Possibly peri. Do I need to do anything?

[RosieCosy]

I've just turned 41. My periods were 30-32 days, but last month it was 27 days and this month it's 35 and counting. My mum was in peri at 40 so I'm assuming it might be related to that. Otherwise I feel ok, anxious but I have a sort of stressful life and I'm generally anxious anyway. Also a couple of times I've felt warm - like I do just before my period starts - but not red hot like I hear people describing a hot flush. But on the whole I don't feel any different apart from my missing period.

So my question is, do I need to do anything? Do I wait till I've missed a few periods, or until I get worse symptoms? Do I actually need to see a gp at all? I'm a bit confused and not sure if I should be taking hrt (assuming it is peri) because I'm under 45?

You don’t need to do anything unless you’re getting symptoms that are impacting on your life that you feel you need support with. Not everyone gets hot flushes - I didn’t.
I’ve attached some information about perimenopause and menopause. HRT, if it is offered, is done so based on symptoms. You could also look at other lifestyle measures to help.
https://menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MEN0921351544-005_Menopause-Support-Booklet-5-3.pdf

Thank you. That's really helpful

You might want to read up about osteoperosis and vaginal atrophy, 2 things that HRT can help with.

I found the anxiety reduced greatly when I started HRT.

@RosieCosy i think the sooner the better if you’re noticing anything.

menopausematters.co.uk is a great website with lists of ‘symptoms’ which I brought to my gp.
one of those was recurring uti which I had, and never thought could be peri.

i was prescribed a vaginal oestrogen cream which was great. And then after that oestrogen gel / stickers and progesterone, and then testosterone.

It’s a journey!

Thanks. I've been doing loads of reading so I'm a bit clearer on my options now.