Perimenopause - could this be the final hurrah?

[MarmaladeTeepee]

So I believe I started peri-menopause 5 years ago at age 36 (I did go to the doctors but saw a nurse who, despite the fact I had lots of symptoms and my mum started the menopause at 40, just did a blood test - which came back normal and dismissed me) my symptoms included my periods changing to a 2 week cycle and becoming much heavier, 2 stone weight gain in 18 months without changing my diet, painful hormonal spots on my jaw and neck, night sweats and horrendous mood swings.

Anyway, after the nurse wrote me off, I took matters into my own hands and got the mirena coil fitted and started taking St John's Wort, both of which massively helped with everything. However, since November the symptoms have started creeping back in - night sweats, really low moods, constantly losing and gaining the same 4lb despite combining intermittent fasting with low carb, painful spots at TOTM - could this be the last hurrah of the peri-menopause? Or is that just wishful thinking?? I know everyone's different but according to google peri-menopause lasts on average 4 years, this is my fifth year, please tell me the end is in sight!

Marma I you are too young for meno and I think that you need medical advice.
Your condition is called premature ovarian failure and you need hrt for the protection of your health.

Well I'll try and go back to the doctors but do I definitely need HRT? I'm not necessarily against it, I don't know enough about it, but isn't it just delaying the inevitable?

If you are currently 41 the I agree you should see a doctor, as early menopause can have significant health consequences. That's why hrt is prescribed for early menopause. Its not just for symptom management in that sort of case.

@MarmaladeTeepee I can't stress enough how much you ought to be on HRT.

Early menopause ( before 45) or premature menopause (before 40) is a serious medical condition which needs treatment with estrogen.

Without estrogen, your risks of heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia are increased.

The nurse was a complete idiot and ignorant, and you need to see a GP who knows about early menopause and perhaps a consultant.

The medical advice is you would use HRT up to 51 at least (age of average menopause.)

After that it's up to you how long you stay on it- it can be forever if you want to.

Here is a link from a medical site.

www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/029-early-menopause-and-poi-dr-sarah-ball-and-dr-louise-newson

Ok thanks everyone I'll try and get into the doctors this week and hope I get one who takes me seriously!

Just to update I've been to the doctors explained all my symptoms and family history, he wants to do blood tests and see what they say. If hormonal levels do come back low he'll discuss HRT, if not he's suggested getting a new mirena coil fitted and recommends low dose antidepressants for the mood swings. Not sure how I feel about it all really.

@Marmalade Please look up the NICE guidelines and take those with you. Blood tests are unreliable mainly. Drs have been told to diagnose on symptoms. They are also told VERY clearly not to give out ADs for women who are not clinically depressed and diagnosed as such. read this for yourself. All online.

Your blood tests ought to be done on days 2-5 of a cycle, over 2 cycles. If you have the Mirena you won't know when these are.

I'd see a different GP and if you can't then ask for a referral to a gynae who is a menopause expert.

All this faffing about when anyone can see your symptoms scream 'menopause' is ridiculous.