Menopause or breastfeeding?

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I am in my early 40s and have a 15 month old who I have been breastfeeding. My periods returned 6 months after birth but then stopped 2 months ago. I also wake up at night sweaty. Is this likely to be linked to the menopause or is it likely to be due to low oestrogen caused by breastfeeding?

If the former are their any supplements I should take? I also feel really fatigued and my whole body aches but this may be caused by children waking me at night and also getting over covid a month ago.

In normal times I would go and see the GP but not sure if it is a good idea at the moment.

I've not heard of AF coming back after 6 months then stopping again whilst BFing.

Think I'd at least want to talk it through with the GP over the phone.

Just to state the obvious, have you taken a pregnancy test?

I started menopause at the age and in those circumstances.

Thanks all. Yes I have taken a pregnancy test twice. I think I will give my GP a call.

I wonder the same every day! My circumstances are similar. DS is nearly 3 and only feeds at night for comfort. My period didn’t come back for two years after he was born, which was great at the time. But what’s come back has become heavy, irregular, long and weird. I’m getting joint pain, especially knees, which I’ve never had before. A big psoriasis breakout all over recently, too. It’s been a while since that was so bad.

It could be the BF, age (!), stress or a combo I guess but I’m staring to think peri. I’m 42.