Is this peri?

[willsandnoodle]

Good morning. I’m 35, and feel different. My muscles are stiff and sore and have been for a while - I’m very aware of myself when I’m walking and moving if that makes sense. I’m shattered all the time.
i am in good health, I don’t drink or smoke. Normal bmi. Worried about eyesight too, but had eyes tested yesterday and they’re fine.
im worried about perimenopause and I don’t know what to expect. My vagina feels heavier, and I’m also aware of it. Is this a symptom? What should I expect in the run up to menopause/ perimenopause and how can I prepare please?
every time I try to do weights I end up hurting myself for days after - I used to weight lift regularly and never had this problem.

I have adhd, and am medicated. I also have three children, 2 older and a 3 year old - I’m also work full time.

I’ve looked on the internet many times, but would really appreciate some real life stories of what to expect please. Thank you 🙏

Regarding your symptoms , I’d be asking for your thyroid/iron/B12 to be checked.
I’d tell any woman preparing for older age that they need to do 3 things. Lift weights to maintain/improve muscle, something leg strengthening like walking/running/spin, and something for balance like yoga/pilates.
As for being sore after weights, just keep going, perhaps drop the weight and work up. Also think about form.
My first peri symptoms, looking back, were more frequent/heavier periods and increasing PMT.
When you get to peri, think about taking a good omega 3 for joint pain, vitamin D3 with K2 for bones, and a vitamin B complex for energy. Also add in magnesium glycinate for sleep.

@DustyLee123thats great thank you! I did have low iron but I take a supplement. I didn’t think about b12, is that common?

Do you know what age your Mother was when she started the menopause as this maybe helpful for you as you may start at a similar age. Unfortunately there are so many conditions that can be put down to menopause, but getting blood tests done will help if you are deficient in anything.

At 35 - with 3 young children - you are most likely just tired or vitamin deficient.
Go to GP, describe your symptoms, do bloods, etc.
You have, on average, another 10 years to peri.

In parallel - do all the normal things - eat healthy, sleep enough. Take vitamins.

Take some magnesium - it often helps with tiredness, and muscle recovery after exercise. And Vitamin D - as most are deficient in that.

I’ve heard of magnesium, what’s the best way to take that? Tablet?
my mum had early menopause due to cancer treatment so it’s hard to know.
I will have to look more into suitable supplements, but there are so many out there that it’s so tricky to know where to start and what to believe

@willsandnoodle

Your mom’s early menopause was bc if cancer treatment.
Tell your GP - there is a history of cancer, and you have been feeling off. Some cancers can be hereditary, and you should keep an eye on it. And push GPs to do regular tests, if appropriate.

Magnesium is a straightforward pill - Boots or any pharmacy have it. Start there.