It's happened all of a sudden!

[NotaDisneyMum]

In the last six/eight weeks I have been hurled into the midst of perimenopause - and it's taken me somewhat by surprise!

My last two periods were early and very heavy, and preceded by flu-like PMT, I've been having palpitations/missed beats in the evenings, I have been waking hot and sweaty at night and I'm knackered all the time!

Am I going to feel like this for the next 10-15 years (I'm 38)? I don't want to do HRT - I've only just finished detoxing after 20 years of hormonal contraceptive.....I was hoping I'd have a bit longer before I hit this stage

Have you been to see your GP? I went this week. After a lifetime of periods so regular you could have set GMT meantime by them I'm now all over the place. I've had blood tests for thyroid and FSH (hormones) and am awaiting results plus an appointment for an ultrasound - all to rule out anything else really though I suspect it's merry peri time.

Definitely go to your GP. Early meno should be checked and confirmed because it can be an indication of other problems.

Early meno means that you have 10-15 more years of osteoporosis to contend with than the average woman, so HRT may be very important at this time of your life.

Welcome to the club ladies!

I am at the right age to get this and after a couple of years of unusually irregular periods recently with the flu-y pms, have now missed two and am feeling unusually warm. I have been advised that hormone tests can be very hit and miss as your hormones vary throughout the day so have not bothered to have them done.

I have two very good books: one is Your Change, Your Choice which is very down-to-earth and was recommended by another Mnetter and the other is The Wisdom of Menopause which is rather more american but very helpful.

I too am tired and easily confused (I never thought I'd struggle to pick which potatoes to buy!) but being informed makes me feel more empowered.

OP- don't panic too soon, you are quite young so maybe this is part of your detox and will settle down. If not, it's a normal part of life and you'll get through it

Another Peri here
The forgetfulness is my worst thing...and indigestaion?
Someone called me on my mobile the other day asking for someone's number.Picture me running frantically from room to room shouting "Where's my effing mobile!" whilst it was stuck to my ear
And going to the corner shop and standing there like a lemon because I forgot what I come for...what's that all about?

OP how old are you?

Is it possible that your cycle is still settling down after years on hormonal contraception?

P.s.- your profile says you are 40?

HRT is not necessary during peri meno- it is most often given once your oestrogen levels have fallen right off- post meno- or your periods are very irregular- say 2-3 cycles a year UNESS you are having unbearable symptoms.

You might find that these cycles are just a blip- then you settle down for a few more years.

However IF your periods stop before age 45 you need tothink about HRT as your bones will be deprived of oestrogen too early- putting you at risk for osteoporosis.

crazynana ever tried unlocking your front door with your car alarm fob key-thing?

I never used to be this scatty.

Those symptoms could also be an underactive thyroid.

Amelia - I'm 38; I did go through a spell of hormonal chaos after having mirena removed - cycle all over the place, very heavy/flooding periods, temperature fluctuations etc - it took about a year to settle down and I've had about a year of regular, trouble free periods. Til now!

I've also lost 4 dress sizes over the last 2 years without even trying; weight I put on over the preceding 20 years - ive read that hormone levels can be linked to body fat levels?

I think you arejumping the gun relating this to menopause.

yes, body fat stores oestrogen but losing weight to come down to a healthy weight at your age should not bring on the menopause!

What does sometimes happen is that fatter women might have a later or "easier" menopause as their fat secretes oestrogen- but then you have the downside that they will have a higher risk of other diseases including cancer.

If you are losing weight still, it sounds more like possible thyroid problems- overactive- which can result in weight loss and erratic periods.

Ask for a full range of blood tests.

Hi

your sypmtoms sound exactly like mine. It was due to a (non-malignant) tumor on the thyroid. Only found via ultrasound though so get it checked

Berries - were your symptoms cyclical?

I feel brilliant 15/16 days out of every month, and then slowly deteriorate for a few days before and during my period.
I couldn't give blood a few weeks ago, it was a few days after the end of my period and I had an Hb of 12.0, so not low - but lower than usual for me as I've never been refused before