To ask if this could be peri menopause?

[Metalhead]

For the past 3 months or so I’ve almost constantly felt like I’m coming down with something - headaches, feeling a bit woozy, stuffy nose - but it never develops into anything. I used to feel like this a day or so before I got my period, but now it’s most of the month. My last 3 cycles have also got progressively shorter, from 31 days average to 29, 28 and 27 days. I’m always tired despite getting enough sleep, and sometimes I wake up all sweaty in the mornings. I’ve just turned 41. Does this sound like it could be the peri menopause?? And if so, what can I do about it?

I've only heard about peri menopause on mumsnet, would someone possibly tell me what it is?

Thats exactly how I'm feeing at the moment, along with hair loss, migraines (which I've never had before) and even more painful periods. I've finally bitten the bullet and phoned the drs. I've got to have blood tests, smear(as im behind) and a scan to check everything.

I am in my early forties but I feel angry at things like you wouldn't believe. For no reason.

Some hot flushes to my face.

Grey hair starting to come through.

Also at some points in my cycle I hate my husband he gets right on my nerves, again for nothing.

My cycle is becoming longer between periods by a few days and it's heavier. With clots. Sorry.

nancy I’ve had the unjustified rage for a few years, had to go on antidepressants to stop me biting everyone’s head off for no reason at all!

i had similar- feel like i’m getting a cold every period; cycles disrupted, extreme water retention and awful PMT every month.
i also have hashimotos (an autoimmune disease which is the most common reason for underactive thyroid nobody seems to even know about because the nhs doesn’t tell people about the distinction between the two types of thyroid illness!!)
i ended up doing a day 3 medichecks hormone test then a day 21 saliva test which looked at my progesterone 3 x oestrogen dhea and cortisol. it cost me over £200 in total for both tests but helped me identify i’ve got premature ovarian insufficiency and progesterone insufficiency - i am now looking into options. gp offered anti depressants and the pill which i declined! i’m going to try progesterone cream first. i have been signposted to dr louise newton website and menopause matters forum.

Ps my symptoms eased a bit when i addressed my b vitamins, vitamin D and started working on inflammation ( i had a crp test in my yearly thyroid/vitamin thriva test)

I have felt exactly the same this year and I’m 39. Hot flushes, angry at everyone and everything and then teary because I know I’m being horrid. I’m always tired too. Sorry I can’t help, I’d be interested to hear other’s responses.

@Indecisivelurcher to answer your question, perimenopause is the years (usually in your 40s but it can vary) running up to the menopause which is when your periods finally stop.

A range of things can happen, probably most noticeably is that your periods might change, be heavier or more irregular. Other common things are hot flushes, vaginal dryness, irritability, brain fog, forgetfulness, sleep difficulties - there's a long list. Not all women get all of them, some women sail through symptom free.

You can be in perimenopause for several years. Menopause itself is when you've had your final period. You are then considered to be postmenopausal.