Is the menopause? Peri? Help!

[Pogglebon76]

I’m embarrassed / in denial and generally a bit upset about what I think is happening to me. I’m 41 and haven’t had a period since November. Prior to that I had about 6 months of very close together periods (maybe 16-22 days apart) and a few missed periods then nothing since Nov. I had my first hot flush in Dec and now have them with ridiculous regularity. Mood is fine - nothing to report there.
No anxiety or anything else either.
What is this? What do I do about it? Help!

[BrownTurkey]

Get thee to the doctors and read the NICE guidelines on Menopause. I’m sorry its happening for you in your early forties, I am mid forties and well into it (but also post partial hysterectomy, so was expecting an earlyish onset).

Don’t be embarrassed, people do talk about it rarely but its happening to lots of others. And it made things click for me about loads of other health niggles - joint pain, itching, fatigue, anxiety, low motivation. Personally I have followed guidelines and started appropriate HRT (if you have an earlier meno, taking HRT up to age 51 is protective against osteoporosis, as the oestrogen replaces what protection your own hormones would otherwise have given you). I tried a gel but now use a patch. But personalised advice is important. Good luck

[BrownTurkey]

The hot flush is diagnostic really, blood tests are I think not reqired.

[Pogglebon76]

Appreciate your time. Thank you for the reply. I have bedtime reading to do tonight - before being woken up sweating about 3 times! I’ve just cried to my husband that I’m a let down and an old woman before my time. I’m mourning for my youth age 41. This feels like a tragedy.... does everyone feel like this?

[AuntyElle]

Join us on the peri thread, OP:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/menopause/3189242-Peri-Menopause-Support-Thread

[AuntyElle]

I also started at 41ish and was upset. It felt too early.
Here are the NICE guidelines: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/resources/menopause-pdf-718895758021

[Pogglebon76]

Thank you. I just read the guidelines. Appreciate you posting. Gosh this is all a lot to take in. But I think I’ve got a plan. Got to doc and start HRT. Everything will be ok then won’t it?!?!?!

[BrownTurkey]

Honestly Poggle, I feel so much better once I got my dose right. I kept bursting into tears before that. I’m not going to lie, one of the uncomfortable truths i have learnt is that sugar makes all my symptoms worse, as does alcohol 🤨. But I am not living like a monk, I am just muddling through and I have an OK balance.

[starzig]

Sounds like it. This is the pattern it took with me. I don't have and never had very many symptoms except the odd hot flush and periods stopping.

[Pogglebon76]

Oh - do you still get symptoms on HRT? I was hoping it would make it all go away

[starzig]

Sugar brings on hot flushes in me too

[NickyNora]

NICE guidelines recommended blood tests for women under 45.

If you are perimenopausal then HRT helps but you might have some symptoms & side effects.

Good luck.

[Emerald13]

Hi! The same here! 42 and on hrt! Don’t be embarrassed, it’s not your fault! It happens more often than docs recognize! It’s not the normal menopause, it’s a primary ovarian failure and it needs treatment. My advice is to start therapy immediately after your diagnosis and don’t let your body suffer! :)

[starzig]

Goodness me emerald. I was quite happy until you labelled me as abnormal and diseased. You don't work for the daisy network do you?

[user1476222934]

My GP won't put me on HRT as still having periods, they are very very irregular and I'm struggling to cope with moods and night sweats too. My blood tests came back normal but I've heard what's normal one day might be different the next? I'm desperate to get my life back with HRT as feel like my body and mind are possessed by a stranger!
Will keep following your post as seems lots of advice!

[Emerald13]

Sorry if I make you feel that way! For sure I didn’t want to labelled you as abnormal! I said that premature meno or POF is NOT normal, NOT YOU!!!

[Emerald13]

And my message was for Pogglebon NOT for you! Sorry if you feel that way...

[starzig]

Sorry, I meant it light hearted.

[Emerald13]

It’s ok! My English is no so good, so maybe I didn’t understand your humor! :)

[Pogglebon76]

Thank you ladies for you messages. Reassuring to know I’m not alone. Am making an appointment at the doc in the morning. I think I’ve reconciled the need to take HRT. Now I’ve got to get my head round whatever side effects that might bring

[Emerald13]

Hi! I’m on hrt for 9 months and I have almost no side effects! It takes some time for the body to adjust and that’s all! It gave my life back. :)

[PollyPerky]

Poggle Don't go looking for the negatives :)
I have had no side effects in 10 years of HRT. I feel really well.

I don't know why people automatically assume there will be side effects. Maybe it's because people mainly only post about their bad experiences, and other women who are fine are just getting on with life...?

[Pogglebon76]

I think I’m focusing on the negatives because I’m upset and In a little bit of shock about the whole process. I guess I feel cheated so am grumpy about it all :( need to get over myself I guess

[AuntyElle]

Worth reading up a bit on the options before seeing your GP, Poggle:
www.menopausematters.co.uk
Under ‘menu’ there is info on diagnosis, lifestyle changes, HRT options... (just ignore the ads that fund the site).

[PollyPerky]

POggle You need to look at the sections on websites for POF - premature ovarian failure. Sorry it's not a nice way of putting it but that is what meno at 41 is classed as. The treatment is HRT just as if you had diabetes or thyroid issues- it 's REPLACEMENT not medication as such.

Look at
The Daisy network
Dr Louise Newsons's website (GP)
NICE guidelines - linked above- and scroll down tot he POF/ POI comments in it

Menopause Matters- early and prem menopause section.

[PollyPerky]

Here is the link on MM- scroll across the infor alongside it.

menopausematters.co.uk/pm-definition.php