Am I in later peri menopause/approaching menopause?

[goingdownfighting]

Good evening all.

I'd like people's advice and experiences on transitioning into menopause, or post menopause.

I think I'm in late perimenopause (I may not be, that's how it messes with your mind I guess) with lots of symptoms, mostly mild so far.

My periods are getting further apart after a few years of them being very close together and v v heavy at times. I first went to my GP in 2020. This has been my biggest symptom. My other symptoms (all mild) have subsided considerably. I'm 45. I've been checked at the docs - bloods, u/s all clear.

So what can I expect going forward? I've read things can get worse eg hot flushes start etc and I need to be referred (told by my GP) to a specialist if I want HRT. I'm not sure about this as I'm managing the symptoms so far but would like to discuss bone/heart risks and make an informed decision. Is it too early to ask for a referral?

Mild symptoms have been

slight vaginal dryness
Occasional aches and pains
Brain fog
The odd palpitation
Poor sleep
Large face with shrivelled up skin
Weird random acne every now and then
Mild fleeting depression
Occasional rage
Belly fat
Tiredness
Don't give a fuck
The odd chin hair and a really straight spiky eyebrow hair.

Why do you need to go to a specialist for HRT? And why can’t your GP discuss heart/bone risks?

I have higher than nothing risk of breast cancer.

*average

If I were you I would get on vagifem as soon as for the dryness. You really don't want that getting any worse, believe me.

@Tootsey11 thanks for the tip. Things got really sore about a year ago. Used some lube which helped - did consider bothering the GP but it cleared up after a few days. The dryness is not noticeable in day to day life yet.

I avoided HRT until the mood swings were too wild and I wasn't enjoying life.

The rest I found able to cope with.

I'm about 2 years into irregular cycles and on my 4th round of over 150 days with no period.

Sorry but I have to ask....large face as a menopause symptom?

By all means see your gp to discuss options.

My best advice to you is sort out your diet and exercise....I follow melissa neil on YouTube.. she's brilliant.

Ignore me if not applicable!

@Justbecausethefirsttimewehadanenormouscrowd

Kind of yes. My face seems just bigger and wider and flatter. I've studied the ageing face as part of my profession and perhaps it's a combination of receding hairline, loss of contour but my face has got bigger.

@Justbecausethefirsttimewehadanenormouscrowd these have improved massively and I can't get way with poor eating or not keeping active - the effect on my mood and health is noticeable. There are definitely areas for improvement but I'm making slow progress. I'm trying to make habitual changes which take longer.

I think I'll ask for a referral but think if I'm managing symptoms and getting past it then is there a point?