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Original poster

40 and peri symptoms

9 replies

spydie · 01/10/2024 09:14

I was 40 earlier in the year, and the penny has finally dropped that I must be in peri menopause.

Looking back I've been having symptoms for a few years. Youngest DD now 6 and my libido since her birth has been horrific, as in non existent. I've also been having night sweats for a similar length of time.

For the past couple of years at least I've noticed increasing hormonal symptoms, pmt (I never used to get pmt) and now what I'd call rage, pre period insatiable appetite. Anxiety, really low mood and no motivation that can switch on and off by the day or sometimes hour. My hair is falling out in handfuls, my periods have doubled in length to now at least 8 days and are so heavy. I'm a very active, outdoors person (I ride, have horses so have always been very toned and strong) and I'm physically exhausted all the time, walking up a hill has me out of breath and I feel like I can just look the wrong way and put something muscular out that leaves me in pain for days on end. I'm walking like a cripple currently as my back and core muscles seem to have deserted me.

I have a Dr's appointment tomorrow, I'm terrified I'm going to be fobbed off as being too young for peri, but I can't go on like this, I feel like I'm just not me anymore. Does this sound like peri?? Any tips on how to get the best from seeing the GP? I'm worried 40 is too young to be prescribed anything that might help!

OP posts:
DogwoodTree · 01/10/2024 09:24

Maybe the doctor will investigate for other things. Try not to diagnose yourself as peri and then worry the doctor will fob you off as not being peri - it could be something else (I’m not a doctor so haven’t got a new diagnosis for you).

hopefulky they will do a full blood count. You could ask for hormone test although I’ve read that it’s not a helpful indicator as hormones fluctuate.

just go with your list of symptoms and the impact they have on you. Be forceful in insisting the severity of their impact.

chowebella · 02/10/2024 07:14

I've recently turned 40 and been feeling the exact same way. I went to my Dr's a few weeks ago and they told me I was a bit too young for perimenopause 🙄 did blood tests and they came back no further action needed so now I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. I know friends who have had a much better experience with their gp and been offered help and different options. I hope you get a supportive gp but I think we have to be a bit firm with them also in asking for the help we are entitled too, it's your body you know it better than anyone. A friend told me about a great menopause Dr who has a website with great information Dr Louise Newson....Worth a look. Good luck with your gp

socks1107 · 02/10/2024 07:21

I'm mid 40s ( post hysterectomy six years) and have had to go private for hrt.
My gp tried to push the depression line on me and told me to meditate. I hope you get a better response from your GP

GravitasShortfall · 02/10/2024 07:26

They should consider peri, but a good GP will want to rule out things like thyroid issues, anaemia etc with some blood work first. Mine did all that before she would consider peri at the age of 42. She then agreed to try me on HRT and I’ve been on it the last 18 months.

Don’t be fobbed off, but be open to other tests first and other possibilities.

CuttySarcasm · 02/10/2024 07:31

chowebella · 02/10/2024 07:14

I've recently turned 40 and been feeling the exact same way. I went to my Dr's a few weeks ago and they told me I was a bit too young for perimenopause 🙄 did blood tests and they came back no further action needed so now I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. I know friends who have had a much better experience with their gp and been offered help and different options. I hope you get a supportive gp but I think we have to be a bit firm with them also in asking for the help we are entitled too, it's your body you know it better than anyone. A friend told me about a great menopause Dr who has a website with great information Dr Louise Newson....Worth a look. Good luck with your gp

There was a panorama about her the other night. Dr Louise Newson. She’s had her creditation removed by the British menopause society. I’m sure some of the website is useful, but the panorama is worth a watch.

Original poster
spydie · 02/10/2024 12:03

Thanks for all the replies! I saw the GP this morning, I had no idea what to expect as we've relocated and it was a new practice. I was relieved to see a female GP, and she was very supportive, I feel very lucky.

Having some blood tests to rule out anything else and having a follow up appointment, but she said it really does sound like peri and depending on the blood results will likely start HRT.

I went with a list of symptoms written down in case my nerves failed me and I forgot everything, but luckily didn't need it!

OP posts:
PensionPuzzle · 06/10/2024 20:57

Just adding myself in as I'm close in age to you and have realised today that my cycles have gone down to 21 days and a few other symptoms that I'd put down to life related stress have carried on now those things that were causing stress have been sorted. I feel very young at 41 to be exploring this, my youngest child isn't yet 4! Good old mother nature 😂

Trismegistusx · 22/01/2025 18:05

spydie · 01/10/2024 09:14

I was 40 earlier in the year, and the penny has finally dropped that I must be in peri menopause.

Looking back I've been having symptoms for a few years. Youngest DD now 6 and my libido since her birth has been horrific, as in non existent. I've also been having night sweats for a similar length of time.

For the past couple of years at least I've noticed increasing hormonal symptoms, pmt (I never used to get pmt) and now what I'd call rage, pre period insatiable appetite. Anxiety, really low mood and no motivation that can switch on and off by the day or sometimes hour. My hair is falling out in handfuls, my periods have doubled in length to now at least 8 days and are so heavy. I'm a very active, outdoors person (I ride, have horses so have always been very toned and strong) and I'm physically exhausted all the time, walking up a hill has me out of breath and I feel like I can just look the wrong way and put something muscular out that leaves me in pain for days on end. I'm walking like a cripple currently as my back and core muscles seem to have deserted me.

I have a Dr's appointment tomorrow, I'm terrified I'm going to be fobbed off as being too young for peri, but I can't go on like this, I feel like I'm just not me anymore. Does this sound like peri?? Any tips on how to get the best from seeing the GP? I'm worried 40 is too young to be prescribed anything that might help!

Hi, I was wondering if you were able to resolve your symptoms? I hope your GP was able to determine the cause and help you feel better.

Original poster
spydie · 22/01/2025 19:09

Hi there, yes, sort of! I was also anaemic but trying hrt patches at the lowest dose, have about a week left on my third month.

Most of my symptoms have resolved, no longer psychotic 🤣, in all seriousness my mood is really stable, hair has stopped falling out, not getting any pmt type symptoms.... fatigue has resolved as has aches and pains but likely because I was anaemic.

I am now bleeding more than before though, my first period/bleed came on my last day of my first 28 days of the patches, lasted 9 days (thank goodness for an app to track this!) and then have been getting closer together ever since which is annoying. I had 6 days of no blood last week and then it started again. Check up with GP in a couple of weeks so maybe something needs adjusting slightly.

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