Perimenopause under 40?

[JorisBonson]

I did post in Menopause forum but just wanted a bit of traffic...

I'm 37 and have ticked a lot of peri boxes over the last 6 - 12 months - hot flushes, period changes, libido out the window and the most horrific night sweats which just get more horrific every day. My mum and grandmother both had hysterectomies' in their late 40's and I suffer from PCOS, endo and fibroids, if that's relevant.

I've finally reached out to my doctor (who is wonderful with women's health) and have blood tests and an internal ultrasound booked. I actually reached out to her in summer last year as I was experiencing a very bad period of insomnia, and she put me on Sertraline - I'm now wondering if this was peri linked.

Has anyone else been in this position? What should I expect? I'm childfree by choice so the fertility part doesn't bother me, but the night sweats and the general feeling of misery does. I've not been able to take estrogen based pills in the past as they gave me migraines and am currently on progesterone only, would I even be able to take HRT?

Thanks all in advance.

No advice at all but I'm 38 and have exactly the same symptoms and have been wondering about peri and just psyching myself up to go to the doctor's. I also have pcos and endo. Hormones are definately doing something odd!!

Glad I'm not alone @SlB09! I've felt particularly down about it all day today.

It's hard isn't it. For me the anxiety has ramped up, always had some PMS but it's on steroids now, feel like shite with periods bit they are much much lighter, feels like it's such a blot on life. Sick of feeling generally blah, unmotivated oh the tummy area....don't talk to me about that!!!

Are you me?? My motivation is rock bottom right now, along with my self confidence and my sex drive... It's not fair.

I was 34 when similar symptoms started for me. I had blood tests and an ovarian scan which all pointed towards menopause. I have only had a smattering of periods in 4 years. I’m on HRT now and feel back to my old self for the most part. My gynaecologist told me menopause in your thirties has an occurrence of around 1 in 100 women, so not that obscure. I am unsure re your question about HRT, but I hope you can find another solution if not. I hear starflower oil can be a helpful alternative which you could research.

Thanks @HTruffle, that's helpful.

I just spoke to my mum who told me her symptoms started at 33 so at least I got a few years on her! 🤣

My symptoms started at around the same age but I was 42 before I “persuaded” a GP to prescribe HRT.
The problem with blood tests are that they are a snapshot and during menopause your hormone levels will vary wildly day to day so they aren’t necessarily a true reflection - ie they could come back ok but that’s not necessarily the case.

Doctors may want to rule out thyroid issues etc but I would press for HRT if all ok. I was offered anti-depressants too but I was quite clear that I wasn’t depressed but that my mood was so closely tied to my cycle. I said to the doctor “I have all these symptoms and you have excluded all other potential causes. Either I am making this up and I have serious mental health isssues or I am peri-menopausal. So what action do you think we should take?” HRT was absolutely life changing. I can’t imagine going back to that again. Keep pushing.

I'm 38 and like this too. Angry all the time! Face is flushing, my cycle has moved to 24 days, longer and heavier until this period! 9 days late and only 3 days of bleeding. No red blood, just stained discharge-y. Scared to be honest. Also very recently diagnosed with a breast cyst! Love being a woman it's so much fun.

My periods stopped aged 38. Got to say - I ready had anxiety and have MS so I've never been too sure of what symptoms are what!

I'm 38 and have noticed peri symptoms over the last year or so. I've massively cut my alcohol intake, and am doing more exercise. Symptoms definitely seem worse when I drink.I feel even more out of control emotionally.
I have the worse PMS symptoms, that are having such a negative impact on my life. Oh and the rage. Wow it's intense. Disturbed sleep, shorter cycle, lighter periods. Feeling hot most of the time.

37 and also convinced I’m in peri. But if it IS to blame for my insomnia, brain fog, night sweats, period changes, etc. it’s been going on for 2 years. I feel like shit almost all of the time. I’ve never known anything like it - and I live with a few chronic illnesses. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I had the same happen to me. Lengthening cycles at age 34 - thankfully very few other symptoms - and finally diagnosed as premature menopause after an FSH test came back at a level of 25.

My GP referred me to an endocrinologist for tests as it's important to check there is no auto immune condition or other medical reason. My mother had had a similarly early menopause though so I wasn't worried about these tests and can't actually remember what they tested for.

I was then prescribed HRT as it's important for your bone strength to replace the hormones you would normally still be producing. Bone density reduces every year post the age of 35 but after menopause the rate of loss is much higher. An extra 10 years or more of being post menopause can cause osteoporosis in older age so it's important to discuss treatments and lifestyle changes you can make to help your bones with your GP.

A friend of mine was peri menopausal at age 34, one of my grandmothers stopped having periods aged 38. Best to get a test if your levels and see if you can go on hrt patches (I’m on these and they’re brilliant) or tablets.