Hi, I am nearly 39 and for the last year I have suspected that I might be experiencing perimenopause. Initially I noticed that my cycle had got about a week shorter than it usually is. It was never particularly regular but was generally around the 32 day mark. It is now averaging around 25 days and has been like this since the start of the year. Also my periods have become quite short and light. I have been experiencing some insomnia and night sweats, although these are not as bad as they could be, the bedsheets are not getting drenched or anything like that, but I wake up most nights at 4.30 feeling too hot and noticeably sweaty.
On the other hand in many ways I have never felt better. I have been dieting and exercising and have lost 3 stone since the start of the year. I have way more energy than previously. I used to have quite bad PMS, mood swings and bloating every month but I don't get that anymore. I'm not sure if that's down to the weightloss and exercise or if it's related to hormonal fluctuations. My libido has significantly increased too, which is good.
One other thing is that I have started to get really bad ovulation pain, particularly on the left side. Last month it was agony and painkillers hardly made any difference.
I wasn't expecting to have to deal with menopause issues for a few more years yet so I am quite unprepared and have lots of questions. Does this sound like perimenopause or something else, and do I need to see a doctor? Is is normal to start having symptoms in your thirties and if it is perimenopause will I need HRT?
TIA.