Is 45 average age to start perimenopause?

Your results can vary from month to month, so you could have the GP saying 'oh yes you are definitely in peri' or 'nope everything's normal' depending when you have bloods done. I did have bloods taken as part of a premature menopause diagnosis, but they were done over 12 months and I had FSH levels ranging from I think it was over 90 (well in post menopausal range anyway, high enough that they thought there was probably a lab error) , down to normal-for-your-early-30s under 10s and numbers ranging between those 2 sets

Some women do, depending on severity and duration of symptoms, there are others things to consider to like the effect dropping hormones have on bones, heart and brain. We also now have access to body identical HRT derived from soy and yam if that lessens the worry for you?

If you’re not usually anxious or depressed, peri-menopause could be a factor. Did they suggest an SSRI as a solution? I had a similar experience, and it really pissed me off so I went private for £150. If your GP continues down this path, please consider seeking a second opinion/complain about them as it's not ok

Has anyone successfully made it through without hrt?

I have to take synthetic hormones every day due to another life condition I have so I'm reluctant to add more as it can de stabilise my meds and condition which is horrendous when it's unstable so really want to try without if I can.

I'm 45.
Night sweats a lot,period cycle has changed and is definitely a smaller cycle now going to around 27 days compared to 30/ before.

The itchy 👂 here too

I get brain fog and joint issues with my condition as well as fatigue at times so it would be hard to tell if I was already got going through it other than the hot sweats

It started at 44 for me.

46 years old here. I feel like I'll only know for sure I'm menopaused once my periods have stopped. They're still regular. I've always been anxious, to the point insomnia has always been part of my life. Brain fog and lack of focus are maybe a bit more noticeable now but it might also be because I'm very busy juggling two children (one with SEN), a household and a puppy. No family support whatsoever so it's just my husband and me. Life is stressful and there are plenty of worries. Sleep deprivation is very real. The menopause might not be that noticeable when things are already a bit sh*t. I might be proven wrong and realise a whole new fresh hell is upon me but it's bad enough right now,and a lot of it is because of the environment I'm in.

I'm 43 and my anxiety is through the roof! Exacerbated by the fact I've just started teaching at a new school.
Really don't want to go on meds again 😒

It’s to do with the membranes drying out. Same basic principal applies to getting a dry vagina.

My dry ears were horrendous for a while - I had to go at them with a cotton bud (yes I know how bad they are for your ears) at least 3 times a day just to get some relief. They’re better now but still itch a bit every now and then.

Itchy eyes here…

I have this too! What's with the itchy ears?!

No idea, it just stopped on its own as far as I can tell

Probably. But as most GP's don't care and brush women off then no one appears to be keeping any formal records.

I have this too! What's with the itchy ears?!

I was about 46. The main symptom was very heavy periods. The GP put me back on the pill to try to control them.

I'd say so.
I've gone through menopause at 46, but I started my periods early.

I had itchy ears! And also a complete lack of ear wax, which I felt meant they were really dry.

Bizarrely that was also when on hrt and I'm not on it now. but im definitely healthier now.

(If their cancer is hormonal)

They suggest not to as hormones can go all over the place.

The tests are more for cancer patients to help decisions for treatments

I WISH they were moderate swings, rather than the major swings I'm having. 🫠

Try telling my GP that - last time I saw her she did a blood test and said hormone levels were normal. When I asked if levels tend to fluctuate her response was "no not really" 🙄 I've been meaning to move GP for a while now as they refuse to do shared care for my DS's ADHD meds even though he now has an NHS dx, this is the push I need I think.

Unfortunately blood tests are pretty useless as hormone levels fluctuate constantly. I’m 43 and started HRT 6 weeks ago after, with hindsight, 5/6 years of symptoms - everything from a period from hell (where I thought I was haemorrhaging), to itchy ears (yes really) to joint pain, brain fog, insomnia and red mist-style rage. After only 6 weeks all of these symptoms have subsided or disappeared and I feel like a new woman.

Is it harder to know when things are starting if you're on hormonal contraception? I've been on the combined pill since 18 so don't have 'real' periods. I'm hoping to keep taking it until menopause kicks in!

Just turned 40.
Periods very light, some cycles a week earlier.
Insomnia.
Very anxious but then I think that's just me.
Put on a stone without doing anything different in the past year or so.

Your gp needs to go on a course. This is definitely not correct.

Around 47/48 my periods became really erratic and very heavy and painful.

I felt very emotional, it felt like being a teenager again. For me, menopause was like puberty in reverse.

I am 58 now and haven’t had a period for about 8 years. No HRT required. Symptoms just weren’t that bad.

Is there a hormone test to confirm perimenopause?
My sister is late 30s and has all the symptoms. A work colleague has been telling everyone about her menopause symptoms for a few months now and I just found out she’s very early 40s.