and probably wouldn't bother so much with diet if it wasn't for that.