41 and feel like someone else!

[GreenRedGoat]

I'm not sure if this is perimenopause - anyone else feeling the same?

I'm 41 and have gained a bit of weight, suddenly seem to have a large tummy which I never had in my 20s or 30s despite not changing my diet at all and generally look like someone I don't recognise in the mirror.

I've also lost pretty much all of my libido (think of food all the time rather than sex!) despite this being very high in my 20s.

I generally feel overweight, clumsy, lethargic, sweaty and frumpy.

I should also say I'm on antidepressants after losing my son 3 years ago, I had a terrible breakdown after his death and they saved me but now wondering if it's them that's changed how I see my body or just general hormones.

Can anyone else relate? Is this just a time of life thing?

Ah, OP, that sounds tough. So sorry to hear about your son and your completely reasonable reaction.

Although it's tedious, I suggest you go to your GP and ask for tests, etc.

I had small children at 41 so I don't remember it well but equally I don't remember feeling your symptoms or feeling unwell.

I'm 43 and feel this way too! I've put on a stone this year because of steroids due to cancer treatment and I just feel horrible and like I'll never get myself back 😞

@tarheelbaby That's a very good idea really, I hadn't thought to go to the dr for any tests. I will investigate that avenue.

And thank you 🩷

@rainbowhairchalk I'm sorry to hear you feel this way too, life can flatten you sometimes and you end up so far away from who you were. I hope things get better for you.

I’m 46 and have felt like this quite strongly for 2-3 years now, had my Dc at 40 and still felt great and reasonably young and the same person. Started to feel a bit differently around 43 and it’s got worse and worse really

So sorry about your son 🥲

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your son. It is possible to be perimenopause are your age. It is also possible that there is something else going on to so well worth going for bloods.
Sometimes antidepressants can cause side effects as well not saying you should come off them even if they are causing the side effects but something to be aware of.

I had a breakdown at 38 and went on antidepressants. My tummy and how my body processes my food has completely changed😭 it could be my age and a coincidence. It could be that my anxiety before being medicated was burning calories off me. I don’t know but it’s driving me mad to just change metabolism like it has!

Thank you everyone, it does seem as though our bodies seem to change around 40, it's so frustrating as it feels there are so many pieces of my life I can't get back now.

@MoonshineSon You're so right, I suspect that's a part of it for me, the antidepressants could be playing out their side effects alongside hormonal changes. I wish in so many ways I felt ready to go without them but I just don't, not yet.