Is this perimenopause?

[AnxiousAnnie1984]

Hi MN’ers!

I am trying to work out whether I am perimenopausal or just a ND-burnt-out mom-of 2 😆

For context: I had to quit working last year due to what I (and the dr) thought was stress or burn-out: I had a rough year with my then newly diagnosed DS9 and other DS4 had health issues all winter so come spring &short vacation I sort of crashed having many vague symptoms:weird periods with clots(new for me), dizziness, heat intolerance,extreme anxiety (i have an anxiety disorder but this was another level), night sweats, disrupted sleep,brain fog and crushing fatigue.
Had a check up at gynaecologisist (transvaginal ultrasound, hpv check) last December and all was fine.

Ever since,the fatigue,disrupted sleep, brain fog,night sweats and bouts of anxiety are my new normal and the periods are heavier and have clots every month (i find them quite impressive!) I also feel like I have PMT half of the month (around period& ovulation). Energy is zero. I feel so desperate most days as there is so much I want and love to do but I am always tired.
went to check ferritin today and sort of hope this is low so I can do something about it..

I’m 40!! Also probably on the autism spectrum but somehow I was always able to cope. Now al ASD traits are magnified. Is this peri?!
How long is this going to go on for?!
Any others around my age with similar experiences?

thanks!

Sounds text book peri. I was 43 when my symptoms started.

Sounds like peri menopause, i had very similar symptoms. Time wise it can last up to 10 years. Some people sail through it others struggle. I had the Mirena coil due to horrendously heavy periods. Now post menopausal.... thank zod

Thanks!
I said this to my doctor & gynae last year but they almost laughed it off bc of my age and the fact that periods are still regular. (Although funnily enough currently going through a longer period, am on day 8 after having 1-2 days of nothing. This is also unusual for me)

I read up on (peri)menopause and (dr marie claire haver) but just wanted to hear from other women on here. How long did peri last for you or are you still in it?

I did read about 10 yrs but hoping thats an extreme 😆 because how can i do 10 years of this??!
Glad for you it’s over and I hope it’s better on the other side 😉

I'm still in it. Periods still regular. HRT has dealt with most symptoms. Anxiety is still there though.

Absolutely sounds like menopause and if you are anyway undiagnoised on a spectrum - this is where it is going to wallop you in the face with a wet fish.

Menopause makes masking impossible - so, so many women only get their diagnoise when peri/menopause makes an appearance

It is a nightmare

That line about the wet fish gave me a chuckle 😆 Very accurate though.
do I gather from your message that you too are in the throes of Neurodivergent Perimenohell?
good luck 💪🏼

@AnxiousAnnie1984 the 10 years is worse case scenario.....also the hormone levels fluctuate so blood tests may not be completely accurate. Best talk to your GP about hrt. Hope you feel better soon x

Thank you. I’m not in the UK and bloodwork to test for menopause isn’t a thing here; mainly bc of the accuracy issue. We are also behind when it comes to HRT. I think its only prescribed for 5 yrs max so I’ll have to find the sweet spot.

just found out I have low ferritin but normal hemoglobin so maybe iron tablets will relieve some of my symptoms.. 🤞🏼