Hi all
I'm 46 and think I'm perimenopausal.
I've suffered with my periods since they started, often having bad cramps. I'd got used to having constipation about a week before my period but last month that changed to a week of loose bowel movements. I also had a strange sensation of pressure in my bum (lovely!). When my period started I had the usual cramps and my rectum felt like it was in a cramp. I'm pleased to say painkillers took all that away and the feeling of pressure has now subsided.
I've been to the doctor and had blood tests and a stool sample taken all of which have come back as normal. I was very anxious that the bowel habit change was something awful, but have since read that IBS symptoms can be a perimenopause symptom.
I've yet to have it confirmed I am in the perimenopause. I haven't missed a period yet though sometimes they arrive a few days early and I haven't had flushes, but have had itchy skin, crawling sensations in my scalp and whooshing noises in my left ear. I also think I've become more anxious in the last couple of years.
Have another appointment at the doctor next week so will get to discuss all this and maybe get a confirmation of whether my symptoms are down to my wonderful (?!) hormones!
Anyway pleased to meet you all
Chi
