Symptoms, referral by GP, Am I really going into menopause

[norksinmywaistband]

Saw GP a couple of weeks ago with various symptoms and have been referred to consultant as GP thinks I am going into early menopause.
Symptoms include short cycle(19-22 days), Vaginal dryness, painful sex, lack of libido( normal sex drive normally), sore, lumpy boobs which seem to be growing. Paranoia/moodiness

So what is the MN verdict - I am 36 BTW

Why is your GP referring you to a consultant, if you don't mind me asking?

No idea, eggychick, I assumed it was because of my age, change in cycle and painful sex- to rule out stuff other than menopause.
I am afraid I didn't ask, just nodded and left the surgery I am not a good patient. On top of which at the time I had more pressing issues( breast lump, now checked out and cyst diagnosed)

It's just that I am having a blood test with no mention of consultants. I expect your mind was in a bit of whirl - are you having a blood test to check your hormone levels and thyroid function?

no, just referred me to the consultant.
I think thats why I was asking on here to see if symptoms fit or if he has just said that but referred because of other worries.

If you don't mind me asking eggychick, how old are you, are you having similar symptoms

I'm 43; some of my symptoms are the same as yours: anxiety, moodiness etc.

No lumpy boobs but tailing off periods etc.

I think maybe its because my periods are getting closer together, and longer but lighter, gp just wants to get me checked out

Good, I hope it goes well. Sorry you didn't really get an answer to your original question.

Hi norksinmywaistband (great name by the way - glad to know it's not just me!).

The things you describe sound like they could be menopause/perimenopause but would have thought you would need a blood test to either confirm or rule it out.

I remember when I was first diagnosed (via a blood test from my GP), I think one of the things she was concerned about was whether my thyroid was functioning properly.

To her surprise I proved to be menopausal at 38 - though I later conceived before plunging straight back into the hell of hot flushes and mood swings - but now combined with twins!

UPDATE-
Saw the consultant this morning and we are currently working on 3 theories

1. Perimenopausal- most likely
2. Still having symptoms as body recovers from having mirena removed( over a year ago)
3. I have always had odd periods/ hormone issues but not noticed til now due to OCP, coil and babies

She is sending me for a scan to rule out ovarian issues/endometriosis.
Blood tests for hormone levels
I have a oestrogen pessary to help with dryness/pain issues
See me again in 3 months to see where we are.

Unfortunately the main solution in her eyes would be in all 3 cases to have the mirena back again, which I am not keen on as since I had it removed my spotting has stopped ( have cervical erosion) but i think its the less of 2 evils atm