Can we talk about perimenopause?

[Beachcomber81]

This month my period was 11 days early, lasted a little longer than usual (8 days) and was very ‘fresh’ (red) sorry if tmi.
Im 45 now and probably for the last 12 months have felt increasingly tired, increasingly anxious about nothing, dreading everything, terrible sleep, complete brain fog, forgetting things (recently getting worse). I’m constantly clammy, feel nauseous and just…..ill.

I have made an appointment with the GP (telephone at the end of this month is the soonest I could get).

Does this sound familiar? I’m beginning to wonder if I’m actually ill with something.

Also, if the GP suspects perimenopause and starts me on HRT, did it make you feel any better? Also a bit concerned about that as I used to take the contraceptive pill 20yrs ago and those made me feel a bit crap too.

I feel like the my reality is crumbling at the moment….any experiences are helpful. Thank you 🥹

Yep sounds like it, I’m 51 Dr won’t prescribe me HRT due to blood pressure but everything you describe is me currently, had my last period in Feb.

I’m just 45 and feel like I’ve fallen off the edge of a cliff recently. I’ve had one dramatically early cycle and the one I’m on now was really late for me, i actually thought I was pregnant! Started slowly then a couple of very heavy days and now tapering. I have HORRENDOUS anxiety now and getting through the day can often feel like wading through treacle. My memory is awful and I’ve put on weight. I genuinely don’t know how to navigate this, I always thought they way menopause was talked about was overly dramatic, I was very very wrong x

Thank you both, it’s good to hear similar experiences….and that I might not just be losing it.

I hope you’re coping ok @professionalcommentreader

Yes that is typical perimenopause ask GP if you can trial HRT. It helps look at the balance app it gives info and to let you know you are not alone

I skipped the GP because I suspected that they, as a practice, would not prescribe HRT because I was under 50. I used the Boots online service. It obviously costs a bit more than a normal prescription, but I knew that I would need to advocate for myself. I gave Boots permission to let my GP practice know. Sure enough, they contacted me claiming I was too young, didn’t need it and it could cause long term complications. I agreed to blood tests, although I’m pretty sure they only tell you what’s happening on that day. Anyway, the blood tests confirmed that I was ‘going through the change’ (their words) and that HRT would be beneficial for me. I’m on sequential HRT and just upped my oestrogen patch to 50mg. One of the best things about it is I finally have returned to restful sleep, less brain fog.

Nice guidelines are if you are 45 or over they don’t download tests they can px HRT on symptoms alone. @Beachcomber81 have a think if you would like patches, spray or gel and you should be on sequential HRT as peri and still having periods. All info is on the balance app. I suggest you read up on it before GP appointment. Don’t let them fob you off with antidepressants

If you do nothing else, read up on the symptoms of GSM and if you get any request vaginal estrogen straight away and don't take no for an answer.

Although blood tests aren't required after 45, I'd ask for them anyway. Not hormone levels - they are too variable to tell you anything much - but iron, B12, thyroid.

Iron deficiency is very common in peri, and a lot of symptoms overlap. As do the other 2.

Don't let them fob you off with 'Your levels are fine' - get the actual numbers. Ferritin store should be over 30 as an absolute minimum,ideally 60 plus.

I'm 43 and can relate.

I skipped the GP and went straight on patches with Voy. It's £99 a month so yes not for everyone but it's made the world of difference. Get HRT if you can.