How will I know?

[iklboo]

I'm pretty sure I'm in perimenopause. I have lots of usual symptoms - hot flushes, sweats, mood swings, brain fog, everything getting on top of me all at once and feeling like a trauma, sleeplessness, being very down etc. But I can't tell about periods because I've had the implant since DS was born and haven't had a period / bled for 12 years).

I've also just started experiencing vaginal dryness and itching. Would vagisil help with this?

Would a trip to the docs (maybe practice nurse) for a blood test help diagnose menopause or will they think I'm being ridiculous?

(Sorry for so many questions).

I'm 53 and no signs of the menopause yet. Still regular as clockwork. How old are you?

Sorry, I'm 49 - about average for our family.

Hot flushes are a definitive symptom. Have you seen the NICE guideline? Make a GP appt, hope you have someone knowledgeable in your practice.

Blood tests are not given to women over 45- NICE.
Advice is to treat the symptoms which you have.

If you see your Dr (I'd not bother with a nurse- they are not always experts or able to precribe- some shocking tales here on misinformed nurses) you need to decide in advance if you are going along to ask for HRT or 'just' a chat to be told all of this is normal for your age. You need topical estrogen (Vagifem or Ovestin) for your vaginal dryness.

Thank you - this is all very helpful.

My mum has stage 1 invasive ductal cell breast cancer (hormone treated). Would that prevent me having HRT?

sorry to hear about your mum.

No, it ought not to be a factor.

The 'rule' is if two first degree relatives ( mum /sister) had BC diagnosed early (ie under 50) you need specialist advice.

The lifetime risk of BC is 1:8 for all women. Having one parent who is diagnosed in their 70s or older is not considered relevant.

Thank you @QueenoftheNights. Mum was diagnosed at 66 but she smokes very heavily.

I'll speak to my surgery next week and see who the best doctor to speak to is to make an appointment.