Perimenopause experiences / fertility

[Beachbum21]

Hi

I'm 40 and have one 18month old. I had him with the help of clomid for reference. Several years of trying and 2 miscarriages previously. I had him via emergency c section and couldn't breast feed. So my periods returned 3 months after birth. They have been pretty normal up until last month and this month. I went from the usual 29 days to 35 days (17months pp) and again I'm on day 35 this month (18m pp) and still waiting. TMI but I had spotting around day 22 which is not normal for me.

I am overweight and have had some stress in the last couple of months but I get the feeling perhaps I could be perimenopausal.

I'd love a second child but keeping my expectations very low. I just wondered for mums around the 40 mark, what did you experience with returning periods after birth? Did you speak to your GP about perimenopause as I read it's hard to diagnose? Did you have any other tell tell signs?

Love to hear your experiences.

Sorry another question! Does anyone have any podcast recommendations for the menopause or perimenopause?

Sounds like your hormones are a bit out of whack. I wouldn't panic to much straight away. Vitamin b6 really helped to make my periods regular and balance my hormones when they went a bit haywire because of various different things.
I would take vitamin b6 and maybe try and loose a little weight and see if after a few months if they are back to normal.
There isn't a blood test as such as hormones can fluctuate so much. But if you've needed clomid before I wouldn't hang around waiting again. A friend who had one baby after clomid didn't need Ttc for a certain amount of time her dr just put her back on it.

Have you thought about having your egg reserve tested? TBH in your situation, I'd see a fertility/ menopause gynaecologist, privately, and have this basic blood test done. In total, it might cost your around £600 for the first and 2nd consultations and the test, but probably more helpful than asking for other's experiences.

I didn't think about vitamins. Thanks I will definitely explore that.

I thought about having fertility tests but wasn't sure I wanted to spend the money if my chances are dwindling. But I might give it some more thought as you suggest. I didn't think about them being able to advise on both. You're right it's best to ask an expert but that doesn't stop you googling! 😂

Thank you both for taking the time to reply! Have a lovely weekend. ❤️

8s there a chance you could be pregnant?

I think it can take awhile for your system to settle after having a baby no matter your age, some good advice above, look after getting yourself into the best shape possible on all levels..........
The Gita West multi vits were good for me, i also had reflexology and practice yoga.
I had my son naturally at 45 and no two of us are the same.
Best of luck!

Hi, I had DC1 at 39, ebf periods returned after 6 months. Age 42 periods started getting lighter but no other symptoms. I wondered if it was peri but didn't ask my GP - I desperately wanted another and wasn't sure I was ready to face it if my GP said that's it. Eventually I got a fertility check up partly to give myself a reality check because I couldn't stop hoping & the monthly disappointment was getting me down. Most women my age had a 5% chance of conceiving, mine was only 1-2%. Age 44 (& dress size 16, so I was overweight) to my surprise fell pregnant & delivered a healthy baby age 45. Ebf again, still waiting for periods to return (baby is 9 months old). I'm pretty sure that I was starting peri before I fell pregnant because my skin got drier & my hair started to thin. I'm now wondering if my periods will return at all or if that's it now... I lost about half a stone before I fell pregnant - I don't know if that made a difference. You might be starting perimenopause, but whilst your chances of conceiving might be lower its still possible so long as you're ovulating. If you're stressed or have been travelling that can throw your periods out of whack too that said - stress can delay ovulation, which would in turn delay your period/give you a longer cycle. Could be either or both. Good luck x

sorry thats Zita West - she has a website - there are probably other preconception mutlivits

@Can2022getanyworse that would be an amazing outcome but no unfortunately.

@Kazx81 I will take a look thank you! I used to love yoga too. I've got so complacent since covid. I've bought a cheap rowing machine so yoga would be a nice way to stretch after.

@thejadefish congratulations to you! ❤️ Thank you for sharing your experience. Im a size 16/18. I just piled on weight after Lo so I need to get things in order even just to keep up with him!