Peri menopause?

[user1484587013]

Hi, I don't know if I'm on the right thread so apologies if I'm not. I'm really looking for some help or advice.
The last few months I've noticed a change with my periods, the seen to have become irregular, one month it was late, the following month early, then back on track, now late again!
I've noticed that the first day or so of my period is quite heavy (heavier than its usually been) my symptoms leading up to my period are also changing. For example , this month I've had my usually cramping, tender breasts and a headache that feels foggy (2 days now) but still no sign of my period.
My anxiety started to reach an all time high recently too, to the point where I was referred for talking therapy.
My anxiety settled but I find it peaks quite badly around the time of my period.
I've been struggling to sleep on and off but I'm a shift working so have always assumed that that's the cause behind my sleep issues. I'm 40 years old, almost 41, is this too early to be experiencing peri menopause symptoms?
I had one month where I had slight spotting which only lasted a day, I spoke to my Dr who said she wasn't concerned by it and just to keep an eye on it.
So sorry for the long post but I'm just starting to feel like it's driving me mad, every month I can feel myself getting anxious and wondering if my period will come or not. I've no other symptoms of anything else other than when my period is due.
Any help or advice is really appreciated 😀

No, it's not too early. Peri can last 15 years in some cases. I've just turned 41 and am on HRT due to symptoms such as anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and very unfocused and low. I have been on oestrogel for around 5 weeks now and have the merina years. I feel so, so much better.

My bloods, taken initially by a unsympathetic gp, showed normal levels of oestrogen but the memo specialist I eventually visited confirmed my understanding that bloods are not a reliable way to measure peri menopause. It's how you are feeling.

I recommend joining this Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheIrishMenopause/?ref=share

Its been invaluable to me and my quality of life is much improved.

FYI, I think that my symptoms were you possibly quite 'mild' given my age but there is absolutely no reason that anything unpleasant should have to be endured when there are solutions out there.

Best wishes.

@Sassypants82 What menopause specialist did you see? A consultant or one of the menopause clinics?

@Pollyputhekettleon , I went to a women's health clinic - I'm in Ireland though. It was more expensive than your average gp visit but for me, obviously well worth it.

I'd had a crap experience with a gp who was apparently the most menopause educated in my surgery - she could not imagine that I, at 40, could be experiencing symptoms due to hormones. She point blank refused to consider it due to my age. It was terrible - I felt so bad after it. So, I would always recommend anyone to go to a specialist if a at all possible.