Is this the start of the menopause?

[Ozgirl75]

I’m nearly 43 and over the past couple of weeks I have very sore breasts - almost like pregnancy breasts. They feel larger and are tender when I jog or jump.
Additionally I’m pretty tired, and have been (tmi) constipated on and off as well (although I am eating a high protein diet to try to shed some extra kg so it could be that)
Thing is, I have the Implanon so I was kind of hoping that I wouldn’t have any menopause symptoms.
So, firstly, does this sound like the start of it, and secondly, have other people have menopause symptoms while they’ve been on the implanon?

Have you done a test?

There's a test? You mean a blood test at the doctors?

Nope. I meant a pg test.

I'd be doing a pg test asap too OP. No contraception is 100% safe after all, best to rule that out first.

I don’t think I could be pregnant, the implant is basically 100% if inserted directly and I can feel it under my skin fine.

How long ago was your implant inserted? There effectiveness decreases the longer it's been in and they recommend getting it replaced at the very latest 6 months before the manufacturer says you need to

It’s only been in for about 15 months.

Your symptoms sound like pregnancy symptoms, not menopause. Symptoms for menopause is a long list, but these are the most common:

hot flushes
night sweats
vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
difficulty sleeping
low mood or anxiety
reduced sex drive (libido)
problems with memory and concentration

I really don’t think I could be pregnant. I’ve had the implant for 7 years (I’m on my third) and never had a period or anything to suggest it isn’t working.
Who knows - maybe it will go off.

I would say perhaps your estrogen levels are high. Estrogen is secreted through the bowel, so perhaps poop and see if that shrinks your boobs?

Does your high protein diet contain a lot of dairy? There are some links to hormonal changes from dairy consumption.

Sore boobs and tiredness are peri menopausal symptoms. Tbh the list of symptoms is so long. I know as I seem to have every symptom on that list 😞

I had horribly sore breasts for a couple of years before the menopause (currently in full swing) hit. But I've been tired for years (4 kids!)
But yes take a pregnancy test just in case!!

The 'proper' menopause is bloody awful btw... night sweats, insomnia, hot flushes, the desire to murder everyone....