Perimenopause symptoms - is this it, came on suddenly

[leftitlate37]

Hi, read a few posts on here as had some weird symptoms that started really suddenly a few months ago..I thought I had a virus but not so sure. Repeated trips to gp and walk in centre.
Horrendous drenching night sweats (most resolved) now back to a couple of nights before period
Tingling and numbness sensation (not actually numb) in hands and feet and left leg, sort of prickles
Buzzing /vibrations in feet. And other body parts...lasts several seconds.
Itchy face
Knees ache every morning
Occasional weird tastes in my mouth
Left shoulder pain, physio/massage won't resolve it, feels like massive knot...not sure if that's triggering the hand tingling
Next level health anxiety (was awful when the sweats were bad when this all started, I was really not in a good place in hindsight)
Brain fog
Heart palpitations
Sleep getting worse
Periods heavy but changed after baby, generally regular but had one that came two weeks after other
Skins changing fast (lots sunspots appeared )

It's all hard to unpick what's what, health anxiety and brain fog and sleep issues started up after having kids several years ago (now 43) so always assumed that, but perhaps all perimenopause?

Awaiting ADHD assessment for context, and also various tests for the tingling. Iron normal, and B12 normal but low end.

Does this sound like peri to you, and did you have some of these symptoms? For me it's the tingling that's the worst.
Not sure what to do next, I'm awaiting an MRI as they wondered ms but really claustrophobic and don't want it. Some friends suggested hrt trial.

I have heard of these symptoms being peri, but seems odd they started at the same time? I'm not an expert though and yet to get there myself (41). Probably best to rule out anything scary first?

Certainly sounds like you have many of the symptoms. Has your GP not suggested trying HRT? I am now 48 and been on it a couple of years. My main symptoms were terrible bone pain like my bones were on fire, brain fog I hear the words and can read the screen but struggled to process it, irritable. I started on gel and tablets but it wasn't until I sought testosterone privately (found to have low levels when bloods were taken) that it made a real difference.

I would discuss it with your GP and if no joy have a private consultation. I am surprised they have not suggested it tbh.

Thanks both. No GP not suggested, at first I was almost glad they didn't as keen to rule other stuff out before just going oh it could be hormones. But actually I might go back and discuss once got some results of the non MRI test back. And yeah agree good to rule out the scary stuff. It's the MRI anxiety that is making me want to try other stuff first, I've not got a good record with them and I don't think these are quick scans.

How old are you?

Yes.

when you learn that estrogen receptors are in every part of our body, it starts to make sense why perimenopause symptoms are so broad

certainly night sweats, joint aches, frozen shoulder, skin changes, increased anxiety are all classic symptoms yes

I started HRT at 41 mainly due to anxiety but then noticed my joint aches went away, I have more energy etc etc…

I recommend you try and do some reading about it, it’s a huge topic but better to arm yourself with your own knowledge

this is a great podcast to start with - I follow Dr Noor on instagram she’s fabulous open.spotify.com/episode/2fgVYWN9FXUA1p1ssPrZkm?si=FNpa5AZwQCunvj3dodyY0A&pi=zAtpF4iyQ9Gc9&t=35

Thanks @Soleena that's really helpful I'll give that a listen! I've done loads of reading and got Davina's book which nearly finished with, just can't believe how suddenly just got a plethora of symptoms and surprised noone mentioned hormones yet.
Leg would stop twitching all night last night so super tired, making sure track everything so after a few more months should be able to see any patterns. Did U have any trouble with GP and getting hrt at 41?

Hm, I’ve had leg twitches on and off over my adult life, they usually worsen if I’m a tad anaemic?

I now take Floradix liquid about twice a week and it keeps my iron levels ok. (Iron tablets can make me feel nauseous, floradix doesn’t)

I had to go to a private menopause specialist GP in the end as I needed the hour long consult to really talk everything through. She was so kind it was worth the £280… I was in a BAD way before HRT!

My Local GP seems to want to avoid giving HRT ‘so early’ - it’s infuriating given the latest science, they are very behind on this :(