How do I know it's peri?

[LizzieLookAtTheFlowers]

I'm turning 39 next month. I had a baby 18 months ago and I'm still breastfeeding. Cycle returned at 4 months PP and was my normal cycle. I've recently had a very irregular cycle and 2 very late periods, like 2 50+ day cycles. And when they have arrived they are brown and light and short. I'm very irritable and moody and emotional, extremely forgetful. I've been suffering insomnia the past 2 weeks. I have gained lots of weight around middle. I do have ADHD so it's difficult to specify my mood and mental state.

I was hoping to try for one more baby early next year and I'm feeling very worried that this is it for me. How do I know, can I have a blood test? 🤔

Given you gave birth 18 months ago and are still breastfeeding, your situation isn't as clear cut as a woman who isn't, but I can say that I started peri at your age with several of your symptoms, including others. I think it may be difficult to know exactly what's going on while you're still breastfeeding. If you want another baby, it won't hurt to try and get pregnant.

To add, blood tests aren't used to diagnose peri as they are unreliable.

If you want another child then the blood test you need is one to measure your ovarian reserve . You'd need to see a dr for fertility.

Your GP can do a blood test- they are recommended for women under 45 only- but as you are BF they may not give a true picture.

it's most likely the BF that is reducing your fertility- it's know to do that.

What I meant is that BF can stop ovulation while you are still feeding.