Is this perimenopause or am I just horrible now?

[ginseng2]

I'm 40 (just) but mother didn't go through menopause till 56.

Symptoms since pregnancy (3 years ago):

• very unsociable. Don't really enjoy seeing anyone and nothing to say when I do.
• very irritable. Get angry much more quickly than I used to.
• feel tense, on edge, particularly around a lot of noise/activity.

I don't feel depressed I don't think. I'm happy as long as I can stay in and don't have to see or talk to anyone. I obviously am still seeing people but it always feels like a chore.

My questions are:

1. could this be perimenopause or am I just grumpy?
2. how can you find out?
3. what if it is? How young can you start HRT? Are there any other treatments?

It might be having a young child that is causing you to feel like this. Maybe your bandwidth is full.

It could be any kind of hormonal imbalance, have you had your thyroid levels checked recently?

Have you got any physical symptoms, like your periods getting lighter or heavier? Cycles longer or shorter? Hot flashes/cold flashes?

I think at this stage there's not enough to go on to say it's perimenopause vs low mood vs as @Drivinginmycar basically being knackered from having a young child.

Visit GP, Repeat bloods should confirm.

You can ask for blood work. In 44 and will start HRT in a week or so sort of.

I have recent had a mirena fitted which is partly for its progesterone. So that is sort of HRT but it's also for contraception.

You don't mention hot flushes or difficulty sleeping so to me it sounds more like mental health - stress?

Maybe, although I had a lot of blood tests before and during pregnancy (had IVF) and nothing raised then. Could have emerged since then I guess.

Periods all totally regular, no other physical symptoms so could be 'just' mental health but just doesn't feel like depression. Just feel very off other people!

Did you get out of the swing of seeing people during pandemic and not get back into it? Might be slight social anxiety and overwhelm with children? Get bloods done in case, but might be you haven't found your crew of people you feel comfortable with since having kids. It is hard.

Also, i could have written your post after ds1. I look extremely friendly and sociable, but I only really like people properly when I've known them years. I ditched baby groups because I didn't like the mums. I realise ow they were probably nice people (one i didnt like that much, ive re-met at school.and she's lovely, so it was my perception). , but I felt a bit out of my depth.

There are many possible reasons why you might feel like this. But please can we get away from the idea that perimenopause makes women bad tempered, unsociable or horrible.

Have you had your thyroid checked since you gave birth?

I feel like this at 44 😫😫

Pretty sure it's peri but as others have said, in your case it could also be having a small child

Maybe. I don't know I feel anxious though, more just really can't be bothered. I feel like any time anyone tries to arrange a meet-up my first reaction is 'how can I get out of this'