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[Chiaroscuro]

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

[nelliedee]

Hi Chi and welcome to this fab forum. There are lots of lovely ladies on here that are on hand to help with advice. I cant help with the ibs but i do suffer with constipation and piles (yuk and painful) I've also had crawly sensations on my fingers !!! it felt like i had lice or something (more yuk lol) I am in peri and I still have periods but they are irregular.  I think if your bowel still plays up next month Id be inclined to go back and see gp again rather than worry about it xx 

[Chiaroscuro]

Hi, thanks for the reply 

I know the joys of constipation and piles too! That's why the loose motions I was having bothered me.  I'm certainly keeping an eye on it and if I'm not happy with the GP's response will press for more investigation. Trouble is I don't want to get a reputation as a hypochondriac but also don't want to ignore anything that could be nasty! But I suppose that's the case for anyone.

[nelliedee]

I find these days we have to keep on at our gps to get anything done. I hope you can get some answers xx

[Evenstar]

Hi and welcome. I agree about keeping on at your GP. Mine always manages to make me feel like I'm wasting her time every time I go