Perimenopause and IVF

[IVFthenPERI]

I went through 5 rounds of IVF, countless amount of hormones injected into me.

I’m now 43 and was blessed finally with twins who are now 4

I’m absolutely convinced I’m peri menopausal, I’ve had to start taking Sertraline as I was spiralling, my skin is terrible. The dry skin on my head/back or my neck is so embarrassing. I cannot wear anything dark. I’m washing my hair every single day with T-Gel in a bid to get on top of it.

Ive been referred to an endocrinologist as my coritisol levels are really low, and they need to rule out Addison’s disease.

I’m aware that there is no evidence that IVF brings on peri/menopause early but in all honestly I do not believe it. You cannot inject that many hormones into your body and it not have a long lasting effect.

I’ve got a telephone conversation with the GP on Wednesday where I’ll be pushing for HRT

Does anyone else have any similar experiences?

43 would be a completely normal age to start experiencing perimeno symptoms.

I had ivf too and really didn't like all the drugs but I don't think I can blame them for my menopause. I'm 47 now. Peri symptoms really ramped up for me at around 44-45. It really is shit. At least it is talked about now.

IVF doesn’t work that way (ie by using up eggs thus bringing forward menopause) but perimenopause is the 10 years before menopause the average age of which is 51 so yes you are probably in your perimenopausal years.

I had IVF (male factor) and my peri symptoms didn’t really start until 48ish and were characterised by increasing and lengthening PMT.

I’m 57 and still not technically through the menopause as I haven’t gone 12 months without a period yet.

43 seems like a totally normal age to be in perimenopause. I was about 40 when I started

It may be better to see a consultant gynaecologist who is experienced in both fertility and menopause (they do exist!) They will give you better advice than an endocrinologist.
If you had fertility issues, it's likely (or possible) that you will have an earlier menopause anyway if your ovaries weren't performing as well as they could have anyway.
Try to see a specialist and the treatment for an early-ish peri is HRT - no risks apply to women using it in their 40s - it's just topping up what you should have naturally till 51-52.