How do I know if I'm peri menopausal?

[HowLongToXmas]

I have no relationship with my parents so no way of finding out when my mother went through menopause. I have no sisters so can't check how old they were when their periods stopped. I'm 48 and my period is still regular like clockwork. I had the coil inserted two years ago and, as predicted by my doctor, my period became heavier. But I'd like to know what peri menopause looks like so I could try and understand if I'm there. Can I get a test done? I don't just want to go and see my GP and waste their time (hardly urgent, is it?). Is there an average age when women become peri menopausal and then menopausal?

As far as I understand it, they only test you if you develop possible symptoms early - ie in your 30's. I think the average age range is 48-53.
Have you noticed anything that you are wondering may be a symptom?

There are no tests for peri, it is diagnosed based on symptoms, and can start far earlier/younger than many realise, and peri can last for 10+ years before full menopause.

Common symptoms are anxiety/increased anxiety which can sometimes be severe, insomnia, sore joints, irregular periods, night sweats, hot flushes, headaches/migraines, mood/emotional changes, skin/hair changes, and more.

I don't seem to have any of those symptoms besides heavy periods but these started with the coil two years ago and apparently are a normal change with the coil. I am just curious as I don't want my periods to stop only to go 'oh that's why x, y and z happened...'

Mumsnet have helpfully provided links at the top of the thread with info

It pretty much answers all your questions OP

Thank you. I hadn't seen those. I'll have a look.