How do you know it's perimenopause?

[ConfusedOrchid]

Hi,

I'm 45 and have been having quite a few body aches. I had to have physio as I had strained a tendon near my armpit. Can't remember what it was called (another symptom I'm having is forgetting stuff sometimes!) I get some night sweats but not hot flushes or changes to periods really but I'm on the pill. My question is how did everyone know they were starting perimenopause? My aches are a bit annoying but I'm thinking if it's hormonal I can live with it for now. Has anyone had blood tests for menopause or do they not do that? Not sure whether to go and see the doctor or not at this stage? Any advice would be appreciated as feeling a bit confused right now!

The combination of everything (as you describe!) In isolation, each one could be just that, but aching, brain fog, palpitations the RAGE, lack of patience, night sweats, day sweats, anxiety, weird periods... altogether it added up (and was confirmed by the GP). I was relieved as I felt 100 years old and was worried I had early onset dementia.

Did your GP do any tests or just confirm it from your description of symptoms?