The Joys (or more appropriately not) of Perimenopause

I feel like there has been a lot across social media in recent months regarding menopause and peri menopause. I also know there are some people who feel like it is a lot and would like to see less. BUT let me tell you as someone going through perimenopause, I feel heard and I can relate!

I was diagnosed with perimenopause following blood tests early last year and it has been a trip – that I would like a refund for.

I am sure everyone has different symptoms but for me the worst are:

• Weight gain – my blog is Fat Girl Fit and focuses on not judging a book by its cover and proving that appearances do not define you and regardless of being bigger, that I am capable, However, the weight gain is not welcomed and I am not planning on buying a new wardrobe either.
• Bloating – I am still in the process of figuring out which foods cause more of an aggravation than not as it is uncomfortable being so bloated most of the time.
• Thinning hair – I already have what I refer to as old lady hair and making this worse is not great but I can definitely notice it getting thinner and falling out more than before.
• Emotions – literally the worst! Absolutely anything could make me cry. It’s a whirlwind. I am sure my husband thinks I am going crazy. Our tumble dryer was making a sketchy noise a few weeks ago and I thought it was broken. I burst into tears, it literally felt in that moment that this was the end of the world. I can see now how illogical and ridiculous this is but honestly in that moment it felt so justified.
• Anxiety – the weirdest things can cause anxiety and this is not something I have struggled with previously. Overthinking. Procrastinating. Yep all that.
• Injuries – I have been injured before, followed advice and physiotherapy and all good but it is something that definitely takes a lot longer now and patience is not my strong point. This year I tore my MCL for the second time and although the tear is no longer there it is still painful when put under any pressure.
• Hot flushes – now these are a joy (not). My husband can sometimes see from my face that it is happening before I feel it. I can only describe it as a rush of heat mixed with panic mixed with a sick feeling. My husband will ask if I need anything and honestly as kind as that is, in my head I am thinking shut up and leave me alone until it passes. I struggle to catch my breath and let the wave pass whilst my brain is going a million miles an hour thinking that I may or may not be sick.
• Lethargy – I am someone who needs a solid 8 hours sleep and can sleep anywhere no problem but now despite the amount of sleep I get it never feels enough. My 8 hours feels like 3 or 4. Don’t get me wrong I know I am still getting 8 hours and some people would love that but I wouldn’t expect to feel so tired all the time with that. Where has my energy gone?
• Skin changes – I can’t say I am someone who has a specific skin care routine and not a huge make up wearer either. But my skin can sometimes feel so sore and so dry like never before! A few months ago I purchased some of the new Boots No 7 menopause skincare and spent almost £100 on day cream, night cream and serum. I would love to say it has made a huge difference but it honestly hasn’t at all, which is disappointing. A friend has recommended some revitalift items from L’Oreal that she has found to be good so I am going to try that next.
• Temperature – I need clothes for all seasons all year round. Regardless of the time of year, I am cold, I am hot, the blankets are off, then I wrap myself in them and then I need them as far away from me as possible. I can wake up covered in sweat even when it is so cold.

Disappointingly the initial medication that was suggested by my GP was a low dose anti depressant and this was not something I wanted to start taking. I also had my prolactin levels in my bloods cause a concern as each blood test saw these increase significantly so I am now over 18 months waiting for an MRI. There is definitely no rush from my GP to chase this up and I know I am one of many people going through this and no different to the others so it is a case of waiting.

I am taking collagen, which helps with bones, skin, hair and came recommended to help with menopause/perimenopause symptoms. I have also been recommended to take glucosamine, which helps with joint issues (hoping this will help with my current knee issues too).

It is great to see so much more discussion around this subject but this has also caused delays in being seen by professionals and reports of gels/medication being delayed or unavailable.

Oh the joy to be a woman!