What the heck is wrong with me?!

[orientalknife]

I'm 43 and a fitness coach. I'm very fit and strong and eat well etc

Over the last month or so I feel bloated a lot of the time and I've put on 4lbs. I feel like my stomach area is bigger and clothes just feel awkward.

My hair is falling out more, I'm having mood swings and sleep is disrupted. I'm exercising but I'm always tired and wake up feeling stiff and like an old woman

It's upsetting because I keep so well normally

Could you be peri menopausal do you think?

Thought I was a bit young but maybe not?

You need to make a gp appointment.

Welcome to peri-menopause. You are definitely not too young, at all. Peri can last 10 years before full menopause. I started at 40.

Peri menopause maybe? It could be your thyroid also. I’d make an appointment with the doctor.

All the best

Could be worth having your thyroid checked. I found out mine was underactive with similar symptoms. I was convinced I was pregnant and went to the doctor demanding to know why the tests weren’t working

No, you’re not too young, and your symptoms sound like it. I also lost hair at your age, and it’s never grown back.

Please book a GP appointment. I'm not going to be the one to jump on with a scary diagnosis but those symptoms could also indicate something very serious and the sooner you get checked the better.

Ok I'll phone GP tomorrow
Thanks 👍

Bloating is a symptom of ovarian cancer

@Joystir59

Bloating is a symptom of ovarian cancer

FFS. Bloating is a major symptom of peri, among countless other issues that are not cancer.

@Joystir59

Bloating is a symptom of ovarian cancer

Why would you post this?

Thyroid check

I've been a bit ignorant I think and presumed menopause symptoms didn't start until nearer 50

I think because I exercise a lot and I'm fit I convince myself it's nothing but these symptoms are definitely there. We have had a bit of stress recently but I don't think it's that

Yes thyroid check good idea

Because my fit healthy 58 year old wife had a bloated tummy and died of ovarian cancer. It shouldn't be ignored.

Most likely early perimenopausal symptoms. I started them (oh the joys!) at your age. Do get yourself checked out by your GP, though.

@Joystir59

Bloating is a symptom of ovarian cancer

It is good to remind people of this. Bloating IS a symptom of ovarian cancer, among other things. It is a good thing we are reminded of this because ovarian cancer is often not found until it is far along.

That's why this poster said it. And I thank them for that. Knowledge is power.

Important information there, Joystir59, thank you.

Sorry for your loss.

I’m 44, very fit and active and have the same symptoms as you. I’m sure it’s peri. I had fibroids removed to reduce heavy bleeding and mirena inserted. Bleeding has stopped but my symptoms are consistent with falling estrogen. I get bloating around time period is due. I haven’t slept through the night for weeks and my night sweats are insane.

From the NHS website:
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise, particularly early on.

They're often the same as symptoms of less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome).

Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

feeling constantly bloated
a swollen tummy
discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
feeling full quickly when eating, or loss of appetite
needing to pee more often or more urgently than usual

@Joystir59 I understand and appreciate why you mentioned it and youre right, it is a symptom

I think other pp just felt it was a little alarmist given her other symptoms suggested something more mundane but you are right, we should all be more aware of the symptoms

I'm so sorry you lost your wife to it, it's a terrible disease

I do get a bit fed up of everything being put down to peri menopause once a woman hits 40, it’s the go to answer on this site to every ailment. Yes it could be peri but it also could be an illness serious or otherwise that is not connected to menopause at all and which needs to be investigated by a GP.

Best rule out the worst case scenarios with a GP visit.

I agree with @Joystir59, ncer is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms mirror many other things including peri menopause. This is why I advised seeing a gp. ask for a CA125 blood test.