Tell me about perimenopause

[Isthisjustthebeginning]

I’m an older mum, hadn’t planned on repeat pregnancy loss but somehow got beyond lucky and had two healthy babies, my second at 40. Breastfed for two years and I’m now 43 (and a half!) and the last few weeks have been like PMS every day. Bloating, insatiable hunger, gained a bit of weight round my tummy. And a bit emotional, quick to temper, brain fog.

I’ve got a Mirena and no fallopian tubes so I’m quite sure I’m not pregnant. Is this perimenopause? I really hadn’t thought it would be starting so early. I’m miserable already and can’t imagine feeling like this for several more years. I feel awful for thinking people were exaggerating their peri symptoms.

My peri started when I was 39
im now nearly 50 and periods have just started to miss a few then suddenly have another.
it’s been a long process for me and mood swings have been awful for everyone around me
you have my sympathy

I am the same age as you and have the same symptoms as you although still having a period pretty much every month. The dr prescribed me oestragel and progesterone tablets and I have been on these for 2 months now and I am starting to feel more like myself again. I'm not constantly ravenous for foods I want want when im due my period all the time and its back to just about the week before, I have more energy again, I can still be a bit emotional at times and im less crabbit and short with people, I hope this keeps up, lol. I've only had 3 hot flushes randomly so far thankfully. Go to the dr and speak about how your feeling, its really helped me, I honestly thought i was going mad!! Xx

Symptoms started for me age 40. Mostly insomnia and dizziness /feeling lightheaded as well as generally feeling hot at night without the flushes. The low point for me was going to work on 1hr sleep. I would be awake for 3-4+hrs every night and I was struggling to cope. I had a Mirena coil and no periods so no idea on that front. Went to see my GP age 42 about HRT. After testing to rule out other things (anaemia and thyroid issues mostly) my GP reluctantly, due to my age, prescribed HRT which helped a lot. I was prescribed oestrogen patch and oral progesterone. After 18 months my symptoms returned and my oestrogen dose was increased. Back to feeling better. I no longer have a coil but I'm on progesterone only pill so still no periods. I'm approaching mid 40s so let's see what the next few years bring.

I'm 50, been in peri since just before COVID.

My symptoms are:
Stomach problems (extreme)
Weight gain around my middle
Hot flashes sometimes up to hourly
Night sweats
Insomnia
Itchy inner ears
Anxiety (I have never experienced this in my life, it's knocked me for six!)
Erratic periods over the last 5 years, at the moment I'm 5 months without anything - touch wood I make it to a year!
Joint pain.
A huge case of 'cant be arsed-itis' with regards to everything: work, housework, hobbies, dog walking... Just can't be fucked.

However... My libido has gone through the roof! 3 x a week at least, poor DH is a husk! 😆

I'm getting zero help from my GP. I have just pushed to have more blood work done as I'm on the point of punching someone - and I work with teenagers, so the temptation is so, so strong!

I'd advise you have your blood checked first, but yes it could well be peri.

Solidarity 🍸