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Embarrassing Bodies, 2:05am Tuesday 7th February 2012 on Channel 4. Catch up for free on 4oD »

Conditions

Perimenopause

Vaginal dryness

Ever fancied an omelette for dinner and realised you’ve run out of eggs? All you do is pop down to the local shop and buy some more. However, for women going through perimenopause, the egg supply is not as easily stocked up. It is an inevitable ‘rite of passage’ leading up the menopause (when egg ovulation stops) and affects all women differently. Common symptoms include changes in your periods and the amount of blood you lose, as well as hot flushes, night sweats, as well as vaginal and urinary complaints. Treatments are available if symptoms start to take over your life, with 10% of women seeking medical advice. The remainder rely on self-help methods, including stress management and regular exercise.

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Although I'm happy to see the subject publicized, I can't help feeling uneasy with it classified as "embarrassing". As far as I can tell from the descriptions I read so far, there's a wide range of symptoms and some really only relate to being a woman in your late 30's - early 40's. If the symptoms take over your life, then it becomes a problem. I would say there are far more complaints about mood swings or PMS due to hormonal imbalance, aches and pains that make you fear you suffer from a terminal disease, highly disturbed sleep or oversleeping, and doctors who dismiss you with antidepressants, implying that it's all in your mind... Constipation, frequent urge to urinate and vaginal dryness, I never thought of them as too embarrassing, they're so common everyday things for men and women alike, excluding vaginal sensations, which are very common among women and usually nothing to do with STI's. What makes the whole thing embarrassing? Are there women reading this with symptoms that are usually perceived as such? Or feel embarrassed for a diagnosis of Perimenopause? I would like to know your opinions on this. Thank you.





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hi, im 16.. i had my period just befor christmas and finished christmas eve. then on the 3rd of january i had sex when we finished i noticed i was bleeding then started getting loads of cramp, could someone please tell me what this is because it isnt the first time its happend & i'm starting to get worried..





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Hello, I have had a normal period over Christmas but on new years eve I noticed bleeding, it stopped for a couple of days and has started again. I feel bloated like I am having a period. This has never happened to me before. I'm 38 and healthy. Does anyone have any idea what this could be





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Im 40yrs old and for the last 6 months my periods have only lasted 2 days each cycle is it part of the menopause .In the past i had the hot flushes ,sweating at night ,dry vagina and lots of bouts of thrush .Thats gone away and now its just the periods lasting 2 days any ideas ?





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I am 42 and for the last 3 months have had my period lasting for 2 days only. I feel bloated for 2 weeks before i start unlike before where it was only a week before. I get really hot in the evenings and i find myself getting irritable constantly rather than for just a few days before. My breasts feel tender constantly unless i take water relief tablets and my weight has gone up over the last few months.

I am 51, still with very regular periods and no sign of menopause (had all the tests) apart from excessive sweating the night before my period arrives. But I have lost all sexual desire since a couple of years - FSAD. It kind of crept up on me, until I realised I have zero sensation in the vaginal region and breasts. I have an aversion to sex in my head and have no desire whatsoever. (I used to be highly sexual). If Im having sex, which is increasingly rare, its vaguely pleasant but not pleasurable and has no build up to an eventual orgasm. I have been to many specialists, to research HRT and to discuss the lack of sensation and possible nerve damage. None have come up with any analysis or solutions at all and because Im still having regular periods am reluctant to try HRT. It seems to me that the issue has to do with the brain producing whatever the precusors are to getting sexually aroused and/or nerve damage. Im really sad about this as I feel I have lost my identity as a woman and cannot hope to form a relationship if I am not sexually interested. It may be a symptom of the menopause but its something that women dont seem to talk about.Anyone got any new views on this?





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Hi I am 49yrs & i am suffering hot sweats now & again but my problem is my nose is red all the time even when cold, if I have an alcholic drink, just one or a hot meal my nose burns red, it is so embarrasing. I am on Everol 50 patches after having an hysterectomy 7yrs ago.





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i am 19 year old women and lately getting hot flushes and always bloated. i am happy one min and angry the next, i wash twice a day but still some times get a strong odour and get very sensitive breast and nipples bit scared off the doctor please could some one help





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I`m 35 and my period is heavy almost every month. I feel dizzy a lot and sweaty. I noticed my hair is thinner on top, but a few hair growing on my face. Also I have bad moodswings. I can be very happy one moment, but the next angry or just cry for no good reason and on occassion I`m forgetful. I have frequent nosebleed- mostly before my periods. I have to urinate frequently and my vagina has strong odore even thought I wash every day. I have gained weight even though I walk everywhere. I started my periods when I was 10 and I`m wondering if maybe I`m in my perimenopausal stage. Can that be checked by a bloodtest? Should I go to my doctor? Can anyone help?





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The first problem with itchy vagina that t Liz has I too suffer, I'm 52 also, Ive been to my doctor who just prescibes HRT cream which I don't want! is there anything natural I can use? I suffer from RA & so take enough tablets without starting on HRT. Looking forward to your reply





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I am 52 years old , i am suffering for a very sore itch at the top of my vagina, haven'nt got thrush just gets very itchy then really sore, tried several creams from doc no good this has bee going on for past year now driving me mad





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I am 47 and for the past year i,v had a very itchy dry patch just above my vagina, i,v tried a few creams but they only stop the itching for a while they don't make it go away,i would love to get rid of it. It gets worse around the time of my periods, which i,m getting around every two weeks i get very cold with mine and a feeling of sickness and sooooooo tired.





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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