Perimenopause -- diagnosis, outlook

[Anonymous]

I also posted in TTC, but to be safe I'd like to ask my question here as well ...

I'm unsure, but I'm wondering if I might have this and it scares me because I've yet to have a child. Have any women out there been diagnosed with this, and still have had success with pregnancy? Thanks much

[Anonymous]

Perimenopause is simply the period of life before menopause, around the mid forties. One does not "have" peri-menopause; it's not a disease or a condition and one is not diagnosed with it. The "outlook" is that menopause will occur sometime in the next five to ten years.

The symptoms -- I guess that term can be used -- are that your periods are somewhat less regular and can be lighter or heavier than usual. Or they can be just fine.

You are still fertile and can still conceive. Many women do. Many don't.

I had a baby at 42. There are many threads on this board about women having babies in their forties.

[Anonymous]

Yes, thanks, I didn't mean to imply/say that it is a disease/condition. It's wonderful you had your child in your 40s, and I have noticed many women commenting about having a babies then. I'm 36 turning 37, and my period had an abrupt change since last year, so it made me start to worry if I'm starting to experience a decline in fertility. Coupled with some penetration issues (possibly vaginismus), it has made me more anxious about the topic.

[Anonymous]

sorry, "about having a baby then ..."

[Anonymous]

You should request a hormone panel from your doctor. Perhaps it's perimenopause -- maybe -- but I wouldn't assume that. It could be several other things: PCOS; a specific condition like an ovarian cyst; a slight hormonal imbalance that's easily corrected so that fertility, when you eventually come to count on it, isn't at issue. There are SOOO many hormones involved in our monthly cycle, and I've heard so many stories of this, that or the other thing being slightly out of balance, and corrected.

The fact that it sounds like your vagina is dryer and penetration is uncomfortable makes me think this is a hormone issue. Discuss this with your gyn, please, OP. Don't ever assume it's "just" xyz.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP, that's helpful advice ... I should have a check up on the hormones, as you recommend. I did have my TSH level checked, and it was in the normal range. But definitely, there could be other factors involved, too. First step is to find a good Gyn; the one I went to wasn't really sympathetic, and it was me who suggested I get the TSH checked out (at least I ruled out that as problematic, otherwise, I'd not have known). Talk about self-directed medicine.

[Anonymous]

A little hijack here. I am perimenopausal. Does anyone have a good gyn they'd recommend? Mine is about 30 years old and does not seem sympathetic to my issues. Prefereably in downtown DC or NOVA.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP here -- if recommendations come in, I'd also welcome one for a good gyn; I'm in Montgomery County, though, in case someone knows of a doctor in my area.

PP, since you mentioned, if you don't mind to say, did your perimenopause begin in your 30s?

[Anonymous]

I am the original responder and I recommend my gynecologist, Brendan Burke. He is in Chevy Chase -- 301-652-7623. I've been going to him for over 15 years and I can't imagine him blowing off your concerns or not getting to the bottom of them. He is very easy to talk to and top-notch professionally. He's in his late 50's and has heard it all.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP, it's helpful to have your recommendation ... I'll see how far he is from where I am. I've yet to be examined by a male gynecologist, but I've heard from others that in some ways this might be better, especially if he's seasoned, that he might have more patience/sympathy, than a female doctor. Again, though, I know this will vary per person.

[Anonymous]

try Patricia Bannon-703-748-9880--she is wonderful..early forties so totally gets it. She is in Mclean on Elm I think.

[Anonymous]

(OP) ... Thanks PP, any input is appreciated ...

[Anonymous]

Perimenopause has its own diagnostic code, it's a phase or a condition. It can occur in your 30s, as can menopause. The good news OP is that women are often still ovulating in perimenopause. Good luck finding a sympathetic doctor who explains things to you.