Thank you so much for your advice. My cycles are shorter than they used to be and also they are really heavy for 2 days and then not, just very different to what they used to be.
We cannot currently get an appointment to see our G.P’s and it’s so difficult to have this type of conversation over the phone so I’m going to have to put up with this for a bit longer until I can arrange a private appointment or finally see a G.P in our area. I feel absolutely horrific on and off and I just cannot put up with it much longer. I have been tested for everything else such as thyroid etc and they’ve all come back clear. I will research further online and see what I can do next. Thank you.
Hi Kay B
Just to say that your doctor is probably right that you are not yet peri-menopausal according to the medical definition. As your cycles are getting shorter you are in what is known as the "Late Reproductive Stage" ( or maybe it's phase?) which is the last stage before peri-menopause hits. This is apparently classic. However at this point hormones do begin to start to go awry even if FSH is mostly normal, but ovulation will probably be occurring regularly. As the ovaries start to fail then cycles begin to become sporadic as you enter the peri-menipausal transition. This ties in with the age when your mother went through it and indicates that peri is probably about to start sometime soon....
From what I've read though, this phase can be very challenging (the stage you are in) and pms can become worse. However because oestrogen will still be circulating sometimes at high levels, I suggest HRT as such would not be indicated although I know some women do start taking a low dose at this point.
You really should not need to see anyone privately but in your position, if you are really struggling, I would seriously consider the pill options I mentioned because they regulate the cycle and will stabilise your hormones after a few cycles. This will tide you over during the forthcoming turbulent years and take you through the time hopefully until menopause hits and if you want to you can then transfer to HRT?
Surely you can insist on a face to face if you need it? Alternatively, if this option appeals to you, is there somewhere you can ask for contraception because in essence this is what it is - the pill - where you can get advice and a prescription. Be sure to research the different types and if you decide on something like Qlaira make sure you insist on trying it.
Other options which can help with the bleeding are the Mirena coil, and then if you find you need extra oestrogen - this can be added at a dose which alleviates your symptoms, and increased as needed as the years progress?
Hope this helps and good luck with your decision - do report back and let us know what you decide and how you;re getting on
Hurdity x
