Could these symptoms be menopause? Bloated, feels like PMT.

[Waterandlemonjuice]

I hope someone can help! I’m 53 and have had regular periods up until now. I was expecting another 3 weeks ago so it’s now 3 weeks ‘late’.

I feel like I do when my period is due: bloated and uncomfortable, my stomach feels like it does when I have PMT.

I’m seeing a GP specialising in menopause later this week but in the meantime does anyone have any words of reassurance or advice?

I have no other menopause symptoms (except anxiety, I’m wondering if that’s part of it?) - I sleep well, libido is normal, no hot flushes. Thank you to anyone who can help.

I read an article this morning that convinced me I had ovarian cancer so any help would be appreciated. I have a faint backache, low down, although this isn’t there all the time so could be completely unrelated.

[chester18]

I've just posted about a similar issue. I'm 52, periods are usually regular but this one is now two weeks late and for the past 6 weeks or so I've had aches in my lower abdomen going through to my back. Going to speak to the GP next week but also wondered if it's related to start of menopause. (Also worry about ovarian cancer!)

[JesusInTheCabbageVan]

Funnily enough, I've been nosing round here for the same reason. Always regular up till now, but this time I was a week late and spent that time in real discomfort. Basically all the symptoms I normally get the day before my period, spread out over a whole week, yay. It's like it's been trying to start but something's stopping it. Even now, it's barely happening. Plus I've spent the last few months sleeping with the window wide open and just a sheet over me. I'm 38 though, so can only assume it's a fun little practice run.

[Waterandlemonjuice]

Hello both, I thought I’d update. I saw a GP specialising in menopause, she said she’d test for ovarian cancer as a precaution but it was negative. She said she thought I sounded as if I need to have a period so I have oestrogen patches and progesterone tablets, the latter are protective of the uterus I understand. I only put the patch on yesterday and took first two tablets last night but am hoping period arrives and bloating decreases. I paid to go private btw, my own GP offered me a phone call in a week. Good luck to both of you too!

[Waterandlemonjuice]

GP also suspects the anxiety is related to menopause so the oestrogen should help with that too.

[JesusInTheCabbageVan]

Oh, that's good news.

Mind is now in full swing. Essentially housebound today... Horrendous but a relief to finally be getting it out of the way.

[Waterandlemonjuice]

😂😂 @JesusInTheCabbageVan

[JinglingHellsBells]

@Waterandlemonjuice Bit of funny advice going on there from your private dr!

'Phantom periods' - all the symptoms of a period but no bleeding, are really common in peri meno.

If this is your first missed cycle, you are at the start of peri it would seem.

If you are taking 12 days of Utrogestan, the bleed will not occur until around 3 days after the last tablet. It won't be a proper 'period' it is being controlled by the withdrawal of progesterone setting an artificial cycle. Presumably she explained that?

As a by the way, if your private dr did the C125 blood test for ovarian cancer, it's not especially accurate (false negatives and more false positives.) The only way to check your ovaries properly is an ultrasound scan.

You do sound anxious though! Jumping straight to the idea of ovarian cancer after 1 missed period at 53 when you have some back ache etc is an over-reaction. It's always best to get these things checked, I agree, but other less serious issues are usually the cause.