How do you know menopause has started? Tmi warning

[Bluewavescrashing]

I'm 35. Hot flushes, night sweats (proper drenched), periods are just light, old stringy brown gunk. Sorry. Exhausted. Brain fog. No interest in sex. Joint pain.

Is this perimenopause? How do you know?

I'm on the contraceptive implant which is due to be taken out in 3 months. Should I have another one fitted? Or just leave it out?

Until recently I had light, red periods. So normal. Last few months they have changed.

Sorry, to avoid drip feed- I have pcos and two children

Definitely don't want any more.

Have you had your thyroid checked? Very similar symptoms when it's not working properly. Worth a check.

You are only 35 - it might be the peri menopause but seems a little early. I think you should see your GP to get yourself checked out.

I've had a raft of blood tests and was diagnosed with ME. Thyroid was normal. But there's no definite test for ME so now I'm doubting it. Could be ME plus perimenopause I guess. I will see the GP.

I was around your age and started hrt at 37. I had panic attacks too! My mum, aunt and nan had early meno too so it might also run in your family

I had a blood test which came back ‘consistent with menopause’ but tbh that was 10 years ago and they don’t routinely test anymore. I think I completely missed a period so that coupled with other symptoms prompted one

@Bluewavescrashing It's really hard to pinpoint peri meno if you are using hormonal contraception. Blood tests for hormones are normally done on days 2-5 of each cycle.

However, you are very young for peri menopause. The age of the average menopause in the UK is 52. Peri can start a few years before this.

Signs of peri meno at your age is classed as a premature menopause and needs medical intervention- first a diagnosis then HRT.

You need to be referred to a specialist.
Ask your GP and insist on a referral to a gynaecologist with menopause as a specialism.

If you can get to London the menopause clinic at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital takes referrals from across the UK, based on a GP referral.

It's really important to get a diagnosis because left untreated, early loss of estrogen can lead to osteoporosis, heart disease and even dementia.

You can find support and details on the Daisy Network website for women with early menopause (and the charity is run by doctors at the Chelsea and Westminster.)

Thank you.

I will get the contraceptive implant removed and then tests can be done.

PCOS is supposed to delay menopause not make perimenop start early.

Hot flashes can be caused by a lot of things.

It is too early but it happens. My peri started at 38 and was in menopause at 42.