Perimenopause or something else?

[Allelbowsandtoes]

Hi all
I wonder if anyone can offer advice.
I'm only 37 but I'm wondering if I'm starting perimenopause.
For context, I was on the pill for many years, came off at age 34 to TTC. We actively tried for two years, nothing. My bloods came back normal but I didn't want further tests.

My periods have been quite light since coming off the pill which I didn't expect as I always had heavy ones as a teenager.

Over the last year or so my periods have been getting longer but still mostly very light. This month I bled for 10 days total, most of it was very light, and then two days towards the end of proper flow. This seems normal for me now. Sometimes I'll have spotting for a few days, then it stops, then spotting, then a proper flow for a day or two.

I've also noticed feeling more tired. No night sweats, hot flushes or anything.

I have been to GP recently and had a smear test today. Waiting for the results of that then will go back to GP.

I've got it in my head that this is the start of peri, though I know it's early! Any thoughts? I don't really have the sort of relationship with my mum where I can ask her about this stuff so would love to hear from women who have been through it 💚

My very first symptom of peri at 48 was very heavy periods, to the point I was soaking through my trousers, had a tampon and a towel as well, I had to go back on the mini pill, and now they have stopped entirely, not sure if that’s because of menopause or the fact I’ve gone back on the pill.
Other symptoms very sore feet, and general aches and pains which seem to be getting worse, mentally I prefer to stay in on my own, than go out and socialise, I always used to like being around people. Sleep is disrupted, sometimes only get about 3 hours, I’ve just turned 50.
it doesn’t sound like peri for you, but I guess everyone is different, I think normally when it starts it’s very heavy periods, but I could be wrong.

It can start from 35 so could well be, and not really that early!

Edit to add: there are over 70 symptoms and they can be vastly different in different people