Peri and suffering - where to start?

[Merryoldgoat]

Hello - this is my first post on this board.

I’m nearly 46 and a mess physically and don’t know where to start.

I’ve ordered some books but are there any supplements anyone can recommend?

I’m absolutely exhausted. Forgetfulness has started, I’m irate and fractious and just generally feeling shitty.

How can I feel better?

Book an appointment with your GP of you haven't already. I am turning 47 next month and have just booked in with mine mainly because my body feels like it is 80 - the aches are horrendous.

I had one this morning. He wants me to have some blood tests to check thyroid but he’s willing to treat me based on symptoms.

But I’m not a great candidate for HRT owing to my weight.

Well done for going to the GP and getting the books and taking control.
HRT really helps a lot of women (including me) but it sounds like you're not sure the GP will give it to you because of your weight.
Improving your diet and getting more exercise are two of the best things you can do for perimenopause, whether you're on HRT or not. Cut out/down booze, go for long walks, take up running, do weights, cut down on sugar and ultra processed foods, eat more fruit, veg, and protein.
It all sounds so boring but it really does make a difference. Maybe your diet/lifestyle is already super healthy but for me it's been really important to get more active.

Oh Jesus my diet is horrifying 🤣🤣

But I know I need to change a lot. I think I’ve tipped into feeling so bad I have to change.

Sorry to hear you are feeling so awful with it @Merryoldgoat . I'd second what previous posters have said, and try to look after yourself with a bit more exercise and more veg/less sugar. If you aren't already, take a good multivitamin that contains vitamin D etc. I have found magnesium glycinate to be helpful as it has made a difference to my insomnia. Cod liver oil helped by brain fog a bit too.

I have just started Esteogel. I am already feeling better. Not massively but I bit.

I do need more exercise but have hurt my Achilles so have had to cut back. I would also likely to do more stretching.

For tiredness I’d start vit B complex, and take magnesium glycinate before bed. Plus stop drinking and get a good sleep routine.
For the forgetfulness I’d try magnesium L threonate ( be careful of how much total magnets you are taking) or look at lions mane.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause? I’m very anxious and irritable, my cycles are becoming shorter and periods heavier. I don’t feel myself. Im 39. I’m considering a female hormone blood test with medichecks to see what’s going on, (my gp isn’t helpful really)

Yes, they can be symptoms.
my periods came more frequently, and got heavier. I ended up anaemic so got a Mirena coil to prevent it happening again. I wish I’d had it years before.

Thank you all!

I take 4000 iu vit d daily as I am significantly deficient but I should deffo add in a b complex.

My book arrived today so I’ll get reading and see how I go.