Is this Perimenopause and how can I find out

[amidsummernightsdream]

Just been to the gp after suffering last 6 months with a range of symptoms.

She said could be stress related or peri but difficult to tell.

I did have bloods done a few months ago that showed all levels in normal range but she said that doesn’t necessarily mean anything as hormones are up and down in the month. However, she didnt want to repeat the blood test so soon ( was around 4 months ago)

For context I’m 38, so on the young side for it

The reason I’m asking is I think it’s important to know whats causing my symptoms as surely that then dictates the appropriate treatment.

For now she has given me propranolol and rebooked me to come in 2 weeks.

These are my symptoms

Stressed/ overwhelmed (vastly more than usual)
Migraine ( always had them but struggling with increase in frequency)
Spotting - on and off for the week or so period due
Heavier, painful periods- bad pms
Mood swings irritability
Brain fog- forgetting words/ saying wrong words frequently
Feeling dizzy
Heart palpitations- lying down, relaxed
Sugar cravings
Tingling in fingers although better with iron tablets i was given for low ferritin

Any thoughts? Should I push for another blood test? Would it even be helpful?

I’m just struggling so much with these physical symptoms

Have a look at the Balance website by Dr Louise Newson which has loads of resources on this and lots of helpful information.

She says blood tests are not helpful in peri diagnosis. If you can afford it you could perhaps book an appt at their clinic.

I have exactly the same symptoms, the same results and am on iron for low ferritin just like you.

I'm 3 years older.

My doctor doesn't seem interested in seeing me again. Has suggested I do some talking therapy (self referral) as I rejected anti-depressants.

(I also have some worries going on)

I'd love to hear others input. Good luck with getting better.

I’d ask for a 6 month trial of HRT, if the symptoms go you know it is, if they don’t it isn’t.

Could anxiety & stress easily explaimn most of those symptoms? Have you tried treatment 4 anxiety ?

@randommm thanks this is very helpful

@Hoolahoophop sorry to hear you are going through similar and sorry you’re doctor has not been supportive.
The gp today took me very seriously but still didnt feel like I got any answers

@lljkk it very well could be and I’m very open to that being the cause. Gp prescribed propanol as that should help with anxiety symptoms and the migraines, so seems a good first step.

I don’t know though. I have had anxiety previously and this feels very different and it has come on very specifically the last 6 months

Sounds very similar to my meno symptoms. But agree it could of course be something else. I was a bit older though. I took, and still take, Sertraline for the anxiety (which came on out of nowhere and was crippling), which really helps. I also went on HRT via a menopause specialist. Worth seeing a specialist rather than gp if you can - it took me over two years for the appointment, but obvs going private would be quicker.

Sounds very similar to my symptoms. I have eventually managed to get a 6 month trial of HRT after much badgering, I’m 40. I started my patches 10 days ago. Within 3 hours of the first patch going on, the palpitations stopped and I haven’t had one since. I started by writing a list of all my symptoms every day and tracked in in line with my cycle, it was easy to see that at the low oestrogen times my symptoms ramped up, particularly the anxiety.

I've said this a million times, if you can go to a private peri/menopause clinic, do so. It's not as expensive as you think it is, and it's so worth it.

You mentioned low iron, can you recall what your levels were for both count & ferritin? Symptoms wise there's huge crossover between anaemia, peri & anxiety without even accounting for the fact they can all feed each other.

You can get peri self tests for £10 in tesco, obviously that doesn't prove that is the cause of your symptoms but it could help put you in the right direction. You bascially have to wee on a two sticks a weeks apart so quick and easy.

I had palpitations and tingling in the fingers/hands/lower arms, it was low ferritin and went with ferrous Fumarate.
Try magnesium L-Threonate for brain fog.
Mirena coil helped with my anger, and stopped the heavy frequent periods which caused the anaemia.