Peri and what to do?

[bebeenjoysthetheatre]

I think I've started perimenopause and I don't really know what my options are. I've been to the GP who did one blood test I think this was during ovulation and said he sees know problems with my hormones. My symptoms are:

Changes to skin - psoriasis and allergic reactions which I've never had before.
Changes to period - cycles are now completely irregular 7-14 days early or late
Changes to mood - low mood and easily irritable
PMS - intense low mood for about 2 weeks during my cycle
Hot flashes - waking up with night sweats
Weight gain - despite increasing exercise routine and eating healthier
Low sex drive - completion disappeared
Easily irritated by kids - I am usually the calm and rational parent and have suddenly no tolerance
Forgetful - forgetting what I'm doing

It's driving me mad. I don't know if I can pursue anything or if the doctors can help me with anything. I have audhd and from my experience in puberty I was a complete wreck. I don't want to go through another massive hormone imbalance.

Can anyone help?

I started HRT patches last year and they have been amazing . I was having the same symptoms and just didn't feel myself any more . I use the patched because I'm on warfarin for life . I have had to increase the dose last month because some symptoms came back but the increase has made a big difference and I feel so much better now. I was also getting skin itching on my face and body that started a couple of months ago and that has also now stopped. If you are having issues with a dry vagina then speak to your GP about trying creams or pessaries .

Im also under 40 when I went to the GP with similar symptoms. In the end and after reading lots of guidance I asked to try HRT to see if it made any difference. She seemed much more comfortable letting me try something without having to formally accept that it was perimenopause. Now the specialist nurse just gives me a repeat. It's made a massive difference to my symptoms and from what I've read if you go through perimenopause early then HRT can be extra beneficial for some of the wider health benefits not related to your direct symptoms.

Disappointingly I was supposed to have an appointment yesterday with the GP. They didn't phone until an hour after the appointment time which I then missed and they just sent me a text to say book in for bloods.

@firsttimekat oh really, the gp has advised they would not start HRT in general practise for someone under 40. Could they be a location lottery or do you think they are fobbing me off?

Not sure but they may think that under 40 is more specialist so you need menopause clinic.

This might depend where you live eg in the US they can be more resistant to starting HRT before periods have finished or under average age. Scotland seems to have regional guidelines.
If in the U.K. check the guidelines I linked and use them to refer to re testing. “Normal” can cover a wide range for blood tests. As mentioned by another poster it can help to discuss a trial of HRT to see if it helps, otherwise ask that other tests should be done if they feel your symptoms are caused by something else eg thyroid or vitamin/iron deficiency

Did they offer to refer you on or was it just a flat no? Sounds a bit like trying to fob you off. I was offered a referral but while I was waiting they were ok with trying and it made such an obvious difference I never bothered with the referral. I’m based in Sussex if there is regional variation. Obviously check symptoms aren’t caused by something else but while young it isn’t too young. No need to wait until periods have stopped. There does seem to be such variability in what is on offer and what views are held by drs. Read up on the NICE guidelines and go prepared to push for what you want or ask to be referred elsewhere to someone that can help.