Is this what happens to periods?

[Mummytron]

Ok so basics are...
Peri symptoms for 18 months but 41 so GPs won't accept it.
Periods went from normal to incredibly heavy on first two days for months. Then the last two periods have been a lot lighter but lasting up to seven days. Now I've come on after 21 days.
So...got heavier...got lighter but longer...then shorter cycle?

Yep sounds very like mine then were heavy for at least a year, really awful. Did your mum have early menopause? Mine did and so it can follow that you will. My GP tested me for peri even though it was early( like mum) and Yep I was peri for three years but then sailed through menopause no HRT ! Ask them to test you it was a blood test I think. No periods is great!

I think the answer is your periods just go weird. Mine were bang on 28 days for about 25 years, now shorter cycles mostly 22 days , very light for 2 days then heavy including clots. I went to my gp last year as was having lots of weird symptoms. On one visit I said I have just had a 12 day period, she said and what would you like me to do about that

Mine have gone from like clockwork to cycles anything from 19 to 38 days.

After a spell of being heavy, they're virtually done after the first 36 hours, now. Peri has gone on for about 5 years now, though. I'm rather bored of it!

Yes both Mum and Sister done by 43/44.
Should I push the doctor? I have an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis so bone disease worries me.
They always out changing to periods down to that! Frustrating!

It's worrying your GP is dismissive- have they not heard of 'premature menopause'? :(

This is a potentially serious issue which deserves proper investigation and treatment.

Anyone under 45 is classed as having a premature menopause if periods stop before then.

The risks are osteoporosis, heart disease and even Parkinsons disease in later life due to loss of oestrogen 10 years too soon.

The problem is that your GP won't be the one picking up the pieces 10 or 20 years down the line- that will be another dr trying to sort you out!

NICE recommends treatment with HRT for women having early menopause. If a GP won't help then ask for a referral to a gynae who can do tests and suggest treatment.

They've done the hormone level blood tests a few times which is always normal but I know these can be unreliable.
I'll push for a referral I think.
Thanks