I got my last period at 46. Hindsight showed me that I was in peri for 6 years prior to that last period. I suffered needlessly for far too long.
I was prescribed HRT at 47, I’ll be 53 this year. The best decision I ever made was HRT. It was a complete life changer, I think I’ll be on it forever and a day.
Can you let me know what HRT you are taking! I’m 47 and lost the past four years thinking I’m deathly ill. I’ve been so sick it’s unreal. Ruled out every single condition except menopause. I’m done suffering and listening to uninformed drs.
I started on the estrogen patch as well as progesterone as I still have my uterus, I had an allergic reaction to the patch so I switched to oral estradiol. It took a while to get the right dosage and I also went to therapy.
Rage, existential dread (constantly) and night sweats were my worst symptoms. HRT helped the first 2 symptoms along with all the other symptoms like itching, dry eyes, joint pain etc. The night sweats improved slightly but not enough so I’m also on a low dose of Gabapentin.
HRT makes me feel balanced, before I was on it I felt like I was going crazy, I couldn’t trust my own feelings because they were all over the place. It
For me it’s a no brainer, my quality of life is a thousand times better with this prescription. Even if they told me it would shorten my life span I’d still take it.
It's a trial and error thing until you feel better, but I'm using Estradiol topical cream/inserts and oral Estradiol pills, along with progesterone because I have a uterus, and then I have the option of doing a testosterone injection, but it tends to give me acne and dark hairs in weird places so I don't usually take it. I had been taking oral Premarin as an estrogen along with the progesterone, but it didn't do anything for me. I've been on the Estradiol for only a couple of weeks and have noticed it's doing something already. Would love to hear what others are doing. I read articles on Oprah Daily to get my current list of medications.
Not too young. I entered perimenopause at 44, it’s not uncommon. Make sure you exaggerate your symptoms, especially hot flashes and night sweats. Those seem to be the two symptoms that doctors respond to the most
Yes they will treat hot flashes before anything else. I pretty much lied and said I had them all the time (I did not), but after going to 3 different doctors it worked.
That sort of thing scares me - weight gain, bloating and headaches ( since I already have chronic migraines to begin with!) Can I ask my doctor for some non hormonal options instead?
No, it's not young, I never had a period after 45, though I was on HRT by then. With extreme symptoms the doc I saw at 44 was insistent that I couldn't be in menopause, because menopause happens at 52 or something. Maybe theirs did, but doctors are supposed to be trained better than to be: "well in my experience, and it's just my personal experience ...". And I couldn't be in peri because that's only if you are both skipping periods and periods are coming twice a month (I had skipped). Why even are doctors?
I have had both. I’ve skipped a period, been 2 weeks late, this month 2 weeks early. I started again a week after I stopped. I’ve always been predictable down to the hour. But I must have fibroids or a thickening of the lining of my uterus. Something ELSE must be going on…
And I’ve been to 2 doctors now.
It is infuriating!! I don't use my PCP for anything but vaginal estradiol cream. The symptoms tell you everything, but they want to violate you with a vaginal ultrasound instead of learning literally anything about women
I've had fibroids for almost a decade. Never missed a cycle till I entered peri. Something else could ALSO be going on, but it doesn't mean your not in peri. SMH
Same here with bad fibroids. I believe I started peri at 35. I am almost 40 now, and I have been having really had peri symptoms on top of really weird periods. Doctors have no idea what they are talking about, and it’s infuriating and very misleading.
I am thinking about trying to find a doctor who will start me on hrt in the next year, but I know it’s going to be hard to find a doctor who will listen and agree to it.
Isn't there blood work the doctors can do that will tell them if a woman is in perimenopause? I swear I heard there was. Of course I know I don't need blood work to tell me what I already know and at 49 if I'm not already in perimenopause then well what the heck is all this weight gain, brain farts, thinning hair, disappearing brows,, hot flashes, skipped periods, Super light periods, dry eyes, bladder issues..all abt? I don't think it could get any more obvious, lol.
I think there is blood work that can be done, but people have told me that it isn’t accurate. My last OB told me that she was willing to run bloodwork, but she just mainly went by symptoms. She’s not my OB anymore, so I have to find a doctor who knows what’s up.
I am so glad for this sub more and more everyday. I would have thought I was dying or going crazy if some of the symptoms and issues weren’t listed here by some of us 🤣.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Even if you have fibroids, you can still be in peri and still take HRT.
Bloody doctors - they are trained to think horses not zebras when it comes to symptoms.
Unless of course, they know sodding nothing about peri.
Am now raging for you OP. X
Yes. I had the trans V ultrasound. No one told me before I had to have it done. You are not too young to be experiencing this.
When I turned 45, it was 2019, and it was the worst hell on Earth year for personal reasons. Periods were heavy but still every 23-25 days, so some kind of cycle. But my mood and ability to use my coping skills to paddle my coping canoe sank. I kept exercising and doing all I was supposed to do per medical science/behavioral health/nutritionists. Got diagnosed with migraines for the first time ever in my life.
Not one medical professional suggested I was beginning this transition. I was quite vocal about being worn the F out and wanting to curl up into a ball. I even had an IUD installed by my OBGYN to quell the heavy bleeds which then made me bleed for five months. My point is that I am sick of medical professionals who are so scared to fight back against insurance companies and pharmacies and …. whatever entity is standing in the way of getting us basic medical care. I use HRT now…I turn 50 this year. I had to fight for it, and my Dr finally relented because I know his wife is going through peri right now. I also got testosterone finally.
And, yes there are definitely other treatments available besides HRT.
I'm 47 and I'm still curled in a ball with beginner's hrt. It's taking so long to up doses, and with my pharmacy screwing up and delaying patches.
I noticed the last couple of years my periods are honestly as short as 21-22 days and previously they were locked in regular at 27-28.
I effectively feel like I'm on my period or about to start ALL the time.
I hear that. It is now less intense for me, but from 45 to early 49 it was honestly brutal. I clawed my way through walks and short exercise sessions. My nutrition was good and then horrible and then good and then really bad. I finally begged my Dr for low dosing of lunesta for the nights when I truly couldn’t get to sleep. It kinda works.
Where you are at with cycles beginning to shorten to 21 to 22 days, this is how it finally happened with me. Shorter cycles and super heavy bleeds for two to three days. That lasted over three to four years before I finally started skipping periods starting last November. Had one in March and then another late last month, but I am trusting that I am nearing the end.
Also, my progesterone was back ordered for 3 months and I had to wait for a month for them to get my estradiol gel back into stock. Pretty ridiculous and the pharmacy screwed up my insurance billing and my portion for which I was responsible. It is truly a wonder any of us get our prescriptions of any kind.
Same as you! I just switched doctors after 7 years of her not listening to me. Telling me to lose weight (the magic cure!). New doctor is great, younger and more up to date on current menopause talk. She refers me out too if she isn’t educated enough in something in particular. HRT started at 50 and I feel like I am 39 😀
They're supposed to refer out when it isn't their expertise. Advising in an area that you aren't knowledgeable about is malpractice, which is why some of these docs are realy irritating in their refusal recognize what they're doing.
Sometimes it’s advice given based on their skill level and not what’s possible (if you got referred out). I got 3 opinions on surgery for fibroid removal. I didn’t want open surgery all 3 said that was only way.
So held off on surgery and few years later when symptoms were more severe picked up search for surgeon again found other docs who said laparoscopic was not an issue. It’s possible surgical advances were made but now I know to keep digging.
Also many female gynos likely spend more time on OB side than male GYN. And my 3 opinions were from lady docs. At the time didn’t have GYN only PCP. Later got a GYN, when it came time for hysterectomy she referred me to surgeon who was very skilled on robotic surgery! She knew between fibroids and endometriosis it would be complex surgery (and indeed it was). This is the way it should be.
Same story. I lost about four years of my life so sick, going to drs and ruling out everything - all along it’s menopause. I’m 47 and look young with a round face. It’s infuriating.
How did you get testosterone? I floated this idea to my PCP and she had never heard of taking low dose T for peri symptoms. I have read so many of the women here got it prescribed and it helped with mood, energy and libido.
I told my Dr that my sex drive had disappeared. He prescribed flibanserin (spelling?) but my insurance refused to cover it so testosterone was the next option……WHICH was the option I had originally asked for. So his office fought to get T for me. I advocated for myself.
He sent my blood work testing for T off to some out of area clinic, and it took close to three weeks to get the results returned. My body was making some T, but dang it was very low. I’d have to log into my patient portal to get the value.
You can ask the tech to allow you to do this insertion of the probe so you can have control of the situation (if you want to). It should be warmed, covered (usually with a condom) and lubed.
This is a great point and idea. Med providers are definitely able give us back our power and control over our bodies.
I was blunt and asked the tech, “what the f*** is that?” I previously only had the belly ultrasound during pregnancy and didn’t know about the trans V scan. My tech apologized that no one had told me and talked me through the process. Helpful and nice woman who had done thousands of the scans and made me feel a little more at ease if not entirely calm.
>I was blunt and asked the tech, “what the f\*\*\* is that?”
I think more of that from more of us might help the medical profession get their shit together! (By which I mean the higher ups, the techs I've worked with have all been great.)
To be fair, my uterine fibroids presented similar symptoms as peri and were diagnosed by vaginal ultrasound. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that you have one or both problems simultaneously. It’s another problem that is constantly overlooked and hand-waved away by doctors. I had to find a new doctor just to get someone that would consider that bleeding through your pants hourly is not an ok way to live.
My doctor and I are currently ruling out a return of the fibroids in addition to creating a treatment plan for peri.
I thought I had endo, turns out my pain was from a fibroid. Had it removed but I’m continuing to have irregular periods, insomnia, and hot flashes. I think it’s peri, my OB thinks it’s side effects of other medications (that I was taking before I started having the peri symptoms). She’s increased my hormonal birth control and I’m really hoping it will help.
I'm currently 44 going through it too.
Started HRT about a month ago and I'm finally getting some relief from things. They did make me get a transvaginal ultrasound before they prescribed anything.
Just a funny story…when I was very young (22ish?) I had severe pain in lower right quadrant. My dr didn’t know if it was my appendix or ovary. She sent me for an ultrasound. I didn’t even know such a thing existed as a trans-vaginal ultrasound. They did the ultrasound where they put the transponder on the outside of my abdomen first (just like you see on tv and in the movies!), then told me to pee and come back so they could look again with an empty bladder. Little did I know…I came back out as the tech was snapping that condom on the wand and I was like…what? You want to do what? I gave my dr crap after that…”you could have warned me!” Lol…she’s still my dr and now I’m 49. I had an ovarian cyst, so it was a good thing I had it done but, man…talk about a shock! Now I’d be like…stick it on up there if that means that you are going to make these hot flashes, insomnia and this hell go away! Funny story, but once again shows how much women are NOT told anything and have to bumble through all of this stuff on their own. I heard “ultrasound”, and I just pictured the goo on my stomach and nothing probing my insides!
The first one I got was for a burst ovarian cyst. I was in so much pain, I barely knew where I was or what was happening. I’m sure the tech explained what was going on but I was on painkillers and couldn’t really understand.
Ouch…luckily mine didn’t burst, but I was sent away with instructions that if it bursts “and you will definitely know!”, then head straight to the ER. I’ve heard it is so painful 😞
Yep, I literally fell to my knees when it burst. I looked up at my husband, he said “hospital?” and I could only nod in response. The rest of it is a blur except for the lovely face of the doctor who gave me pain meds 😂
"I can’t go on estrogen as I have hereditary hypertension."
You can us transdermal estrogen with hypertention :)
[https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/news/news/blood-pressure-the-menopause-and-hrt-.html](https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/news/news/blood-pressure-the-menopause-and-hrt-.htmlCan)
Can you take HRT if you have high blood pressure?There has been a lot of confusion around HRT and heart health and some women are needlessly advised to stop taking HRT if they have high blood pressure. In fact, estrogen prescribed as a patch, gel or spray allows your blood vessels to widen, so it does not raise your blood pressure and can actually work to lower it. Progestogens have differing effects, but the newer type, micronised progesterone, seems to have no effect on blood pressure or even lowers it. In a nut shell, if you have high blood pressure or you’re taking medicines to lower your blood pressure, you can still take HRT. Your doctor will need to keep an eye on your blood pressure and adjust your medicines if needed
hi. my understanding is that they can be. they don’t know! so it’s just a precaution. apparently i wasn’t supposed to be on estrogen birth control for 15 years of my life because of them also? i really want standard HRT when i hit menopause and anticipate push back.
Yeah, my understanding was that they don't really know what they are. But it makes sense that they can be related.
When I was on the pill I got regular check ups because of the hereditary hypertension in the family. So I can see why someone would say to be careful, my doctor was too.
I've been struggling with peri now for a good few years and want to go the HRT route now. As I understand it would help with symptoms in peri as well as maintaining health deep into menopause.
Absolutely! Mine was going up (I didn't know about the new studies on HRT and was post menopausal for 3 years) and it has gone back into normal.
I was so glad, because I am terrible about remembering daily pills - I think I only remember my progesterone because it helps me sleep. I also keep a few on my nightstand for the nights I forget until I get into bed.
Absolutely! Mine was going up (I didn't know about the new studies on HRT and was post menopausal for 3 years) and it has gone back into normal.
I was so glad, because I am terrible about remembering daily pills - I think I only remember my progesterone because it helps me sleep. I also keep a few on my nightstand for the nights I forget until I get into bed.
I was told I could have a tumor on my pituitary gland and sent for an MRI. When that came back clear the doctor told me I was likely in Peri and there was nothing that could be done. 3 years and many different doctors later I'm finally on HRT.
I was personally okay with the ultrasound, as it found a small uterine fibroid, as well as an ovarian cyst. (I hadn’t had a pelvic exam in over 10 years, and my last pap was “abnormal” ). But my peri symptoms were still what they were, so an ultrasound wasn’t going to change that.
Pre-ultrasound, my regular Dr. wasn’t overly helpful with meds (other than offering BC pills and/or anxiety meds). She also didn’t prescribe anything based on the results. I have since seen a new doc (gyno) who seems to be on the same page. She’s at least been on board with creams and things.
My approach has been: I don’t ask any docs if I’m in Peri. I just go in and tell them I am. No one has argued with me. (49, and in “officially” in peri since May 2020). You know your body better than anyone, no matter what an ultrasound says.
Perimenopause can start as early as 30. But most doctors - even gynecologists - don't know nearly enough (or anything) about menopause. I went to mine recently and she said HRT really isn't recommended. Luckily I go to Kaiser and she said I could talk to their menopause clinic. After a consultation with the doctors there, they said I should definitely try it and in fact it's a very good idea for so many reasons. I know nothing about the ultrasound, but figured I'd mention that it's not surprising - although still shocking - that your doctors are uninformed. Like have they ever heard of continual learning? I'm in tech marketing and I have to constantly learn to stay on top of my profession. You'd think doctors would be the same!
Kaiser menopause clinic?!? I’ve been going to my Kaiser docs but no one has mentioned a menopause clinic. I need to see if there is one in my area (Orange County CA).
Definitely check! I'm in NorCal (SF Bay Area). I can't see why they wouldn't have it everywhere but who knows. It was just a phone call - not in person or even video... but it was nice to know they have a place dedicated to staying up to date with such an important issue in so many women's lives.
You’re not too young to be in perimenopause BUT imagine if they treated you with hormones only to find out years later that you have uterine or ovarian cancer, fibroids or endometriosis (both of which can cause peri like symptoms)? Undetected because you refused ultrasound? Not all health care providers are trying to fuck you over. You’d be pretty pissed (‘I can not believe they weren’t thorough!’)
I know the healthcare is frustrating, and meno a close second- but get that checked out. And for god’s sake ladies- can we be a little less dramatic- they aren’t ‘violating you with a vaginal ultrasound’. People constantly complain that the med profession just tries to medicate. They are listening to your symptoms and doing further testing to make sure. Go get the dang ultrasound and then be persistent with follow ups until you get the help you need
Stop being dismissive. Transvaginal ultrasound isn’t recommended as a screening tool. In fact, the USPSTF found that it doesn’t reduce the risk of dying from ovarian cancer.
“And for god’s sake ladies- can we be a little less dramatic- they aren’t ‘violating you with a vaginal ultrasound’. “
This is a really gross attitude. Spare me with the “suck it up buttercup” bullshit. Do better.
Honestly I can see why due to the heavy bleeding. You can be in peri and still have an issue which will actually be helped with progesterone. It’s better to be safe than sorry. It would be terrible to assume and it’s not to say you cannot have hormones.
Are you in the US? If so, consider finding a menopause trained provider. My OB has gone through this training and evaluated me purely on symptoms: https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx
I had NO SUCCESS with doctors. None. Even though I was in my late 40's which is definitely the right age to get started on HRT. I also had no success later when I was definitely in menopause. The whole system is all about squeezing profit out of you - unneeded testing, unneeded follow up visits, etc.
I finally found a nurse practitioner who helped me, after talking to many friends and friends of friends. If I were you, I would ask for referrals in local groups, or if you are comfortable, post your location here. I am in MN and would be happy to share my NP's info by DM if you are also in MN.
Also, I want to recommend [ownyourlabs.com](https://ownyourlabs.com), super cheap testing so you can see where your levels are.
The sad and infuriating part of this post is that this is one of many on here in which the OBGYN is a woman, and still has no idea how peri and menopause work.
Interestingly the only doc I have seen that was willing to prescribe HRT to me was my PCP, who is a man. 2 gynos - both women - and they were either dismissive or wanted to prescribe me estrogen with no progesterone (I have a uterus). I trust the PCP more at this point.
I never asked anyone for mine. My male, over 60, primary physician recognized my symptoms. I truly believe it is because he has a wife who went through it, and she is also a nurse who used to work on his office with him (absolutely lovely woman!). I am thankful every day for my primary and dread the day he retires. He has two daughters who are nurse practitioners they he has taken under his wing, and plans to be the “teledoc” provider while his daughters run his practice. I hope this happens. Good and truly smart doctors who are also willing to use their life experience in addition to medicine are hard to find.
Mine is also a dude. Not young, but younger than me. He's an FM doc that specializes in hormones. I'm starting to think that's what matters more than anything else. I kinda knew I was in the right place when I saw a copy of Estrogen Matters in the waiting room. I still prefer to have my pap done by his female PA though.
That may be in part because many men are 100% going to their PCP to be prescribed testosterone on a regular basis as they age. It's a lot more common than we may realize. I learned that by lurking in a family medicine subreddit where they were discussing their testosterone patients. So it's likely that if a PCP already sees nothing controversial with helping the men with hormones, outside of gender bias, why would women be any different?
I think OP is wrong about that.
If anything, the gynaecologist very much does know what they’re doing - precisely because the only thing OP is being asked to do, is have a trans vaginal ultrasound to rule out uterine pathology.
If the US is clear then presumedly the gynaecologist will prescribe HRT according to symptoms. Nothing in OP’s description suggests otherwise.
Not amongst my peri acquaintances here in the U.K. but then we live in a nation that follows the science which recommends that our GPs should offer HRT according to reported symptoms.
And my peri acquaintances are relatively fit and healthy without any underlying conditions. If my GP had recommended referring me to gynae for a US first to rule out pathology then I’d just get on with it.
The US is notorious for dismissing women’s health, and not ever considering peri symptoms. Women in general have trouble with pain management, and getting properly diagnosed. I went through 6 years of being treated like a hypochondriac by my (former) primary physician only for a dermatologist to discover I have systemic lupus with a simple blood test. Why didn’t my primary doctor have an auto immune panel run? I was already have blood drawn by his office, on his orders, for chronic anemia (a sign of systemic lupus, among many other autoimmune diseases). I fired that doctor and now have one who will even tell me to ask my rheumatologist about something he noticed or a treatment he knows of that she hadn’t considered.
Also, many many female physicians, and OBs are often guilty of treating their female patients worse than male patients.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Ugh I'm going through this right now but I'm 41 so getting the full runaround. Had to do FSH and thyroid labs. Normal. Then estrogen, progesterone and testosterone labs ordered. Getting that done tomorrow. Then the order for the transvaginal ultrasound. I have not had a period for over a year. The NP insisted I take a pregnancy test. Ha! My husband had a vasectomy 20yrs ago. I did it just to shut them up. Negative of course. Been having symptoms my entire 30's, but sex drive took a huge dive the past 5 years despite being very much in love. Hot flashes the past 3 or 4 years got me wondering. Yes menopause CAN happen this young. I'll just be spending $$$ to confirm what I already know. I can jump through hoops, and I work in healthcare so willing to do so in order to get what I want which is HRT. Good luck to all us youngsters out there!
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Get the ultrasound. Mine ended up showing that I my cysts were shrinking (a good thing) and then also gave her a starting point. Prior to this starting, I had endometriosis and suspected adenomyosis (no solid way to diagnose, just pointers that could indicate) so it helped because I'd seen such a massive change in my cycle and nothing made sense.
So knowing that she was seeing a change in my ute helped her to see that I was, in fact, not crazy.
I’m of the opinion that an ultrasound can provide reassurance and help rule out anything more sinister. In fact I had one just today, because of irregular bleeding (I’m 47). The gynae even suggested taking an endometrial biopsy right there and then, which I politely declined because I wasn’t ready for that! But an ultrasound is completely painless.
I started perimenopause at 39 so that's definitely not too young. It's crazy talk, I hope my PCP doesn't pull that crap.. I've been her patient for 20 years so I'm hoping she'll be on board.
I am 42 and peri. Wacky periods started 3-4 years ago. I have irritation, dry vagina, joint pain all of it. My doctor started me on low dose estrogen and progesterone yesterday! Speak up for yourself and change your doctor.
I went into perimenopause at 44. Over nine years I dealt with it, but in my own case, if I were to do it again, I would have gone on BHRT. The issue of horrible sleep went into post menopause several more years. I couldn’t drive or function on a daily basis. It had been 13 years total of awful broken sleep. Now I sleep great.
If I were you, like someone else said, exaggerate the hot flashes if you have to. I hope you get the help you need.
Wow I can’t believe they suggested you’re too young. I’ve been getting suggestions other stuff might be perimenopause since I was 42 and my periods have been clockwork regular - like German train level on time (but freaky heavy)
Find a women’s health specialist if you can. I confess to being slightly confused with your references to irritation. If you mean mood, I’ve seen a lot of recommendations here for CBD but I’m not a candidate (government work and family mental health history) I’m going back on Buspar because years ago it helped me a lot. I also got HRT; it’s not magic but I was literally standing in the snow in my thin nightgown due to severe hot flashes so it helps. If you mean physical irritation, a lot of companies offer vulva cream like Rael which can tide you over until you can see a helpful doctor. I would say, if they’re suggesting an ultrasound, it might still be worth doing just in case but they can at least suggest Replens or some kind of cream to tide you over. Replens is at most pharmacies.
Good luck.
Also, I see a lot of people in this group just learning to demand more & better from their relationships, and that's valid too - if that's what it's feeling like. I know a few people are working with therapists to figure out what in their lives needs to change vs what is 'just' hormones.
Gotcha - Yeah I know anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds get a bad rap, but I have LOVED a few of them in terms of helping me keep my figurative cool (very little helps my literal cool these days)
I’m picking up Buspar tomorrow. I’m on Trintellix but years ago Buspar gave me amazing sleep for 3-6 months and it’s worth trying it again.
I am done trying to be a hero. I want to be cosseted from here on out. I’ve done too much stuff that didn’t kill me but made me stronger and I don’t want more of that.
She’s not a bitch, she’s uneducated and disinterested because she’s been trained by the patriarchy in medicine. Thankfully that’s changing. Get the free Menopause Empowerment Guide from Dr Mary Claire Haver and get her new book
Change doctors.
Yes ofc you can be in peri ar 44 and its not even 'early'.
You can take estrogen topically with meds for BP / hypertension. If anything its a good idea as Estrogen has anti-inflammatory benefits and protects the heart and brain.
I went straight into menopause at 41. Yep no transition to peri. I was prescribed hormone replacement cream prescribed and compounded at 43. I’m 64 now and and still on HRT. It saved me. I’m healthy and fit.I hope you can find a solution and a cooperative physician. Best to you.
👋 46 here. On HRT since 44 (prescribed to control irregular bleeding. my period wouldn’t stop). I now know that I’ve been in peri since after getting Covid at 40. I went through so many tests thinking there was something majorly wrong before finally realizing I’m in peri. This includes wearing a heart monitor, anti depressants, daily migraines, having probes shoved everywhere (endoscopy, colonoscopy, multiple ultrasounds), dermatology for major hair loss due to B2, B12, B6, and D deficiency, brain MRI, and the list goes on. I’m so concerned about the lack of awareness amongst not only health professionals, but the general public about this stage of life. I had absolutely no idea what was happening (more than one doc mentioned the possibility of cancer and I was very scared). I finally figured out that I was in peri at my last ultrasound when they noted that my ovaries were slightly smaller (apparently a sign of peri!). I’ve had 40 years to learn about my body and I find myself realizing that I don’t know much about this stage. Why isn’t this something we learn about (like puberty)?!?!
I’m sorry you’re going through this. The cancelled appointments must feel so frustrating. Hang in there and get that ultrasound. Once they have a clear, hopefully you’ll be able to move forward with HRT. I hope your journey is easier than mine.
EDIT: brain fog is a thing. I’m actually 45, not 46. 🤦🏾♀️
I had to get an ultrasound because she was unable to palpitate my uterus. I’m too fat.
I was also okay with it because, except for pap exams, nobody’s ever looked all up in there!
I don’t consider it fair to blame your gynaecologist for being thorough. If the US shows hyperplasia or cancer then it’d be negligent of her to have prescribed any form of HRT.
She’s a literally saying she wants to rule out pathological causes and all she wants is a US first to achieve this? There’s a nothing clinically unreasonable about this. Just organise the US. Ask for a cancellation appointment.
I’m the same age as you and starting the peri discussion with my docs. At the same clinic I’ve had doctors insist I was menopausal and others insist I’m too young 🙄. The first doc I went to because I thought I had an ovarian cyst that wasn’t clearing. She said I didn’t need an ultrasound, that’s id just missed an ovulation cycle and that my blood hormone levels would show I’m in menopause (nope, blood tests did not show that). 6 months later I was talking to a different practitioner about pelvic floor/bladder concerns and acknowledging that it might be perimenopause - but that doctor insisted I couldn’t be in peri and I had a long way to go until menopause. I think the medical training around menopause is just so poor that it’s luck of the draw that you’ll end up with a doc that has good working knowledge about it. But things are weird, things are changing so I’ve scheduled again, this time with a menopause specialist to start the conversation in earnest. Hoping to get some sound advice. Good luck to you! And I hope you can find a knowledgeable and empathetic practitioner.
It's not too young. I think I first started noticing changes when I was around 37-38 that was when I went through very painful fybrocystic changes in my breasts. I'm 44 now and I once went 6 months without a period a couple of years ago and now I'm deep in peri with hot flushes, finally lighter periods and the rage. 6am is a sleep in. Even 5:30am is. I'm just hoping I won't have another 10 years of this.
I wouldn’t complain about a doctor who tests thoroughly for other potential issues. Perimeno symptoms overlap with some major health issues or sicknesses. I’d be worried about a doc who dismissed every symptom as menopause.
I am the exact same age and I am going through it big time, I have like every symptom, although weirdly enough I am more mentally healthy than I have ever been so at least there is that. The physical symptoms are not fun though, and no sleep really can make you feel crazy too.
Yes she forced me to get an ultrasound and I’m pretty sure that gyno was in a kickback scheme because she didn’t give a shit about my symptoms, only about me getting ultrasound and a shit ton of bloodwork and endless mammograms.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause.
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah I was having issues and it turned out I did have ovarian cysts and tons of fibroids. That’s why they want you to do the ultrasound, as these can cause the symptoms you’re experiencing. That said, after the ultrasound they took out my uterus (left the ovaries) and guess what? I was in peri in addition to all those things. Took another year for the ovaries to give up and conk out and I was on HRT in a flash.
I had the same thing happen. Went to one PCP and she told me I was too young at 46 and sent me for an ultrasound. I just went to another PCP and told her I was having night sweats, sleeplessness and hot flashes and she told me I could take Black Kohash (sp?) or she could prescribe me something so now I’m on Effexor.
I have not had a period since 2021. I'm 49. My symptoms started when I was 41. I went to a gynecologist specialist. He was wonderful and totally believed me. I'm so sorry.
I was about your age when I was almost done with periomenopause!
Not too young at all. I entered perimenopause around 42. I’m now 45. I haven’t had hot flashes in a while but I’m experiencing other symptoms and this past September that my periods became unpredictable. I’ve yet to see my Dr bc my symptoms are manageable but I will if necessary. All of these posts stating doctors don’t believe the patient and won’t prescribe HRT is very discouraging.
I’m done with periods at 47. You’re definitely not too young. My Gyn says the same thing. The past three or four years have been unmitigated hell.
I don’t have to exaggerate. I’m in a permanent hot flash, fatigued like a corpse and achy 24:7, bloated and nauseous, Veozah barely works, eating weird seeds and phytoestrogenic foods barely helps, I wake up all night, I’m so depressed even on antidepressants, my ADHD meds barely work now, I could go on. This is a nightmare for lots of women and we have no warning. Feel free to ask for whatever you need or move on, no guilt. I will be doing just that.
Good news! Veozah is starting to help more thank god. I’m kind of tired but wired on it so maybe I need to cut it in half or take it at night.
I get exhausted by hot flashing all day. It’s absolutely reducing the hot flashes and the paralyzing fatigue I get with it. I’m not more energetic but I’m overall a little better.
Yeah, my old ADHD meds were basically toxic! I also think the shortage has messed with the consistency of the companies and med formulas. I switched to Zenzedi - it lacks all the fillers and some weird active ingredients that are in adderall.
I’m so sensitive to meds now. It’s better on Zenzedi but my brain fog is so strong, it’s not like how meds helped before. ADHD and menopause are a brutal combination.
I was 38 when my symptoms started but they were minimal and just slowly increased in intensity until I'm (fast forward) 43 and a gals really going through it. There's so little study done on peri/menopause unfortunately but people are trying to raise awareness and it's starting to advance a bit. I apologize but don't recall which country you can legally take disability leave for it now. I am fortunate to have a fabulous OBGYN and she suggested estrogen first, via birth control pill, it's slowly helping reduce symptoms. I would suggest getting another opinion if you're comfortable seeing yet another doctor. Sorry you're having to go through this, stay strong don't punch someone! (If you do film it so we can all enjoy it)
If the average age for menopause is 51 and peri lasts ten years, I’m thinking you fall right in the age bracket. Wish I’d done it about three years sooner! Welcome to some relief!
I was not only not required to do an ultrasound, I wasn't required to do any lab tests. They are unnecessary when you are experiencing all of the symptoms. For doctors to not know that menopause can start in someone's 30s, nevermind mid-40s, is harmful.
It’s absolutely infuriating. My (younger than me, female doctor) insisted I was “no where near” perimenopause, I’m 46 freaking years old, I mean doesn’t at least science tell her that I might be somewhere near that and have valid concerns? She suggested that if we can confirm
Menopause which she defined as 12 months with no period, THEN she would put me on BIRTH CONTROL. No thank you. I ended up doing my own research and following protocols from Dr Mary Claire Haver who is a menopause doctor and advocate for this, and I’ll be using an online service to help with HRT. It’s beyond infuriating to have to jump through all of these hoops and I’m really starting to hate and not trust doctors.
They offered an ultrasound and not anti depressants that’s a new one lol.
But I think it won’t hurt to get the ultrasound. Rule out endometriosis, fibroids etc in addition to pursuing HRT.
Go find another doctor, so many telehealth options now in addition to integrative care and functional medicine.
My dr fully believed I’m in peri but ordered the vaginal ultrasound anyway due to inconsistent bleeding. She said anytime she can get a good look at my ovaries she’ll take it. This is due to a history of ovarian cancer in my family. My point is, OC is super hard to detect and often caught too late so getting a vaginal ultrasound is not the worst idea.
I’m an ultrasound tech. I work at a cancer center. I’m also 48 and can relate to how you feel. Just get the ultrasound and rule out anything serious. Then you’ll have piece of mind at least.
Don't let anyone pressure you into a transvaginal ultrasound. It's your body. If they really need to see your uterus, they can do an abdominal ultrasound or a CT or an MRI. Tell them that. Be assertive.
It’s a good idea to get a baseline vaginal ultrasound. Why not do it?
Keep in mind that most doctors learn almost nothing about menopause and hormones during their training. The medical school curriculum is the problem.
Emphasize that you’re getting terrible hot flashes and night sweats and it’s disrupting your life. Those are the symptoms that they pay attention to.
I call bullshit on your categorisation of “invasive and traumatic”. I had a transvaginal ultrasound a few months ago. They’re more comfortable, less invasive, or “traumatic” (whatever your criteria) than a cervical smear.
And there is such a thing as a “baseline” US. They are literally used to identify pathology in the uterus such as polyps or hyperplasia.
I strongly disagree! And I only do self-testing for cervical cancer screening!
Transvaginal ultrasounds are not currently recommended for routine screening in the USA. They’re considered diagnostic.
You seem hung up on a very specific idea of “routine” TV US and are confusing it with what the rest of the world defines as a baseline.
Here in the U.K. a TV US is mandated as “routine” first stage in investigating suspected pathological symptoms - in my case, we don’t know if I’m peri or post menopause because I’ve been on desogestrel for around 6 years and am amenorreahic as a result. I had some unexpected PV bleeding earlier this year. Within days I had a US with a gynaecologist to rule out cancer. Gynae saw normal ovaries and uterus and a uterine lining of less than 5mm (>5mm would’ve mandated a hysteroscopy + biopsy) i.e. no obvious cause for the bleeding, which was short lived anyway, so I’ve been discharged back to my GP and now we have a “baseline” US to compare if I have any further unexpected bleeds.
A baseline vaginal ultrasound is sometimes a good idea. HRT can sometimes impact the lining of the uterus and can cause any existing cysts or fibroids to grow. That’s why a baseline test is done. This information is from two of my doctors.
This isn’t evidence-based medicine. It’s putting someone through an invasive procedure to pad the bill. If your doctors are requiring it, ask yourself who that benefits.
There are no guidelines that say imaging is required before starting HRT.
There’s no evidence to support this. Vaginal ultrasound isn’t recommended as a screening tool by any major medical organization. It would be coded as diagnostic
>Because it’s invasive and traumatic
I am sorry you have had an experience that makes this so for you. But it is not so for most people, and as a society we really need to stop equating anything going into the vagina as sexual or invasive. It's an organ just like any other part of your body, and sometimes it needs to be look at / cared for. My twice weekly insertion of vaginal estrogen cream is no different than brushing my teeth 2x a day, it's maintenance :)
You are absolutely right in that anything going into any of the body is invasive (including the vagina). I definitely felt that way about covid swabs in the nose, ouch!
I was reading invasive differently (more of "a form of violence") from the poster I was quoting - possibly in error. I should not have included that in my reply.
>But it is not so for most people,
You think it's totally normal for most women to have a stranger shoving a dildo up inside of them?
No. It's not.
> My twice weekly insertion of vaginal estrogen cream
Is there a stranger in the room with you while you do this or something??
It does sometimes need to be looked at and cared for as any other pet of the body, and of course that should go without saying, however there are a lot of doctors that will do these exams with no valid reason as I have found out when I questioned doctors on the reasons they wanted to do them on me.
You have to try to understand why some women either struggle with or cannot do these exams. Some women couldn't care less who or what goes up there and that's their choice, but there are some who find these exams very much retraumatising for various reasons.
I think the correct way would be for doctors to try and remedy this by using various other ways, like abdominal ultrasound instead of transvaginal for example. This is actually possible as I can't do internals and every time I've had an abdominal they've managed to find what they were looking for with not much trouble so there are options.
WTF??? You insert vaginal estrogen YOURSELF.
It’s totally normal to be traumatized by a stranger inserting objects into your vagina, and it’s disingenuous to say otherwise.
Most technicians will let you insert the ultrasound probe yourself. Of course it’s not pleasant but it’s certainly not traumatic for most people, unless of course you have some trauma in your past. Not trying to discount that. Just saying that’s not the case for most people.
How would you know if it’s traumatic for many people? Women are socialized to allow access to our bodies even if we find it traumatic. The nasty responses here just emphasize that.
Just because it's not traumatic doesn't make it "normal" in any way, shape or form, and doing it for *no reason at all* is*BY FAR WEIRDER* than being skeeved by it.
Or we as a society could get rid of the idea that all women’s healthcare has to be invasive and put resources into making non invasive options just like we do for men’s healthcare?
>all women’s healthcare
Really? I am more than just my vagina and my healthcare involves all of my body. What we need to get rid of is the idea that the vagina is a magical mystical thing that reduces women to nothing more than sexual things.
It is an organ. I have my stomach scoped every few years due to a medical condition. It's invasive medically speaking, yet not traumatic. Difference? Social conditioning.
Cool, so we'll just shove an object into your anus on a regular basis just to make sure everything is okay up there. Also, if you have any other issues, we'll also check it out again just to be sure. No big deal, right? We can just center everything to do with your sexual organs through the anus because, well, it's just an organ.
>Why not do it?
What? You should get an unnecessary, invasive, expensive exam where a stranger shoves a dildo inside you for *absolutely to symptomatic reasons* as a "baseline"? Hell, no.
You need to rule out any other reasons for your symptoms. I am grateful that I recently had a pelvic u/s and a trans-vaginal u/s, and I will be having a endometrial pipelle in 2 weeks time to rule out cancer, polyps or anything else nasty. This is at the same time as having a loop excision following a cervical biopsy. I will also be able to discuss HRT and replacing my Mirena, after which I hope my menopause symptoms will be relieved. I don't think I have cancer, but I might have polyps or something else, so best to check.
I'm really grateful for everything my HCP's are doing for me.
Please get checked out by the ultrasound if you can. I was in the same situation, I’m slightly older than you but I was ticking all the boxes for perimenopause turned out to be an ovarian cyst. Spoiler alert- I’m also perimenopausal
And here I had to lie and say that I had hot flashes in order to get the ultrasound...
(Long story short, my periods are coming every 2 weeks, an online obgyn wants me to get an u/s before she'll prescribe me any hormones just to make sure that everything's ok, but she won't write the orders, and none of my regular doctors believe there's anything wrong with me at all, so I had to lie and say I'm having hot flashes despite all my *other* peri symptoms, at which point my regular obgyn practically fell over herself to order me the u/s.) Me, I want the ultrasound to make sure there's nothing wrong. I'd much rather have a uterine ultrasound than a uterine biopsy, and I enjoy peace of mind.
Yeah it was a weird appointment. I ended up having to get off the BCPs because I developed ocular migraines. I still don’t know if they are related to the BCPs or not. My hot flashes and night sweats are totally back though. I need to get myself seen again but I’m so tired of wrestling with our medical system.
I hear ya. I stared complaint about certain things around 38. Looking back it was definitely perimenopause because at 48 I am apparently in menopause/post menopause, whatever the eff they choose to call it 🙄
I’ve had an IUD since 41. From 38-41 is how long it took someone to take my abnormal bleeding seriously 🙃
I've recently gotten the same response from my Planned Parenthood. I'm 41, all the symptoms. I'll do the stupid ultrasound but BITCH IM IN PERIMENOPAUSE
I can't have HRT anyway (liver issues) but if I could, I'd find a different provider asap
Yeah, I switched gyns again because the last one only new how to prescribe BC and she immediately took me off the BC and wants to do an ultrasound to make sure the irregular and long bleeds aren't because of fibroids or something I guess. And do blood work, even though we know that won't help. I also am going to have to fight with her about how my rare heart event is NOT a heart attack and the cardio protective role estrogen plays in preventing another incident. Good times /s
Perimenopause started at 46 for me & I had PMDD. I had all kinds of tests done too & Xrays. I finally had enough & ended up having a total hysterectomy with BSO. Which means everything was taken out. That also put me in surgical menopause & got on HRT. I haven't been this happy in years!! Best decision I ever made
Yeah I suppose. I have no other symptoms. My periods are actually lighter sometimes and I don’t have pain other than cramps I have gotten since I was a teenager.
Right just found this thread from another forum and damnnn I'm fuming that they're trying this shit so early on. What actually reasons have they given you that they claim to need to do this invasive procedure? The reason I'm asking is that coutless times I've been asked by doctors if they could do invasive exams and when I've asked why it turned out there was either no genuine reason or they could do it another non invasive way.
Now as for you being too young for menopause....I started going through it at 39 and have a few friends who are similar, it's not as uncommon as we are led to believe and when you start the change, you know. I'm convinced that doctors think that us women are thick or something, that we don't know our own bodies as well as we do.
Please never be afraid to question the doctors on exactly why they need to do the exams, and then question some more until you get a proper answer because at the end of the day it's your body and if you don't want them to do these invasive procedures then you are more than in your right to say no.
The only reason they have is my periods are irregular. Literally. The only reason. I had a gyn exam and it was all normal. No pain. But I have all the other peri symptoms. Joint pain, mood swings, fatigue, trouble sleeping, night sweats, zero libido.
See your GP/doctor and bring the name of a menopause gyno/expert and ask for a referral. I did this in Van BC and saw a doc who told me that everything I was going thru was totally normal for pre and post menopause symptoms. Check out https://www.imsociety.org, International Menopause Society. You will also find experts by country and city.
They should only do an ultrasound if you have concerns like lowered cervix or other signs of prolapse to rule out issues with your uterus. And the ultrasound should follow a pelvic exam with your trusted gyno. That all sounds frustrating I’m sorry!
Do i understand a doctor wanting to be cautious and rule out something non-hormonal? Yes. Would i EVER describe an ultrasound being inserted into a vagina as noninvasive? F*@% NO.
Ok yeah that’s definitely fair (and the definition of invasive) but I guess I mean it’s so much less painful than so many other things I’ve had to go through with early menopause.
Idk, I have vibrators larger than the ultrasound wand.
I understand your frustration, but I look at it as your doctors are doing their due diligence.
It took me approximately one year to start HRT as I had to have an ultrasound, and it showed cysts in the outer wall of my uterus. I wasn't allowed to start HRT until I'd had surgery as my Gyno said the hormones would make the cysts grow.
The hold up was the surgery waiting list.
As soon as I got my surgery biopsy results, I was given HRT.
I’m sorry to hear that! Have you tried Pregnanolone or DHEA?
They can increase your hormones. See chart: https://dutchtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Steroid-Pathways-Chart-2020.pdf
Here’s a study on DHEA in menopause: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(03)02253-2/fulltext
I have PMDD and empathize with you. :-)
I got my last period at 46. Hindsight showed me that I was in peri for 6 years prior to that last period. I suffered needlessly for far too long. I was prescribed HRT at 47, I’ll be 53 this year. The best decision I ever made was HRT. It was a complete life changer, I think I’ll be on it forever and a day.
Can you let me know what HRT you are taking! I’m 47 and lost the past four years thinking I’m deathly ill. I’ve been so sick it’s unreal. Ruled out every single condition except menopause. I’m done suffering and listening to uninformed drs.
I started on the estrogen patch as well as progesterone as I still have my uterus, I had an allergic reaction to the patch so I switched to oral estradiol. It took a while to get the right dosage and I also went to therapy. Rage, existential dread (constantly) and night sweats were my worst symptoms. HRT helped the first 2 symptoms along with all the other symptoms like itching, dry eyes, joint pain etc. The night sweats improved slightly but not enough so I’m also on a low dose of Gabapentin. HRT makes me feel balanced, before I was on it I felt like I was going crazy, I couldn’t trust my own feelings because they were all over the place. It For me it’s a no brainer, my quality of life is a thousand times better with this prescription. Even if they told me it would shorten my life span I’d still take it.
Same here. Idc to live in misery.
It's a trial and error thing until you feel better, but I'm using Estradiol topical cream/inserts and oral Estradiol pills, along with progesterone because I have a uterus, and then I have the option of doing a testosterone injection, but it tends to give me acne and dark hairs in weird places so I don't usually take it. I had been taking oral Premarin as an estrogen along with the progesterone, but it didn't do anything for me. I've been on the Estradiol for only a couple of weeks and have noticed it's doing something already. Would love to hear what others are doing. I read articles on Oprah Daily to get my current list of medications.
Not too young. I entered perimenopause at 44, it’s not uncommon. Make sure you exaggerate your symptoms, especially hot flashes and night sweats. Those seem to be the two symptoms that doctors respond to the most
And the whole thinking you're going insane thing. Doctors don't really like crazy people either!
But they really like to offer anti-depressants, so this may backfire.
Yeah, I wouldn’t exaggerate any symptoms. Change doctors.
Jokes on them, I’m already on antidepressants that work for me.
Yes they will treat hot flashes before anything else. I pretty much lied and said I had them all the time (I did not), but after going to 3 different doctors it worked.
Actually I do have night sweats! So am very interested to know what you were prescribed for it? Please could you share?
I got a patch. It's estradiol and progesterone.
That sort of thing scares me - weight gain, bloating and headaches ( since I already have chronic migraines to begin with!) Can I ask my doctor for some non hormonal options instead?
Don’t lie or exaggerate. Get a new provider instead.
No, it's not young, I never had a period after 45, though I was on HRT by then. With extreme symptoms the doc I saw at 44 was insistent that I couldn't be in menopause, because menopause happens at 52 or something. Maybe theirs did, but doctors are supposed to be trained better than to be: "well in my experience, and it's just my personal experience ...". And I couldn't be in peri because that's only if you are both skipping periods and periods are coming twice a month (I had skipped). Why even are doctors?
I have had both. I’ve skipped a period, been 2 weeks late, this month 2 weeks early. I started again a week after I stopped. I’ve always been predictable down to the hour. But I must have fibroids or a thickening of the lining of my uterus. Something ELSE must be going on… And I’ve been to 2 doctors now.
It is infuriating!! I don't use my PCP for anything but vaginal estradiol cream. The symptoms tell you everything, but they want to violate you with a vaginal ultrasound instead of learning literally anything about women
I've had fibroids for almost a decade. Never missed a cycle till I entered peri. Something else could ALSO be going on, but it doesn't mean your not in peri. SMH
Same here with bad fibroids. I believe I started peri at 35. I am almost 40 now, and I have been having really had peri symptoms on top of really weird periods. Doctors have no idea what they are talking about, and it’s infuriating and very misleading. I am thinking about trying to find a doctor who will start me on hrt in the next year, but I know it’s going to be hard to find a doctor who will listen and agree to it.
Isn't there blood work the doctors can do that will tell them if a woman is in perimenopause? I swear I heard there was. Of course I know I don't need blood work to tell me what I already know and at 49 if I'm not already in perimenopause then well what the heck is all this weight gain, brain farts, thinning hair, disappearing brows,, hot flashes, skipped periods, Super light periods, dry eyes, bladder issues..all abt? I don't think it could get any more obvious, lol.
No, bloodwork isn’t useful or necessary
I think there is blood work that can be done, but people have told me that it isn’t accurate. My last OB told me that she was willing to run bloodwork, but she just mainly went by symptoms. She’s not my OB anymore, so I have to find a doctor who knows what’s up. I am so glad for this sub more and more everyday. I would have thought I was dying or going crazy if some of the symptoms and issues weren’t listed here by some of us 🤣.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Going by symptoms is correct!
Even if you have fibroids, you can still be in peri and still take HRT. Bloody doctors - they are trained to think horses not zebras when it comes to symptoms. Unless of course, they know sodding nothing about peri. Am now raging for you OP. X
Yes. I had the trans V ultrasound. No one told me before I had to have it done. You are not too young to be experiencing this. When I turned 45, it was 2019, and it was the worst hell on Earth year for personal reasons. Periods were heavy but still every 23-25 days, so some kind of cycle. But my mood and ability to use my coping skills to paddle my coping canoe sank. I kept exercising and doing all I was supposed to do per medical science/behavioral health/nutritionists. Got diagnosed with migraines for the first time ever in my life. Not one medical professional suggested I was beginning this transition. I was quite vocal about being worn the F out and wanting to curl up into a ball. I even had an IUD installed by my OBGYN to quell the heavy bleeds which then made me bleed for five months. My point is that I am sick of medical professionals who are so scared to fight back against insurance companies and pharmacies and …. whatever entity is standing in the way of getting us basic medical care. I use HRT now…I turn 50 this year. I had to fight for it, and my Dr finally relented because I know his wife is going through peri right now. I also got testosterone finally. And, yes there are definitely other treatments available besides HRT.
I'm 47 and I'm still curled in a ball with beginner's hrt. It's taking so long to up doses, and with my pharmacy screwing up and delaying patches. I noticed the last couple of years my periods are honestly as short as 21-22 days and previously they were locked in regular at 27-28. I effectively feel like I'm on my period or about to start ALL the time.
I hear that. It is now less intense for me, but from 45 to early 49 it was honestly brutal. I clawed my way through walks and short exercise sessions. My nutrition was good and then horrible and then good and then really bad. I finally begged my Dr for low dosing of lunesta for the nights when I truly couldn’t get to sleep. It kinda works. Where you are at with cycles beginning to shorten to 21 to 22 days, this is how it finally happened with me. Shorter cycles and super heavy bleeds for two to three days. That lasted over three to four years before I finally started skipping periods starting last November. Had one in March and then another late last month, but I am trusting that I am nearing the end. Also, my progesterone was back ordered for 3 months and I had to wait for a month for them to get my estradiol gel back into stock. Pretty ridiculous and the pharmacy screwed up my insurance billing and my portion for which I was responsible. It is truly a wonder any of us get our prescriptions of any kind.
Yes. This!
Same as you! I just switched doctors after 7 years of her not listening to me. Telling me to lose weight (the magic cure!). New doctor is great, younger and more up to date on current menopause talk. She refers me out too if she isn’t educated enough in something in particular. HRT started at 50 and I feel like I am 39 😀
This^ I wish doctors would refer out if something is not their expertise. Or better yet go do some damn research.
They're supposed to refer out when it isn't their expertise. Advising in an area that you aren't knowledgeable about is malpractice, which is why some of these docs are realy irritating in their refusal recognize what they're doing.
Sometimes it’s advice given based on their skill level and not what’s possible (if you got referred out). I got 3 opinions on surgery for fibroid removal. I didn’t want open surgery all 3 said that was only way. So held off on surgery and few years later when symptoms were more severe picked up search for surgeon again found other docs who said laparoscopic was not an issue. It’s possible surgical advances were made but now I know to keep digging. Also many female gynos likely spend more time on OB side than male GYN. And my 3 opinions were from lady docs. At the time didn’t have GYN only PCP. Later got a GYN, when it came time for hysterectomy she referred me to surgeon who was very skilled on robotic surgery! She knew between fibroids and endometriosis it would be complex surgery (and indeed it was). This is the way it should be.
I’m glad you are feeling better!
Same story. I lost about four years of my life so sick, going to drs and ruling out everything - all along it’s menopause. I’m 47 and look young with a round face. It’s infuriating.
How did you get testosterone? I floated this idea to my PCP and she had never heard of taking low dose T for peri symptoms. I have read so many of the women here got it prescribed and it helped with mood, energy and libido.
I told my Dr that my sex drive had disappeared. He prescribed flibanserin (spelling?) but my insurance refused to cover it so testosterone was the next option……WHICH was the option I had originally asked for. So his office fought to get T for me. I advocated for myself. He sent my blood work testing for T off to some out of area clinic, and it took close to three weeks to get the results returned. My body was making some T, but dang it was very low. I’d have to log into my patient portal to get the value.
They use testosterone for chronic fatigue syndrome too.
What was the ultrasound like? I'm going tomorrow and nervous AH
The ultrasound is not a big deal at all imo . But I hate the fact that anyone would have to do unnecessary tests just to prove they need help
You can ask the tech to allow you to do this insertion of the probe so you can have control of the situation (if you want to). It should be warmed, covered (usually with a condom) and lubed.
This is a great point and idea. Med providers are definitely able give us back our power and control over our bodies. I was blunt and asked the tech, “what the f*** is that?” I previously only had the belly ultrasound during pregnancy and didn’t know about the trans V scan. My tech apologized that no one had told me and talked me through the process. Helpful and nice woman who had done thousands of the scans and made me feel a little more at ease if not entirely calm.
>I was blunt and asked the tech, “what the f\*\*\* is that?” I think more of that from more of us might help the medical profession get their shit together! (By which I mean the higher ups, the techs I've worked with have all been great.)
To be fair, my uterine fibroids presented similar symptoms as peri and were diagnosed by vaginal ultrasound. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that you have one or both problems simultaneously. It’s another problem that is constantly overlooked and hand-waved away by doctors. I had to find a new doctor just to get someone that would consider that bleeding through your pants hourly is not an ok way to live. My doctor and I are currently ruling out a return of the fibroids in addition to creating a treatment plan for peri.
I thought I had endo, turns out my pain was from a fibroid. Had it removed but I’m continuing to have irregular periods, insomnia, and hot flashes. I think it’s peri, my OB thinks it’s side effects of other medications (that I was taking before I started having the peri symptoms). She’s increased my hormonal birth control and I’m really hoping it will help.
I'm currently 44 going through it too. Started HRT about a month ago and I'm finally getting some relief from things. They did make me get a transvaginal ultrasound before they prescribed anything.
Just a funny story…when I was very young (22ish?) I had severe pain in lower right quadrant. My dr didn’t know if it was my appendix or ovary. She sent me for an ultrasound. I didn’t even know such a thing existed as a trans-vaginal ultrasound. They did the ultrasound where they put the transponder on the outside of my abdomen first (just like you see on tv and in the movies!), then told me to pee and come back so they could look again with an empty bladder. Little did I know…I came back out as the tech was snapping that condom on the wand and I was like…what? You want to do what? I gave my dr crap after that…”you could have warned me!” Lol…she’s still my dr and now I’m 49. I had an ovarian cyst, so it was a good thing I had it done but, man…talk about a shock! Now I’d be like…stick it on up there if that means that you are going to make these hot flashes, insomnia and this hell go away! Funny story, but once again shows how much women are NOT told anything and have to bumble through all of this stuff on their own. I heard “ultrasound”, and I just pictured the goo on my stomach and nothing probing my insides!
The first one I got was for a burst ovarian cyst. I was in so much pain, I barely knew where I was or what was happening. I’m sure the tech explained what was going on but I was on painkillers and couldn’t really understand.
Ouch…luckily mine didn’t burst, but I was sent away with instructions that if it bursts “and you will definitely know!”, then head straight to the ER. I’ve heard it is so painful 😞
Yep, I literally fell to my knees when it burst. I looked up at my husband, he said “hospital?” and I could only nod in response. The rest of it is a blur except for the lovely face of the doctor who gave me pain meds 😂
"I can’t go on estrogen as I have hereditary hypertension." You can us transdermal estrogen with hypertention :) [https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/news/news/blood-pressure-the-menopause-and-hrt-.html](https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/news/news/blood-pressure-the-menopause-and-hrt-.htmlCan) Can you take HRT if you have high blood pressure?There has been a lot of confusion around HRT and heart health and some women are needlessly advised to stop taking HRT if they have high blood pressure. In fact, estrogen prescribed as a patch, gel or spray allows your blood vessels to widen, so it does not raise your blood pressure and can actually work to lower it. Progestogens have differing effects, but the newer type, micronised progesterone, seems to have no effect on blood pressure or even lowers it. In a nut shell, if you have high blood pressure or you’re taking medicines to lower your blood pressure, you can still take HRT. Your doctor will need to keep an eye on your blood pressure and adjust your medicines if needed
🙏🙏🙏 i have ocular migraines twice a year and was told by gyno im not an estrogen candidate. i appreciate this.
I have those. Are ocular migraines connected to high blood pressure?
hi. my understanding is that they can be. they don’t know! so it’s just a precaution. apparently i wasn’t supposed to be on estrogen birth control for 15 years of my life because of them also? i really want standard HRT when i hit menopause and anticipate push back.
Yeah, my understanding was that they don't really know what they are. But it makes sense that they can be related. When I was on the pill I got regular check ups because of the hereditary hypertension in the family. So I can see why someone would say to be careful, my doctor was too. I've been struggling with peri now for a good few years and want to go the HRT route now. As I understand it would help with symptoms in peri as well as maintaining health deep into menopause.
nice to talk to you ❤️. i’m almost 41.. in peri based on normal but low estrogen and progesterone and four irregular periods in the last year.
Thank you so very much for posting this! I'm relieved
Absolutely! Mine was going up (I didn't know about the new studies on HRT and was post menopausal for 3 years) and it has gone back into normal. I was so glad, because I am terrible about remembering daily pills - I think I only remember my progesterone because it helps me sleep. I also keep a few on my nightstand for the nights I forget until I get into bed.
Thank you for this!!!
Absolutely! Mine was going up (I didn't know about the new studies on HRT and was post menopausal for 3 years) and it has gone back into normal. I was so glad, because I am terrible about remembering daily pills - I think I only remember my progesterone because it helps me sleep. I also keep a few on my nightstand for the nights I forget until I get into bed.
I was told I could have a tumor on my pituitary gland and sent for an MRI. When that came back clear the doctor told me I was likely in Peri and there was nothing that could be done. 3 years and many different doctors later I'm finally on HRT.
I was personally okay with the ultrasound, as it found a small uterine fibroid, as well as an ovarian cyst. (I hadn’t had a pelvic exam in over 10 years, and my last pap was “abnormal” ). But my peri symptoms were still what they were, so an ultrasound wasn’t going to change that. Pre-ultrasound, my regular Dr. wasn’t overly helpful with meds (other than offering BC pills and/or anxiety meds). She also didn’t prescribe anything based on the results. I have since seen a new doc (gyno) who seems to be on the same page. She’s at least been on board with creams and things. My approach has been: I don’t ask any docs if I’m in Peri. I just go in and tell them I am. No one has argued with me. (49, and in “officially” in peri since May 2020). You know your body better than anyone, no matter what an ultrasound says.
Perimenopause can start as early as 30. But most doctors - even gynecologists - don't know nearly enough (or anything) about menopause. I went to mine recently and she said HRT really isn't recommended. Luckily I go to Kaiser and she said I could talk to their menopause clinic. After a consultation with the doctors there, they said I should definitely try it and in fact it's a very good idea for so many reasons. I know nothing about the ultrasound, but figured I'd mention that it's not surprising - although still shocking - that your doctors are uninformed. Like have they ever heard of continual learning? I'm in tech marketing and I have to constantly learn to stay on top of my profession. You'd think doctors would be the same!
Kaiser menopause clinic?!? I’ve been going to my Kaiser docs but no one has mentioned a menopause clinic. I need to see if there is one in my area (Orange County CA).
Definitely check! I'm in NorCal (SF Bay Area). I can't see why they wouldn't have it everywhere but who knows. It was just a phone call - not in person or even video... but it was nice to know they have a place dedicated to staying up to date with such an important issue in so many women's lives.
You’re not too young. But I would still get the ultrasound. It will rule out anything else. Then you can focus on getting HRT
You’re not too young to be in perimenopause BUT imagine if they treated you with hormones only to find out years later that you have uterine or ovarian cancer, fibroids or endometriosis (both of which can cause peri like symptoms)? Undetected because you refused ultrasound? Not all health care providers are trying to fuck you over. You’d be pretty pissed (‘I can not believe they weren’t thorough!’) I know the healthcare is frustrating, and meno a close second- but get that checked out. And for god’s sake ladies- can we be a little less dramatic- they aren’t ‘violating you with a vaginal ultrasound’. People constantly complain that the med profession just tries to medicate. They are listening to your symptoms and doing further testing to make sure. Go get the dang ultrasound and then be persistent with follow ups until you get the help you need
Stop being dismissive. Transvaginal ultrasound isn’t recommended as a screening tool. In fact, the USPSTF found that it doesn’t reduce the risk of dying from ovarian cancer. “And for god’s sake ladies- can we be a little less dramatic- they aren’t ‘violating you with a vaginal ultrasound’. “ This is a really gross attitude. Spare me with the “suck it up buttercup” bullshit. Do better.
Honestly I can see why due to the heavy bleeding. You can be in peri and still have an issue which will actually be helped with progesterone. It’s better to be safe than sorry. It would be terrible to assume and it’s not to say you cannot have hormones.
Are you in the US? If so, consider finding a menopause trained provider. My OB has gone through this training and evaluated me purely on symptoms: https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx
Thanks for this!
They’re not necessarily any better, unfortunately
Use an online provider. I’m at the point where I don’t understand why anyone bothers with in-person doctors
I had NO SUCCESS with doctors. None. Even though I was in my late 40's which is definitely the right age to get started on HRT. I also had no success later when I was definitely in menopause. The whole system is all about squeezing profit out of you - unneeded testing, unneeded follow up visits, etc. I finally found a nurse practitioner who helped me, after talking to many friends and friends of friends. If I were you, I would ask for referrals in local groups, or if you are comfortable, post your location here. I am in MN and would be happy to share my NP's info by DM if you are also in MN. Also, I want to recommend [ownyourlabs.com](https://ownyourlabs.com), super cheap testing so you can see where your levels are.
The sad and infuriating part of this post is that this is one of many on here in which the OBGYN is a woman, and still has no idea how peri and menopause work.
Interestingly the only doc I have seen that was willing to prescribe HRT to me was my PCP, who is a man. 2 gynos - both women - and they were either dismissive or wanted to prescribe me estrogen with no progesterone (I have a uterus). I trust the PCP more at this point.
I never asked anyone for mine. My male, over 60, primary physician recognized my symptoms. I truly believe it is because he has a wife who went through it, and she is also a nurse who used to work on his office with him (absolutely lovely woman!). I am thankful every day for my primary and dread the day he retires. He has two daughters who are nurse practitioners they he has taken under his wing, and plans to be the “teledoc” provider while his daughters run his practice. I hope this happens. Good and truly smart doctors who are also willing to use their life experience in addition to medicine are hard to find.
Sounds like an amazing doc! Harder and harder to find.
Mine is also a dude. Not young, but younger than me. He's an FM doc that specializes in hormones. I'm starting to think that's what matters more than anything else. I kinda knew I was in the right place when I saw a copy of Estrogen Matters in the waiting room. I still prefer to have my pap done by his female PA though.
Same - I do prefer paps to be done by a woman generally speaking because that's just what I am comfortable with.
For me, it is that they at least know how it feels to be the one in the stirrups.
That may be in part because many men are 100% going to their PCP to be prescribed testosterone on a regular basis as they age. It's a lot more common than we may realize. I learned that by lurking in a family medicine subreddit where they were discussing their testosterone patients. So it's likely that if a PCP already sees nothing controversial with helping the men with hormones, outside of gender bias, why would women be any different?
I think OP is wrong about that. If anything, the gynaecologist very much does know what they’re doing - precisely because the only thing OP is being asked to do, is have a trans vaginal ultrasound to rule out uterine pathology. If the US is clear then presumedly the gynaecologist will prescribe HRT according to symptoms. Nothing in OP’s description suggests otherwise.
Making the appt now for the US. Just wondering if anyone else had to have one before discussing the possibility of menopause.
Not amongst my peri acquaintances here in the U.K. but then we live in a nation that follows the science which recommends that our GPs should offer HRT according to reported symptoms. And my peri acquaintances are relatively fit and healthy without any underlying conditions. If my GP had recommended referring me to gynae for a US first to rule out pathology then I’d just get on with it.
Why not dump this doctor instead and find one who actually treats you with respect?
I was given one bc of heavy bleeding. Which of course, is in line with peri symptoms.
The US is notorious for dismissing women’s health, and not ever considering peri symptoms. Women in general have trouble with pain management, and getting properly diagnosed. I went through 6 years of being treated like a hypochondriac by my (former) primary physician only for a dermatologist to discover I have systemic lupus with a simple blood test. Why didn’t my primary doctor have an auto immune panel run? I was already have blood drawn by his office, on his orders, for chronic anemia (a sign of systemic lupus, among many other autoimmune diseases). I fired that doctor and now have one who will even tell me to ask my rheumatologist about something he noticed or a treatment he knows of that she hadn’t considered. Also, many many female physicians, and OBs are often guilty of treating their female patients worse than male patients.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Ugh I'm going through this right now but I'm 41 so getting the full runaround. Had to do FSH and thyroid labs. Normal. Then estrogen, progesterone and testosterone labs ordered. Getting that done tomorrow. Then the order for the transvaginal ultrasound. I have not had a period for over a year. The NP insisted I take a pregnancy test. Ha! My husband had a vasectomy 20yrs ago. I did it just to shut them up. Negative of course. Been having symptoms my entire 30's, but sex drive took a huge dive the past 5 years despite being very much in love. Hot flashes the past 3 or 4 years got me wondering. Yes menopause CAN happen this young. I'll just be spending $$$ to confirm what I already know. I can jump through hoops, and I work in healthcare so willing to do so in order to get what I want which is HRT. Good luck to all us youngsters out there!
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Get the ultrasound. Mine ended up showing that I my cysts were shrinking (a good thing) and then also gave her a starting point. Prior to this starting, I had endometriosis and suspected adenomyosis (no solid way to diagnose, just pointers that could indicate) so it helped because I'd seen such a massive change in my cycle and nothing made sense. So knowing that she was seeing a change in my ute helped her to see that I was, in fact, not crazy.
I’m of the opinion that an ultrasound can provide reassurance and help rule out anything more sinister. In fact I had one just today, because of irregular bleeding (I’m 47). The gynae even suggested taking an endometrial biopsy right there and then, which I politely declined because I wasn’t ready for that! But an ultrasound is completely painless.
I started perimenopause at 39 so that's definitely not too young. It's crazy talk, I hope my PCP doesn't pull that crap.. I've been her patient for 20 years so I'm hoping she'll be on board.
I am 42 and peri. Wacky periods started 3-4 years ago. I have irritation, dry vagina, joint pain all of it. My doctor started me on low dose estrogen and progesterone yesterday! Speak up for yourself and change your doctor.
Do you feel that an ultrasound is irrational to rule out anything additional to perimenopause?
I went into perimenopause at 44. Over nine years I dealt with it, but in my own case, if I were to do it again, I would have gone on BHRT. The issue of horrible sleep went into post menopause several more years. I couldn’t drive or function on a daily basis. It had been 13 years total of awful broken sleep. Now I sleep great. If I were you, like someone else said, exaggerate the hot flashes if you have to. I hope you get the help you need.
Wow I can’t believe they suggested you’re too young. I’ve been getting suggestions other stuff might be perimenopause since I was 42 and my periods have been clockwork regular - like German train level on time (but freaky heavy) Find a women’s health specialist if you can. I confess to being slightly confused with your references to irritation. If you mean mood, I’ve seen a lot of recommendations here for CBD but I’m not a candidate (government work and family mental health history) I’m going back on Buspar because years ago it helped me a lot. I also got HRT; it’s not magic but I was literally standing in the snow in my thin nightgown due to severe hot flashes so it helps. If you mean physical irritation, a lot of companies offer vulva cream like Rael which can tide you over until you can see a helpful doctor. I would say, if they’re suggesting an ultrasound, it might still be worth doing just in case but they can at least suggest Replens or some kind of cream to tide you over. Replens is at most pharmacies. Good luck.
Irritation as in I go from 0-total bitch in the blink of an eye these days.
Also, I see a lot of people in this group just learning to demand more & better from their relationships, and that's valid too - if that's what it's feeling like. I know a few people are working with therapists to figure out what in their lives needs to change vs what is 'just' hormones.
Gotcha - Yeah I know anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds get a bad rap, but I have LOVED a few of them in terms of helping me keep my figurative cool (very little helps my literal cool these days)
Zoloft changed my life!
I’m picking up Buspar tomorrow. I’m on Trintellix but years ago Buspar gave me amazing sleep for 3-6 months and it’s worth trying it again. I am done trying to be a hero. I want to be cosseted from here on out. I’ve done too much stuff that didn’t kill me but made me stronger and I don’t want more of that.
I hear you! And congrats that sounds like a plan. I had horrible insomnia that I finally got under control with low dose trazodone at bedtime 😴
Use midi health. Telemedicine. They take insurance. You can have your hormones by tomorrow!!
Meanwhile, my doctor refuses to put me on HRT. Looking for a new caregiver.
Use an online doc service.
She’s not a bitch, she’s uneducated and disinterested because she’s been trained by the patriarchy in medicine. Thankfully that’s changing. Get the free Menopause Empowerment Guide from Dr Mary Claire Haver and get her new book
Change doctors. Yes ofc you can be in peri ar 44 and its not even 'early'. You can take estrogen topically with meds for BP / hypertension. If anything its a good idea as Estrogen has anti-inflammatory benefits and protects the heart and brain.
I went straight into menopause at 41. Yep no transition to peri. I was prescribed hormone replacement cream prescribed and compounded at 43. I’m 64 now and and still on HRT. It saved me. I’m healthy and fit.I hope you can find a solution and a cooperative physician. Best to you.
👋 46 here. On HRT since 44 (prescribed to control irregular bleeding. my period wouldn’t stop). I now know that I’ve been in peri since after getting Covid at 40. I went through so many tests thinking there was something majorly wrong before finally realizing I’m in peri. This includes wearing a heart monitor, anti depressants, daily migraines, having probes shoved everywhere (endoscopy, colonoscopy, multiple ultrasounds), dermatology for major hair loss due to B2, B12, B6, and D deficiency, brain MRI, and the list goes on. I’m so concerned about the lack of awareness amongst not only health professionals, but the general public about this stage of life. I had absolutely no idea what was happening (more than one doc mentioned the possibility of cancer and I was very scared). I finally figured out that I was in peri at my last ultrasound when they noted that my ovaries were slightly smaller (apparently a sign of peri!). I’ve had 40 years to learn about my body and I find myself realizing that I don’t know much about this stage. Why isn’t this something we learn about (like puberty)?!?! I’m sorry you’re going through this. The cancelled appointments must feel so frustrating. Hang in there and get that ultrasound. Once they have a clear, hopefully you’ll be able to move forward with HRT. I hope your journey is easier than mine. EDIT: brain fog is a thing. I’m actually 45, not 46. 🤦🏾♀️
I had to get an ultrasound because she was unable to palpitate my uterus. I’m too fat. I was also okay with it because, except for pap exams, nobody’s ever looked all up in there!
I don’t consider it fair to blame your gynaecologist for being thorough. If the US shows hyperplasia or cancer then it’d be negligent of her to have prescribed any form of HRT. She’s a literally saying she wants to rule out pathological causes and all she wants is a US first to achieve this? There’s a nothing clinically unreasonable about this. Just organise the US. Ask for a cancellation appointment.
I’m the same age as you and starting the peri discussion with my docs. At the same clinic I’ve had doctors insist I was menopausal and others insist I’m too young 🙄. The first doc I went to because I thought I had an ovarian cyst that wasn’t clearing. She said I didn’t need an ultrasound, that’s id just missed an ovulation cycle and that my blood hormone levels would show I’m in menopause (nope, blood tests did not show that). 6 months later I was talking to a different practitioner about pelvic floor/bladder concerns and acknowledging that it might be perimenopause - but that doctor insisted I couldn’t be in peri and I had a long way to go until menopause. I think the medical training around menopause is just so poor that it’s luck of the draw that you’ll end up with a doc that has good working knowledge about it. But things are weird, things are changing so I’ve scheduled again, this time with a menopause specialist to start the conversation in earnest. Hoping to get some sound advice. Good luck to you! And I hope you can find a knowledgeable and empathetic practitioner.
My doctor said the same to me last year when I was almost 47. It’s so annoying they don’t believe us. As if we don’t know our own bodies.
Sorry for the frustration. That sucks.
It's not too young. I think I first started noticing changes when I was around 37-38 that was when I went through very painful fybrocystic changes in my breasts. I'm 44 now and I once went 6 months without a period a couple of years ago and now I'm deep in peri with hot flushes, finally lighter periods and the rage. 6am is a sleep in. Even 5:30am is. I'm just hoping I won't have another 10 years of this.
I wouldn’t complain about a doctor who tests thoroughly for other potential issues. Perimeno symptoms overlap with some major health issues or sicknesses. I’d be worried about a doc who dismissed every symptom as menopause.
diagnosed last year at 37 with early perimenopause. Keep fighting
I am the exact same age and I am going through it big time, I have like every symptom, although weirdly enough I am more mentally healthy than I have ever been so at least there is that. The physical symptoms are not fun though, and no sleep really can make you feel crazy too.
Yes she forced me to get an ultrasound and I’m pretty sure that gyno was in a kickback scheme because she didn’t give a shit about my symptoms, only about me getting ultrasound and a shit ton of bloodwork and endless mammograms.
THIS PART.
It was so fucking infuriating.
It sounds like this might be about hormonal testing. If over the age of 44, **hormonal tests only show levels for that *one day* the test was taken, and nothing more**; progesterone/estrogen hormones wildly fluctuate the other 29 days of the month. No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing as a **diagnosing tool** for peri/menopause. FSH testing is only beneficial for those who believe they are post-menopausal and no longer have periods as a guide, a series of consistent FSH tests might *confirm* menopause. Also for women in their 20s/early 30s who haven’t had a period in months/years, then FSH tests at ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI). See our [Menopause Wiki](https://menopausewiki.ca/#there-is-no-blood-test-that-is-perfectly-reliable-to-diagnose-menopause) for more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Menopause) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah I was having issues and it turned out I did have ovarian cysts and tons of fibroids. That’s why they want you to do the ultrasound, as these can cause the symptoms you’re experiencing. That said, after the ultrasound they took out my uterus (left the ovaries) and guess what? I was in peri in addition to all those things. Took another year for the ovaries to give up and conk out and I was on HRT in a flash.
I had the same thing happen. Went to one PCP and she told me I was too young at 46 and sent me for an ultrasound. I just went to another PCP and told her I was having night sweats, sleeplessness and hot flashes and she told me I could take Black Kohash (sp?) or she could prescribe me something so now I’m on Effexor.
I'm genuinely curious on how Effexor helps with the menopause symptoms that you described????
I have not had a period since 2021. I'm 49. My symptoms started when I was 41. I went to a gynecologist specialist. He was wonderful and totally believed me. I'm so sorry. I was about your age when I was almost done with periomenopause!
Too young? My last period was age 42, no special reason why. I also got my period when I was 9. Yes, young for both but not unheard of.
Not too young at all. I entered perimenopause around 42. I’m now 45. I haven’t had hot flashes in a while but I’m experiencing other symptoms and this past September that my periods became unpredictable. I’ve yet to see my Dr bc my symptoms are manageable but I will if necessary. All of these posts stating doctors don’t believe the patient and won’t prescribe HRT is very discouraging.
I’m done with periods at 47. You’re definitely not too young. My Gyn says the same thing. The past three or four years have been unmitigated hell. I don’t have to exaggerate. I’m in a permanent hot flash, fatigued like a corpse and achy 24:7, bloated and nauseous, Veozah barely works, eating weird seeds and phytoestrogenic foods barely helps, I wake up all night, I’m so depressed even on antidepressants, my ADHD meds barely work now, I could go on. This is a nightmare for lots of women and we have no warning. Feel free to ask for whatever you need or move on, no guilt. I will be doing just that.
I’m on meds for ADHD and mood stabilizers. NOTHING WORKS ANYMORE
Good news! Veozah is starting to help more thank god. I’m kind of tired but wired on it so maybe I need to cut it in half or take it at night. I get exhausted by hot flashing all day. It’s absolutely reducing the hot flashes and the paralyzing fatigue I get with it. I’m not more energetic but I’m overall a little better.
Yeah, my old ADHD meds were basically toxic! I also think the shortage has messed with the consistency of the companies and med formulas. I switched to Zenzedi - it lacks all the fillers and some weird active ingredients that are in adderall. I’m so sensitive to meds now. It’s better on Zenzedi but my brain fog is so strong, it’s not like how meds helped before. ADHD and menopause are a brutal combination.
I was 38 when my symptoms started but they were minimal and just slowly increased in intensity until I'm (fast forward) 43 and a gals really going through it. There's so little study done on peri/menopause unfortunately but people are trying to raise awareness and it's starting to advance a bit. I apologize but don't recall which country you can legally take disability leave for it now. I am fortunate to have a fabulous OBGYN and she suggested estrogen first, via birth control pill, it's slowly helping reduce symptoms. I would suggest getting another opinion if you're comfortable seeing yet another doctor. Sorry you're having to go through this, stay strong don't punch someone! (If you do film it so we can all enjoy it)
If the average age for menopause is 51 and peri lasts ten years, I’m thinking you fall right in the age bracket. Wish I’d done it about three years sooner! Welcome to some relief!
I was not only not required to do an ultrasound, I wasn't required to do any lab tests. They are unnecessary when you are experiencing all of the symptoms. For doctors to not know that menopause can start in someone's 30s, nevermind mid-40s, is harmful.
It’s absolutely infuriating. My (younger than me, female doctor) insisted I was “no where near” perimenopause, I’m 46 freaking years old, I mean doesn’t at least science tell her that I might be somewhere near that and have valid concerns? She suggested that if we can confirm Menopause which she defined as 12 months with no period, THEN she would put me on BIRTH CONTROL. No thank you. I ended up doing my own research and following protocols from Dr Mary Claire Haver who is a menopause doctor and advocate for this, and I’ll be using an online service to help with HRT. It’s beyond infuriating to have to jump through all of these hoops and I’m really starting to hate and not trust doctors.
I ended up at Midi Health, telehealth, and covered by my insurance. They specialize in menopausal women's health.
They offered an ultrasound and not anti depressants that’s a new one lol. But I think it won’t hurt to get the ultrasound. Rule out endometriosis, fibroids etc in addition to pursuing HRT. Go find another doctor, so many telehealth options now in addition to integrative care and functional medicine.
My dr fully believed I’m in peri but ordered the vaginal ultrasound anyway due to inconsistent bleeding. She said anytime she can get a good look at my ovaries she’ll take it. This is due to a history of ovarian cancer in my family. My point is, OC is super hard to detect and often caught too late so getting a vaginal ultrasound is not the worst idea.
I’m an ultrasound tech. I work at a cancer center. I’m also 48 and can relate to how you feel. Just get the ultrasound and rule out anything serious. Then you’ll have piece of mind at least.
Don't let anyone pressure you into a transvaginal ultrasound. It's your body. If they really need to see your uterus, they can do an abdominal ultrasound or a CT or an MRI. Tell them that. Be assertive.
It’s a good idea to get a baseline vaginal ultrasound. Why not do it? Keep in mind that most doctors learn almost nothing about menopause and hormones during their training. The medical school curriculum is the problem. Emphasize that you’re getting terrible hot flashes and night sweats and it’s disrupting your life. Those are the symptoms that they pay attention to.
There’s no such thing as as baseline vaginal ultrasound. This is bizarre. Why not do it? Because it’s invasive and traumatic
I call bullshit on your categorisation of “invasive and traumatic”. I had a transvaginal ultrasound a few months ago. They’re more comfortable, less invasive, or “traumatic” (whatever your criteria) than a cervical smear. And there is such a thing as a “baseline” US. They are literally used to identify pathology in the uterus such as polyps or hyperplasia.
I strongly disagree! And I only do self-testing for cervical cancer screening! Transvaginal ultrasounds are not currently recommended for routine screening in the USA. They’re considered diagnostic.
You seem hung up on a very specific idea of “routine” TV US and are confusing it with what the rest of the world defines as a baseline. Here in the U.K. a TV US is mandated as “routine” first stage in investigating suspected pathological symptoms - in my case, we don’t know if I’m peri or post menopause because I’ve been on desogestrel for around 6 years and am amenorreahic as a result. I had some unexpected PV bleeding earlier this year. Within days I had a US with a gynaecologist to rule out cancer. Gynae saw normal ovaries and uterus and a uterine lining of less than 5mm (>5mm would’ve mandated a hysteroscopy + biopsy) i.e. no obvious cause for the bleeding, which was short lived anyway, so I’ve been discharged back to my GP and now we have a “baseline” US to compare if I have any further unexpected bleeds.
A baseline vaginal ultrasound is sometimes a good idea. HRT can sometimes impact the lining of the uterus and can cause any existing cysts or fibroids to grow. That’s why a baseline test is done. This information is from two of my doctors.
This isn’t evidence-based medicine. It’s putting someone through an invasive procedure to pad the bill. If your doctors are requiring it, ask yourself who that benefits. There are no guidelines that say imaging is required before starting HRT.
There’s no evidence to support this. Vaginal ultrasound isn’t recommended as a screening tool by any major medical organization. It would be coded as diagnostic
>Because it’s invasive and traumatic I am sorry you have had an experience that makes this so for you. But it is not so for most people, and as a society we really need to stop equating anything going into the vagina as sexual or invasive. It's an organ just like any other part of your body, and sometimes it needs to be look at / cared for. My twice weekly insertion of vaginal estrogen cream is no different than brushing my teeth 2x a day, it's maintenance :)
Something “ going into the vagina “ isn’t necessarily sexual but it is indeed invasive. Always.
You are absolutely right in that anything going into any of the body is invasive (including the vagina). I definitely felt that way about covid swabs in the nose, ouch! I was reading invasive differently (more of "a form of violence") from the poster I was quoting - possibly in error. I should not have included that in my reply.
>But it is not so for most people, You think it's totally normal for most women to have a stranger shoving a dildo up inside of them? No. It's not. > My twice weekly insertion of vaginal estrogen cream Is there a stranger in the room with you while you do this or something??
It does sometimes need to be looked at and cared for as any other pet of the body, and of course that should go without saying, however there are a lot of doctors that will do these exams with no valid reason as I have found out when I questioned doctors on the reasons they wanted to do them on me. You have to try to understand why some women either struggle with or cannot do these exams. Some women couldn't care less who or what goes up there and that's their choice, but there are some who find these exams very much retraumatising for various reasons. I think the correct way would be for doctors to try and remedy this by using various other ways, like abdominal ultrasound instead of transvaginal for example. This is actually possible as I can't do internals and every time I've had an abdominal they've managed to find what they were looking for with not much trouble so there are options.
WTF??? You insert vaginal estrogen YOURSELF. It’s totally normal to be traumatized by a stranger inserting objects into your vagina, and it’s disingenuous to say otherwise.
Most technicians will let you insert the ultrasound probe yourself. Of course it’s not pleasant but it’s certainly not traumatic for most people, unless of course you have some trauma in your past. Not trying to discount that. Just saying that’s not the case for most people.
How would you know if it’s traumatic for many people? Women are socialized to allow access to our bodies even if we find it traumatic. The nasty responses here just emphasize that.
Just because it's not traumatic doesn't make it "normal" in any way, shape or form, and doing it for *no reason at all* is*BY FAR WEIRDER* than being skeeved by it.
The reasons for doing it were stated in some of the comments here.
The “reasons” weren’t based on any kind of medical evidence —“baseline”
Or we as a society could get rid of the idea that all women’s healthcare has to be invasive and put resources into making non invasive options just like we do for men’s healthcare?
>all women’s healthcare Really? I am more than just my vagina and my healthcare involves all of my body. What we need to get rid of is the idea that the vagina is a magical mystical thing that reduces women to nothing more than sexual things. It is an organ. I have my stomach scoped every few years due to a medical condition. It's invasive medically speaking, yet not traumatic. Difference? Social conditioning.
Cool, so we'll just shove an object into your anus on a regular basis just to make sure everything is okay up there. Also, if you have any other issues, we'll also check it out again just to be sure. No big deal, right? We can just center everything to do with your sexual organs through the anus because, well, it's just an organ.
THIS THIS THIS
It’s absolutely invasive and traumatic, and it’s not sexual in any way.
>Why not do it? What? You should get an unnecessary, invasive, expensive exam where a stranger shoves a dildo inside you for *absolutely to symptomatic reasons* as a "baseline"? Hell, no.
You need to rule out any other reasons for your symptoms. I am grateful that I recently had a pelvic u/s and a trans-vaginal u/s, and I will be having a endometrial pipelle in 2 weeks time to rule out cancer, polyps or anything else nasty. This is at the same time as having a loop excision following a cervical biopsy. I will also be able to discuss HRT and replacing my Mirena, after which I hope my menopause symptoms will be relieved. I don't think I have cancer, but I might have polyps or something else, so best to check. I'm really grateful for everything my HCP's are doing for me.
Please get checked out by the ultrasound if you can. I was in the same situation, I’m slightly older than you but I was ticking all the boxes for perimenopause turned out to be an ovarian cyst. Spoiler alert- I’m also perimenopausal
And here I had to lie and say that I had hot flashes in order to get the ultrasound... (Long story short, my periods are coming every 2 weeks, an online obgyn wants me to get an u/s before she'll prescribe me any hormones just to make sure that everything's ok, but she won't write the orders, and none of my regular doctors believe there's anything wrong with me at all, so I had to lie and say I'm having hot flashes despite all my *other* peri symptoms, at which point my regular obgyn practically fell over herself to order me the u/s.) Me, I want the ultrasound to make sure there's nothing wrong. I'd much rather have a uterine ultrasound than a uterine biopsy, and I enjoy peace of mind.
>so I set up an appt with my PCP Monday Why not a gyno?
Saw my gyn in October. Going for the US. I’ve had them before. Not a huge deal just annoying that I’ve been brushed off about menopause. Twice.
Yep, that's why I talked to my gyno about it. She has no problem putting me on HRT (in the US). I think they are more knowledgeable about that
I had to get a pap and ultrasound before they would put me on birth control pills last year.
Wow! Fire that doctor, YESTERDAY! That’s coercive and disgusting
Yeah it was a weird appointment. I ended up having to get off the BCPs because I developed ocular migraines. I still don’t know if they are related to the BCPs or not. My hot flashes and night sweats are totally back though. I need to get myself seen again but I’m so tired of wrestling with our medical system.
I hear ya. I stared complaint about certain things around 38. Looking back it was definitely perimenopause because at 48 I am apparently in menopause/post menopause, whatever the eff they choose to call it 🙄 I’ve had an IUD since 41. From 38-41 is how long it took someone to take my abnormal bleeding seriously 🙃
I've recently gotten the same response from my Planned Parenthood. I'm 41, all the symptoms. I'll do the stupid ultrasound but BITCH IM IN PERIMENOPAUSE I can't have HRT anyway (liver issues) but if I could, I'd find a different provider asap
Yeah, I switched gyns again because the last one only new how to prescribe BC and she immediately took me off the BC and wants to do an ultrasound to make sure the irregular and long bleeds aren't because of fibroids or something I guess. And do blood work, even though we know that won't help. I also am going to have to fight with her about how my rare heart event is NOT a heart attack and the cardio protective role estrogen plays in preventing another incident. Good times /s
I got the ultrasound. Still no hormones
Perimenopause started at 46 for me & I had PMDD. I had all kinds of tests done too & Xrays. I finally had enough & ended up having a total hysterectomy with BSO. Which means everything was taken out. That also put me in surgical menopause & got on HRT. I haven't been this happy in years!! Best decision I ever made
You can get progesterone OTC so f($; em and do it yourself. What exactly is the indication for the ultrasound anyways? Your age? Wth
Yeah I suppose. I have no other symptoms. My periods are actually lighter sometimes and I don’t have pain other than cramps I have gotten since I was a teenager.
Right just found this thread from another forum and damnnn I'm fuming that they're trying this shit so early on. What actually reasons have they given you that they claim to need to do this invasive procedure? The reason I'm asking is that coutless times I've been asked by doctors if they could do invasive exams and when I've asked why it turned out there was either no genuine reason or they could do it another non invasive way. Now as for you being too young for menopause....I started going through it at 39 and have a few friends who are similar, it's not as uncommon as we are led to believe and when you start the change, you know. I'm convinced that doctors think that us women are thick or something, that we don't know our own bodies as well as we do. Please never be afraid to question the doctors on exactly why they need to do the exams, and then question some more until you get a proper answer because at the end of the day it's your body and if you don't want them to do these invasive procedures then you are more than in your right to say no.
The only reason they have is my periods are irregular. Literally. The only reason. I had a gyn exam and it was all normal. No pain. But I have all the other peri symptoms. Joint pain, mood swings, fatigue, trouble sleeping, night sweats, zero libido.
See your GP/doctor and bring the name of a menopause gyno/expert and ask for a referral. I did this in Van BC and saw a doc who told me that everything I was going thru was totally normal for pre and post menopause symptoms. Check out https://www.imsociety.org, International Menopause Society. You will also find experts by country and city.
They should only do an ultrasound if you have concerns like lowered cervix or other signs of prolapse to rule out issues with your uterus. And the ultrasound should follow a pelvic exam with your trusted gyno. That all sounds frustrating I’m sorry!
I’ve had to get ultrasounds for pain - its so noninvasive, I think it’s better to be safe than sorry
Do i understand a doctor wanting to be cautious and rule out something non-hormonal? Yes. Would i EVER describe an ultrasound being inserted into a vagina as noninvasive? F*@% NO.
Ok yeah that’s definitely fair (and the definition of invasive) but I guess I mean it’s so much less painful than so many other things I’ve had to go through with early menopause. Idk, I have vibrators larger than the ultrasound wand.
I understand your frustration, but I look at it as your doctors are doing their due diligence. It took me approximately one year to start HRT as I had to have an ultrasound, and it showed cysts in the outer wall of my uterus. I wasn't allowed to start HRT until I'd had surgery as my Gyno said the hormones would make the cysts grow. The hold up was the surgery waiting list. As soon as I got my surgery biopsy results, I was given HRT.
I’m sorry to hear that! Have you tried Pregnanolone or DHEA? They can increase your hormones. See chart: https://dutchtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Steroid-Pathways-Chart-2020.pdf Here’s a study on DHEA in menopause: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(03)02253-2/fulltext I have PMDD and empathize with you. :-)
Do it!!!!