Has anyone who started their periods at a young age (mine was 10) noticed they came into perimenopause/menopause early? I 100% started perimenopause at 39 and my symptoms are all over the place and very changeable. GP is of zero help – he keeps telling me I’m “too young” and that’s for 4 years now… Sometimes I want to hit him with that book that sits on his desk ?
– Mandy, UK
Hi Mandy,, A wise women once told me that you have approximately 30 reproductive years , from the start of your first you menstrual period. For myself I started at age 15 began peri menopause at age 45 , last period at 47, now 52 at least one week a month seems to be more difficult than the others, weathering the storm currently,, we are amazing women stay strong ?
Katherine I just love this… and heck yes we are 🙂
that wise person sounds about right! I got mine around 13.5 and around 43.5 I started perimenopause too. very interesting. thanks for sharing
Hi, I started my Periods when I was 10, but started the Menopause when I was 43, due to Radiotherapy. I actually thought I was developing early onset Dementia, because my memory was becoming so awful. That was my main symptom. I’d always had irregular, really heavy periods when I was much younger, but the contraceptive injection after I had my daughter, which meant no periods anyway, so that was no indicator. Several spinal tap tests and genetic tests showed Dementia wasn’t causing my memory loss & gaps in my memories. Over the next few years, other symptoms developed; luckily, my Cancer Consultant happened to also be a Menopause specialist, she literally saved my life.
I’m so pleased that your ok …. you are deffo one strong lady … hugs sent your way
Aww hunni x how brave you are x so glad your consultant was a menopause specialist as well x hope you’re in a better place now x lots of love x
Hi
Well done you and your oncologist!
I have had a rare cancer , a neuroendocrine tumour ( NET) for 8 years now. because this is all tied in with my endocrine system, which manages hormones I was advised not to go down the HRT route.
I started menopause about 4 years ago and am still suffering some symptoms now. My Mum said it took her about 4 years to get through so fingers crossed.
My oncologist ( a man) isn’t interested at all in menopause, diet or anything alternative.
I had 4 sessions of chemo and 4 rounds of radiation plus operations to cut out initial tumours.
One thing that gets me through each day is guided meditations! I use Dr Joe Dispenza and I really recommend meditation for all sorts of things. Maybe worth a try. He has short meditations on You Tube to try.
Sending happy thoughts and all the best to you ! X
I started my period when I was 13 I am now 51 and I was told back in March that I was peri menopausal I have not had a period since January my symptoms are something else I actually think I’m losing it some days.
I feel you… we can do this
Deanna, we’re perimenopause twins. I started my perod at 13, am 51 now, and perimenopausal. My period(s) have now become totally unpredictable; my last 4 cycles were 54, 35, 21, and then 91 days. My most recent cycle of 91 days ended with just 3-4 days of spotting. ?
I don’t know WTF is going on with my body, and it’s frustrating and unnerving.
Hi, I was 10 when I started my period Im 52 now and peri menopausal, really thought my periods had stopped after going 149 days without one but then got a heavy period out the blue ? I mean I feel like I’m starting my countdown all over again!
Exact with me too! Last summer I was an emotional wreck. Thinks are getting better.
I started periods at 13 and became peri menopausal at 41. I have had so many obvious symptoms and not a single doctor has suggested I might be peri menopausal. Very frustrating.
It’s the most frustrating thing ever… mine started with dizziness and just progressed from there … my GP told me it was psychosomatic …. let’s say I was furious
mine started with getting anxiety attacks. never in my life have I ever experienced them until my 40’s sigh my GP is a woman and thankfully she totally understood the situation and did tell me that chances were I was entering perimenopause- we discussed other things and it became obvious that was the case.
I started my monthly when I was 11 and have not had a period in over 80 days. I’m 41 and I was talking to my doctor about it. I told her about my night sweats and hot flashes. She mentioned tumors can cause hot flashes and that I’m probably not peri-menopausal. She also didn’t even bother to schedule any tests to see if I do in fact have a tumor! I feel your frustration and I think I need I new doctor.
I will be 48 soon. 4 doctors have said, “premenopausal symptoms start at 52”. So I guess at 12:00 am on my 52nd birthday I will begin peri menopause? #didyouskipthatclassinmedschool?
I was 11 when I got my first period. I stared perimenopause at 34 (I’m 36 now).
Oh yay! Another person with similar ages. I’m 36 but started symptoms at 35. I’m getting a lot of validation knowing I’m not the only one. Working with a new female GP since my last male one told me my memory issues and anxiety were because my woman brain wasn’t made for having a career. ?
Thanks for posting.
I’m 35 and started having symptoms when I was just about 34
Omg! Report that doctor!!
???
I think my “woman brain” just exploded!!!
Kate, that’s so insulting and in 21st century, too. Am sure that GP had female students in his class and wonder if he had guts to ask them what they were doing in med school with their woman brain. It’s almost unbelievable that in this age and time men should have such degrading opinion about half the world. So condescending! He really belongs in a cell like Alex says – report him. Let the judge decide which cell he belongs in – prison or mental. Wish there was‘Idiots Anonymous’ but I guess even they won’t be able to suffer one another.
Seriously, it feels so bad when doctors don’t believe you! A few years ago I had to have kidney stone removed surgically because it was lodged deep inside kidney tissue. Unfortunately had some communication in recovery room and surgeon recommended to move me to the hospital as inpatient. Had to spend first couple of days in ICU before moving to a room – still on critical floor of the hospital. I couldn’t keep any solids down and so for almost ten days I was mostly getting nutrition through IV and was allowed only water and thin liquids. On the Sunday, instead of my urologist who had performed surgery, his assistant came to see me. That was I think day 5. He asked me how I was and if I was hurting. I said I was. So he asked me to rate the pain. I have unusually high pain threshold (had my wisdom tooth removed w/o anesthesia as outpatient; crazy I know). So I told him between 8-9. He says to my face that I was lying. I don’t lose my temper easily but I still asked him to explain to me the advantage in lying. I was already having an unscheduled hospital stay which means I had not prepared kids for the possibility and hubby had to take care of so many things that we didn’t discuss or make arrangements for, I was hooked up to IV the whole time, spent couple of days in ICU, was unable to eat and even on day 5 my urine was still blood red and couldn’t sleep without a morphine shot. He still had the nerve to say, whatever! But he couldn’t write down the pain rating I had given because he would expect a patient hurting so bad to be rolling on floor in pain , not answering his questions so calmly.
Who do they think we are? What makes them feel so entitled to demean someone just because they are a woman???? Unfortunately, Kate, seems to be a rather common theme – of course it doesn’t make it less insulting or hurtful.
Awful!!! Very unprofessional and mean! So sorry you had to go through this!
Most of us have given birth! A man has no idea how high our pain threshold can go and how calm and collected we can seem during excruciating pain! Btw…can someone tell me what a GP is?? Is that like “General Physician”? Lol I have a Primary Care Physician (PCP).
General Practitioner
Omg really!!! I think I would have flipped case right then & there. My new PCP is a man but my OBGYN is a female and they work kinda like a team which is nice because she does all the lady exams and he takes care of anything else ?
I agree x I was 10 and in last few weeks of primary school abd didn’t even know what was happening… I thought I must of sat in some glass! When I got home my mum gave me a book and some pads and that was it!
My gp told me to “research hrt” and let him know if I want it prescribing!
Consequently I’m in the process of changing my gp lol xx
Lol poor you xx Gp’s are really disgraceful … it’s shocking how many are getting the same result!!
It’s shameful that women bring children into this world and then get looked at like they have three heads when they try and explain the very real physical symptoms that are happening towards the end of childbearing years. It’s a disgrace!!!
Reminds me of my mom’s story. She was 9 in 1937 and hid her panties behind the tub in fear and shame. She thought she was dying. After finding them, her mama handed her products to use with zero explanation. She made sure I knew everything by the time I was 9!
I started my periods when I was 16 (regular bleeding). I’m 45 now and have perimenapause symptoms.
Hi Mandy , I’m new here today! I started my period at age 12 , heavy since day one . I will be 50 in a couple of weeks, I’ve had 2 children and 4 miscarriages ( in between my children) I believe I’ve started peri menopause a couple of years ago ( many symptoms I didn’t understand about till joining today) I’ve heard so many wives tails that I didn’t know which way was right . So Happy to have found you all and appreciate the support!!
I was 12 and I suspect I’ve been perimenopausal since I was 39/40. Only older female doctors seem to understand!
Have you got a list of symptoms the length of your arm too 🙁 I’m glad I’m not the only one but it’s a pain in the butt….
I was the first to start my period in my year, but can’t remember how old, my last period was when I was 57.. lucky I guess ?
I started at age 13 and I have not had a period since January. I am now 60 yrs old.
Most people I know have stop long before I have. I have just started to have hot flashes in the past 7 mos.
I had my first period at 14. Had an ovary removed when I was 38 and my periods stopped at age 43. It wasn’t until my new GYN ordered an FSH lab test that I found out I was in menopause. I thought I was too young but she said it can happen at various ages for various reasons.
Hi Mandy,
I totally understand what you mean. I started my period at 13. I had my daughter in 2018 , and I went straight into menopause at 37 after experiencing symptoms, my obgyn tested my FSH levels 3 times and each time I was at 125. But, I found out most of the women in my family on both sides started in their early 30’s too. I’m 39 now also and it’s been by far the most uncomfortable experience to get used you. As of this month, I haven’t had my period in 11 months and every day it’s a weird new symptoms. I wish that going through this would be easier but we just gotta remind ourselves as women that we are warriors and we can handle this.
Hi Mandy. I started my period when I was 10. I’m 43 and in post-menopause. Around 37 is when my periods started slowing down, after a couple of years it stopped completely. My OB told me I was too young and tried to put me on hormones, but I still didn’t get my period. My GP had me get blood work done and it showed I am post-menopause. Maybe see if your OB or GP will order bloodwork to check your hormone levels.
This made me feel so much better. I just turned 44 and my blood work showed I’m post menopausal. I don’t know anyone who is my age that is menopausal so it can feel lonely. Thanks for making me feel not so alone!
I’m 44 and just been told the same after a blood test.
I started my period when I was 12, but had a partial hysterectomy when I was 25. I still have my ovaries but am 46 now and am in full blown menopause. This is no fun at all and I have no idea how to deal with it.
I started at 10 but am 48 now and just starting to get the symptoms but the GP will not test my hormones yet
Sorry, I started early also at 10 and menopause at 55. ?
Awh Chris I’m hoping because I’m going through all this now that by 55 I’m out the other side (I say with fingers crossed ) it’s so horrible some weeks
Hi Mandy, I started my period when I was 10 as well but am still in perimenopause which started two years ago. I am now 52. I just had another period last week, even though it was weaker than previous periods. 39 seems a very young age to start the menopause, but everyone seems to be different. I don’t think that GPs are the best people to talk to about these issues. I think if you can find a good gynaecologist and get a hormone test, etc, you will probably get much better advice. I would get your GP to refer you. If your GP doesn’t want to do that, then I would leave the GP and find another one.
I’m not in full menopause as of yet just perimenopause … still getting periods every 25/26 days now rather than 29…. have severe symptoms eg headaches, digestion problems aghh I’d be here all night writing… but have had blood work done and the gynae said it’s very hard in peri and would nearly need to test daily as fluctuations can change so much at the early stage…. I was honestly curious if it was possibly related to early periods but maybe just some of are unlucky lol but thank you for replying 🙂
I was 9 when I started my periods, now 44 and definitely in the perimenopausal for last 6 months
It’s great to know others are going through the same 🙂
I was the last in my class to start my period at 14 – I was very small framed. That said, my periods completely stopped at 46 I’d been going through symptoms prior to this about 7-10 years before. Frequent periods and hot flushes/ night sweats. Anxiety attacks. I went to my GP about the night sweats and he said get a thermometer and take your temperature- nothing else-just that! Totally had no understanding at all. Years later I went back and there was a female locum GP. I mentioned if was I going through the menopause because of the symptoms and she said ‘Yes’ we have been monitoring your hormone levels for some time! I went home bewildered why on earth they didn’t share this information with me!
It’s a bloody disgrace….. so many women nit getting the treatment they deserve… if a man went in with impotence the doctors would be sympathetic (make doc) and would do everything to help… but I got told it was all in my head
I started at 12 and have only, at 56, reached my one-year-since-last-period point. I’m not sure about the perimenopause, though. I was fortunate to never have experienced any of the stereotypical symptoms that I read that women typically might experience.
I realize that this comment doesn’t really add anything helpful, other than to show how variable this process is for all of us!
Hmmm, I guess I’m in perimenopause as I’m nearly 52. But nothing obvious so far, no hot flushes, no night sweats, generally still sleeping well. But I suffer more easily from stress/anxiety, have gained a little weight around my belly, brain fog on days, can feel tired some days. Regular periods, but have reduced from a 35 day cycle to a 26 ish day cycle over the last couple of years. Started my periods later aged 14+ years …. doctors are absolutely useless and clueless and don’t care less.
I have very bad anxiety and it started around the time perimenopause started …. dizziness like vertigo etc about 6 hot flushes over the last 4 years and I sleep really good thankfully … but your right they don’t give a dam
Did you have the dizziness through out the day off and on?
I started feeling dizzy nonstop with hot flashes and pelvic cramps that feels like contractions I’m hardly having bleeding with this period I just spotted a little bit and been needing to pee more often and my tampon I had in fell right out when I was peeing and I got bad pain in my vaginal area contraction like making me have a lot of anxiety it feels like I shake from the intense pain
I’m really honestly so happy that you are getting through it pretty well, I hope and pray that I only have to put up with all this for a few more years …. fingers crossed lol
I started my periods around 16 and went into perimenopause in in my 40’s. Hebe had no periods for about 4 years.
I had irregular periods at 9 and my mum and I were shocked and confused. I was in school, scared, with no clue. They probably settled into a rhythm by 10 and a half, always very heavy. I’m showing peri’ symptoms now, I’ll be 48 on Sunday, what a way to celebrate (yay) not! I was freaking out feeling I must have dementia or ms or something until I did more research. This kinda sucks doesn’t it?
I started my periods at 15 and started to have irregular periods around 36/37 after heavy bleeding was fitted with a mirena at 38 which stopped it completely and at 41 was told my FSH levels should I was menopausal, thereafter an appointment with a gynaecologist I was told my levels showed me post menopausal. I’m 44 now but both mother and grandmother had early menopause around 40.
I started my period at 9. My perimenopausal hell started at 38.
Is there anyone who has gone into the menopause due to cancer like me? I went into early menopause at 23 and have awful symptoms. I’m on HRT – anyone else out there like that?
Hi Heidi
I didnt go into early menopause because of cancer but I did go into early menopause. I got my first period at 13 but I had three invasive spinal surgeries at age 34. I had to wear a bone growth stimulator for four hours a day for almost a year. Right around my lower abdomen. I first found out I had primary ovarian failure right after getting married, less than a 1% chance of getting pregnant with my own eggs. I had a battery of tests but they could find no “reason” genetically. Now I am in full menopause and I have every symptom in the book and then some. I have been given HRT but have a history of severe migraine with aura. I also have depression and right now I am scared to try anything but also feel like I am loosing my mind & my body. I was also told that it could be caused by an auto immune disease or childhood trauma but so far they cant give me a straight answer which is really hard.
Hi guys , I have also been through menopause early , my doctor thinks because I had fibromyalgia for years that it brought on premature ovarian failure . My periods completely stopped by the time I was 37 so must have had peri menopause at around 30 ish or even earlier . Fibromyalgia has much of the same symptoms as menopause so didn’t at first notice much difference , the only thing I noticed was I was waking up sweating during the night and the bed was soaking , I was probs in my late 20’s when that was happening . I’m now 48 and I’m crippled with anxiety , something I’ve never had b4 . Stay strong ladies x
Hello there. I was also 10 and I started menopause at 37. Nobody told me anything about it because I was so young but the doctor who told me I was in menopause laughed when he told me.
I started my periods at 9. I didn’t know what it was at first, my mother was unsympathetic and annoyed. I suffered from heavy periods for years, they got lighter when I took the pill which really eased my symptoms. I started peri around 45 and am just waiting to see if I now reached the 12 months without period stage. (I am 52 now) I have watched my periods symptoms increase each year and so hope that I have now stopped having periods.
Wow! Me too, my mother was busy living her life and at 9 yrs old wearing white pants and looking down to see my lap bright red I thought I was meetin the man upstairs during 4th grade quite reading time lol! My teacher was so awesome about it, raised my hand and she came over saw my lap and wrapped me up in her baby pink cashmere sweater, off to the nurse we went. The school nurse explained what was happening to me while I sat waiting for my step father to bring a change of clothes and take me to his best friend’s wife for the night. 2 weeks later they showed those stupid puberty movies at school…I just remember watching and thinking “wow that would have been great 2 weeks ago!” Lol
I started at age 10 and I’m now 53 and completely insane. ? So 43 years worth. I had two c-sections and tubes tied at age 33. Literally since having my tubes tied, my periods have been heavy. For the past 3 years they have been so intense and heavy that I feel certifiable!! After how many years of knowledge on this subject and drs are still guessing what is going on and just want you to take HRT and get out of their office! It’s no wonder so many women under go surgery to have a hysterectomy! (This is me standing in that line. I’m ready to be done having my period and I cannot tolerate the hoops to jump through medically to get one!) HRT, d/c, ablation, ultrasounds to rule in or out this and that…I’m done with my uterus, it’s time to part ways!!
I started my period at 11 then never had another one until I was 12. I was regular for a few years but then was very irregular until I went on the pill at 18. I’m sure I started peri around 42 as I started bleeding very heavy one month then no period for a month, then a period every 3 months,6 months. And usually very heavy..I just never knew when I would have a period..It went on like that until I had my very last period At 50. I remember talking to the nurse around 48 and asking if I was in the menopause,she asked my symptoms. I said the only way to describe it was “I feel like I’m going mad” .. I’m 58 now and still getting symptoms. When does it end??
Started periods at 16 and first signs of peri-menopause at 48 – mainly irregular periods and hot flushes. After a couple of years I started getting some digestive symptoms which were definitely cyclical and consisted primarily of nausea and diarrhoea. I’m now 58 and not had a period for >3 years. The hot flushes are far less regular and I can now sleep through the night mostly. Over the last year or so I’ve started to have other “cyclical” issues – some anxiety/palpitations (up till now I’ve been lucky in never having any type of anxiety or depression) and the newest one is bloating. Having got off relatively lightly for the first few years I feel like I’m going backwards! Nothing is too bad to be honest, but I’m looking forward to being done with it all. Good luck to everyone and sorry for the grumbling ?
When you’ve done throwing the book can I borrow it to throw at my doctor. I’m feeling very frustrated with mine too. A blood test result said no to the menopause yet I have a list of miserable symptoms. I’m 46 next week but apparently Mother Nature gave a precise age of 50 according to my doctors. And if only all babies arrived at dot on the 40wk mark as well.
Started my periods around 13. Had serious emergency eye surgery when I was 36 which totally freaked me out as I was in Germany on holiday at the time. I had also met my ex in 2016 & enough said about that other than our relationship was very stressful. I worked out from my period tracker that my periods were becoming infrequent from age 37. I’m now 42 and it’s been over a year since my last period, so guess I’m menopausal now. My doctor is also pretty useless. He put me on anti-depressants two years ago cos I was constantly depressed. It was only after constant blood tests that I insisted on that he eventually said I was peri-menopausal. That was over a year ago & I’ve had nothing from him since. I’m still taking anti-depressants as they keep depression & anxiety ‘mostly’ under control. But other symptoms are ‘rearing their head’. Sorry for the long-winded grumble.
Hi Mandy, my mum had exactly the same thing with her GP. Symptoms started at 40 and every time she went to see him he just looked at her age and said she was too young…. after years of symptoms it was eventually acknowledged it was menopause. A friend of mine said she started symptoms at 39. So starting very early is not unusual.
Mine began at 47, so not as early as mum, but neither my mum or I started our periods very early (age 14 / 15). I think we just naturally don’t have that many eggs.
I hope this helps ??.
Hi Mandy! I’ve been wondering this too. Started my period at 10. Perimenopausal at 40. My gyn was unsympathetic and told me “oh course you’re perimenopausal – you’re in your 40’s” (needless to say, I’m looking for a new gyn with a little more bedside manner). Looking back, I wonder if I’ve been perimenopausal for a while, but the pill masked the worst of the symptoms. Going back on the pill & hopefully that will help!
I started my period when I was 11. I would definitely say I’ve had serious hormone issues starting around 40. Got prescribed four 1 mg Xanax a day…
I started my period when I was 12 or 13 and having pre menopause signs around age 45 . When I was 48 I had my thyroid removed and 7 months later I had what would be my last period . I am 52 and just experienced my first hot flash . I feel so messed up ! I am either hot or cold … I am use to being cold !
I started my period at 14. I literally just started having irregular periods about 6 months ago. I turn 55 in August. Suddenly I’m exhausted all the time and my whole body hurts. Feels like it happened over night. I don’t even know how to feel or respond. I’m just overwhelmed by the changes.
Hi,
I too had my period begin aged 10 and I started to develop night sweats from age 35. There wasn’t any pattern initially and they weren’t necessarily regular but I am positive that this was the beginning of my peri-menopause.
I am now 55 and have been in menopause and not had a period for the past two years.
I’m 53 & still having regular periods. The only symptoms I have are night sweats. I started my period when I was 12.
How did u know u started at 39?
I started at 12 and had my last period at 42. I believe I started perimenopause at 36. You’re not “too young” since you can be in peri for years and having your last period at any age after 40 is normal, according to all my doctors.
I’m 33 years old, I haven’t had a period in six years! I have struggled with many of the menopause symptoms. Hot flashes, impossible to lose weight, horrible food cravings, beyond forgetful, mental fogginess, depression, hair loss etc.
My period started at 13. My menopause symptoms started at 39. I finally convinced my doctor to test for menopause at 41 to confirm it.
I also had a uterine ablation when I was 35 so hadn’t had a period in years before my menopause symptoms started. Not sure that factors in or not.
I’d suggest a new doc (pref female) or a gynecologist. Men can’t quite get the feel for women’s reproductive health. It’s a bit like asking a woman about E.D. Reading about it only gets you so far.
Hi Mandy,
I started my periods aged 10 and suspect I’ve been going through perimenopause for about 2 years now. I am 37. Also don’t think my doctor believes me (currently having tests to rule out other things), but suffering the same symptoms my mum had before she stopped her periods at 43 (she started aged 11).
Mandy, hit him with that book that sits on his desk because I am 27 and have been going through this for around 6years (that I’m aware of) and no-one believed me or took me seriously until I paid to have an AMH test at a private facility a few years ago.
It isn’t common but it happens and no matter what age you are, they should take you seriously because IT HAPPENS, why disregard someone when they are potentially one of the few it is happening to.
Unfortunately women are born with a certain amount of eggs and once they are gone they are gone…it doesn’t matter what age you started menstruated.
If you’re not happy visit another doctor and keep trying until someone listens ❤️ Keep going, you can do it! ❤️
Aloha Mandy, I started @ age 10 and I premenopaused at 36 and menopaused at 44. Yes, it can be a struggle most days and to understand the changes and guess the why’s. In the next phase of my journey at age 52.
I believe you! My first period was at age 11 and I entered peri menopause about the same time as you. I was shocked when I became pregnant at 41. I was already considered a high risk and at age 42 I was blessed with my son.
Unfortunately I suffered postpartum depression for a little over two years and mixed with various other symptoms including itching all over, it’s been nothing short of challenging.
My eczema flared up uncontrollably, my emotions are all over the place that I can’t tell who I am sometimes. I’m now 49 and my symptoms have gotten worse and most unusual. Allergies have skyrocketed to an unbelievable level, with swollen lips that get chapped as well and dry mouth.
Joint and muscle pain which pre COVID I was going to PT but now I just do what I can from home.
Periods are painful with or without blood flow, which btw is dark and pasty, I only see some shade of red after urinating. And I still get very heightened symptoms regardless.
Doctors have been telling me for years that I “have time” and told me to just take vitamins. I would like doctors to be forthcoming with information on (what to expect during peri menopause). It seems like no one wants to discuss it or even acknowledge that it exists.
Ugh ??♀️ So frustrating.
We all share similar issues and having somewhere safe to unload has been helpful and I want to say thank you all beautiful and strong women ?
I started my periods when I was 11, awful heavy bleeding- with dreadful crippling pain. Got the depot contraceptive injection. Then at age 35 I was diagnosed with a rare brain/ pituitary tumour. They took it away and part of my pituitary gland. Stopped producing any hormones at all. Given HRT, due to age & symptoms.
All was ok for a while (excusing low sex drive & dryness) then I needed a new HRT as they stopped making mine. Now- on zip,dreadful time & GP is doing nothing to help!!
Started period at age 12. Perimenopause started at age 42. I’m 46 now. Not fun.
This is interesting to me as well…menarche at 14, now at what I suspect is midway through or closer to the end (oh please let it be) of menopause at 54.
My GP also told me I was too young, until the bloodwork proved him wrong! All of the women on my mothers side started at 40 and I did too. You know your body!
Hello~ I was 14 when I started my period. At 39, after a checkup, I was told that I was in menopause, based on my hormone levels. I’m only a year in from knowing this. It’s been a whirlwind.
I started at 11 and was done bleeding by 49 but still have awful symptoms it’s been worse in the past year 51
I started my period at 14, started having symptoms of peri menopause at 38. My main symptoms are horrible mood swings (I have damaged relationships) & insomnia. Started talking to my gynecologist about symptoms because I remembered my mother’s experience which I was mirroring. They literally ignored me and suggested it could be pms & in turn made me feel like I was crazy. I am now 47, have same symptoms as before with moods, except instead of sleeping 4-5 hours I went down to 2! I still have regular periods not one missed! I went in sobbing again and she put me on HRT so I am praying for a miracle. I’ve been on it 3 months now and I am back to resting 4-5 hours. I want to know why this is a big secret, when we all have to go through it?! It has drastically impacted the quality of my life for a decade now & we receive no real knowledge or preparation on the subject. ?
Wow! I’ve read several comments. Women.. you are all amazing and we will get through this one day at a time. It is extremely frustrating to say the least. Im 57 and experiencing similar symptoms. As some of you have said, sometimes I don’t recognize myself. My worst symptoms are sleep issues, anxiety, feeling low at times, weird feelings of loneliness, scared, and sadness. I never know when they are going to hit. It seemed to start when I had to have surgery (femoral hernia) during Covid. I was so scared about the surgery that I think it flipped me into post menopause. I do know my symptoms are getting better but when you are “in it” it’s so hard to see that you’re improving. Hang in there beautiful women. Pray often. Always reflect on the positives and the people in your life that love you.
Hi! I started mine at 11, have always been super heavy and painful (school nurse knew me by name) I would be physically sick with the pain. Fast forward I am now 42, been on the list for hysterectomy for over a year now because of this bloody pandemic. Looking into having it done privately but it’s £7500
I’ve always been a moody cow prior to my periods starting anyway but now it’s ramped up a gear and for no reason. I’ve also started with migraines I never had before, itchy skin and my periods that were every 24 days are now all over the sodding place! Ended up in A&E for 6 hours because heavy bleeding hadn’t stopped for over 5 weeks then a month or so ago I got up on the Sunday to a whole mountain of clots pouring out of me (it scared the shit out of me!) apologies if too much info. Doctors haven’t done much other than try txa and provera which don’t always work. Tests have come back as peri menopause so yay me… fml! Nice to know I’m not alone and sending you all love xx
I have no clue when my peri menopause started. I was a late bloomer, starting my period when I was 14 and I’m 54 soon. I noticed changes w me @ 49 ( weight gain by 20 lbs, missed or very late periods, flabby belly, lethargy and tiredness, insomnia l,?recurrent UTI’s ( every 2-3 weeks it seemed) and vaginal dryness. I think the only symptom I wasn’t having then was hot flashes. Now at 54 hot flashes are at the top of my complaint list. I just want to get the year w no periods over with, but it hasn’t happened yet. I know I have no more eggs (ultrasound done) so what’s the hold up!
My period started at 13 and perimenopause started at 34 I’m just ready for this whole mess to be over?
I was 33 and had a horrible case of PCOS I had no other choice than a hysterectomy the very next day was hell every symptom of menopause hit me head on I’ve talked to my doctor who done the procedure he won’t help my pcp won’t help I’ve had an aweful experience!
Hi Mandy, maybe try a doctor that special in Menopause? My GP has been zero help. My GYN has been much better.
My periods started at age 13. I had to have a full hysterectomy at age 47, but I was already in peri menopause, surgery meant 100% menopause instantly. HRT for two years but really nothing has helped the weight gain which was overnight and the hot flashes and night sweats. I’m now 56 and still in full blown menopause.
I’m 45 and I’m experiencing perimenopause. I have had symptoms for perhaps 2-3 years already, at least the hot flashes during the day. I thought that they were random panic attacks. The ObGyn and GP are great, but they just answer my questions with “maybe.” I have anxiety, but I’ve had an anxiety issue since I was 7, so I didn’t think I was having perimenopause. Now I’m wondering if the “30 years” idea may have come into play for me.
Hi. That’s interesting I haven’t heard of this. I was 11 when I started my period and started noticing symptoms at age 44 . I had my last period in February, which lasted 1 day weird. I am almost 49.
Your doctor is dead wrong you are certainly not too young. Perimenouse can last up to 10 years before you reach full menopause which is only one day. Then you are post menopausal. I hope you find some answers.
I started my period at 13 years old and perimenopause symptoms started in my mid to late twenties because my period would stop for six months and show back up randomly. I always had a heavy flow for two weeks. The hot flashes started from my neck at age 35. I have been in the perimenopause stage for 20+ years and counting!
I meant to say my flashes would begin around my neck and move towards the top of my head for about three to five minutes. I would sweat all hairstyles out of my hair. Horrible!!
Hi I am 41 and I’ve been having hot flushes and BAD night sweats for about a year and half now but because my blood tests say I’m only just starting ( my toe is only just touching the pond) as my doctor said, so I think doctors think I’m Exaggerating but they put me on clonidine which is helping sometimes thankfully, I’m just so worried that if it’s this bad now how bad is it going to get? I can’t eat or drink hot stuff as it sets it off plus if I go anywhere once I’ve stopped I’m wet through and I’m still not sure if it’s all normal.
Hi Mandy,
I was told as well that I have 30yrs of that as well. I had my first period at almost 14yrs of age and I started perimenopause at age 39. But doctors explained that work stress added to it. My advice is just, take it in the natural way.
I started my period when I was almost 15. I remember my GP telling me that I would most likely enter menopause late in life. I actually had hormones high enough that they worried about me becoming pregnant, when I was in my late 40s. I’m 56 and full on menopause about 1 or 2 years now.
Yes, started period at 10, peri menopausal at 32 , post menopausal at 42. Now at 60 I still have often severe symptoms. Some days are horrible! Little or no sleep, brain fog, fatigue, hot flashes, night sweets, wgt gain and no relief…the funny thing is my mom never had any symptoms. Go figure!
Same for me. I started having symptoms at least 3 years ago and everyone did tests and told me everything is normal..even my OB! I, I am not normal – I know my normal. Need less to say I am glad it’s nothing ‘serious’ but finally I switched PCP and she was the first one to tell me it was Peri. I am so glad for this community because I learned so much ..and most of all that I am not alone and my symptoms are real and part of this experience! Ugh…I feel like this almost daily now (I’m now 44). They aren’t consistent either…I feel like it depends on my diet and exercise too. Anyone know of any good nutrition and/or exercise programs geared to hormone balancing??
I was 9 when my journey started. At 37 I was formally diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (aka menopause) by my OBGYN. I was referred to OB after switching my Primary Care Physician from the “teaching clinic” I’d gone to since my first pregnancy at age 17 to an actual doctor closer to my home. By the time I had my intake appointment with my new physician my period had already stopped 10 months prior. Within a month I was diagnosed after an exam and an experimental progesterone challenge(my OB gave me progesterone medication to take for a week because she was confident she could “make me have a period” after doing as instructed she was pretty surprised that absolutely nothing happened…no spotting, no blood, no period. My PCP prescribed me Lexapro, a depression medication which helped significantly with the overbearing hot flashes and night sweats, but now at 39 other issues have begun such as weight gain, joint pain, fatigue, and a few others. I was seen 8/12/21 at Endocronology to discuss hormonal replacement therapy. So yea lol I’m riding the same boat you are lol!
Wow started period at 15 started menopause at 59 I am 64 now and life has been terrible since 60 for me
I started my periods when I was 12. And now I’m peri menopausal for the last 3 (currently 36 years old) years, and I’m only just starting to suffer with my periods. The mental side of things like the brain fog has been the longest symptom, along with the hair thinning out. But now it’s aches and pains along with my first official shorter cycle and I’m 2months into a continuous HRT cycle.
This has been the most hideous AND hardest part of my life- I wish I had been forewarned. Seriously, I wish that someone would have said to me at 12 years old, you’re gonna have periods for the next 20-30 years and then you’ll go through something called Peri menopause (puberty in reverse) and here are all the symptoms and stages.
If I am ever an Aunty, I would do this for my nieces one day.
Hi Mandy , completely feel your frustration. I’m 45 and have been on the menopause about 4 years. I found menopause test at Wilko the shop . It’s like a pregnancy test , and it tests for the hormones that prove the menopause. I was told I was too young until I popped my test on the Doctors desk , it was positive for the menopause. It’s not expensive about £3.00 , try that hun and hopefully you will get the appropriate treatment. Good luck ❤️
I started my period late (17) and menopause started early (43)
I was a late bloomer. I didn’t experience my first period until I was 14. It happened while I was on the phone with my best friend since nursery school (now called pre-Kindergarten). And it happened at night,too! So I told my Mom and she calmly said that I was growing up. Said that I have to keep track on the dates that this occurred each month. So since then I was always an irregular person when it came to my time of the month. I have had to live births at 24 and 30 years old. Two daughters. So at 50, I stopped having my period. But at 52, it returned with spotting and extreme cramping. Got examined and found out that my left ovary had cysts and was enlarged. The right ovary was normal. Tests were taken. The results were negative. No cancer! I was relieved! So I’m currently going to have a follow up with my doctor. To make sure that everything is okay,at 53 years young! I’m done with having another baby. But thanks to my 29 yo daughter, I am a Grandmother to an awesome grandson, he’s six years old. And we are both Aries. Four days apart. I’m April 6th and my Grandson is April 10th! Oh yeah, my brother in law is April 11th. Thanks Caria, for existing!❤️
Totally agree!! I started my period at 10yrs. Old. I’ve been going the pre-menopause for 2 yrs. w/o any periods. I’ve explained to my doctor about symptoms,He said I needed to at least go without a period for 1 yr. I was given depression medication. It helped a bit not much. I quit taking it.
Lol I started my period at 11 yrs old,peri menopause at 38 I to was ALL over the place. Men have NO Clue Dr. or NOT. You know YOUR body
I am 43 and been in the start of menopause no period at all but I have bad anxiety a week or two out of a month. My body is not the same as it use to be. I am glad for your comments it has help me pinpoint certain things going on I did not know happen in menopause.
Hi there, I am 49 & my GYN here in NM told me in 12/20 “you are not even perimenopausal.” December saw different GYN told 1 year absence of period=menopause & he confirmed it w/blood test. How can we understand our bodies when MDs give different info for same symptoms. Like you I was 10 for 1st period, 12 for 2nd, & per 2nd MD I am 8 years without my period so year 7 of meno pause so I was 42 when I started. My mom was 16 for 1st period & menopauses started in 50’s. But I didn’t give birth so maybe that made earlier menopause? & I have Multiple Sclerosis so everything else is complicated by that.
So nope you are NOT alone!
Bethany
I started my period when I was 9. I’m 45 now and suspect I’m peri menopausal. Not sure when I started peri menopause. My doctor was no help. He says it’s tricky to determine if one is peri menopausal or not. I’ve been having bad PMS right before and a couple of days after my period. I have anxiety around that time, I cry for no reason. I haven’t had any hot flashes and have lost a few pounds. I also randomly feel pressure in my head, like blood is rushing to my head.
I was 12-13…and I will be 54 and just had a full blown period after 7 months of sporadic spotting; so annoying!! Peri menopause started age 44….and 10 years later, we are still stubbornly holding on! Ready to be in MENOPAUSE… think I’m throwing a Menopause Party when I make 1 year period free!!!
Hi! I started my period at age 9… typical story, white pants, in the middle of quiet reading time. My 4th grade teacher thankfully was a female, wrapped her pink cashmere sweater around my waist and took me to the nurse. My mom wasn’t around so I had no idea what was happening, I thought I was dying! Nurse called my stepdad. Fast forward to age 37 my periods had not come for months, I too was told I was too young for menopause. It wasn’t until I changed my doctor’s office to one closer to my home that I was finally sent to the OBGYN. My OB was absolutely convinced she could get me to bleed by doing a hormone test for 7 days. But she was wrong. I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (aka menopause) at age 37.
I for me I think it was the a great deal of stress that started the peri/menopause train!
I am wondering how many of us STRONG women had Shingles and if there is some sort of link?
I didn’t have my first period until I was almost 17 and my last period was when I was 48. My little sister had menarche around 11, but began Perimenopause when she was in her late teens (!!!).
I started my periods at 12 and started having peri menopausal symptoms at 37. I’m now 40 and my symptoms are getting worse and worse. But like so many of you, my dr won’t offer any help at all because I’m “too young”. They actually told me to come back when I’m 45 and then they’ll discuss menopause with me!
I was 11 when my period started , started noticing symptoms about a month after I turned 40
lol yes! I’m 34. Started perimenopause at age 31. (Rare 2%… sucks!) Some of my symptoms have gotten better just not the ones I’d hoped would. Looking into other options for the rest.
I had my first period at 11 and I’m 40 and haven’t had a period in a couple of years. I think I went through perimenopause while pregnant post partum… so that was a fun time!
I was 11 when I started and at 44 I’ve just had it confirmed that I’m in menopause (fsh 51). I do think there is some truth in this.
I started with symptoms in my late 30s and like you was told I was too young even though my mum hit menopause at 45. Finally they have acknowledged me.
So I am 42. I started my period when I was 13 maybe? I have not had a period in 10 years. 10 whole years. The past 3-4 years I’ve had all the symptoms of menopause as far as hot flashes, can’t sleep, night sweats, etc. the list goes on. No doctor cant tell me why my periods stopped. Blood tests confirm I’m in menopause. I started estrogen today and hoping that helps. So I know you’re not “too young”. Blood test confirmed for me. Can you ask your doctor to run test for you?
I’ve started my period at the age of 12 and I’m now perimenopausal at the age of 39. I was told I’m too young to be in perimenopause. Looks like my GP was wrong…
Hi Mandy,
Right after the birth of my daughter at the ripe old age of 29 my body rebelled and I was thrown into the proverbial menopause “deep end”. After 5 years of fertility drugs my OB said it was unusual but it does happen.
FYI….I also started my period when I was 9 years old. I was told by the specialist at St Peters Hosp. In New Brunswick, NJ, that she felt that the earlier you start your period the earlier you go through menopause.
Take are
I started my period at 12, and perimenopause for me started at 32. I was fully post menopausal (no bleeding for 2 years) at 43. I am 44 now. I am miserable with migraines, hot flashes and acne that I have never had before in my life. No doctors would believe me that I was going through menopause, even though my mother was menopausal
At 40 as well. I finally started HRT about 4 months ago, and it helped for 3 months and now all my symptoms are returning. I had to be fully post menopausal before docs would take me seriously. Also, I am married and haven’t had sex in 5 years due to low libido.