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[traceymack]

 Hello to everyone on the forum 

I am 43 and have been having peri menopausal symptoms for some time now. Menopause tends to come mid forties for the women in my family.

At the moment I can cope pretty well with the physical symptoms, but the emotional impact is causing distress to myself, and those who are close to me. I'm scared I'm turning into a horrible, mad woman!

I would really love to share experiences with people who are going through, or have gone through, the same thing. I love to learn from experiences of real women, rather than from general medical information about what 'should' happen.

Looking forward to getting to know people 

[Dancinggirl]

Hello traceymack and welcome to MM
I had an early meno - my peri menopause started in my mid 30s. Have you had any tests done - FSH and oestrogen levels?
At 43 it isn't good to be oestrogen deficient so HRT should really be prescribed unless there are health concerns that prevent this.  HRT will protect you from osteoporosis and heart disease amongst many other things.  HRT would also alleviate some of the distressing symptoms you are getting and help to get your life back on track. You can certainly start HRT in the peri stage of menopause.
Do read up all the info on this site and get back to us with questions.
I am now 59 and have used HRT on and off for the last 20 years and I can tell you that, for me, life is a lot better with HRT than without. At one stage I took myself off HRT too soon at 49 and suffered for 3 years before going back on.  Those 3 years resulted in my developing vaginal atrophy and bladder problems too early due to the lack of oestrogen.
HRT is a personal choice and it doesn't suit everyone but I do think if you in your early 40s your GP should be discussing this with you to help prevent long term health issues.   
Keep posting DG x

[traceymack]

Thanks for you advice. My doctor has prescribed Elleste duet 1mg for me to try. I had already been given citalopram for anxiety and low mood, but the irritability I've been having lately has been like nothing I've felt before. If someone gives me a funny look on my way to work, I really want to turn the car around and ask them what the problem is! That's not usually me. I'm usually quite mild mannered. It's like I've suddenly had enough of other people's bad manners. Just don't feel like myself, and others have commented on how 'stressed' I seem to be.
I hope this passes!!
Tracey x

[CLKD]

May I giggle - it's 'within normal limits' for a lot of us on here : "If someone gives me a funny look on my way to work, I really want to turn the car around and ask them what the problem is! " .  Mood swings are hormonally linked (think back to when you first had periods  )

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