My Perimenopause and Menopause Journey: Lessons from a Specialist
When I first started experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, I had no idea what was happening to my body. Like many women, the only things I knew about menopause were night sweats and hot flushes. Even as a doctor, I didn’t learn much about this stage of life during medical school or in my breast cancer surgical training. It’s only by looking back that I realise I was in perimenopause—and to be honest, I still might be.
I want to share my journey to help others understand that perimenopause and menopause are much more than just a few symptoms. If you’re reading this, you’re not alone. I hope my story helps you feel seen and empowered to take charge of your health.
Not Knowing What I Didn’t Know
Back in 2016, I had my first surgery for endometriosis. Could I have been in perimenopause then? Maybe. But even now, I’m not sure. At the time, I only had endometriosis surgery and a Mirena (IUD) placed. Looking back, I wish I’d had a hysterectomy at that stage. It might have saved me from more surgeries and years of uncertainty.
The Symptoms Begin
Fast forward to 2018. I started sweating at night, especially when I was ovulating or just before my period. That’s when I realised I was heading towards menopause. But I didn’t connect many of my other symptoms to perimenopause.
Here’s what I experienced:
Sleep problems: I started waking up at night and had trouble getting back to sleep. I thought it was just stress from my job, but it was actually linked to my cycle.
Aches and pains: My lower back hurt, and I felt stiffer than usual.
Heavy periods: My periods became extremely heavy—so much so that my haemoglobin dropped to 72 (very low), and I needed regular iron and iron infusions.
Mood swings: My moods were terrible before my periods. I was irritable and quick to snap.
Eye issues: I started getting styes on my eyelids, which I later realised were also linked to my cycle.
At the time, I tried to manage these symptoms in different ways. I started doing regular yoga, especially stretching, which helped a lot. I also changed my pillow, which made a small difference to my sleep. But I still didn’t realise how much my hormones were affecting me.
Medical Interventions and More Surprises
Because my periods were so heavy and my symptoms were getting worse, I tried Zoledex with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with my GP to stop my periods and hopefully avoid more surgery. This treatment put me into menopause suddenly. Overnight, I developed constant night sweats, bloating, more styes, muscle aches, joint pains, and even worse sleep.
The HRT dose wasn’t high enough for me, and I didn’t tolerate progesterone very well either. It was a tough time. Eventually, I had a hysterectomy, but my surgeon decided not to remove my ovaries. That meant I was still in perimenopause, but now I was also on HRT. Recently, I’ve needed to increase my HRT dose, so maybe I’m now in menopause. Without periods, it’s hard to tell for sure.
What I Wish I’d Known
Looking back, there are a few things I wish I’d done differently:
Listened to my body: If I’d paid more attention to my symptoms, I might have made different choices about my surgeries and treatments.
Tried Mirena earlier: If I’d asked my gynaecologist to put in a Mirena a few months before my first endometriosis surgery, I could have seen how my body reacted. Because I didn’t tolerate the progestogen in Mirena, I might have avoided a second surgery and gone straight to a hysterectomy.
Pushed for the right surgery: I would have pushed for a hysterectomy at my first surgery and asked for both ovaries to be removed at the second.
Kept a symptom diary: Writing down my symptoms and how they related to my cycle would have helped me and my doctors understand what was happening.
Learning About Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, but they can be confusing and difficult. The more you know, the better you can manage your health.
Here are some key things to learn:
Understand your hormones: Hormones affect your body in many ways throughout your cycle. Learn how they work and how changes can cause symptoms.
Notice the lack of hormones: When your hormone levels drop, you might notice new symptoms. Keeping a diary can help you track these changes.
Talk to your health professionals: The more you know, the more proactive you can be in discussing your symptoms and treatment options.
Why I Started the Menopause and Me Clinic
I wish I’d known more about perimenopause and menopause before I started experiencing symptoms. That’s why I started the Menopause and Me clinic—to help women get the information and support they need. You don’t have to go through this alone. Education and support can make a huge difference.
My Advice to You
If you’re starting to notice changes in your body, don’t ignore them. Listen to what your body is telling you. Keep a diary of your symptoms, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or push for the care you need.
Remember:
You’re not alone. Many women experience perimenopause and menopause, and everyone’s journey is different.
Education is power. The more you know, the better you can manage your health.
Support is available. Reach out to clinics, support groups, or trusted health professionals.
Final Thoughts
Perimenopause and menopause are more than just hot flushes and night sweats. They can affect every part of your life, from sleep to mood to physical health. By sharing my story, I hope to help others feel less alone and more empowered to take charge of their health.
If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. The journey can be tough, but with the right knowledge and support, you can navigate it with confidence.