Am I in the menopause at age 40?

[Halifaxmum]

I feel tired all the time, really irritable, can't stand people talking quickly or loudly (or adverts on tv), feel stressed (feel like screaming a lot) and seem to have a constant headache with eye strain going right down my neck into my shoulders, need to sleep from 7-8pm til 8am but then wake up 6 times a night, can't stay awake past early evening but then can't wake up in the morning, just feel rubbish. This is a change for me - I am on fluoxetine for depression (have been for many years) and have always had menorraghia (sp?), recently had an endometrial ablation and not really had periods since, but now find I feel like this. I've always been prone to getting really cheesed off, but recently everything seems to grate like nails on a blackboard. Could the op have put me into an early menopause? I'm panicking thinking this is how I'm going to be from now on !
Sorry to moan, but it's really getting me down. Thanks

[bednobs]

see your gp, they can do a blood test to confirm or not

[sara3]

I thought that op was supposed to lighten your periods, or stop them. I'd say you have the symptoms of depression/stress, so maybe your tablets need to be changed. I'd suggest you go and have a chat to your GP.

best of luck, hope you feel better soon x

[ethandron]

perimenopause can start as early as 35, 40 being the average for it. it's the years leading up to menopause when the hormones start to fluctuate and you start experiencing symptoms. however, peri can last for 10 years or more before you reach menopause itself - menopause being that magic first year without a period, usually between 51-53.
peri probably has some relation to what you're feeling at the moment, but because of your history of depression and proneness to getting cheesed off anyway, it's probably a combination. like sara, i'd advise you to go and see your doctor. also do a bit of googling about perimenopause and menopause so that you understand a bit more about what happens and the potential symptoms you may experience...all 35 of them!

[Sqad]

The condition that comes to mind is a thyroid disorder, which can be determined by routine blood test.

If that is normal, then any of the above poster's suggestions could be your problem.

[northernmonkey]

Is possible. But only person that will give you a yes or no is your GP

[boxtops]

Halifaxmum, do go see your GP. Perhaps you need a review of your depression medication so you can have all your symptoms assessed and perhaps different medication. Go talk to someone, don't panic about it on your own, that wont' help!

[Flossy3]

I have been where you have in relation to the feelings you have. I used to take Fluoxetine but found I didnt like the feeling it gave me so I went to see my Doctor and am now taking Citalopram which I find makes me cope alot better. I still get irritated with people/things but its nowhere as bad as it was. Like the others have said, I think you might do well to take a trip to see your doctor.

[Mosaic]

Poor owd flower, you sound quite stressed out and poorly. I bet menopause is the least of your prob's but as others on this thread say, get down the doc's, don't take no for an answer, don't accept 'it's yer age luv', but keep asking for help till you get it. We have enough medicine and therapy at our disposal to ensure that nobody needs to suffer pain, distress or trauma - get your share so you can start feeling better.

[Halifaxmum]

Thank you all for your helpful answers x

[lorracash]

the op will put you into early menopause, go see your doc for more tablets or local chinese health centre, they will help using natural herbal remedies, hope this helps

[katmakenian]

Bless ya hun. I wonder if you could also be experiencing anaemia, which would account for the tiredness and sleeping. The headache could be tension, especially with it going down your neck into your shoulders. I agree with the other Threaders here, go see your doctor and ask for a review of your Fluoxetine and a blood test, to check for anaemia. I turned 40 a couple of weeks ago and I wonder if I am nearing the menopause too. Take care and don't suffer in silence. xx

[Halifaxmum]

Thanks again all u luvly people!
Kat - I have been anaemic since age 16, when I get it checked it's usually bout 5 (GP says it should be 12-200?, but don't explain why)
I will go to GP, but they're not great, don't like givin my 10 year old daughter fucidin for her eczema...hmmm....!

[lorracash]

if your daughter has eczma, try her on goats milk, this should work, expensive but worth it, hope this helps

[Halifaxmum]

thanks lorra - does it help eczema all over the body?