I am 48 and am probably in perimenopause as I have many symptoms although the GPs at my surgery won’t really acknowledge this.
I have had some gynae issues for some years now.
I have always had heavy periods but the last 8+ years they have been very heavy with clots. US scans found uterine polyps and uterine lining of 18mm. I also get reoccuring ovarian cysts.
I had them removed 6 years ago and was told it would solve the issue. It didn’t, they grew back and I had the same issues.
4 years ago I was due to have them removed again, I asked the gynaecologist if I could have an ablation at the same time but under a local as I have issues with general anaesthetic. He agreed to this. On the day I went into hospital and had my pre-med. The anaesthetist came along, looked at my records and refused to do the ablation under a local so I just had the polyps removed, was told that would solve the issues,
again, it did not.
So for the last 4 years my periods have become heavier and heavier. I was told I can’t have the mini pill or mirena due to aura migraines and strokes in my family history. Tranexamic acid upsets my stomach even more (I have IBS)
I am now very anaemic with ferritin levels of under 5.
In September I had yet another hysteroscopy and polyps removal.
The gynaecologist removing them said I would be an ideal candidate for an ablation and she did not understand why I could not have had it under a local 4 years ago. She has made me a gynaecologist appointment for next week to discuss this option (with a different gynaecologist).
Having the polyps removed in September has not helped my periods at all, in fact they are heavier than ever!
I don’t know if this is to do with perimenopause but I am absolutely dreading my periods these days. I feel ill several days beforehand. I get very, very anxious, headaches, diarrhoea, lower back, pelvic and hip ache and generally feel like shit. During my (very heavy) periods I am starting to get more aura migraines and more upset tummy and literally have to stay at home for 3-4 days.
After my period for several days I literally feel as though I am recovering from an illness, I feel so drained and just down right shit!
I have enough of feeling like this and my GPS and gynaecologists not taking me seriously. The anaemia alone is hard to deal with.
Can I ask to see referred to a menopause specialist? Does such a service exist on the NHS? I can’t afford to see the likes of Louise Newson, as much as I’d love to.
I can’t carry on feeling this way. I hate my hormones right now. This is not a fun age for me.