I have been waiting for GP for call me back, since last week, as I think I have perimenopause symptoms.
I am 43 and my mother and maternal grandmother both had menopause at 46, so seems quite possible.
They also both had regular periods that seemed to “stop suddenly” so that fits with the fact that I still have regular periods but they are now 26 days instead of 28 days and only last for one day.
The symptoms have been getting me down, particularly having a stone of fat that I can’t lose (and that is ALL on my stomach, I still have slim arms and legs and even upper body but just a really noticeable tummy and have even been asked if I was pregnant 🥹)
I did a few cheap Amazon urine FSH tests that all came back positive as above 25 (although I know they might not be accurate)
I have been waking up hot and sweating at night for a while but for the last week have had horrendous nightmares that wake me constantly too. Every night, the worst nightmares I’ve even had, all night long. Sometimes I am so itchy I can’t sleep.
I am irritable, like a teenager, at times, with my DH and DC, and I know I am behaving like that my just can’t stop myself.
My confidence has already been affected by suddenly having scaly skin like an old lizard (I had to buy baby oil to put on my legs and moisturiser for my face, I have never bothered with creams before) as well as my stomach fat. I have kept calories low but nothing will shift.
As well as having aching hips and being so tired, so I am feeling like an stiff old lady, lowered sex drive (and it hurting when we do have sex as my body doesn’t seem to be responding in the same way), but this morning the final straw has been that I woke up with…. back acne 😭
It looks like actual acne. Like teenagers get. All red and cystic type spots. It even hurts a bit. Where has it come from?!
It might sound silly but I genuinely feel devastated like this has finished me off. I ate a chocolate orange for breakfast, once I discovered this, and now feel even worse.
I had serious problems with my mental health in my early 30s but got through that and have a happy and healthy life now.
But now I don’t want to leave the house or see anyone ever as I just feel disgusting. I know that looks aren’t everything but I just feel bloated and unfit and sweaty and now spotty and I have no confidence left.
I am sure this is hormonal, I can just feel it. This is how I always felt in the first few weeks /months after having each of my DC but this time I haven’t just had a baby.
My lovely female GP is off on what seems to be long-term leave and now I have some random male dr phoning me back..:
So, just generally - help! I don’t even know where to start but I can’t live with the spots, I need action to get of them immediately.