AIBU to ask how your periods changed in your 40s?

ihate my GP initially referred me to a NHS menopause clinic, but it was all a bit rubbish, and you had to wait 6 months between appointments.

So I did lots of research and self referred to a private consultant gynaecologist in London who specialises in the menopause/PMS/PND etc.

I really feel he saved my sanity

Lucy. Your GP sounds patronising!

MaQueen was that done privately then it did your GP refer you to see a specialist?

Mine have become irregular over the last 6 months (I'm 47). From previously having very heavy periods since I was 10, now it's just a couple of days of light bleeding. I know when it's about to start as I have a pounding headache for a couple of days just before and my PMT (always been bad) is now horrific, I can't stand myself for about 4 days! The fatigue is awful and has been for a couple of years now. I asked about HRT but my GP told me it's just putting off the inevitable, and I'd be coping with empty nest syndrome then too so it could be even worse. I just wish this tiredness would fuck off, I cant seem to get anything done

ihate no, I had to see a specialist to get it. Most GPs won't prescribe it without being consultant led, unfortunately.

But it has definitely given me so much more energy than I had this time last year.

MaQueen.
Was it your specialist that prescribed the testosterone?
Or do you have a very informed GP?

I'm on hrt and I'm going to ask for it to be upped
I feel like I'm walking through soup every day :(

mine seem to be shorter (2 days) but heavier, like it's all coming out in the first day. Not particularly painful but terrible PMT, bloating, sore boobs. I have got some water tablets for this which help.

I have always always been 28 days so I panicked when I was 2 weeks late a couple of a couple of months ago. The doc said 'its your age' and sent me on My way.

I do feel tired quite a lot, but put that down to being such a light sleeper.

When do you go to the docs and what can they do about it?

Is there anything that can be done about the exhaustion and permanent pmt? I've just made an appointment at the doctors about this. I'm 41 and periods are very clotty. The doctor already put me on 20mg fluoxetine for pms.

Also to add, for those ladies really struggling with exhaustion it might well be worth getting your testosterone levels checked.

I suffered with terrible exhaustion before starting HRT. I had my bloods taken which showed my testosterone levels were really low. I now use a dot of testim gel every day, and have lots more energy

I had a bay at 43. After that my periods were pain free. Up until then id had hideous pain for three days of my 7 day periods. Mine have always been 28 days eactly.They also became a little shorter but no lighter. At 46 i was fitted with a mitena coil which has stopped them.

From being about 43 I noticed my periods sudden'y got much lighter, and only lasting 3-4 days rather than 5-6. Also I stopped getting swollen, achy boobs and bloating before my period was due.

But PMS got much worse. It started right after ovulation and carried on through until my period finished. Great.

I'm now pushing 47, and am on sequential HRT so I still get a very, very light withdrawl bleed once a month which lasts just 2 days. So, I have no idea whether I'm still ovulating (I suspect not) and don't know if my periods have actually stopped, or are just totally suppressed by the HRT?

I do know that since starting HRT I have felt great, much better than I have in years. Much more energy, much more optimism, much better sleep, no more aches and pains. I've also managed to loose nearly a stone in weight, and have lost most of my middle-aged spread (still 7lbs to go) - I found this almost impossible to do before HRT.

countingkids
I will check which ones I have.
I'd imagine a good quality supplement will be fine though.

I have to say the pmt isn't great but yes, the tiredness is awful.
I'm exhausted as I get up in the morning.
By mid pm and evening I am absolutely done for.

Mine became lighter and less frequent at 41, with menopause symptoms starting at 42, when I went on HRT. They stopped entirely shortly after.

Yep, the tiredness!
I'm here on the sofa fighting sleep because I have the school run and a play date this afternoon...:(
As soon as Ds2s friend is gone I'm getting in my pjs and going to bed!
I'm 44 btw and started my periods at 10.
This crap has been going on too long!....

Omg the tiredness is unbelievable too.im sick of it.

I started periods at 9.5
Every 28 days, lasting 7 days
Now, at 43 I'm getting a bleed on average, every 2.5 weeks
They start moderately, go light in a day and a half, then return heavier bright red. A couple more days, then fade and stop. Still on average 7 days.
My main issue is that I've got constant pms and it's getting far, far worse.

Mine are very hit and miss, im 43. For the last 12 months I have been having very random periods that may only last 3 days

I can cope with that

It is the anxiety I am struggling with, literally through the roof

Ihatethecold, can you recommend the brand? I had such awful breast pain towards the end of last year my DH wanted me to see the dr. I knew it was hormonal though because the pain disappears once periods start. I've got used to it now and I know that's what it is, but if I can take a supplement to help, I will

I'm nearly 42 and things definitely aren't 'normal'. Well, not what was previously normal. Used to be every 28 days regular as clockwork. PMT wasn't too bad. Now, I feel as though I permanently have the rage. The tiniest thing can set me off into a toddler style tantrum. My cycle seems to be every 21 days or so, which is dam frustrating and seems to coincide with holidays regardless of how I try to plan them. Much lighter too - at first, my cycles seemed to be shorter but with horrendous flooding and needing to double up on sanitary protection. Now, I have 2 days of moderate flow, then a complete day off with nothing happening, day 4 will be slightly heavier, and then day 5 will be too light for a mooncup or tampon, but just enough to warrant a pad (my god I hate those things and always have done).
Lately I've started to sweat at night too. I'm waiting for the onset of autumn to see whether this is an actual thing or just a side effect of the warmer, humid, weather we've been having.

ernest, it depends on if you are in early meno or not. For early meno (prior to age 45), the protection against osteoporosis means it should be routinely offered - obviously it's up to the individual if they want to take it or not.
I have chosen to take it, despite not actually having any meno symptoms other than a lack of periods!

48 and been on HRT for about 4 years. Fab stuff. Helps regulate periods and moods.

Agnus castus for pmt too. Trying to persuade GP I needed HRT took longer as I started peri in late thirties and no one would prescribe it.

Thanks Okite.

Would people generally say though, that if symptoms are manageable it's better to stay off drugs? Would you only consider HRT if you're getting difficult symptoms?

I'm 46, and this past year my periods have become less regular (though never actually missed one, just they are sometimes late), and much shorter and lighter. Much less painful also.

I'm 55 and periods are normal, every 28 days, no change in bleeding in the past 30 years. I was hoping they might stop soon, but no symptoms of perimenopause.