This may be the menopause starting... or is it post-Christmas indulgence?

[mamhaf]

I'm almost 51, my periods are regular but with a history of trouble - heavy from the start, helped by pregnancy but then I had an endometrial ablation to cope with the problems after finishing having children. I also have endometriosis and used to have horrendous PMT which has been better since improving my diet.

For the last two years or so I've suffered insomnia pre-menstrually...about 5 days before my period.

This is a PITA, but I know it's going to happen and the extra manic energy I get doesn't half get things done around the house - I'm like a woman possessed, cleaning like made when I'm premenstrual, then exhausted for a few days after my period starts!

I'm mid-cycle atm, but my skin has broken out around my chin over the past few days, and today, I had several hot flushes in work.

Now, I'm wondering if this is the menopause on its merry way in earnest, or whether it's perimenopausal symptoms kicking in because my usually very healthy diet went somewhat awry over Christmas - lots of carbs, sugar and alcohol.

Any thoughts anyone? Does anyone who has already had hot flushes etc find they get worse if their diet becomes less healthy?

If it is the menopause starting, the advice I've seen on this forum looks excellent - I've ordered a couple of recommended books from the library to read up. I wouldn't rule out HRT, but would prefer to try to control the inevitable naturally if I can.

thanks!

I could be the menopause kicking in, & it could also be peri- menopause winding up & becoming more problematic as you near the menopause - I've had similar problems, though my periods are no longer (thankfully) so regular - I also had hellish problems with them, but no help at all from my GP, so you are lucky you got some help.

I did find the flushes & insomnia were worse if my diet slipped, but its difficult to be sure it was hormonal, as I do have other health problems.

I CAN highly recommend this though, its been an absolute Godsend to me, big relief for most symptom, especially hot flushes, which where hitting me in almost constant waves when I started with it - by the next day I'd already noticed a huge difference - I got mine in boots :)

I had poor sleep and sweats from age 40 for a few days before a period but didn't have menopause until 54. Ihave friends who say the same.

I think the other symptoms esp. the flushes are sure signs that the meno is on its way.

Diet can make a big difference and exercise is supposed to help a lot too.

I take HRT as I was doing everything I could with lifestyle and diet and the flushes still kept coming every hour...............