To think this is perimenopause?

[Justabouthangingon]

Ive been having symptoms for months, these include -

Really sore, itchy vagina, feels like everything is dry / tight, tearing to vulva

Debilitating fatigue

Drenching night sweats

Debilitating memory issues / brain fog - have worries at times I have early on set dementia it's so bad

Missed period

Noticeable hair loss

Rage / emotional changes (very out of character for me)

These symptoms are honestly driving me mad and hugely affecting me. Im 38 next month but the GP is saying I'm too young for these symptoms to be perimenopause. Ive had lots of bloods done, all normal, I'm not low in anything.

Just feel so desperate!

Thanks for reading!

Erm, perimenopause is recognised by the NHS so I have to disagree that it is not a thing... Ive already had everything else investigated, as per my OP, I am not lacking in anything, all my bloods are normal.

38 isn't too young. My perimenopause symptoms started when I was 41. Some people assume it starts suddenly and it hits you with a million symptoms. In my case it was one thing, then another thing another year later etc etc. it's been over a decade and I'm still experiencing the debilitating peri stage.

Perimenopause is very much a thing and well recognised by medical professionals! Most GP surgeries have specialist nurses who can support you and there are often Menopause support groups available if you Google. Feel for you OP and please don't suffer in silence.

I had hot flushes and much of this age 38/39 but it turned out I had endometriosis and two big ovarian cysts. Get yourself checked out.

Now I'm at menopause and 49, my periods have stopped and I have no symptoms whatsoever.

What does the NHS know?

Thanks very much! Will head back to GP.....

More than a random on mumsnet I'd say.

Exactly - as we all know, a switch gets flicked to change us from happy, fertile creatures with lustrous hair and fabulous sex lives to unhappy old hags the moment we turn 50.

I'd ask your GP to refer you to the menopause clinic - or whatever menopause provision you have in your area - and if they refuse, to document their reasons for refusing to refer you.

Bollocks.

38 is young to be experiencing these symptoms. It might be an early menopause but it could be other things too - an underactive thyroid can make you very tired too. Back to the GP, ask for full blood tests to be done to see what’s going on.

Missed you’d had bloods done in my fury over the dismissive “just eat better” bollocks. Cause that’s going to fix your atrophied fanny, isn’t it?

I’d be pushing for a referral to a specialist, @Justabouthangingon

On the first one, it could be that, but ask a GP to have a look at it. Lichen Planus is common in that area and it is hellish itchy. Took me years to have it diagnosed.

Thanks so much for all the helpful replies, feeling a bit more positive now.

You are demonstrably wrong. Please stay in your lane.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/menopause/diagnosis/diagnosis-of-menopause-perimenopause/

Menopause is defined as "no periods for a year". The great majority of women have symptoms for at least a few years in the run-up. That's perimenopause.

As you’re under 40 it would be classed as POI - premature ovarian insufficiency, usually confirmed with blood tests. You’re young for peri/menopause.

Management is potentially slightly different.

My mum had her menopause at 36. It can occur earlier.
Could you ring your GP practice and ask to see the women's health specialist, or failing that can you afford to see a private GP?

How is your diet? Do you take any supplements? Could possibly be low in some nutrients, particularly b vitamins and omega 3

Hormonal imbalance? Could try birth control?

Thanks everyone. To answer questions- diet is good, balanced (enough), take a broad spectrum multi vit etc. Im not low or deficient in anything - I've had so many blood tests so I know everything is in range. I dont want to take any birth control, the side effects are too horrendous for me. Will see what the gp says and think about a private or more specialist appointment, that's a good idea!

Hooray, a well informed, well educated individual - at last! Where have you been?

Also, just sweating buckets but it’s not real, I made it up.

It does sound like perimenopause. If you’re on Instagram there is a really helpful informative doctor who does videos on this. I can’t remember her name (brain fog) but she was on strictly

The sweating is grim. Literally having to change pjs and sheets in the early hours and getting so cold from the wet. Not good!