Hi Kymmie
Welcome to the forum!
I really feel for you, these early stages can be really tricky to deal with as you're neither one thing or another. Like you my early peri started rumbling at about 40; my periods became very light and short, cycles changed from a religious 28 days to 21, pure menstrual migraines started, vaginal mucus became very light, night sweats started. The only thing that really caused me a problem though were the migraines which built in intensity to such a degree that doctors had to be called out to me as I was frequently status migrainous. My mother had gone through meno at 45 my grandmother at 39 and it was suggested that I was following suit.
Within a couple of years my cycles changed enormously could last anything between 11 and 37 days, both the follicular and luteal phases bucked around, I started having anovulatory cycles and the migraines began to dominate. I'm not telling you this to frighten you just to highlight the fact that through all of this the many bloods taken to try to further analyse what was going on came back with different readings every time. Some were normal and others off the richter scale. I was very lucky in that I was seeing hormone and migraine specialists who were experienced in dealing with this but one GP at my practise entirely rejected the idea that I could be in peri!!
Bloods are totally unreliable in peri. You've said you've started a diary which is brilliant. Keep a daily record of symptoms including mapping out your period. Include sweats, mucus changes, breast swelling and tenderness, headaches and migraines, mood swings, indeed anything that can paint a picture of how you are reacting at each stage in your cycle. Don't let it take over your life, just a few minutes each day. Specialists need this info to be able to make an analysis of how your body is reacting, to what and when! It helps enormously when trying to treat any problems you may be experiencing and will certainly help if you decide to take HRT. It should also confirm to any ill-informed GP that you are in peri. Incidentally, other GPs at my practise were very informed and supportive, it's the luck of the draw!
I very strongly believe that if we know what is happening to us, we are much better able to deal with it. Knowledge is power! Some women really struggle with peri/meno, others just manage, whilst others seem totally unaffected by it. We are all different. Read up on this, not just on this site but elsewhere too. There's lots of info out there. Don't become despondent when you read horror stories, remember often those who are posting on meno sites are those who've really struggled not those who have sailed through. However, this site is brilliant as it provides a base in which you are able to discuss anything no matter how personal, anonymously. It is hugely helpful and supportive with a delightful mix of women all trying to support each other.
I really wish you well x
