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[periwinkle68]

Is there any way to tell when you are getting close to actual menopause?  Other than the obvious of not having a period for 12 months, I'm just wondering if perimenopause symptoms lessen or change when your body is nearing the "official" menopause?  My last period was in December 2017. My periods have been irregular since 2015 and that is when all my horrible perimenopause symptoms started.  I've been suffering horribly for 3 years now, but it does seem that some of the horrible symptoms are lessening a bit.  Yet at the same time, new ones are presenting, for example, I've recently had an increase in heartburn.  Just wondering if any women have noticed their perimenopause symptoms lessening right before hitting actual menopause. 

[Dancinggirl]

Hi periwinkle
The peri stage can be very up and down with the fluctuations but once your periods actually stop it takes up to 2 years for the hormones to bottom out. So menopause symptoms and the oestrogen deficiency continues to have an effect I'm afraid. Many women find meno symptoms intensify once in post menopause and for some the flushes settle after a couple of years whilst for others things never really settle.
Digestive issues and heartburn do seem to emerge with meno. This is not surprising as oestrogen supports the muscles and skin and this effects so many parts of our bodies - everything dries out as well. Heartburn is particularly common so needs to be handled - please try To avoid using PPI drugs, GPs are very quick to prescribe these, - in my experienced PPIs can cause other digestive issues. Change the way you eat ( so smaller portions with less fat and cut out as much sugar as possible) and take Gaviscin after a meal. Don't eat too late in the evening.
I can't remember why you aren't using HRT? Is this not an option for you? DG x

[periwinkle68]

Dancinggirl,

HRT may become an option soon.  My GP says that if I don't have a period for a full 6 months she will try giving me HRT.  I know based on what I have researched, she is wrong, that you can give HRT to a woman in perimenopause, but she is against it.  However, at my last visit she realizes how much I'm suffering and she is willing to try it if at my next visit in June, if I still haven't had a period, she will prescribe something for me.  The problem is that my options will be limited because my insurance doesn't pay for much and it appears some of these HRT prescriptions are very expensive. 

As for the heartburn, unfortunately I have had heartburn/GERD issues since 2013, but they have been under full control with an over the counter drug called Zegerid.  However, just recently, my heartburn has returned full force, the medicine isn't preventing it anymore.  That was why I was asking about heartburn symptoms getting worse.  My medication isn't even working now to control it.  I am going to try some of the diet/food tips you mentioned. 

Based on reading the posts on this forum, it seems like you have a lot more options in the UK for finding menopause specialists.  In the USA, I've been searching for years now to find someone who really knows and understands perimenopause/menopause.  Everyone here says to go to an OB/GYN doctor, but they only seem to know about babies and the basics of the reproductive system - they are not very educated on menopause and all that goes along with it.  Most think it only involves some hot flashes and irritability. It's crazy that in America they don't seem to recognize that for some women, like myself, there are so many symptoms that it can become debilitating.  I'm very fortunate in that I have a good job that allows me to work virtually from home, if I didn't, I would have lost my job a long time ago.  There's no way I could go into an office every day feeling the way I do. 

[Daisydot]

Hi periwinkle you can always email dr currie on this site for some very good and practical advice then you could copy and take her recommendations to your own doctors as she is one of our top meno specialists here.If you look on the home page it will give you the link to email her.good luck xx

[periwinkle68]

Hi periwinkle you can always email dr currie on this site for some very good and practical advice then you could copy and take her recommendations to your own doctors as she is one of our top meno specialists here.If you look on the home page it will give you the link to email her.good luck xx

Thanks Daisydot.  I only have a month and a half left before my current GP will prescribe for me.  I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer.  And, as I said, I'm not even sure I will be able to afford it.  Depending on the cost, I may or may not try it.