How do you know it's starting

Terrible headaches and sweating were my symptoms.
You can get online blood tests, with all the instructions now, so I presume they include menopause ones.

Just had a look, and superdrug do testing.
Hopefully a link will follow...
onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/assessment/148081#/section/1039315181?step=1

muffin - you may be nearing menopause but I'd be more concerned about the other gynae symptoms you mention. It seems disgraceful that gyn won't see you. GP issues seem to widespread unfortunately. If I were you I'd try to see a gynaecologist privately - not about menopause but about the other things. Though maybe get coil replaced first - some symptoms could be related to hormones in it getting low.

Thanks MissA - I'll look into getting that done, that was exactly what I was looking for.

Farmor quite honestly, given my symptoms and age, I was expecting to be seen by gyn even though it is a district general and not a teaching hospital. I was expecting an ultrasound to check for the obvious.

I'm going to get the Mirena replaced: I don't need it for contraception but I originally had it fitted for terrible bleeding and I don't fancy getting that back.

I think there's something in what you say about trying to get actually seen by someone. I know the public health campaigns are full of "go see your GP is you have these symptoms" but, well... I did, and naff all happened. Not the GP's fault, I was appropriately referred, but to be rejected from being seen felt disappointing given what I had turned up with.

I had high levels of intolerance and also in winter the hot flushes were as hot as a hot summer's day.

My periods stopped and I had hot flushes during the day. I was 39. Thought I was pregnant but no! I took hormone replacement for 10 years then stopped. Felt a bit guilty as friends had a lot worse - flooding, mood swings but in the end was not bad. Now however I have anxiety, depression, low mood but much related to DH and the way he makes me feel.

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You really need to see your GP. Tell them you have 'a weird feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen'. Tell them you feel unwell and want to be seen. They really cannot ignore those symptoms. Let us know hiw you get on

Ohh, the beginnings of the menopause! I just felt out of sorts, not myself at all. I also felt nervous & anxious for no particular reason, jittery! This was before my periods stopped. A discombobulated time; very confusing! 🙃

I cannot recall any symptoms other than the uncertain cessation of my periods; rather like approach of puberty in reverse.
You need to insist on an appointment with your GP to discuss the other symptoms you mention.

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Reported

I had increasingly heavy periods, alternating with missed ones as a sign that the menopause was starting, but that is probably of no help to you.

What I hope you really will listen to is this: you can and should ask for an emergency appointment, not to know if you are starting the menopause, but to have the lump you mention properly examined to rule out the probably slight danger that it might be a malign growth and the feeling of fulness or heaviness in your abdomen that you mention.

This could be harmless, or could be a begnin or malign cyst or one or more fibroids - these last are harmless but annoying. Neither you nor I know what all this is due to, so get someone who does know to assess the situation.

Say you are worried you have a malign growth and pester them until someone gives you an appointment ASAP.

I am NOT saying cancer is likely, as I simply do not have the knowlege to asses the situation. I am simply telling you what I would insist upon in your place.

OP from July, probably sorted by now.