Perimenopause! What is your experience?

[LilEv]

So I am 38 and have seen some changes in my body, starting with digestive issues, moving to sudden intolerances, low vitamin/ folic levels and then the dreaded facial hair! I didn’t consider this could all be related to possible perimenopause, until I spoke to a nurse today about having my coil changed (which on a side note I am terrified about after my last experience- long story). But I am really interested in hearing other women’s experiences of perimenopause and any tips on survival 😊💪. Xx

I’m 42, the special number that doesn’t feel so special at the moment lol. I’ve noticed my body’s metabolism has slowed right down, have gained some weight, I get hot flushes from time to time that can cause headaches, I don’t get angry but I do get emotional at the most random of times over silly things, massively increased libido which should be a yay, but I’m single so it’s a frustrating nay 🫠 and overall more body hair luckily no facial hair. I do have PCOS which I’m sure exasperates symptoms

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have noticed weight gain too, all around the middle, I am trying to lose weight but it is definitely harder. And don’t get me started on body hair! Boo! Are you taking anything to help or just braving it? Xx

When i went through it, there were many less options for HRT and none of the suited me so I did it cold turkey. This is not look at big brave me, If I was doing it now, I'd definitely be using it if it suited me.
Anyway what worked for me was keeping naturally cool, not just for the hot flushes but it helped with the dizzy spells as well. So windows open, dressing in layers of natural fibres, natural fibre bedding. Drinking extra water and swearing a lot seemed to help too. I used OTC pain relief for the general aches and pains and also keeping moving

What I found didn't help (sorry) was any of the complementary stuff. I tried it all. Also luckily what didn't help was giving up sugar and alcohol. I never was much of a drinker or sugar user, tried 2 months without either and was quite relieved that it didn't help!

Thanks for sharing. Is it true that it gets worse before it gets better? Also, did you experience any digestive issues? Xx

That’s ok, it’s quite the journey that isn’t talked about much. Same as me! It all seems to go to my middle rather than arms or legs. Don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing lol. Feels like someone pushing all their rubbish under a rug 😅 oh dear sorry to hear you have the body hair too! I’ braving it, I doubt anyone will see anyway 🥲 you? Xx

You would have laughed at me last night, I was plucking my eyebrows, stomach and boobs 🤦‍♀️🤣 I then epilated my legs and wondered if I could epilate my face and then went for it, it definitely made my eyes water!! But actually did a good job! Hoping it wont grow back as much now. Im married, 2nd marriage as my first husband run off with another women, I openly tell my husband about my de-fuzzing I think he thinks I mad lol x

yup. That was my experience, started off dealable with and escalated to bloody awful then mostly tailed away. I am on my early 70's now and still get the aches, dizziness hot flushes and other symptoms but not nearly so bad and I will say that the worst of menopause was a walk in the park compared to my periods but thats not everyone's experience. I have had IBS since my young teen years so can't comment on digestive issues...certainly the IBS didn't get worse.

Oh gosh 😅 good on you for braving the plucking, my pain tolerance is nill haha. I’ve been getting rogue hairs on my boobs and tummy (sorry for the tmi) it’s a nightmare. As long as no face or back hair then I’m happy 😮‍💨 sorry to hear about your first marriage 🙁 haha let him think you’re mad, will keep him in line 🤣 I’m a widow myself

forgot to say I have digestive issues like you and godmum but I always have had issues so nothing new there 🫠

That is reassuring, as I have always had horrendous periods and I have suspected Endometriosis. I too have IBS but it just seems so much worse of late, like I am intolerant to more foods than ever. But I am glad to hear it eventually calms down. I appreciate you sharing with me as I dont have any friends and my husband avoids conversations like this, understandably so 😆 xx

Really sorry to hear of your loss hun, if ever you need a chat I am a good listener. x

Thanks, I appreciate it x

I’m not allowed HRT (breast cancer). Things that have helped me are having a light wool duvet or a sheet depending on how warm the weather is and magnesium for sleep.

The first few years were the worst- aches everywhere, heart palpitations, getting REALLY cross, general mood swings, brain fog and very heavy periods.

6 years in, the brain fog is improving (possibly because I set reminders for everything now, but I wake up stupidly early when my period is due. Constipation is a recent symptom. And weight gain.

Thanks for sharing. So sorry to hear about your breast cancer. It is really helpful and reassuring hearing others experiences and helpful tips. Brain fog is something else I really struggle with, so I am glad to hear things do improve with time x

Following with interest! I recently read an article about microsdosing mounjaro on the guardian which is supposed to be very helpful for perimenopausal women. Does anyone have any experience of it

www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jul/12/microdosing-weight-loss-jabs-off-label-glp-1-mountjaro

I am late 40s ; started suffering around 44. Had rage, night sweats, periods all over the place & flooding, facial hair, insomnia. HRT has been a life saver! My sleep is vastly improved, bleeding under control, rage much lessened although general tolerance levels vary!! I maintain a healthy diet & BMI, & exercise daily, which must help.

Thanks for sharing. I am so unsure about HRT, as I couldn’t take certain contraceptives because I responded badly. I am assuming this may be the case with HRT? But have no idea as this is all very new to me xx