40 years old, hair thinning, nails breaking, itchy, spotty skin - is it hormonal/menopause?

[StayAtHomeMummy]

Just that really. My hair really looks thin around my forehead, I'm having to part it in a different direction to cover up what's tantamount to a bald patch. My nails break incredibly easily, and I'm coming out with itchy, spotty skin, not eczema, but just irritated. Couldn't wear my favourite wooly today, had to get into cotton.

The hair thing's been going on for months, the nails are getting worse, the skin's a sudden flare-up today, coinciding with my period. I'm wondering, does this sound like the start of the change? Is there anything I can do to help it - vitamins, supplements? I'm pretty healthy, size 10ish, fairly healthy balanced diet.

Thanks all - any ideas?

I have an appointment this week too, am having a full MOT done - being tested for Thyroid, Ovary Cysts, smear, the whole caboodle.

Good luck stayathomemummy, and if you can please keep us updated x

Sounds like you've got a long list to get through, MuckyAnthea, hope it all goes OK.

I saw the GP this morning. To be honest, as usual, I felt like I was just being a bit of a drama queen in going at all, because none of my symptoms is that bad. But anyway, I told her how my hair's been looking worse for about 6 months, and about my skin and nails, and about my periods getting a bit heavier and a bit less regular. She feels that it's not menopause as I am still having periods, and still basically monthly, but it could be thyroid, or low bloodcount/iron, so I went back up this afternoon for bloods. If they come back negative, it's probably just one of those things, unfortunately.

Anyway, just wanted to say well done to all those amateur GP's out there, you've been spot on so far! Will be reporting back, and if there's nothing in the blood tests, will be following up on the supplements recommended.

Thanks all - and all the best to you. MA

Blood count OK but something went wrong with the iron and thyroid tests so I have to go back for more bloods next Tuesday.

S.A.H.M
What happened then, have you got your results back for the iron and thyroid tests?
Sorry to have not responded sooner to this. Hope you are ok.