Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is perimenopause?

38 replies

Justabouthangingon · 24/07/2025 13:48

Ive been having symptoms for months, these include -

Really sore, itchy vagina, feels like everything is dry / tight, tearing to vulva

Debilitating fatigue

Drenching night sweats

Debilitating memory issues / brain fog - have worries at times I have early on set dementia it's so bad

Missed period

Noticeable hair loss

Rage / emotional changes (very out of character for me)

These symptoms are honestly driving me mad and hugely affecting me. Im 38 next month but the GP is saying I'm too young for these symptoms to be perimenopause. Ive had lots of bloods done, all normal, I'm not low in anything.

Just feel so desperate!

Thanks for reading!

OP posts:
BoredZelda · 24/07/2025 14:48

On the first one, it could be that, but ask a GP to have a look at it. Lichen Planus is common in that area and it is hellish itchy. Took me years to have it diagnosed.

KassandraOfSparta · 24/07/2025 14:32

Missed you’d had bloods done in my fury over the dismissive “just eat better” bollocks. Cause that’s going to fix your atrophied fanny, isn’t it?

I’d be pushing for a referral to a specialist, @Justabouthangingon

KassandraOfSparta · 24/07/2025 14:30

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Bollocks.

38 is young to be experiencing these symptoms. It might be an early menopause but it could be other things too - an underactive thyroid can make you very tired too. Back to the GP, ask for full blood tests to be done to see what’s going on.

MyDogHumpsThings · 24/07/2025 14:23

I'd ask your GP to refer you to the menopause clinic - or whatever menopause provision you have in your area - and if they refuse, to document their reasons for refusing to refer you.

MyDogHumpsThings · 24/07/2025 14:22

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Exactly - as we all know, a switch gets flicked to change us from happy, fertile creatures with lustrous hair and fabulous sex lives to unhappy old hags the moment we turn 50.

Original poster
Justabouthangingon · 24/07/2025 14:15

Jane958 · 24/07/2025 14:15

What does the NHS know?

More than a random on mumsnet I'd say.

OP posts:
Original poster
Justabouthangingon · 24/07/2025 14:15

Thanks very much! Will head back to GP.....

OP posts:
Jane958 · 24/07/2025 14:15

What does the NHS know?

spoonbillstretford · 24/07/2025 14:10

I had hot flushes and much of this age 38/39 but it turned out I had endometriosis and two big ovarian cysts. Get yourself checked out.

Now I'm at menopause and 49, my periods have stopped and I have no symptoms whatsoever.

Foxychicky · 24/07/2025 14:10

Perimenopause is very much a thing and well recognised by medical professionals! Most GP surgeries have specialist nurses who can support you and there are often Menopause support groups available if you Google. Feel for you OP and please don't suffer in silence.

chiffontalks · 24/07/2025 14:07

38 isn't too young. My perimenopause symptoms started when I was 41. Some people assume it starts suddenly and it hits you with a million symptoms. In my case it was one thing, then another thing another year later etc etc. it's been over a decade and I'm still experiencing the debilitating peri stage.

Original poster
Justabouthangingon · 24/07/2025 13:59

Erm, perimenopause is recognised by the NHS so I have to disagree that it is not a thing... Ive already had everything else investigated, as per my OP, I am not lacking in anything, all my bloods are normal.

OP posts:
Jane958 · 24/07/2025 13:57

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Swipe left for the next trending thread