Perimenopause?

[user56482048]

AIBU to assume I am either perimenopausal or losing the plot??

I'm 38, this year my cycle has been a bit sporadic - anywhere between 26 and 50+ days.

For the past 3 months around ovulation my body seems to go into chaos mode - I'm getting nausea, panic attacks, low mood, upset stomach, palpitations and generally feeling a bit wired/nervous.

Other than that, I've lost my libido, more sweats, aches and pains, mood swings (could rival my teen!), brain fog, really oily skin in the mornings, headaches and generally feeling absolutely crap - everything is an effort.

I have a GP appointment next month. I want to go armed with knowledge so I don't feel fobbed off.

I recently had my LH and FSH tested and they were normal, as was the rest of my bloods e.g FBC, thyroid etc.

Is there any other test they can do for peri?

If they say they don't think it's peri then what? I don't need to take a contraceptive (DH has had a vasectomy - not that I'm going anywhere near him anyway lol!) but would the mini pill help? My BMI is 32, non smoker not sure if that makes a difference.

I've had anxiety before (over 5 years ago) and managed to get through it using mindfulness and meditation, which I am using again, but this anxiety feels different - I also don't want to be fobbed off with the GP saying its anxiety and offering antidepressants.

I'd really appreciate any advice, it's really getting me down!

It really sounds like my peri symptoms, although I'm 48. I don't know what other tests they can do. I'm just trying to cope with my synptoms and get through it. However, I've recently started having panic attacks and feeling a bit anxious (as well as having very heavy periods sometimes) so think I might go to the doctor if it continues.

I would ask them to test oestrogen levels - this isn't foolproof because levels fluctuate quite a lot even throughout the day, but if the snapshot of a test does show very low levels, this would support the view that you are in peri menopause.

But I'd want a full blood work up anyway, to rule out other conditions.

I have a similar problem. Panic, anxiety, low mood, aches and pains, upset stomach. I just keep getting told it’s not peri because I’m not having typical menopause symptoms like hot flushes, sweating, palpitations etc. They’ve tested my hormones and said they’re slightly off but not enough for them to diagnose peri. I’m at my wits end. They just keep saying I’m causing it myself by being anxious.

Yes I think oestrogen needs to be tested for sure. Is this to be done on a certain cycle day?

I would ask to move your post to menopause rather than AIBU. Not trying to police thread, but there's some knowledgeable people in that section and your post might be missed here.

Download the Balance app and track your symptoms in that before you go to your GP. These are all absolutely classic symptoms and if you were over the age of 40 they should diagnose peri purely on symptoms (although they may also test it's not anything else), but as you're not yet 40 I assume they'd do some testing.

I've just copied it to the menopause area - didn't even think to look to see if there was one!

I do track my symptoms on my iPhone health app

Bloods can't really test it should be symptomatic diagnosis.

Just ask them to rule out any deficiency's and then ask for some HRT at I be given to you at least that way you can try is and see if the symptoms lessen?

You'll know your own body and hot flushes don't effect all women so it's not the best indicator, if you think you maybe peri that's enough. You don't need to "prove" it with bloods and tests.

They use hot flushes as it's the easiest indicator that the HRT is working, which is information grown my private GP.

Taking HRT won't do any harm at all a try and see approach, even when you do need it it's a lot of trial and error in terms of what works for you.

The combined pill would also work it's just how you tolerated it in earlier life? That will be a consideration and it's synthetic.

But again see what works for you.

It is a different feeling to anxiety you can't control it in the same way.

Just as a tip I've found using CBD has helped me, I fell for the marketing of "trip" drinks and oils but actually I'm surprised they make a difference. And the diet and exercise route is helping as well .

Just as a tip I've found using CBD has helped me, I fell for the marketing of "trip" drinks and oils but actually I'm surprised they make a difference. And the diet and exercise route is helping as well .

Which do you use if you don't mind my asking?

Same boat here OP. Bloods all okay apparently. I'm 44.

I have almost given up. I have all the same issues as you have mentioned, it's no fun whatsoever.

I haven't tried St John's Wort or the mini pill or CBD.

Really don't want to go on the pill all month. Anything to be said for taking it for a couple of weeks a month? I don't need it for contraception either.

Can anyone recommend a CBD brand and type. I found it overwhelming last time I looked into CBD, all the different types within one brand.

@deepdepth I've just started using a brand called "trip" they had an offer in for the drinks and orange oil.

They are all over Instagram, fast delivery and lovely branding . I'm a sucker for the pretty stuff.

I've been using 3 drops in the mornings under my tongue and a drink with ice in the evening.

I have no idea if it's a placebo, or the fact I've stoped drinking wine but I feel calmer after 4 days of that routine.

Attend with a list of symptoms..

I started HRT via my GP at 39 with similar symptoms despite normal bloods on the day, including oestrogen. It can be normal one day and low the next so a crap indicator of anything really.

You can ask for a trial of HRT to see if symptoms improve over a few months.

I had a private blood test (forth with life) which showed that whilst my FSH and LH were normal (if anything they were low) and oestrogen and testosterone low. GP started me straight away on HRT.

I am now perusing further advice from an endocrinologist (also had 'oddly' abnormal thyroid results) regarding if there may be something else underlying it all (maybe a pituitary problem).

I would recommend a more detailed blood test, if nothing else it will give you good reference info for future changes.

I am getting really weird symptoms too. I don’t get hot flushes and my blood tests came back normal, but I feel terrible everyday. I can’t work as I’m exhausted, tingling in my private area, irritable and anxious. It’s horrible. I tried HRT HRT gel, but no effect. I am still having a period each month, but get terrible menstrual migraine.
Im at wits end. I need to go back to work, but feel so ill. Money is very tight. Anyone else feel like this?

Forgot to mention I am getting aches and pains in my lower back.

Hi everyone,

I am exactly the same. I am only 36 but after the birth of my first daughter I suffered a prolapse and since then nothing has ever been right. It's got worse the past few years.

My symptoms are: Irritability, anger, mood swings, itchy, low moods, tired, one month's period is heavy then the next it's really light and only lasts 3 days. Cannot sleep properly, lucky to get 6 hours max. Headaches around ovulation too. It's weird because i get more agitated when I'm ovulating than when i am actually on my period. It's a relief when I'm on. Also strangely I have so many moles. Apparently they can come up due to hormones. And the thing that affects me the most if I am losing so much hair.

Had every blood test under the sun. All come back normal. Was offered antidepressants but refused to take as I am sensitive to certain medications plus I have two children to look after and cannot be dealing with the side effects. I'm just trying to ride it out. Started taking WellWoman tablets but not sure if they are doing anything.

Hi @SallyWD

I am in this situation. Has your situation changed any?

Hi @emmahearts

I'm feeling like this.

Has your situation changed?