Is this perimenopause or something else?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hello everyone,

I have never posted before but I'm hoping someone can lend their experience. I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure when I was 31. I had two beautiful children through IVF and then one surprise after naturally! I am now 39 and am having extremely weird symptoms.

The last few months I have started to have more and more issues with bloating. Then the last two months I started spotting brown from ovulation to my period. The cycle I am currently in my period was heavy (as they have always been since they started) and it has now been going on for 8 days (pinkish/dark red light flow now). I have also started other symptoms: low back ache that migrates to upper and sometimes my buttock, some weird shooting vaginal pains almost like they were at my cervix, vaginal burning, some mild nausea, moodiness and irritability, leg pains, sometimes it feels like I can feel my bladder full when its not, weird twinges (sorta like cramps but not that strong). If I didn't just have my period I would likely go get a pregnancy test!

Due to my diagnoses at 31 I assume I will go through menopause early??? but I am not sure.

I have an ultrasound scheduled for Friday and a physical scheduled for next Wednesday, but the spotting, back pain and other symptoms are driving me out of my mind. My doctor didn't seem worried, but I am a worrier.

If anyone has any experience or wisdom to share I would be happy to hear it! Thank you for reading.

Jade

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Forgot to add, my cycles have also gotten shorter. they used to be 28 days nearly exactly. Now they are 23-26.

  • Posted

    Hi Jade

    I've had the exact same symptoms. My peri started at 40! headaches, severe stomach issues, bowel changes, heavier periods the list goes on!

    I had spotting inbetween periods this time last year. My cycle are now 21 days instead of 28 days. It's been like this for a year.

    I had ultrasound all fine and gynaecologist appointment who removed 2 polyps which was causing the bleeding.

    I have cervix pain and brown discharge too! So painful always something.Good luck with appointment you'll have peace of mind once you get it all checked out.

    My dr recommended the coil. But with all my hormonal issues I'd rather ride it out.

    Let me know how it goes x

    • Posted

      Hi Sandeep,

      Thank you so much for replying! This is honestly all so confusing and it happens so fast! One month cycles are regular and then suddenly everything changes. I suppose I had a little warning with the cycles shortening, but it's very disorienting. You don't know what to think! I was so happy to find this board as being younger, most of my friends have not experienced any of this yet. It can feel a little lonely and intimidating. Suddenly the regularity and control (ha ha) you thought you had is gone.

      I wasn't expecting to have all these different types of symptoms so fast. My children are all still young (2, 4 and 6), so keeping up with them and all of this has been exhausting and has taken an emotional toll. I don't know if it's the exhaustion or perimenopause but I also cannot remember anything! I think of something, turn around to do it and have forgotten before I can move!

      I hope my experience with spotting is similar to yours and it is nothing. I am terrified to go to the bathroom and to find it's still there. The waiting is excruciating. I wish I could crawl up there and just sort it out myself.

      What a ride this is if it's actually perimenopause. Lol, and judging from everything I have read on here it is likely to get worse before better!

      Jade

  • Posted

    Yes me too I feel so lonely and not normal as all my friends are in their early 40s and haven't had any peri symtoms. I don't feel fun to be around too.

    I was like you last year always scared to go to the toilet and spotting there. But honestly you'll be fine.

    Sometimes my periods go on for 10 days! Its heavy for 4 days then suddenly stops then light period and spotting for a further 5 days so 10 days!!!!!

    I've had so many drs and hospital appointments from two breast appointments after finding two lumps in my armpit! My anxiety was through the roof and constant painful breasts. It was the breast consultant and gynaecologist who pointed out perimenopause to me. As my lumps were hormonal. My armpit and breasts always hurt more than ever during my period.

    I've had endoscopy due to stomach issues all clear

    Fibroscan all clear

    2 ultrasounds

    endless bloods!

    Finally I was diagnosed with perimenopause after 3 years in October!

    I just stay calm 😌

    Message me anytime and please let me know how your appointment goes.

    Good luck and rest lots especially with 3 kids. But it's a good distraction too.

    Take care X

    • Posted

      Hi Sandeep,

      Thank you! I had my appointment today, hopefully will know soon. Also had some blood tests done. Oh what fun! This has been such a bizarre experience so far.

      Jade

    • Posted

      That's great. Was it an ultrasound or gynaecologist appointment today?

    • Posted

      The ultrasound. And I just spotted a bit of red blood, that can't be good. Ugh! I'm never going to make it through to the end of this without panicking! Lol, how do you ladies do it!? I was just getting settled and now I'm back to worrying again.

    • Posted

      ok I had an internal check with a camera to check my ovaries. I think it's the same thing. Are you getting spotting between your periods? Did the Dr do an internal check? You might have polyps which is what had that was causing the bleeding

    • Posted

      this was an ultrasound, I have never heard of a camera, thats interesting. I go to the dr on wednesday, but I have had internal checks this past summer and they were fine. I spot from ovulation to my period. or I have been, we will see what happens this cycle!

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