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Come and talk to us (and Gransnetters) about the perimenopause

106 replies

RowanMumsnet · 23/05/2014 09:55

Hello

As most of you will know, we've got a sister site, Gransnet, which recently celebrated its third birthday Cake.

GNers have a wealth of experience in areas that some MNers may only just be starting to think about, or experience personally, and we thought it might be interesting (and, hopefully, fun Grin) to open up a conversation between the members of the two sites on some of these topics.

One issue that leapt out at us (or, perhaps more accurately, sidled up to us gradually as we entered the prime of life) is the perimenopause: a period of time before and after the transition into the menopause, when women may start to experience symptoms such as irregular periods, sleeplessness, changes in sex drive and vaginal dryness/itching, emotional ups and downs and so on. (Or may not, of course!)

Lots of GNers have been there and done that so far as the menopause is concerned, so we thought this might be a useful opportunity for MNers to ask some them any questions you may have, and for members of both sites to share some experience, hard-won knowledge and support.

Of course there will be MNers who know lots about the menopause and perimenopause, and GNers who have yet to experience either, so feel free to ask, answer, or both.

There's a parallel thread running on Gransnet; we'll cross-post some questions and answers between the two, but do get yourself a Gransnet log-in and pop over to say hello if you fancy it.

So... what have you always wanted to know about the perimenopause, but have been too afraid to ask?

OP posts:
bigTillyMint · 23/05/2014 13:49

I have also been perimenopausal for a few years - maybe since I was about 45/44. I am now 49 and have been on HRT for about 3 years. It has helped the mood-swings, night-sweats and flooding enormously.

What I want to know is, how will I know when I am through the menopause if I am still on HRT? I currently have very light periods - will they stop whilst I am still taking it?

GigiGransnet · 23/05/2014 13:44

Just wanted to let you all know that we will be copying your questions over automatically onto the Gransnet thread and copying over their responses here. You are welcome of course to post the questions and/or answers on either site, whichever is easier Smile

DrankSangriaInThePark · 23/05/2014 13:35

Like Margot has asked, I'd also like to know if any supplements would be beneficial. Just generally. HRT scares me, and I will do anything before going down that route.

I am 48, haven't had a period since December, and realised a few months ago, that actually, no, it wasn't "a bit hot in here". It was me.

I've always wanted to hit random people on the head with shovels though, so that element of my personality hasn't changed. Grin

Hassled · 23/05/2014 13:32

What I didn't realise, and wish I had known, was that as part of the general hormonal insanity periods can speed up before they slow down - I was having 2 heavy periods a month before I cracked and went on HRT.

I also wish I'd realised the effect on moods that the perimenopause can have - I went from furious to weepy and back to furious for about a year. Again, the HRT has restored order.

So I think this thread's a brilliant idea - the wall of silence should be broken!

meditrina · 23/05/2014 11:14

Have you crossposted on Gransnet the details of the MN Menopause topic and the current active Perimenopause support thread?

MargotLovedTom · 23/05/2014 11:06

I'm coming up to 42 and believe I'm perimenopausal. I've experienced changes in my cycle, usually periods coming more frequently but then my last period was at 29 days Confused; periods are often heavier; heart palpitations; finding it harder to shift excess weight and now I've got quite severe pain in the joints of my hands and fingers.

Did anyone else experience the joint pain, and could anyone recommend any supplements to take to help with perimenopausal syptoms?

TIA.

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