Peri-menopause starting???

[madhattershouse]

I am 38 next month. My periods have been on a regular 28 cycle almost to the hour since I can remember..BUT I have started to have 25 day cycle and keep waking up feeling so hot I have to check to see if someone has turned up the heating. Am I mad or could this be the beggining of the menopause? Please could anyone let me know as everyone I know has not had this before the age of 45!

It could be. I was 37 when menopause was confirmed (last year and by my obgyn and the fertility specialist - we were trying for our second child) and in hindsight it started as you explain. I had hot flushes in the morning, still do, but thought that in menopause these happened at night. My periods became erratic, missing a month or two at a time, until they stopped completely. No other symptoms although I have to admit I am more absent minded than before.
If you still want children I would go and get some professional advice now, just in case. If you don't, sit back and "enjoy" the ride.

Thanks for the reply ajourneyofgiraffes I posted so late last night I thought it would be left unseen! Have since spoken to my mum who seems to recall that she started symptoms at around my age so I guess it may be. Oh well at least I have had all the kids I could cope with (maybe more than I can ). Think I shall have a !!

Hello out there- help!

I had a random blood test as I had 2 periods in one month and felt bloated. It was not carried out on day 2/3 of menstrual cycle. I am 45 and have only missed the occasional period (once a year over last few years). No other menopausal symptons. I was not prepared for such a high reading of FSH level (67.6). Doctor asked if I was still having periods and whetehr I was other symptons - like hot flushes. "Yes" and "no" in that order, I replied.

Doctor realised that I was a upset as I am/was (probably unrealistically now) TTC. Cannot believe the result as I have felt so much more energised since I topped up my vitamin D levels which were very low a few months ago . In fact, I feel fab- skin and hair great; and v. slim (not that I deserve to be given the lack of exercise - although I do intend to start).

It's so hard to accept that I am about to enter the menopause. My mum is no longer with me to help guide me through this and no one seems to talk about it- its like taboo. I would sincerley like some some support and news if anyone at my age ith high FSH has ever managed to have a baby. I have on DS - now 11- so I am one of many privileged women blessed with the gift of a child.

Don't know whetehr to laugh or cry - wandering around like a mad woman.

BW
Monkey 36

Madhattershouse you sound perimenopausal to me - I think at least one or two symptoms of this stage usually start around age 35. I am 43 and have had those symptoms for 6 months now.

Menopace and Serenity cream have been helpful for me