I’m 38 and I’m worried I’m going through the menopause.

[Fightingback16]

It all started a few years ago with terrible fatigue. Now I have fatigue, brain fog, terrible memory and extremely irritated and irrational at time. My skin has changed, I’ve aged and my hair has gone from straight to curly, it’s very odd and I get palpitations .

Over this year my periods have been random, the last 6 or so they have been 3 weeks apart and heavier. I have cysts in my breasts and without fail each month they because sore and swell but the last few periods nothing, no pain at all.

I freaked out and bought ovulation strips and this month none showed positive.

I had a blood test in November and they said shows nothing, all normal but I don’t feel normal. I have another appointment on weds to talk to them.

Does this sound like I’m starting the menopause? I’m really sad as I came out of an abusive marriage a few years ago. I have another partner and I was hoping for another baby in a year maybe if all went well, but looks like this won’t happen and I know he does want a child.

Based on the curly hair yes. This happened to me. My hair was the first symptom followed by vaginal atrophy and then my digestive tract practically shut down. I have a bulky uterus and I am having at hysterectomy at 45.

Would you consider HRT? Google Louise newson and get yourself good knowledge and then tell your GP not ask for HRT.

I'm sorry about the baby but it's not absolutely not. You may well still ovulate but your oestrogen has begun to drop off.

Yes I have dryness downstairs and IBS, oh no I was really hoping this was not happening, I’m too young.

There is a medical charity The Daisy Network run by consultants from a London hospital, for women with premature menopause.
It' s worth reading their website.

You need referring to a specialist for a full range of blood tests and then HRT if you are having early ovarian failure. Your other blood test was possibly inaccurate or not done at the right time. (Days 2-5 of a cycle and repeated over 2 months). You can also have your ovaries scanned to see your egg reserve.

I spoke to the doctor yesterday again.

She said my bloods in November were normal, my FSH was borderline what ever that means and said depends on when taken in cycle.

She has ordered an ultrasound and another blood test.