Menopause Support Group

Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.

1,907 Members
4,054 Posts
0 Online
Women's Health
/ Menopause Support Group

Could I possibly be going through perimenopause?

jbelar
jbelar
Over the last 6-7 months my periods have become lighter and lighter to where they are nearly non-existent. I have been going through anxiety and depression, losing my hair and I definitely heat up a lot more than I used to and sometimes to the point of sweating. I am 34, have had 3 children and was recently diagnosed with hemochromatosis. Could I really be going through perimenopause?
fighting4change
fighting4change
Wow - 34 is young to be going through this. According to Mayo Clinic, hemochromatosis can cause "lack of normal menstruation" - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemochromatosis/DS00455/DSECTION=symptoms so it seems reasonable that it could cause some perimenopausal type symptoms.

Also, Wikipedia lists "testicular failure" so it seems like it could also cause ovarian failure.

Have you by any chance had a tubal ligation? TL can cause menopausal type symptoms.

Does your hemochromatosis treatment include giving blood or bloodletting? Once your iron levels come down, it seems possible that your periods could return to normal.
jbelar
jbelar
I have treated my hemo and my iron is down in normal ranges. It was never that high to begin with when I was diagnosed but I demanded treatment to avoid damage to my organs. I haven't had a sex drive either.
deleted_user
deleted_user
So sorry you are going through this; I was about 33-34 yrs. old when I experienced what seemed like a "shift" in my hormones, and some terrible perimeno symptoms, so even though you are young, it does happen. Your symptoms do sound perimenopausal, and sometimes certain conditions can bring about an early meno or can temporarily imbalance your hormones. Stress, dieting or poor nutrition, illness, etc. can contribute to hormonal imbalance also. You didn't mention whether you have talked with your dr. about the possiblity of peri, but that would be a good place to start just to rule out other causes. Hope you feel better soon. :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
34 is young for menopause - but completely possible. I began going through menopause 3 months ago - at age 32.

Hemochromatososis can be why your menstruation is slowing - but the only way be sure is to have your doc check your hormone levels.

Good luck!
jbelar
jbelar
I have a phone appt with my gyno for next week. As far as my hh goes, I found out about it on a fluke visit to the dr. I wasn't believed to have had any symptoms as some of my levels they test for with HH were not high but one does never know. Could be a multitude of things. I also experienced an ectopic pregnancy and had to have one fallopean tube removed back in 2005. We will see when i talk to her. I just know I don't feel "well". I am hoping i find some sort of explanation soon. Thanks
deleted_user
deleted_user
please keep us updated. :)
AnnieEm
AnnieEm
Thanks for the information on here. I had a tubal ligation 24 years ago. I thought that might help but I get the hot flashes but no sweating. Lighter periods and cramping weeks before it starts.
I am down to 24 days between the periods.
I am now 47 an age that I thought this couldn't happen.
Wow! Thanks!!!!
ttfn AnnieEm