Questions about perimenopause

[posadas]

Hello. I've been reading some of the posts and have found many to be very helpful. I have some basic questions and wonder whether anyone might be able to help. I assume I'm now, age 49, perimenopausal (have had irregular periods for the last 4 months a couple of long gaps and then every 2-3 weeks or so for the last 2 months. I feel ok and the periods are not too heavy or unusual in any way other then the timing. Is there any reason for me to consult a GP at this point? i.e. Should I have any blood or other tests to determine whether I'm officially perimenopausal? I guess the basic question is whether there's anything I'm supposed to DO now vitamins? supplements? etc? Is there any medical reason to confirm whether I'm perimenopausal? And, finally, is 49 considered to be "early menopause"? Or is it normal to be experiencing these changes around now?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

"Normal meno" is between 45- late 50s-60.

Average age in UK is 51.

Prem. or early meno is periods stopping- altogether- before age 45.

You are not too young.

No need to see the dr- it's not an illness.

You'd only see a dr if the symptoms of meno meant your life was a misery and you wanted to try HRT, or you wanted another baby and wondered if you had any chance.

Hi posadas

I agree you do not need to see a doctor at this point. However if your periods are becoming irregular then you are likely to be peri-menopausal and your oestrogen levels will be fluctuating, and also your progesterone - and some cycles you may not ovulate (so your periods may be heavy sometimes)

I would definitely make sure your diet is healthy and perhaps take a calcium supplement, and if you are overweight, think about reducing as well as taking plenty of exercise.

When you start to get symptoms as MissBoPeep says you should be able to ask for HRT from your GP as the oestrogen replacement will minimise adverse symptoms as well as helping to prevent health conditions in later life due to lack of oestrogen - such as osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy and associated bladder problems.

Thank you for your helpful replies!

As I think is the case for other women, this "change" has come as a bit of a surprise. I had my only child rather late (41) so am immersed in a very "young" life (school, sports, etc). It probably sounds strange, but I hadn't started to focus on the fact I'm growing old(er)... As I'm from abroad, all my school friends live far away and all my friends here are younger than I, so I don't have a peer group nearby to serve as a sounding board.

Thanks again!