43 years old - does this sound familiar?

[GilmoursPillow]

For years I've had very heavy, clotty periods.

I normally go 26-27 days between periods. My last one was 31 days and now I'm up to 50 days since my last periods with no sign of it.

Occasionally I get the feeling that cramps are going to start but then they stop and that's it for a few days.

One hip joint aches a lot. Zero libido, no hot flushes, bitchy mood.

I guess a trip to the gynae is on order...

I should clarify - I don't live in the UK so I don't need a GP referral to see a specialist.

It does sound like peri. Depends what you want to do- it's not an illness that needs a drs opinion unless you want treatment such as HRT.

If your periods stop well before age 51 ( average age of meno) then most if not all drs would recommend HRT for a few years to protect you from osteoporosis.

But there is no need to see a dr if you have very few symptoms, unless you want to go down the HRT route. You might find that lifestyle changes can help- healthier diet, more exercise, less alcohol and caffeine etc. Worth a try first maybe?

Thank you for that. I guess I need reassurance that this is normal amd not a symptom of something more serious (but only a qualified medical professional can do that, I know).

I can't take the pill etc due to hypertension so not sure if that has a bearing on HRT.
The other things you suggest are easy fixes and worth a shot.