AIBU to think that maybe I’m not perimenopausal after all?

[Stayinganontoday]

My symptoms started more than two years ago. I was 39 at the time and I only developed skin problems everywhere (including eyelids, neck, and my labia / perianal region). I was passed from GP to GP and they all gave me a different diagnosis (from Eczema to Lichen Sclerosis). A dermatologist looked at my photos and said it was psoriasis- and gave me a bunch of corticoids. My symptoms never fully went away, and I also noticed that my cycle went from 26 to 25 days.

One year later, still fed up I went to the GP and said that I was perimenopausal (mind you I’ve never had any other symptom), and put me on HRT. HRT did cure 95% of my skin problems (apart from my butthole) and I was ok with it until my boobs never deflated and the water retention was substantial (it had an impact on my active lifestyle).

Anyway, two months ago I decided to come off HRT as the psychological impact of the side effects, and my skin so far seems ok!

So I’m wondering was I even perimenopausal? I’m
Also iron deficient and hypothyroid, but those conditions are all under control.

bump

I reckon it’s possible. I thought I was peri a few years ago. I wasn’t diagnosed but I had most of the symptoms. But I was also quite underweight, which also plays havoc with your hormones. I gained weight and my perimenopause symptoms disappeared. So it could be in your case that something else was causing you to have a hormone imbalance, not necessarily perimenopause.

Could be anything really couldn’t it? Do you eat a lot of sugar? You can develop an intolerance to things when you get older that can affect your skin.

Nope fairly low in sugar and carbs and high in protein

Did they not do any blood tests? I am perimenopausal at 37, and this was confirmed after period tracking for 6 months, an ultrasound to rule out any other issues and then two FSH tests 6 weeks apart. One was 73 and one was 80.

AFAIK perimenopause is largely diagnosed by symptoms only. So no, no tests.

This is only for woman over the age 45. For early perimenopause they should absolutely have investigated it before diagnosing.