Could it be perimenopause at 34?

[Toastedsesame]

For the last 8/9 months I've been experiencing a lot of odd changes. Lack of energy, low moods, sleeping a lot. My periods have also gone haywire and are very painful where they have always been almost painless before. My boobs ache for half my cycle (from what I assume is ovulation until my period) really badly. My libido is gone. I've also noticed that my hair is suddenly really greasy where it was always dry before. I used to wash it once a week but now it needs it every 2/3 days. My skin is also greasier. One really odd thing - I can't tolerate alcohol anymore? One glass gives me a headache and I feel sick the next day.

We've been TTC our second for 7 or so months and no joy as yet.

I have had two ultrasounds so no cysts or fibroids.

Can anyone relate? Any advice very much welcome. Not sure whether to see my gp or not.

It is quite unlikely to have perimenopause symptoms at 34 unless you have a family history of menopause under the age of 45.
Your symptoms could be caused by low b12, low ferritin or low thyroid levels.
All cause hormonal imbalance at some level. Low thyroid also makes it difficult to conceive.

My peri started about then. No family history. But they did lots of blood tests to rule out other stuff...I had low b12 as well which had similar symptoms.

It's possible, @Toastedsesame - no family history of early menopause here but I was diagnosed as being in perimenopause at 30. I found out because we'd been TTC for a couple of years with no success - when we went for tests, my AMH level was less than one and my LH and FSH were high. They followed up with an ultrasound of my ovaries and my egg reserve (as shown by follicle count) was very low. Practically non-existent, actually.

Having said that, your symptoms are vague and could be down to a deficiency - you won't know until you have some tests. Some fertility clinics offer fertility screening - I think it's usually about £300. Is this something you could consider?

In any case, I hope you're okay and get some answers soon - it's stressful!

Thanks very much for the replies.

I did have low b12 and low vitamin D last year and have been on high dose supplements since and my levels are now within a good "normal" range and I do keep a close eye on it.

I do however have thyroid problems, although they aren't yet at a level I can be medicated for, I wonder if that's the real issue.

No history of early menopause in the family at all.