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[Lavender1983]

I have just joined the forum.
Wondering if anyone else is going through peri at 40?
My symptoms started 18 months ago but have become difficult to manage lately.
Irregular cycles, sometimes 2 periods a month.Heavy bleeding,low mood, dry skin,brain fog, aching joints.
GP not supportive, says I am too young but ruled out other causes and just says I have bad PMS.
I have now paid for a private meno GP in August, early meno runs in family.
All these symptoms have turned my life upside down, never know how i will feel day to day.

[Bandango42]

Hi there

I am 43 and my peri symptoms started over a year ago. Probably earlier than that tbh but wasn't really aware until now. Early meno also runs in my family, both my mum and grandma were 40 when their periods completely stopped for good. I'm lucky to have a supportive GP who started me on HRT as soon as I saw him. I'm sorry you don't have the support of your GP, you are definitely not too young to start peri.

Just wanted to let you know you're not alone and I think there are many women on this forum in their early 40's x

[CLKD]

Change your GP!

   no lady is too young.  Some girls never menstruate, others have a few periods then nothing.  Many more women than is realised go into 'peri' 'early' - the years prior to the end of periods - B4 the mean age of 51-ish.

Is there a Nurse Practitioner or a GP interested in womens health or even a GP-menopause bod you could talk to?  Ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic to get onto a waiting list.  Your GP is so out of date 

Let us know how you get on.  Keeping a mood/food/symptom will chart progress as well as a history to discuss with future medics.

[Lavender1983]

Thanks for the responses ladies.

It is reassuring to hear that I am not the only one, the symptoms are really ruining my life at the moment, sorry to sound dramatic.

I asked the practice nurse at my smear and she said she didnt know anything about meno which seemed odd.Just said ask the GP.

The GP surgery has never seen me in person about all this, its always a call or email.My FSH was normal (which I know fluctuates)that was of the reasons they gave for saying Im not in peri.

They just keep saying take anti depressants like it is the answer to it all.Im now very anaemic amd low on b12 from all the bleeding too which doesnt help.

Yes my apt is the 7th August, its a 45 min consult at a private clinic.Just seems unfair that my own practice on the NHS is so unhelpful.

[CLKD]

Go for it Girl!  Explain your reasons for attending privately. Hopefully any treatment that the appt suggests will be prescribed by your GP, some however don't like a patient going privately !  So you may need to be prepared for a battle.

Do buy 'me and my menopausal vagina', written by a Forum Member and a good read.  I bought several copies and handed to the various medical practitioners that I see, as well as my dental practice receptionists. 

It shouldn't be like this with GPs and Nurses being so un-educated. 

[Flossieteacake]

I am so sorry to hear how unsupportive your GP is. I first became aware I was having peri symptoms when I was 38. I was laughed at by a GP and told I had another 13 years to go. A different GP gave me HRT. I wish GP's would stop saying 'too young' as there is no such thing.

If you can afford to go private then that is great but if not, there are NHS menopause clinics which you can ask to be referred to. You may also have better luck talking to a different GP.

I can understand why you are saying it is ruining you life and that does not sound dramatic at all.

[Lavender1983]

Ooh I will get that book.

I did start tracking my symptoms on the balance app but then the GP had never heard of it.When i got past the first 2 symptoms I think my time was up and she didnt really respond!

It just seems so riddiculous that GPs and Nurses are not that clued up.Its only because I question things and do my own research that I have got this far.

Also because I was told several times that Im too young I got a bit paranoid about what my symptoms are, you question yourself!

I had no idea that the NHS had meno clinics, my husband agreed to pay for this appointment.Not something we can afford ongoing though.

Were these people pleased with their copy?!
X

[Lavender1983]

Oh and flossieteacake- my symptoms started at 38 too.I can really empathise with how you feel when the GP doesnt take you seriously.
It knocks confidence out of you.

[Emzib0b]

Hi Lavender,

I’m sorry to hear how unhelpful your GP was and hope there are other GPs at your surgery who are more knowledgeable and sympathetic. The British Menopause Society website has a section where you can search for BMS registered Menopause clinics in your local area (both NHS and private).

https://thebms.org.uk/find-a-menopause-specialist/

Waiting times tend to be very long though so it would be worth keeping your private appointment in August in the meantime.

There are many of us on this forum who are going through/have gone through early peri/menopause. I’m 41 and went into perimenopause when I was 38. It took a few GP visits over 18 months before I got any proper help. I’ve had my FSH tested eight times in the last 3 years and only one was clinically high (>30). Two were in the high 20’s.

I can totally relate to how you feel when you say it’s ruining your life. I hope you get the help and support you need soon from the medical profession. You will find plenty of support and understanding on this forum.