Let’s talk about Peri Menopause, PMDD/ PME & my experience so far. 

I totally get everything you’ve said. I’m 50 and still having periods, I didn’t feel like myself and was living a half life. I did all the search and went armed to the doctors, I knew exactly what I wanted to take. I’m on body identical hrt with gel and tablets which is the safest and I’m 3 weeks in. My husband says he’s got his wife back! Good luck I shall keep up to date with your progress! You’ve got this xx

I've had pmdd since I had my 3rd child 13 years ago (my only boy). Like you, prior to pmdd, I was always happy go lucky and never had any difference in mood around my cycle. Over the years it's improved greatly by giving up alcohol, caffeine & sugar (alcohol being the worst offender). I'm 47 now and have no perimenopause symptoms yet but I am dreading it as I've never been able to take the pill so I know I won't be able to take hormone replacement. I'm glad you're shining a light on this and I look forward to more videos on how you're getting on xx

Thanks for bringing this topic out into the open and for being so honest. I'm 42 & can identify with so much that you're going through. Speaking to other mom's it's surprising how many are going through this too, but yet there still seems to be such a lack of information & understanding out there. Thank you for sharing your journey & helping others 🤗 👏 xx

I was 45 when my periods stopped I'm now 51. Leading up to them stopping I was quite irregular and very heavy. I have been taking the menopace vitamins for a good few years I've chosen to do this over hrt. I do have the itchy skin ,anxiety irritability,bloating and weight gain etc. It's not fun and I think it's great more people are talking about the menopause now . X

I’m 41 too and can totally relate to everything you’ve said! Saw my GP a few years ago and was prescribed antidepressants which didn’t sit right with me and I totally knew my moods were hormone related. Acupuncture has been amazing for me but getting to the point now where I know I’ve got to brave a doctors appointment again. Thanks for sharing x

Thank you so much for addressing this… I’ve just turned 41 myself and a lot of people just brush it off and say’ your only 41, and that you won’t be feeling anything until getting older but like you… the last couple of years I have also changed. The doctor said exactly the same thing to me, said my blood test was fine and suggested anti depressants…. I was the same as you and said no… I’m trying iron supplements, magnesium and vitamin D to see if it does anything, I’ve also heard that cutting down dairy around your period can help with reducing bloating. I feel your upset… and know that others like myself feel exactly the same, but when you feel like it, you feel so alone 😢 big hugs to you 🤗 🤗 xxx

I’m so glad you have done this video - there needs to be more awareness- I’m 42 and it’s taken nearly 12 months and after going private and seeing a gyno doctor I have been given HRT I was exactly the same as you and the rage was the main thing I knew it wasn’t right! I was sick of being told I was to young!! Also my bloods were normal. You know your own body so keep on at the doctors don’t give up xxx

Bless you, its good that us as Women are now talking about this as its always been thought of as one of those things we have to get on with. I have suffered massively and was put on antidepressants that obviously did not help. I'm now on HRT after lots of trial and error but even that's hard, trying to get the right dose 🙄 x

This is a great video,I’m 45 and definitely up and down with my hormones and signs of peri menopausal x

Thank you so much for discussing this, I’ve been feeling all over the place recently and this has started flicking a few lights on for me. Deffo need to start getting back to my positive self as been stuck in a real rut which isn’t like me. Thanks again Nikki x 💜

Awww beaut , so glad you did this video I'm 40 be 41 in January, I've been suffering with very similar symptoms, I had blood test nothing showed up , urine test did show up , but doctor has left it , I know how you feel when you say you want to be yourself again , I'm definitely going to ring my doctors again, my speech gets terrible words don't come out right and memory is shot , take care and hopefully you get the ball rolling and find out some answers and source treatment weather it medication or natural, sending hugs 🤗 xx

Hope you’re ok Nikki xx I know how hard hormonal moods can be! I never got diagnosed with pmdd but always had my suspicions. Mini pill helped me a lot. Now in peri men at 47 - and on a patch with mini pill. It hasn’t be a cure but HRT is helping me cope. Wishing you all the best you wonderful woman xxx

Hi Nikki. I just wanted to comment on your video because so much resonated with me, with things all boiling up during lockdown. I went to the GP and was diagnosed with PMDD and prescribed anti-depressants too. I was really not keen. But some of these help to manage your levels of serotonin etc and I did give it a go and it has made such a difference. I take sertraline but only a low dose. I hated myself for being ratty with the kids and that’s what made me do something. I hope you find a solution that work for you. xxxx

Thank you Nikki for talking about this & great advice re the app etc. I started symptoms aged 47 & still getting some symptoms now aged 57 - didn’t get on with HRT but wish I’d tried different options. My hot flushes were horrendous & definitely affected my weight & mood. I’d recommend to anyone at the outset to seek proper advice & treatment as it goes on for years!

Im 52 and was going through peri menopause unknowingly for years.... Painful joints especially the hips, brain fog, numbness..... Then i started with the night sweats, hot flushes still having brain fog and generally feeling like i was 80 years old. I downloaded an amazing audio book that described me 100% , did some research on natural help, bought the Menopause complex suppliments from PUROLAB and they have literally given me my life back. xx

Nikki well done for sharing this. I’m the same age as you and experiencing the exact same thing. I’m actually trying out different natural vitamins just now to see if that helps. Thank you again for sharing, I’m off to download that app👍🏼Big hugs to you🥰xx

Nikki I think your great and brave for speaking up about this I’ve had these problems for years and it’s really difficult when people around us don’t understand xxxx

If you read one book by Christmas, make it this one. Cracking the Menopause - Mariella Frostrup. It’s amazing and will answer your questions more than a GP will. GPs, when they’re at doctor school, receive a maximum of half a day on menopause and sometimes it only an hour. Shocking but true so you going to see a GP to ask - means you’re unlikely to get answers as they know about as much as you. Likely to just say you’re depressed. 😢. Seek out a decent gyne and you’ll go straight onto HRT. No messing about. Second book if you haven’t read it is Davina McCall Menopausing.

Aw Nikki, I completely get everything and could relate. I’m 47 but when I turned 40 I ended up having a complete hysterectomy & it was honestly the best thing I could have done for myself. I had one daughter who is now nearly 20, I conceived her naturally. I suffered with endometriosis and after trying for a second child was told I would need Ivf treatment. After miscarrying I then fell pregnant again naturally but I had an ectopic pregnancy and they removed my Fallopian tube. For years I suffered with painful heavy periods. In my key 30s my periods and pms turned extreme that ie was effecting everyone around me as well as myself. I was diagnosed with pmdd. I was given injections to help my moods until I had a complete hysterectomy. I went into surgical menopause and currently take hrt. I went back to myself straight away. I would definately urge you to go to see a gp as they can help if you find a good one. Hrt is amazing for me, I know not for everyone but just know that you are not alone. X

A great video that will help many 😊. My mum was 40 when she started her menopause so when I hit 40 my symptoms started. Just feeling not right and not me. I had a blood test which was fine. I had vibrations in left side. Painful breasts. Which I had checked. Bloating which I had checked. My periods got heavy and more painful and irregular. I am now 48. Looking back all those symptoms were peri menopause. I struggled with low mood and no motivation in lock down and put it down to that a bit. Also brain fog. I was using the balance app also. I starting taking menopause support supplements from holland and barrett. Which did help my mood a bit. Then awful hot flushes hit. Every hour and so intense. I rang my gp snd she suggested hrt. I was on it for 6 months. It did help initially and hot flushes stopped. I was so bloated on it and and then thought I still feel low some days so came off it. I felt better off jt. And started back on the supplements and now also take black Co lash for hot flushes. It did help but still get them but not as intense. My periods are irregular 2 months or 3 months apart. I am just trying to ride it at the mo. If my symptoms get bad I would go back on hrt. Sorry so long. Hope it helps someone x x

Hi sending you a hug bless you . I'm 46 with perimenopause symptoms I also have anemia and high blood pressure so recently have had a few down days so know how you are feeling its hard being a women sending you lots of love xx

Hi Nikki, I have been through the same as you. I am now 46. Around late 30's early 40's, I noticed my mood changing. I am a really positive person usually. I was becoming so angry at certain times of the month, literally went from 0 to 100. I am normally quite placid, but could get so angry. I went to the doctors and like you they tried to give me anti- depressants. Like you, I knew it was my hormones. After much toing and froing, I paid to go private and they gave my a low dose HRT patch. It worked!! It has made such a difference, don't give up. Louise Newson is brilliant. GP's barely get any training on Peri or Menopause X

Watched this and completely understand. I came off my coil in July as my periods were awful. I’m now not on anything but still have symptoms of everything you described and down loaded the app immediately. I think I may have this too. This has helped me so much so thank you xxx

Well done for doing this video! You are a star honestly xxx

Thats was a very interesting watch. I have lots of the symptoms uou mentioned but I had no idea they were even symptoms. Thanks for sharing

Thank you for sharing. Sending a virtual hug. X

Well done for talking about this and sharing your feelings. You aren't alone ❤ x

Totally get it, 48 going through menopause now it’s horrible can not take hrt either. Glad we are talking about it 👍

Lovely video!!.. made me sad when you got upset… hope it gets sorted for you 💕

Omg! I feel like I was meant to find this video today. Seriously I feel this might be me right now! I turned 40 earlier this year and up until recently I've never even heard of peri menopause. Recently I've been unwell period all over the place and awful stomach aches. Not seeming period related but all around the time of the month. I'm going through tests scans etc which so far aren't coming up with any answers 😕 now I'm beginning to wonder is this what is going on? I'm mid way through so maybe not but, after listening to you Louise and seeing all your lovely followers comments I thinking just maybe I'm in peri menopause. I will be speaking with my doctor on my next appointment. Thank you so much for sharing your story ❤ you're gorgeous by the way 😘 xx

So appreciate your video - 100% how im currently feeling. As mum of 3 just knowing routes like the app you suggested is so valuable

Thank you for sharing this it’s our age I’m 40 and going through the same it’s awful, your so brave at sharing your story thank you xx

Wow this is exactly the same as me. They did put me on antidepressants and I've just finished a course of cbt but am definitely not me yet. I can't have hrt so definitely looking at vitamins etc. Please carry on sharing

I’m 44 going on 45 and I’m feeling like this. Plus I suffered a missed miscarriage. Wasn’t trying to get pregnant. So yes not feeling like myself, overthinking, anxious, all of it. Restless legs are worse even though I’ve always had it. Going to get checked for sure soon.

Thank you for sharing this some of the things you have highlighted and mentioned are what have been happening to me and I thought I was going mad now I realise this may not be the case!! Hope you get some answers xx

Great video Nikki. I can relate to so so much you have spoken about. I'll be 52 in December and for 5/6 years I've been having so many of the symptoms you mentioned. I'm still having my periods although they are so irregular but a lot lighter and I keep thinking each one is the last. I definetly don't want to take HRT so I take numerous vitamins and so far seem to be helping x

I can't have caffeine since i hit 40..literally wont sleep so had to come off it.

Great video, I'm going through the same thing I'm 40 and keep being told I'm too young....but I've done so much research and wrote to my gp as you never have enough time to explain everything over the phone! So I am armed and ready to fight for HRT!!! 💪💪💪

Big hugs Nikki xxxx

I am 57 and started the menopause at 49. My mum had breast cancer and I had a pre cancerous problem also so for me HRT is not an option. Anxiety is the worse symptom for me and I take an anti depressant for that and it helps.

Hi Nicky . Ive been following with years since you were expecting the boys. I never commented before. I can really relate to how you are feeling. I am 38 next month and have 3 kids under 6. I don't know if my symptoms are peri menopause or something else. I've been diagnosed with anxiety, which is something, like you, I've been so lucky to have never suffered with mental health problems. I am still questioning whetheri have an undiagnosed medical condition. I had mri and ct scan and numerous bloods and but everything seems normal. I have underactive thyroid which plays up sometimes though. Both of my parents died my mom in 2020 from cancer and my dad suddenly in march of this year and so the Drs are saying my symptoms are from grief. I felt tearful watching your video, when you said i want to feel like myself again, i cried with you cos that's exactly how I feel. I regret so much taking my health and energy for granted when I was well. If its any consolation you look absolutely amazing, as you alway have done. Sending lots of love your way and positivity. Being a mammy is a wonderful miracle but it takes its toll too. Be kind to yourself. Xx

I completely understand how you feel, I felt exactly the same, I’m now on HRT, it was a game changer. Just talking will help, but definitely talk to a GP who specialises in the menopause. Let us know how you get on!! Xxx

Hey nikki. great video, very informative. if you wanna cry then cry my love, get it out of your system and there's no need to apologise.. but i totally understand how you feel about brain fog and you can't concentrate, i hope youire all well..sending you all lots of love Donna xoxoxo

Oh Nikki so sorry to see you so upset about this. Please don’t apologize for getting upset. It’s so horrible when your body just changes severely that it changes everything. I know what you are going through as I went into early menopause because I had a hysterectomy. It’s been awful. Please get as much help as you can and I know you will. Good luck lovely. You have a good husband and your boys will get you through anything. Take carexxxx

We are the same age. Luckily I don't have any symptoms but I heard women that had ivf go on menopause earlier. Good luck with your gp. Xx

Dr Louise newson literally saved my mum. I paid for her to go to the clinic after the GP ignored my mum's pleas for help including me also joining forces and begging for help. (This was also multiple GP's including females and males who apparently specialised in women's health. Just constantly offering antidepressants only)... Enough was enough when I started to see my mum vanish before my eyes. It got to the point she couldn't even put her own shoes on due to the aches and pains. And my gosh she was lethal at times lol. But I understood she was so upset that the brain fog was so horrendous she thought she was losing her marbles. Since going to the clinic she has seen such a huge difference, she was listened to and supported. We swapped GP and they now honor the prescription. Best of all my mum has returned. Why people don't talk about the risks us women have when we don't have estrogen in our body also is very interesting to me also. I've watched my MIL who has been on HRT for over 20 years and in her 70s, she was like a spring chicken ... They decided to take her off it and within a month she could hardly move with pains in her back and her mood massively dipped. It proved to me how it does make a big difference. So many people are so scared of HRT due to the old out of date information, my mum being one who was petrified. Now she is up to date on information and is not scared one bit. Thank you for covering this subject !! Women shouldn't need to suffer in silence any longer 💜 @nikki Ryan ... Please if you can book in with Louise newson. Honestly it will be the best thing you do for yourself. See it as some self love. It is so so so worth every penny. They are without a doubt the best route and they also know if you need testosterone which the GP won't know and nor can they prescribe. I pray you see this message. You are so brave for speaking out, we need to share openly, your truthfulness could honestly be saving another woman going through this and feeling they are alone going through this. The faster you get helped the faster your body starts correcting itself. I'm rooting for you beautiful lady 💜💜

There are at least 35 symptoms of peri menopause/menopause. Every womans journey is different. I'm 46 and I'm in full menopause and have been for a year. I have really, really struggled with differing things at different times. I thought I was going mad. I get brain fog and I have an amazing memory, made me feel like a failure as I can't remember, I'm clumsy, rage, loss of confidence, irrational fear, my skin itches, my body hurts and crippling anxiety. I am also bipolar. It's horrible. I am now on gel oestrogen and testerone spray. I also have a coil due to having endrometrosis in the past. That does help the hormones too. Xx

Lovely honest video. Xx

Thank you Nikki for this video I get you I get really itchy arms and I have never experienced this before and I get really irritable and I hate this xx

I went to the doctor with all the same issues, I said I feel like I'm fighting just to be me! I also have baby girl 4yrs old through IVF. I went on the antidepressants as I just wanted it to stop. It did and I feel a lot more like me now and all the rage has gone 🙏 I'm still looking into it all and want to get to the bottom of everything but the tablets for now are helping me xxx

I was diagnosed with pmdd 8 years ago but was actually suffering from it since age 16 misdiagnosed with generalised anxiety I’m 55 and now in perimenopause and I’m bed ridden with symptoms, doctors are useless when it comes to pmdd , I’ve done my own research regarding pmdd and in peri it’s severely worse , which on its own pmdd is a severe hormonal illness so combined with peri systems it’s crippling ,I thought pmdd was bad on its own but this is something else, I literally can’t function, the anxiety is unbearable I literally feel like I’m dying , no exaggeration, I’ve also kept a online diary for 6 years , the list of peri systems is never ending I’m getting every system going , the numbness is paresthesia I’ve got that too had it months now had blood test everything fine , I’m literally having to do my own research for my symptoms cos doctors either don’t care less or haven’t got about pmdd or peri symptoms I’m bedridden/housebound with symptoms I can’t take hrt

Hi I really do feel for you and trying to work out what's going on in your own body and mind as I said on my post over on FB I personally had an horrendous 5yrs combine that with a prolapse then later on a full on vanginal hysterectomy I don't know how I though it all but please get as much help and advice as possible Also never apologise for tears its obviously got rid of some tension Take care xx

Hi I am a menopause champion for my university would you mind if I shared this with the menopause team. I love the suggestion of the balance app. My twins are 21 this December

Feel like I'm listening to myself.......sending hugs!

Hey if u dont take the antidepressants if y dont feel down. I did. and they dont work as good After a few years. Get proper Hormone Tests and then Decide about hrt. Im the Same as u i Need to get to the bottom of it. I Tried with my GP But had to go private in the end. Im Stil on the hrt journey. Good luck

Virtual hug xxxxxx

I’m now at 42 now on HRT Tridestra, I’ve been perimenopausal since I was 36…. Again was told too young. HRT has definitely helped, but isn’t a magic cure / pill

Nikki I love how open you are about this kind of thing. I’d completely forgotten that you had endo, I have stage 4 and have just recently become a mum after 6 years of trying. I wondered if you would consider doing a video of what it’s like to parent with endo? Currently my symptoms have reduced dramatically since having my daughter, but I’m always worried about how I will deal with looking after her once my symptoms come back. It’s a very vulnerable video to make so I understand if it’s not something you could do right now ❤️ Love your videos ❤️

hi nikki it's a right battle menopause your body doesn't feel right at all it's a scary time I'm 58 my periods stopped 5years ago I can honestly say life was better having periods take care 🙂

Since I started using Dr Erayo products which I go from RU-vid, my sex life has been great and my boyfriend loves me more now..🥰🥰🥰🥰

U look Georgeous and 25

Honestly go private the best thing I ever did...they will listen to you a put you on HRT...good luck xx

Since I started using Dr Erayo products which I go from RU-vid, my sex life has been great and my boyfriend loves me more now..🥰🥰🥰🥰

Since I started using Dr Erayo products which I go from RU-vid, my sex life has been great and my boyfriend loves me more now..🥰🥰🥰🥰