Search perimenopause and menopause experiences

Age 35 Lady severe symptom: accessible sweating throughout the day, got worse at night

I was 28 when I started to have menopause symptoms and it took me 2 years to get an accurate POI diagnosis that was still denied by NHS GPs and only accepted by private specialists. My POI diagnosis came after my daughters was born and I had a severe decline in my mental and physical health. POI is real and should be taken much more seriously.

48 years I knew there was something wrong for several months, tried herbal remedies but never worked. The mood swings, the anger and low moods, hot flushes, no sex drive. Brain fog couldn’t string a sentence together. Wind and bloating. Insomnia. There’s so many to list

When I initially realised I was having symptoms I put up with them for a long time, pressures of being a midwife, and busy mum I had put it off. It was only after educating myself that I decided to see my doctor for treatment at age 48. I was gaslit by the first doctor, so I sought help from a second doctor who took my symptoms seriously. Being on treatment has had a massive positive benefit and reduced symptoms significantly. I sleep so much better, my joints don’t ache as much, the brain fog has improved. My migraines which I’ve had all my life got no worse with HRT and even stabilised. I look back over the last 8+yrs and realise I was suffering from my early 40’s but had made excuses for my symptoms like stress, busy family life etc. but with hindsight I now know better. I 100% recommend seeking therapy that’s right for you.

Started around aged 36, I think! Had symptoms for about 3 years but didn't really put it down to perimenopause as I was "too young"! Only since following Davina McCall's journey and posts did I start to think it might be perimenopause. Most severe symptoms were irritability and rage at certain times of month and also sleep issues! I also had painful joints and weight gain. Exercise and finding calming activities have helped. But now on HRT so hoping longer term impacts from this.

I was 42 when I started I didn't go onto HRT until 44 Two years of hell

I was on the Depo injection, so not sure exactly when my periods would have stopped naturally. Stopped Depo at 48, no periods there after. I had quite a few unexplained bleeds, gynae believes this is related to Covid vaccinations. GP unhelpful with HRT advice, seen by community gynae at the Hospital who changed my HRT & altered my regime. Initially the worst symptoms were the hot flushes, brain fog, tearfulness, inability to do my job properly, constantly exhausted & joint pain. Once I started Oestrogen, the flushes went away but the rest sadly stayed. I started testosterone & the brain fog, tearfulness & ability to my job improved hugely, but I also collected a few more symptoms - hair loss, weight gain, acne, unwanted hairs on my face & increased hair grown on my legs & stomach.

In retrospect I'd say the first symptoms, heart palpitations, appeared in the late 30's. Mood swings and being hot at night were irritating. Dry eyes was also an issue - and still is. I am not post menopause and the symptoms still prevail - anxiety, low mood on occasion, anxiety and the vaginal symptoms started about 4 years after menopause. In the end these were the worst symptoms. I couldn't sit or walk properly and sex was very painful. Vaginal estrogen made a huge difference but I wish I'd known what it was and started it earlier instead of thinking that I had repeated bouts of a thrush like nature.

Perimenopause started mid 40s. First symptoms were severe joint pain. Had lots of tests/scans with no abnormalities detected. Periods became heavier (even with Mirena coil). Loss of confidence, brain fog, hot flushes over night interfered with sleep, etc... Eventually put on hrt and joint pain subsided significantly. No libido. Symptoms have lasted over 10 years (now 59). Still having periods. Hrt has helped but not banished symptoms. Now on anti depressants due to low mood and lack of energy. Exercise helps a bit.

A long slow process to get effective help on the NHS and therefore very hard to fine tune treatment. Each doctors appointment takes 3+ weeks, meaning symptoms are completely different from the appointment being booked to seeing the GP. Doctor said I was a good candidate for testosterone due to low levels, but it has taken 13 months to get a consultant appointment (phone only) They wanted a 2nd blood test - 2 week wait for the form to be sent and then another 3.5 week wait for an appointment. Still waiting for results and consultant advice- inital GP referral was Feb 2023.

Menopause since age 42. Still get night sweats age 57.

40 Still on going and 44 Brain fog and lack of concentration Hrt

I was about 40 when my symptoms started but I didn’t seek help until I was 49. The first GP I saw diagnosed depression and prescribed antidepressants. After many hospital consultations a gastroenterologist suggested menopause and a new GP agreed and started me on HRT. I had really severe symptoms from heavy bleeding, severe mood swings, suicidal ideation 8-10 nightsweats a night for months on end, joint pain, especially in my fingers. It was bad.

Started peri symptoms at about 36 years old,I am now 58 and still experiencing symptoms if I come off HRT. I was not offered HRT until I reached 51 years old

I am diagnosed with POI, caused by Turner Syndrome. I would have gone into the menopause in teen years but didn’t find out until I was 32. Menopause was masked by the pill. I have really struggled cognitively, and with moods, emotions and loss of self. Also felt joint pain.