So is this it then?

[mymatemax]

Over the last year my periods have been awful, very heavy, clots (sorry) & leaving me feeling exhausted.
Not every month but some months I have felt awful & exhausted the few days before, almost like I have flu.
I have been far hotter than normal
I wake up in the morning sweaty & smelly & I am usually not a sweaty person at all.
I've had an ultrasound (internal) & blood test to test for anemia as so exhausted.
Both came back normal
Periods have been regular until now.. a couple of times over the last couple of weeks I've had a bit of Mucussy blood (sorry again)
& I feel like I've got a period pain type stomach ached.
Hot due a period for anther 11 days.

So is this the start? Perimenopause, the full blown thing?
What are your helpful hints?

Hello, how old are you Mymatemax ? You may well be in perimenopause. Night sweats are one of the classic symptoms. Also changes to your periods, light or heavy, longer or shorter are also signs. If i were you i would arrange a blood test with your doctor on day 3 of your next period. This measures a hormone in your blood called FSH. If your FSH is high it's usually a good indicator of perimenopause.

Thanks Erilou. I'm 43.
Does anyone just drift through this menopause without horrid symptoms?

If it is perimenopause and you are under age 40 it would be wise for you to discuss with your doctor HRT. Doctor will probably advise this anyway to protect you from brittle bones and heart disease later on. Also HRT will cure night sweats and should make periods lighter.

Some lucky women just sail through it, no problems at all. My Nan was one of these women, her periods just stopped age 51 with no horrible symptoms. I'm only 38 and in perimenopause already! I haven't started HRT yet, but will be soon. I'm really suffering, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, irregular periods, vaginal dryness. I read an article saying the younger you go through it the worse the symptoms tend to be.

Doctor will probably advise HRT as a menopause under age 45 is classed as an Early Menopause, under 40, Premature Menopause. I'm a bit of an expert these days! Book yourself that blood test on the 3rd day of your next period. Good luck.

Please feel free to join my thread i started. Premature menopause support group. Lots of ladies on there sharing our menopausal experiences.

Thanks Erilou, helpful to know feeling this odd is very normal

Yep it sure is horrid. Always thought i'd be late 40s early 50s before this started. No way did i expect meno yet.