Early peri?

[Lairydea]

Just had a GP appointment where I listed a few symptoms. I know from previous tests (FSH/AMH and an internal scan of my ovaries - tried to donate eggs) that I had a low ovarian reserve. Not sure if relevant but for full disclosure I have the copper IUD al- my appointment was to discuss the following symptoms and ask whether changing to a hormonal BC would help.

The last seven months my cycle is getting shorter (from 29-31 days down to 23) it's heavier (changing pads and tampons every 2hrs), I have mid cycle spotting every month.

I've absolute brain fog/inability to concentrate (struggle to finish sentences/forgetting I've done something almost the second it's done)

I've never had PMS but I'm now feeling rage like I've never felt before followed by feeling so low I feel like I can't face the day or feeling absolutely nothing. Like a walking void. This is getting worse month on month.
I really feel like I'm losing myself.

GP says (quote) it's all in my head because I'm having a cycle at least every 3 weeks which is fair enough but I felt a little bit fobbed off as I listed symptoms I was made to feel as though I was being ridiculous.
I'm late 30s (my mother went into peri early at around 36 too. GP made aware of previous tests and family history.

Am I being a total drama queen connecting dots that aren't there? Or would you press further?

You are not being ridiculous, and this isn't "all in your head." Most gp's are useless when it comes to treat peri-menopause. I would push further or go private

www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/113666670/perimenopause-lead-up-to-menopause-very-uncomfortable-and-poorly-understood

That's a really interesting article - I can definitely relate to the gaining weight despite no changes to diet or exercise too (and calorie deficit not leading to weight loss too)

There is a centre that specialises in meno issues but needs a GP referral which I just wouldn't get. May look into going private (for the sake of saving my relationship!)

I hear you. My rage/ insomnia and sweating and forgetfulness is making me anxious too. I hope you get sorted. I’m 44, so more likely to be entering menopause but no idea where to start to seek help.

It's an absolute minefield isn't it. I've no idea where to go next. GP did say she'd prescribe the pill alongside my IUD which may or may not help...though I'm 37 so not sure if I need something else or if indeed it's all in my head...
Have you seen your GP?

@Lairydea It is WELL KNOWN that age of menopause follows the pattern between mothers and daughters. Beggars belief that a GP did not twig. Find a different GP. Yours is a disgrace.

For young women like you, they CCP Qlaira is worth trying as the estrogen is natural (same as in HRT nowadays) and may well help.

But still find a different dr if you can OR ask the useless one to refer you to a menopause consultant.

Your GP is useless - in fact I'd go so far as to say downright negligent.

It's not 'all in your head', that comment from your doctor is appalling. And yes, early peri does run in families. It does in mine.

I honestly felt she thought I'd been looking for something to make my symptoms fit to. She spent a good couple of minutes telling me what a powerful organ the brain is - she said most of my symptoms are just "life" and unlikely to be hormonal

I was already doubting myself - feel somewhat relieved that I'm not completely barking up the wrong tree! Thanks all!

Bloody hell that article is depressing (not saying it’s not true! Just that being mid- forties doesn’t look like a whole lot of fun...)

^“According to research by Jean Hailes, symptoms can include some or all of the following: Hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, breast tenderness, itchy/crawly/dry skin, exhaustion, trouble concentrating, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, decreasing sex drive, migraines, more pronounced pre-menstrual tension, mood changes (feeling teary or irritable), chronic or increased anxiety, weight gain (despite no changes to diet or exercise).

The difficulty with any or all of these symptoms is that they can also be attributed to the complicated lives many women in their forties are facing.

This may include teenage children, ageing parents, increasing unpaid domestic labour, likelihood of divorce, precarious employment and concerns about financial security as they head toward retirement.”^

I went to the GP recently as I have been exhausted but short of a test for iron deficiency there was nothing else suggested. I am also hot a lot of the time especially in the evenings. But it’s all so vague and hard to pin down. Keep pushing OP especially given your age and family history.