Peri-menopause - Springfield,IL

I am 53 and have still not experienced perimenopause or the real thing. My periods are still like clockwork (or an old clock at least) and none of the common symptoms are happening. That doesn't mean that you aren't/haven't at 42. The age range of these changes is quite broad and is affected strongly by genetics. If you know the age your mother went through it, you will have a better idea of your own path. My mother was still having regular periods at age 56 and less frequent periods at age 58 (the age she was when she was killed by a drunk driver).
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/features/menopause-age-pre...

Peri-menopause means "around menopause" and is the name for the months or years that women have any or some of a list of possible symptoms because the amount of estrogen their body is producing is lowering. Menopause is the state of having been without a period for 12 months in a row. So, perimenopause is the journey and menopause is the destination.
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/guide-perimenopause

I'm curious why your GYN put you on medication and for what reason, and why she hasn't talked with you about the blood tests. This article describes the tests that can be done.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/b...

I would want to know for sure if this was menopause or something else that needs to be addressed.

what doctor says 42 is too young for menopause? and didn't even MENTION peri?
i knew i was in peri-menopause when my periods got erratic and i started having hot flashes.
i was 42.
khairete
S.

I'm a little concerned about your doc giving you medicines. What medicines? Is it HRT? (Hormone replacement therapy) You're too young for that. You haven't been without a period for a year yet. What other symptoms do you have? Hot flashes? Night sweats?

Has she done a biopsy of your uterine lining to see what the cell makeup is? My gyn did that. It was an important thing to do. Has she taken blood work to check to see what your hormone levels are? Between that hormone level being a certain level AND not having a period in a year, this is what proves menopause. Peri-menopause just means you're on your way there.

Not having a period since September does NOT necessarily mean that you are in peri-menopause. All the menopause testing needs to be done, and also some other testing needs to be done to make sure that you don't have other problems. That includes a biopsy of your uterine lining, quite frankly.

I would NOT let this go at your age. I just would not. You need to go get another doctor and not rest until you have had testing done. And you should NOT be on medication until you learn what it is that you need medication for.

What bothers me is that the doctor says you are too young for PM, yet.... did not check your hormone level to verify as such....... and no, 42 isn't too young.. I began to feel signs of it at that age.... and now at 50... continue,but the problems associated it with have begun to taper off..
you know you are PM by doing a blood test, but also by being attune to your body and reading more about it.. that is what I had to do...
initially, I tracked my monthly cycle when at around 40ish, I wanted to try for a second child, while that didn't pan out, I continued to keep track of my cycles... not only the monthly flow and all that, but I also write down things like "hot flash" or felt sluggish.. basically anything, I feel of importance... by doing as such, I have been better able to track my symptoms and well everything from emotions to well-being and not so well-being..
definitely get the blood work, esp if insurance will pay... but also read more about it.. my exp has been that doctors want to medicate more than educate.................. as you can tell by your who diagnosed you without even doing the blood work....once you get your hormone levels, start tracking your cycle, you ll be glad you did...

good luck

Don't know really, I am 46. All I know is my mom, my aunts, they all went through menopause. Now in the past ten years we start hearing of peri menopause. It just sounds to me like the new term to excuse rude behavior, or control of a thermostat. 32 year old, I am hot, I am going through peri menopause, I am turning the thermostat down to 62! Like hell you are! take your effing sweater off, it is summer, I don't actually care that it looks really nice with your cami!

It is really hard to take it seriously when I keep chugging along, waiting for anything.

I know some people really have issues but the way it is thrown around, like PMS, all that stuff, it is sounding more like excuses. I am bad, sorry, I get it. It is just when I am a raging b it is because I have chose to allow myself to be a raging b. It isn't my hormones!

I think I saw a post on here about a 28 year old claiming peri menopause. I hope you get why I think it is an excuse more than a diagnosis. Then again, maybe I am just to busy to dwell on any changes my body is going through beyond my lovely beer belly.

I'm 44 and just started experiencing peri-menopause. The big sign for me is night sweats. I've always been cold at night. Used to pile on a ton of blankets to sleep well. Now, I have one light blanket on and I wake up sweaty in the middle of the night. I'm sleeping terrible now because every night I wake up uncomfortable. The sad thing is that my OB said that since I'm on the pill, this is a reduced version of what I'd be going through if I weren't on it. Ugh.