Actual Perimenopause Symptoms and Information

[PocketPeanuts]

I'm 34 and I strongly suspect I've started the perimenopause. I have a GP phone appointment this week to discuss it. I'd like to ask for one of those hormone tests to see if it does seem likely that's what's happening (I read that they're useless once you get to 40ish as hormones will be changing/reducing etc. by then anyway so now seems like the ideal time) and then I'd like to discuss the possibility of HRT if it's appropriate.

However, having spoken to other women (in the area who will have gone to the same GP practice), I suspect the GP will try to brush me off by saying I'm too young to be going through it etc. so I want to be armed with as much information as possible. Except, many of the 'official' pages seem to miss a tonne of symptoms I've seen discussed on MN.

The main thing I'm getting is hot flushes/night sweats (I even remarked on how hot it was in a dream about Buffy the Vampire Slayer I had last night as I was obviously in the middle of a hot flush!). I also feel like I'm emotionally very dysregulated and I'm getting upset very easily (feels like being pregnant again - I suspect I could watch someone read out their shopping list and if some sad music was played over the top I'd be bloody sobbing). I've had a few headaches recently, which I didn't realise was a symptom until I looked it up. I also had a UTI a little while back out of the blue and have since found out that can be a sign!

I'm on the mini pill so don't get regular periods anyway (tend to get nothing for a while and then some spotting now and again with a heavier bleed every few months) and between hormonal contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding I haven't had a 'proper' period/let my cycle do its thing for well over a decade so I have no idea what's happening there.

So, what else should I be looking out for? What else can I mention? And what sort of excuses should I expect from the GP (I tend to find if they can't just prescribe antibiotics or antidepressants they don't want to know - I'm also autistic so have problems being taken seriously as I don't always display the emotions/pain responses etc. others expect)?

I just feel a lot of the pages online miss a load of information and think MN is a good place to get some real experiences and maybe some advice from women who have been successful being taken seriously.

34 is young to begin peri, although not unheard of. Did your mum go through meno early?

I would have thought night sweats would warrant blood tests anyway by your GP. They should probably run a check on your thyroid levels too.

There's a list of 66 meno symptoms online, maybe have a look at that to give you a better idea. I'd write down your symptoms before speaking to your GP too.

@Farevalah

34 is young to begin peri, although not unheard of. Did your mum go through meno early?

I would have thought night sweats would warrant blood tests anyway by your GP. They should probably run a check on your thyroid levels too.

There's a list of 66 meno symptoms online, maybe have a look at that to give you a better idea. I'd write down your symptoms before speaking to your GP too.

Thank you! I googled '66 menopause symptoms' and found the list.

I didn't realise clumsiness might be a symptom, though I am generally a pretty clumsy person anyway (many autistic people are!). However, I have felt particularly clumsy recently and even thought I'd broken a rib a few weeks back simply from misjudging the height of our puppy pen when I bent over the side (luckily, the rib wasn't broken but it was extremely sore for more than a fortnight).

I have been pretty tired, though thought the night sweats were just disrupting my sleep.

I have had increased appetite but don't actually fancy anything when I go to the kitchen to make food - had NO idea that might be connected. I have also gained weight, which I didn't think about because I actually have pretty disordered eating and was underweight before so the weight gain was a good thing (the disordered eating is another thing GPs have dismissed by saying since I was aware of it, it clearly wasn't a problem or an eating disorder).

I don't know about acne but I have been very spotty recently.

I have felt like my allergies (though, have never known exactly what I'm allergic to past a vague feeling it must be hayfever and a dust allergy) have been worse, too!

I always thought my mum went through it quite late (no idea where I got that idea from!) so had been dismissing the night sweats (first symptom I noticed). However, when I actually asked my mum she said she couldn't really remember the age but that she had gone through menopause pretty early.

I will mention thyroid when I speak to the GP, thanks.

Pocket Peanuts

A lot of GP's are fairly clueless about meno so be prepared to be persistent. Don't be fobbed off! Good luck with the doctor x

@Farevalah

Pocket Peanuts

A lot of GP's are fairly clueless about meno so be prepared to be persistent. Don't be fobbed off! Good luck with the doctor x

Thank you! I suspected that might be the case, which is a large part of why I'm posting - so I'm armed with as much information as possible.

I was fobbed off about being autistic for years and finally accessed an NHS assessment recently and got my diagnosis. That has given my confidence and ability to self advocate a big boost, I think!

I have just remembered another sign that isn't listed anywhere I can see but I'm sure it's been mentioned on MN in the past: a hugely reduced tolerance for alcohol. I had four drinks at the weekend a few weeks back and it was enough to make me sick! I was really shocked as I always had a reasonable tolerance for alcohol as a teen/in my twenties despite being quite a small build.

I was just 40 in June and I’m going through peri as well, the dipshit doctor gave me a blood test and it came back as ‘normal’ and this means nothing, I was annoyed so I spoke to another doctor, this time a female and I got my bloods taken again yesterday and apparently if I’m going through it then this hormone should show up and the bloods will be back by Friday and I have a telephone appointment that day at 9.30am, if it’s the PM (which I know it is) then I’ll get HRT and I cannot wait, I haven’t felt like myself in such a long time and I’m so tired because no matter what time I go to sleep at then I always wake at 6am, I look like shit and my tastebuds have went all weird, like you OP it’s like I’m pregnant but I’m not, recently every cup of tea I make is disgusting, and I just don’t feel like me.

I said to the doctor that I’ve been reading much info about the PM and that she should be giving me HRT based on symptoms and not bloods and she said “yes but you are only 40 which is why I want the bloods” but I know this is still wrong, I’m angry that the first doctor did the wrong blood test, I expect doctors to have a clue and it’s frustrating when they don’t.

@HateJudgmentalPeople

I was just 40 in June and I’m going through peri as well, the dipshit doctor gave me a blood test and it came back as ‘normal’ and this means nothing, I was annoyed so I spoke to another doctor, this time a female and I got my bloods taken again yesterday and apparently if I’m going through it then this hormone should show up and the bloods will be back by Friday and I have a telephone appointment that day at 9.30am, if it’s the PM (which I know it is) then I’ll get HRT and I cannot wait, I haven’t felt like myself in such a long time and I’m so tired because no matter what time I go to sleep at then I always wake at 6am, I look like shit and my tastebuds have went all weird, like you OP it’s like I’m pregnant but I’m not, recently every cup of tea I make is disgusting, and I just don’t feel like me.

I said to the doctor that I’ve been reading much info about the PM and that she should be giving me HRT based on symptoms and not bloods and she said “yes but you are only 40 which is why I want the bloods” but I know this is still wrong, I’m angry that the first doctor did the wrong blood test, I expect doctors to have a clue and it’s frustrating when they don’t.

Yes, having just spoken to a friend about it she said the blood tests are often not helpful and the doctor should diagnose and treat based on symptoms.

Fingers crossed for you that the test shows a hormonal change and/or they take you seriously and prescribe HRT.

I just can't bear the thought of feeling like this or worse for 5-10 years until I actually go through menopause!

I have already had blood tests and I’ve a sneaky suspicion that they are going to come back and say the same thing and I won’t get HRT, can I complain to the GMC if this is the case? I am dreading Fridays call, I can already feel myself getting angry.

Im autistic as well and in early peri I think. Just had bloods although there is a current blood tube shortage that might affect timing for you.

Anyway the balance app is good as it let's you check off symptoms. There are loads!

The wording isn't always layperson friendly but I would recommend looking at the NICE guidelines.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/recommendations#diagnosis-of-perimenopause-and-menopause

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/recommendations#diagnosing-and-managing-premature-ovarian-insufficiency

It helps to understand why the doctors might be following a certain course of action and also helps to understand what treatment you could be entitled to and when

@HateJudgmentalPeople

I have already had blood tests and I’ve a sneaky suspicion that they are going to come back and say the same thing and I won’t get HRT, can I complain to the GMC if this is the case? I am dreading Fridays call, I can already feel myself getting angry.

I really hope you're pleasantly surprised on Friday (though, I understand why you're not optimistic!).

@SuperLoudPoppingAction

Im autistic as well and in early peri I think. Just had bloods although there is a current blood tube shortage that might affect timing for you.

Anyway the balance app is good as it let's you check off symptoms. There are loads!

I think being autistic can heighten some of the sensory and emotional stuff perimenopause brings so you have my empathy (despite the myth we don't feel it ).

I didn't know about the blood tube shortage so thank you for preparing me for that possibility.

I have the Balance app. but I couldn't get past the first bit because it asked me if I'm still having periods and because of the hormonal contraception I'm on, I have no idea (but 'don't know' isn't an option).

@spacefrog35

The wording isn't always layperson friendly but I would recommend looking at the NICE guidelines.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/recommendations#diagnosis-of-perimenopause-and-menopause

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/recommendations#diagnosing-and-managing-premature-ovarian-insufficiency

It helps to understand why the doctors might be following a certain course of action and also helps to understand what treatment you could be entitled to and when

Thank you. That is helpful.

Hi Op

I'm not autistic but do have ADHD and also have peri symptoms at 39. I suspect I've been having them longer but put them down to associated mental health issues. Night sweats are the worst! Menopace helps with them but not the mood.
When I went to my GP I was given the mini pill and nothing else. I suspect they have me down as a diva anyway as they refused to take on a shared care agreement for my adhd meds as well but that's a whole other story. I hope you get some help

Thanks, I was stressing last night about it as well, there is one doctor at my surgery who is said to be the doctor to speak to about menopause but she is on holiday until the 14th September and I really don’t think I can wait that long for HRT, I am in constant pain with my arm and I just feel so low, the hot flushes are a breeze but it’s the cold flashes straight after that I can’t cope with, the insomnia as well and I don’t know if I’m imagining this, but I feel like I look so old these days.

How on earth did women cope with this back in the days before meds?! I can see why some women would commit suicide over this.

The good news about my call on Friday is that she said if it’s the perimenopause then I will definitely get HRT and she will write the script and I can go pick it up and get it that day, I just want a decent night sleep and also for my clitoris not to feel dead and for me to feel like me, it’s like depression but worse, at least if I was depressed then I could sleep!

I also read that not being on HRT during peri/menopause can shorten your life by 2 years!

@clemensiadove

Hi Op

I'm not autistic but do have ADHD and also have peri symptoms at 39. I suspect I've been having them longer but put them down to associated mental health issues. Night sweats are the worst! Menopace helps with them but not the mood.
When I went to my GP I was given the mini pill and nothing else. I suspect they have me down as a diva anyway as they refused to take on a shared care agreement for my adhd meds as well but that's a whole other story. I hope you get some help

Yes, I wonder how much I have put down to anxiety/autistic burnout/sensory issues etc. before realising there could be a common cause.

I'm so sorry your GP was useless. It's so hard for neurodivergent people to be taken seriously by medical professionals (and it's already difficult as a woman!), which is incredibly frustrating and something I see a lot in my job.

@HateJudgmentalPeople

Thanks, I was stressing last night about it as well, there is one doctor at my surgery who is said to be the doctor to speak to about menopause but she is on holiday until the 14th September and I really don’t think I can wait that long for HRT, I am in constant pain with my arm and I just feel so low, the hot flushes are a breeze but it’s the cold flashes straight after that I can’t cope with, the insomnia as well and I don’t know if I’m imagining this, but I feel like I look so old these days.

How on earth did women cope with this back in the days before meds?! I can see why some women would commit suicide over this.

The good news about my call on Friday is that she said if it’s the perimenopause then I will definitely get HRT and she will write the script and I can go pick it up and get it that day, I just want a decent night sleep and also for my clitoris not to feel dead and for me to feel like me, it’s like depression but worse, at least if I was depressed then I could sleep!

I have just searched 'cold flashes and perimenopause' thanks to you post! I mentioned to DH yesterday that I was convinced I was also feeling really cold/shivery at times (especially just after a hot flush) and wondered if I was imagining it or I'm actually just ill. It's a real thing!

It's so frustrating these things are under-researched and so there is a tonne of anecdotal evidence to suggest that a lot of women get e.g. cold flashes during perimenopause but because there's no official data it's not included in most lists and doctors have no idea!

I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you on Friday. Please feel free to update on this thread how you got on. I know what you mean about it being like depression but worse. I feel so tired today and just sobbed in the kitchen when DH asked how I was!

OP I will definitely update you after Friday, if it’s bad news then you may see me on the news for wanting to kidnap the doctor until I get the HRT I so desperately need!

I just go told this morning that my FSH is at menopausal levels, 0,22ng/ml, but I have no symptoms and I'm 40. My thyroid was checked a few weeks ago and was normal.

I think I need to look up this programme Davina did and give it a watch.

@3Br1tnee

I just go told this morning that my FSH is at menopausal levels, 0,22ng/ml, but I have no symptoms and I'm 40. My thyroid was checked a few weeks ago and was normal.

I think I need to look up this programme Davina did and give it a watch.

My FSH levels were normal but I have the symptoms, it’s a nightmare and FSH levels fluctuate with the hormones, it seems that late 30s is quite the normal age to be in peri and yet the doctors won’t acknowledge this, they don’t know everything medical related.

I think there needs to be more awareness of it. And everything surrounding it.

I don't know anything other than you get hot flushes and might go a bit cray cray. And I dont want to Google 😂 I'd rather not know for as long as possible. I don't want to know what's coming, from the little I've read on here.

Luckily my doctor seems good and if I want drugs she'll give them. But I read on here of people going through the worst of it in their 50s so I thought I had years to go.

I had my phone call this morning. She started to say I was too young and I cut her off and said given 1% of women go through it early that's hundreds of thousands of women in the UK alone. She said I should phone to book a blood test, which is a bit shit given how unreliable they seem to be! Plus, I can't actually get through to the surgery to book one.

Maybe I'll be 'lucky' and my bloods will show the hormonal change.

@PocketPeanuts

I had my phone call this morning. She started to say I was too young and I cut her off and said given 1% of women go through it early that's hundreds of thousands of women in the UK alone. She said I should phone to book a blood test, which is a bit shit given how unreliable they seem to be! Plus, I can't actually get through to the surgery to book one.

Maybe I'll be 'lucky' and my bloods will show the hormonal change.

Phone back and tell the receptionist you want the doctor that deals with the menopause, my surgery has a main one that does this and thankfully she is female and been through it herself so knows what she is talking about.

It’s our bodies and we know best!

Also did she tell you that bloods are best done in the morning for a good result, because that’s what my doc told me and it’s quite bad if you weren’t told because if you get the bloods done in the afternoon then it’s likely your bloods will come back “normal” and you will be pissed off like I was and then you will have to wait even longer for them to do their job, it’s frustrating as hell.

OP I just wanted to give you an update like you asked, so doc just called me and surprise surprise my bloods came back normal again and it was the same bloody blood test! Grr,,.she is going to speak to the doc who is head of the menopause stuff at the surgery and then if she says it’s okay she is going to start me on HRT! God almighty why do they keep doing this pointless blood test?! She is going to call me back later today so fingers crossed but if they say no then I am putting in a complaint about it.